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13 hours ago, Dancing2003 said:

Hi,

 

 Central Prelim London Auditions 

 

Just wondered if anyone knew how long the audition classes run for and do they hold one in the morning and one in the afternoon, trying to work out accommodation and trains. 

 

Thanks in advance 😊

 

 

Possibly my biggest grumble last year was that that the schools didn’t confirm timings until a couple of weeks before, sometimes even later, so train prices (and accommodation sometimes) were more expensive. I think that most prelims (including Central) last about 2 hours, and there are usually more than one in a day. You could start at, for example, 10 or 12 or 3. I think dd’s RCS one was at 3pm (in London), the 3rd of the day. 

11 hours ago, Jan McNulty said:

Certainly, to my eyes, both BRB and NB have dancers ranging from the shorter side of tall to the tall.  I would say that RB and ENB also has a decent mix.  It's a while since I've seen Scottish Ballet so I can't comment on them.

Northern Ballet recently advertised for those wishing to audition in Jan 2019 to join the company - max height 168cm for women (no minimum stated). 

2 hours ago, Anna C said:

 

What these institutions have in common is a reputation to uphold plus the ability to charge higher fees to overseas students.  So from a business point of view, why wouldn’t they audition overseas? 

 

 

I always assumed that the school got the same amount of money regardless of whether the student was UK or overseas. I thought that if it was a degree, the government paid the difference between the £9250 capped rate and the full fee for UK students. And if there are MDS or Dada awards then similarly the school still receives the same fee, just not all from the student directly. Is it the case that they actually receive more money from overseas students? 

31 minutes ago, Pointetoes said:

 I read that as meaning they are all different. Someone being homesick may make others feel homesick or it may make others determined to be ok. Some may catch every single illness going and where as some may ignore being ill etc 

Sorry Pointetoes - I think we’re at crossed purposes! I was referring to a cryptic quote about success and failure which appears as a footnote to VR’s posts. But now I am on my phone I realise you can only see the footnotes if you’re on a computer! In my defence, and in a desperate bid to drag us back on track, I am a bit distracted because I am currently sitting at a railway station waiting to welcome dd home for half term 😁. 

37 minutes ago, Vonrothbart said:

I think you've hit the nail right on the head Pointetoes, they are all different. How one reacts to say an injury or an illness, will be totally different to how another does. it might make one homesick, and the other might be more resilient. 

Sorry to digress wildly off topic (please forgive me admin!), but I’ve read your footnote quote 3 times now Vonrothbart and I don’t get it?? 

Dd is 16 and started a BA course last month. First half term has been fantastic - she is very happy! The most important thing for me was that she made friends and was never lonely. This hasn’t been a problem at all because she is surrounded by people with lots in common with her. She has made lots of friends ranging in age from 16 to 20+, across all 3 year groups. She has been shopping with them, out for food, to the cinema and theatre, and to a couple of house parties. Far from being concerned about her being with older students, I find it comforting, because they all seem lovely and like they look out for each other. They all seem very committed to becoming professional dancers. She has spent tonight watching Strictly at a friend’s - she took along marshmallows and Haribo (proper dancer food!). She desperately wanted to live independently but because the vast majority of 1st years were doing Homestay I insisted on that option. The Homestay is the only part of her new life that she’s not 100% thrilled about, and I think she would have been fine sharing a house/flat with other students. She doesn’t like having no choice over her dinners and would prefer to cook her own choice of food. I do think it’s important that she sees me or her Dad at least once a fortnight, and that we text/call/Facetime every day - makes me feel confident that I’d pick up on any issues quickly. 

Dd auditioned for Central, RCS, Rambert, Elmhurst and Laine last year. She says she needed pointe shoes for all finals, and she thinks (but isn’t 100% sure) she also needed them for all prelims, except Laine. 

11 hours ago, ArucariaBallerina said:

 

2) What forms do Central usually require? I.e Will they want a dance or academic reference, a doctors note or a personal statement?

 

 

Last year they required both an academic and a dance reference, and a personal statement. No doctors note though.

2 hours ago, Piccolo said:

Just wondered if anyone knows what the photo requirements for Rambert and Central usually are. They don’t seem to be online yet. Or are they somewhere in this 52 page topic?!?

I answered this on a recent thread (audition photos Central and Rambert, I think). Out and on my phone right now so can’t link or copy, but a search should find it! 

Rambert have a 3 day Autumn intensive 22-24 October for ages 15-19. 

Last year ……..

Central wanted 1) facing front full length in 1st position 2) facing back full length in parallel 3) 1st arabesque 4) developpe a la seconde 5) 2nd position en pointe 6) 4th croise en pointe arms in 5th. All 6x4 prints.

Rambert wanted 1) tendu 2nd position 2) plie 3) plie 2nd position 4) 1st arabesque. The Rambert application had to be done online, so you’ll need digital copies of the photos. 

Good luck! 

It does say …….

'Applicants auditioning by video will receive a reply from us via email within three weeks of receiving the application.  Applicants attending a live audition will receive a reply from us up to three weeks after the audition.'

Which implies that everyone will hear at different times. 

Presumably the earlier you apply, the earlier you get a response, and possibly also the better your chances??? 

Although, as you say Peanut, auditions are confusing. There are only 2 London dates - surely they can't see all SS applicants and US prelims on just 2 days. 

2 hours ago, Tutusrus said:

Thank you so much for your reply. Seems such a shame on one hand after all that’s goes in to a solo not to be able to use it but on the other hand how great to be offered without needing to!! Congratulations on Rambert - would be great to see any updates as your DD settles in. Do you mind me asking how old she is? Many thanks 

She is 16. 

I was leaving this for someone else as I can only offer a best guess, but as nobody more knowledgeable has stepped in ......

i would guess that 10-15 seconds over would be fine! It is highly unlikely that someone will have a stopwatch, but I wouldn’t go too far over! 

At prelims only about 4 or 5 out of 30 were asked to do their solo. At finals maybe 6 or 7. Dd wasn’t asked to do hers at either audition and she was offered a place. Not sure what you can infer from that! Possibly it’s the borderliners who do their solo. Or possibly those who seem much stronger in either Ballet or Contemporary. 

Dd’s first day at Rambert today! I’ll do my best with any questions! 

2 hours ago, charlie4dancin said:

Thank you is Laban nearby too do you know?

c4d

No, it’d be quite a long tube journey from Richmond to Laban. Probably take about an hour. 

1 hour ago, charlie4dancin said:

What's the Richmond Travelodge like I've been looking at that one and the Premier Inn in Richmond?

thank you

It’s fine - typical Travelodge - no frills but clean and comfortable. The Travelodge is more centrally located than the Premier Inn - it’s only a couple of minutes walk into Richmond. The earlier you book the cheaper it is, and it can make quite a big difference!

Dd and I arrived in the Richmond Travelodge a couple of hours ago. Spent £80 in Boots on ‘essentials’ already. Covent Garden dance shops tomorrow 😱.  Sunday, moving into Homestay - and no doubt more shopping - we have lots of lists too! Sorting bank account and doctors on Monday. Rambert on Tuesday!  

https://new-adventures.net/news/casting-announcement-the-swan-prince-at-sadlers-wells

Very excited - got tickets for one of the Ball/Mower performances! 

1 hour ago, MrsMoo2 said:

 

Does anyone do the CAT scheme? Just wondering if we can justify the drive! 😂😂 xx

1 hour ago, dancingboy65 said:

 Lots more on their CAT scheme but too far for us to travel a few times a week. 

Dd has just graduated the Northern Ballet CAT. Lots of boys there, but as dancingboy says it’s a big commitment. At age 11/12 it would probably be 2 nights plus all day Saturday. By age 14 it would probably be 3 nights plus Saturday. Plus compulsory intensives during most holidays, and extra Sunday rehearsals in the run up to the annual summer shows. Those who live further away often leave school early to arrive in time for weeknight training. The training is excellent though and there’s a great atmosphere about the place. Dd started on the Associates and moved to CAT when she was 14, which worked well for us because she was then old enough to get the bus!  

Hi MrsMoo2! My DS is also 11 and has been dancing for a couple of years. Good idea for a boys thread!

Planet Dance have the best selection of boys dance wear I’ve found, but I do get a bit frustrated with them when things are showing as ‘in stock’ when you order then sometimes take weeks to arrive because they weren’t really in stock at all!

Depends where you are in the NW, but Hammond Associates in Chester springs to mind. My DS will be starting Renaissance Scholars in Leeds (every other Sunday) and York Dance Scholars in York (every Saturday) next month. I will feedback on boy numbers! 

No, you don’t. The only college dd needed a headshot for was Laine. I took it in our lounge! I was quite pleased with it though - it now features on her student railcard and student Oyster card  . As others have said, dance shots are trickier, especially if (like me) you’re not an expert on technique. Dd had those taken at her dance school.

3 hours ago, Mnemo said:

Rambert Senior Summer School is 50:50 Ballet and contemporary and aimed at 15-19 year olds. It attracts many vocational students from all over Europe and beyond. Again not residential but the school can put you in touch with 'Home stay' families. I spoke to some parents whose children had stayed with local families under this scheme and they had nothing but praise for the service.

3 hours ago, Pas de Quatre said:

 I would second Rambert as a suggestion.  One of my pupils went this year and had a great time.  Laban also run a summer school each year.

Dd is starting at Rambert full time this September, so was looking for something to complement that. Also heard lots of good stuff about the home stay, so that’s what dd is doing full time from September  . Her current ‘dream job’ would be NDT, so we are considering their SS.

6 minutes ago, Pas de Quatre said:

National Dance Company Wales have an excellent summer school. Entry is by audition. Dd went twice and stayed in Liberty Living in Cardiff.

The only thing I can find on their website is only for dancers who live or were born in Wales   It’s a shame because it does look very good. 

http://ndcwales.co.uk/national-youth-dance-wales

Dd did 2 weeks at the RCS summer school this year and loved it. Small classes, lovely facilities. She stayed in the Liberty Living accommodation, which worked well (you have to be 16+). 

Thinking ahead for next year - does anyone have any experience of more contemporary summer schools, especially abroad (NDT or similar)?