TooTu

Sorry ive got no idea. I think it probably varied quite widely.

Thanks. I'm sure DD would enjoy it so definitely in the list for next year

Not sure what you mean?

Sorry I meant what grade would they have been working at

My dd paid for half SS fees this time and it will continue...... birthday money, cleaning etc etc

That's what my dd plans to do for next year to enable her to go to a second summer school. I guess it shows how much they love & enjoy dancing

It was around age 9-11

Thank you Picturesinthefirelight. She will be 11 next year. do you know what level the younger age group worked at?

My DD attended weeks 1 & 2 of OPES summer intensive and had a great time.  Teachers were friendly and supportive, giving corrections to all participants in a positive way.  Good amount of differentiation in what was taught (ballet, contemporary, etc.)  Accommodations were also very good.  Other kids were welcoming - which was great as my DD went alone.  Would definitely recommend.

Dd attended week 3.

Class size depended on the group. She thinks there were about 10-15 in the youngest group. There were 21 in her group & about 20 in the oldest group.

For most classes each of the teachers had an assistant with them who were usually young professional dancers (in one case an assistant taught some demo choreography from a professional ballet company she had performed with.

This sounds great & one we will definitely look into for DD next summer. What was the age range of the youngest group at OPES?

Summer schools can be a good experience and you may learn some things, but unless these new skills are taught and corrected continuously, the these new skills can get lost. If money is to be spent wisely, in my experience regarding my daughter private one to one coaching is invaluable. Correcting, taking them onto the next level etc. I don't mean this for festivals, but for development. If money is to be spent wisely, my advise is to find an excellent private coach and spend your cash on that.

That's reassuring. Thank you Tulip

I'm reading this with great interest as I really do worry about the financial side of things. We as a family already make a lot of sacrifices to be able to keep our DDs dancing which we accept as one of those things that you do for your kids. However oldest DD is now at an age where she is keen to attend summer schools & workshops etc too but travel costs alone limit what we can afford. I would love to look into associate schemes but as we have nothing local that would mean pricey travel & accomodation costs each month which I would worry about being able to afford on a regular basis. We have managed one summer school this year but then think next year it would be good for her to maybe do a couple. If she is as serious about continuing with dance as she says she is then I worry if we are doing enough for her & providing her with enough opportunities outside of her own dance school. Within her own dance school we are very fortunate that she has a fantastic teacher who both nutures & pushes her to the best of her ability but it doesn't stop you looking at some of the things available & think how they could benefit from them too.

Does anyone know if need character shoes or not for the junior s/s?.  We have four hours travelling on train so want to cut down on luggage as much as poss?!  will swap jazz shoes for foot thongs as above so that useful!

DD doesn't have character shoes so fingers crossed they don't need them. I'm going to swap jazz shoes for foot thongs so that's a bit more space too. We are trying keep luggage to a minimum too as we are flying over & trying to get away with just cabin luggage.

I am not packing Jazz shoes as its not on the list. My DD is very excited and can't wait for Wednesday am to arrive. I am worried that if you send to much it won't come back! I might do a packing list so she can check she has everything.

That's a great idea! I think I will do the same

Is there a function on this forum perhaps so that members can contribute to the website but as a private forum? Then we can chat without other people not getting alerts etc or feeling they have to contribute if they don't want to and we wont have our conversation seen by anonymous guests?

 

 

Also ... we have a website ... www.saferchildrensdance.co.uk

 

I don't know the ins & outs of how forums work but would a closed or secret Facebook group work for this? Again it would involve admin of that group vetting who they let join the group

I'm just starting to get everything organised for DD going to Elmhurst next week & was wondering apart from what is on the list that was sent is there anything else DD should be bringing? I'm assuming clothes for the evening time? So far I have in dark leotards, practice skirt, ballet shoes, tracksuit, plasters, sewing kit, hairdryer, towel & toiletries. What about jazz shoes? Will they need them?

Sorry for all the questions this is DDs first residential summer school & she won't know anyone else so I don't want her worrying about not having something she needs

Fantastic Dormouse & how inspiring

I would dread to to think what I have spent on competitions with 3 dd's. For us festival entries are between £3 - £5 per dance & approx £5 a day to watch which is reasonable but isn't long adding up with numerous dances. The U.S. style competitions which I have to say my dd's love are more expensive at usually between £25 - £35 plus it's usually extra if you want to enter any additional awards such as costume or title or if your dance goes over the time limit then you can pay for extra time. From our experience these have been between £5 - £10 to watch but we have always enjoyed the judges feedback from these. Like others have said don't forget the extras such as fuel, parking, food etc We try to bring food with us where possible to try to limit eating out where we can. Also if you travel a bit further afield there are hotel costs to consider. For costumes ours have ranged from £30 to just over £300 for tutus though we have been fortunate & been able to hire some from our dance school on a few occasions. My dd's enjoy taking part in competitions & have always found them to be a positive experience where they enjoy & look forward to meeting friends from other dance schools as well as performing their dances on stage.

Huge congratulations to your DC

Just received email to say my dd has a residential place at the junior school. She has never been before so is so excited!

No word about junior place here yet either

My dd got onto the waiting list for week 2 also. Congratulations to all who got in & good luck to those who haven't got in this time