Flowerpot

My dd is trying for a year 4 place in Manchester on Thursday afternoon. She is 7 nearly 8.

She did the insight day a few months back and is looking forward to it, and a day off school!

Think its about 5/6 mile. I would guess around £12.

I drove from Centre Pointe to Manchester City Centre last week and it took about 15 mins. Depends on traffic.

Does anyone know if there are any classes in Manchester for year 4?

We are in Manchester on the 4th with my dd. Well my husband will be. I am working. Ours is 2.15. 

Good luck to everyone.

My dd is 7 nearly 8 and has just started grade 2. We moved dance schools last Sept as it was a small school and could only offer her 1, 45 min class a week and she wanted to do more. I asked the teacher several times were there any more options and she kept telling me she would sort something out. In the end i got fed up of waiting and found another school. My dd was upset at first and i felt guilty for moving her. She really missed her old teacher but now several months later she loves her new school and has made so many new friends. She would not go back and has so many more opportunities and is now doing an hour grade 2, an hour non syllabus and 30 mins PBT. She could do more but i think that is about right for her age along with the other activities she does. Sometimes you just have to move on.

Yes i put dd's in a plastic bag when ive done them and also they may shrink. Best not to saturate them but cover lightly. My dd puts the shoes on with socks over the top whilst they are still damp to keep the shape.

Use 2 parts water and 1 part calamine and apply with a clean make up sponge. Its meant to make the leg look longer and disguises any marks on the shoe.

Yes they look very pink in the packet, not too bad when they are stretched over the leg. Will look at the ballet shoes.We are told to calamine dds ballet shoes to look more flesh like.

Congratulations to all dc with a 'yes'. So sorry for the dc with 'no for now'

You are all very talented to get to the final audition. Very best wishes for the future x

I have bought the Sainsbury pack of 3 ballet tights. I think you get 2 pink and 1 white about £4.50. They are good value and quality, not convertible though.

Congratulations to the yes's, so excited for you x

Best of luck for everyone waiting. Feeling nervous for you.

Sounds like your dd had a lovely day. Best of luck to her.

My dd did the insight day and they said the audition is very similar.

There was lots of dancing from the corners in pairs eg, gallops, turns, skips.

There was some role play pretending you was in a Tornado and some floor work like stretching their legs out to the side and curling their fingers and toes in and out. It all looked like alot of fun. Lots of jumps and leaps. They did use some french words but also demonstrated the moves and moving their feet into position etc. My dd is grade 1 age 7 and wasn't confused by anything so all basic stuff.

I wouldn't worry they were very experienced in getting the children to do what they wanted and the lady that took the class will also be doing the Manchester audition at Centre Pointe and she was really lovely with the children. Good luck x

I wouldn't worry too much about the photos. My daughter struggled with the arabesque pose. She hasn't done this yet, she is grade 1. Her teacher took the photos and said they were more for reference as everyone gets an audition. My dd held onto a chair whilst her teacher helped her with the pose then quickly took it away whilst i quickly took the photos, trying to catch it before her balance went!

I too enjoyed reading your views Proballetdancer, please keep posting and giving advice.

Lisa my son is 20 and may be going to Manchester Uni in September as well. What does he want to study? Mine will be doing digital animation. I have also got an 18 yr old going as well to a different Uni to study History so an expensive time for us.

I would not pay a company to ship his things over as you can buy what he needs cheaply here. I would look at B&M Bargains, Argos, Primark, Home Bargains etc. Good luck to him x

Yes she wants to give it a go. She did enjoy it but like your ds found it long. She went on to do her 2hr gymnastics class and the school disco so by the end of the day she was shattered. Thank goodness for school holidays this week!

Yes my dd too. They said the audition would be very similar but just an hour long.

We were in the morning group Flora11. The boys looked lovely too. Is your son auditioning this year?

We were in morning group too Flora11. The boys looked lovely too. Is your son auditioning this year?

We went to the insight day yesterday in Leeds. A lovely experience for my dd and i enjoyed watching them. Definately recommend if anyone is considering the JA's

My dd attended the summer school last year at Centrepointe and loved it.

She was 7 but think it is generally from age 8 upwards. A mix of ballet, jazz and contemporary with a show at the end of the week for parents to watch.

No not at all its just that when i mentioned to the teacher she wanted to apply she said she wanted to take them so i feel i have to wait for her. I was thinking the same though it will now cost me more.

I see it as front facing. We have not done the photos yet still waiting on dd's teacher who wants to take them.