Ballet4Boyz

Harwel - Thankyou for your words of encouragement as my DS managed all 4 finals and has had 3 'no's' so far !! He's feeling a bit brighter after his disappointment from Elmhurst & trying to focus on his last audition at Hammond. I read your words out to him & it made him feel better that he's obviously got some talent to work on - even if it's not quite 'to be' at the moment. He insisted on reading his rejection letter from Elmhurst and his sadness was not only visible but really palpable - and to be honest - quite heart breaking.

It is in a way comforting to know from this forum that the vast majority of parents have been through the 'no's' with their DC and they all seem to bounce back even stronger eventually.

Regarding Hammond - does anyone know how many children are taken through to finals and is it a day of mixed boys and girls together in year groups ?? It's nice to know a little about what to expect ??

Thanks x

Thankyou so much DrDance, I'll PM you after the school-run & breaking the bad news x

Hi everyone, just wanted some honest feedback/opinions really from those of you with a lot more experience. My DS has been dancing since 6yrs, followed all the genres ie, ballet,tap,modern,street, musical theatre classes etc and passing all his grades with distinctions. Our present dance school felt he had a reasonable to good chance at gaining a place in one of the four vocational schools and he has made it to all four finals. He's a slim, athletic build , & very focused during classes, he's never attended any associate schemes but has attended Easter dance courses, EYB & MTB. He's presently had three 'no's' and we are wondering where this leads us. My partner doesn't want to see him go through this all again next year if there is something fundamentally wrong with his technique, turn-out, physicality, musicality etc, etc ....... So my question is ......would it be worth having him assessed independently by someone who could advise us on his weaknesses and whether he stands a reasonable chance in the future - and if so, where could we go to get this advice??

It pains me to say it - but he has also had cancer as a younger child & lost a kidney. I was obviously up front about all this on his applications and I'm left wondering if the schools would see this as a problem. If so, we need to know, so that we can manage his expectations and keep his dancing more recreational - I'd hoped this wouldn't be a deal - breaker as he is now probably fitter than most average children his age, but also understand, it could be viewed with some concern. I would be so grateful for any honest opinions on this. Thankyou xx

Hi Balletmum - I've just read your post - so it seems there is a reserve list ......fingers crossed for you xx

I've just received a 'no' for our DS for Elmhurst. He will be totally devastated !! Does anyone know if they operate a waiting/reserve list and if so are you told you're on it in the letter ?? The lack of feedback is the worst thing for me to deal with as when he asks me where he's going wrong - I don't know what to say to him !! This is the third finals he's been unsuccessful - he's still got Hammond, but I think he'll just be too deflated now.

Good luck to everyone else xx

Fantastic news Discomonkfish ......... Congratulations to your DD x

Hi Jenny , just wanted to say - I think every parent here will totally empathise !! We are in the same situation as you in that with working full time, other children & family to consider and not living very close to associate centres it will be so difficult to maintain the level of commitment to his training as we have this year. I feel so sad for you and your DS but really hope he finds a way to keep dancing if he wants to, as he must be a very talented boy to make it this far. Someone said on an earlier post - there are many roads to Rome !! Xxx

Oh Jenny ......I'm so so sorry !! Give your DS a huge hug & tell him it's such an achievement to get this far - I know it's so upsetting to see your DC so disappointed , a lot of us have already been there & it's awful at the time. Tell him to never give up - this is exactly what I'll be telling my DS later if it's a no !! Big hug x

I will third that Jenny !!! LOL .

I'm sure my postman is beginning to think I'm a stalking weirdo ..........'face pressed against kitchen window then rushes to the letterbox as he approaches' lol x

Fabulous news balletqueen - your DD must be thrilled. It's an amazing school x

Oooooh - hopefully we'll all be put out of our misery tomorrow then !! Good Luck to everyone xx

.......really !!! The waiting is really tough so was hoping it was going to be all over tomorrow regardless of the result !!

Hi pas de chat ... Yes he was, and a bluebird & the young ugly stepbrother !! It was a great experience as most DC had multiple roles so plenty of time on stage. Glad you enjoyed it !! It was a busy week for my DS as he had his Elmhurst audition during the same week ...... so it's all been a bit of a mad time - but I'm so glad he auditioned for Midland Theatre Ballet as he's learnt so much . He has a very supportive headteacher who has a DD himself so is very understanding when it comes to having authorised time off school.

I know not all children are so lucky !! x

Hi pas de chat ....... It was a superb production, my DS was lucky enough to take part & absolutely loved it ......it has really improved his technique & performance skills. He's so upset it's finished . The Cast were fabulous & should be so proud of themselves.

Thanks Holly house ...... that's exactly what I was wondering re WL finalists - not that it will make any difference to us - I was just intrigued .

Hi everyone, just wondered what WL actually say in their 'no' emails ? Do they operate a reserve list and if so are you told that your DC is on it ? So is it a case of 'yes' 'no, but on reserve list' and 'no' when they send the results out ?

Thanks

........well my DS is hopeful that some of his main rivals re other boys may not attend Elmhurst LOL

????????

He knows he isn't quite as accomplished as some other boys as he hasn't had any associate training but given a chance I know he would work his socks off ........ Really wish all the DC best of luck for Elmhurst !!

......you are so right & I've told my DS the same. Every 'no' although upsetting at the time is good preparation for the future as it's something they have to learn to deal with !!! Good preparation for life in general too !!

Good Luck - your DD must be motivated & strong to go through it all again. I really hope she gets a yes x????????????????????????????????????

"Soul" lol !!!

"Heart and Sole" is the name of a dance wear shop. ...........I'm going slowly mad !!!????????

Thanks DanceFanatic ......know how that feels !!

My DS has been trying to work out what he should be doing differently since his no's from WL & Tring. He's lucky to have Elmhurst & Hammond still to aim for ...... It's hard to watch them put their heart & sole into something - to get a no & with no feedback as to what to try & improve on. Let's hope some of these DC get a 'yes' this time !!!

Good Luck to your DD & everyone else ????????????x

Hi everyone, can anyone remember how Elmhurst informed you of finals results last year ??

Was it by email or letter and did the results come through fairly quickly ??

Thanks x

Fantastic news Amos for your daughter & good luck to your other DD at finals x

I agree .....of course every child is entitled to audition wherever they like, and some children are undoubtedly so talented that they will receive multiple offers. To be honest - I do also agree with Tabitha that if we were in the fantastic position of securing an offer at our first choice of school - then we would not attend other auditions in order to give other less fortunate children an opportunity to shine. Maybe it does all work out in the end - but some children are desperate to be given a chance & don't have many options left. Only my opinion and if a child is unsure of which school then of course - they should apply to as many as they wish .

Hi everyone , does anyone know how many DC are invited to finals for Elmhurst and Hammond , how many in boys /girls group for yr 7

Thanks x

Thanks Happymum - you're right, will definately put our positive heads back on .......keep saying it, but onwards & upwards x