PrancingMum

15 hours ago, junedancer said:

What are the class sizes at the various summer schools?

I too would be interested in hearing about class sizes and what is optimal, not just for summer schools but any class, in order for DC to receive an appropriate amount of "personal" attention for corrections and comment.  Sorry I know this is going off the topic of specifically YBSS but is of relevance in terms of what is the benefit of a "good" (as in an auditioned for, pictures submitted) summer school if the class sizes are big.  After two years I still feel very new to this and would like to know I am throwing my money in the right direction.  As a relatively late starter DD is still some way behind her peers and while I know there are a few years to work on catching-up we need to know that any summer schools and intensives are providing a good opportunity for progression, as I am sure we all do when we are spending our hard earned pennies.  Okay so that should have said hundred of pounds!

I've heard that some who went to the recent intensive have already been informed if they have a place.  DD was upset that I said she was too young to go and then she found out that dancers her age had been allowed to attend.  Does anyone know anything about their day courses and rules for attendance?  Do you have to be an exceptional dancer to attend?

Doesn't bode well for us getting a place on the summer course!

22 minutes ago, Harwel said:

can’t she practice to do it herself? Doesn’t have to be a bun, could be plaits then pin to head. 

Pinning pleats defeats me - bun anytime. 

I agree with @Harwelwith some practice most DD can do it.  If she can do the ponytail bit then twist the hair before creating the bun then add a few pins before putting round a hair net, add some more pins and spray with some water.  It wont be right first time but hopefully her teacher wont mind helping add a few pins if they came out.  Be prepared for quite a few torn hair nets until she gets better.  Good luck!

Well done to those who successfully managed to place orders.  My first attempt was for one half price item, not low value, that by the end was more expensive than I can buy it elsewhere and the second attempt so slow that I gave up.  DD then said I don't really like anything .  Had another look for some essentials and given up!  Reinforces just how much I hate on-line shopping!  Covent Garden here we come! Good excuse for a day trip to London.

I have to agree with Dancing Unicorn.  The foot exercises with a theraband are what is needed not.  By all means stretch the foot gently with your hands as part of a routine.  If she is going on pointe a good teacher will start her on some exercises in good time before assessing overall strength. 

12 minutes ago, Wimdancer said:

anyone heard back yet re. recalls?  wondered when we're likely to hear...

 

I understand that as there were some who couldn't travel last week there are a number of video submissions to consider.  Not sure if that might result in a delay in getting the results out.  DD's friend was only doing hers the other night.

16 minutes ago, Tiaramum said:

 Every audition, every class, every workshop gives our kids the opportunity to learn, even if they don't carry on with dancing in the future. x

This is so true.  I was feeling that DD was in a rut with dancing getting the same corrections for the last six months and she knew something wasn't right but didn't quite understanding what was wrong.  Anyway with a little persuasion, she went to a workshop the other weekend and a new teacher and learning a new piece of rep and a week later glowing praise from her regular teacher.  Something just clicked back into place.  It doesn't need to be an RBS week but something away from the normally ballet class helps keep everything alive.  Now on the hunt for a creative summer school - any ideas?

1 hour ago, amos73 said:

They said to me if you want to apply regardless of whether they get scholarship do both, if only interested in scholarship place then just that application 

Thanks amos73 most helpful - I just wish their instructions were.  At least this year's new on-line system makes everything easier.

I assume that if you didn't get a scholarship and then decide you still want to go you can submit the application form and photos?

Here is what it says on their scholarship web page: 

https://www.ybss.co.uk/london-scholarship-applications

Students wishing to be considered for a place on the summer school notwithstanding the outcome of the scholarship audition must also complete a summer school application form before attending the audition.

Looks like you need to complete both forms.

27 minutes ago, Lizbie1 said:

 

I don't think we can hold Charlotte Brontë to Jean Rhys's embellishments!

Exactly - although Jean Rhys cleverly intertwines her novel's plot with that of Jane Eyre there are some discrepancies between the narratives.

All this said, looking forward to another NB production - loved Mermaid!

34 minutes ago, Lizbie1 said:

 

I haven't read the book for a few years, but isn't that a supposition, or maybe an extrapolation made by Jean Rhys in Wide Sargasso Sea?

 

Happy to be corrected if wrong.

I would agree that you are correct in your supposition relating to slavery in Bronte's Jane Eyre but it is definitely written about in Wide Sargasso Sea where both families had been involved in the slave trade.  The opening of the Wide Sargasso Sea take place after the abolition of the slave trade and Bronte wrote Jane Eyre some years after that and although didn't write directly about the socio-political agendas of the day the language of slavery is used in the novel.  However you need to take into account that critics have said that in the past that authors would often shy away from the shameful truths of the British history whereas at the time that Jean Rhys was writing things had moved on.

3 hours ago, tattielashes said:

 My daughter will be 11 at the summer school time. How old is your DD?? The junior company timings are as above but main cast have to stay longer. They are v approachable in my experience.

Thanks I will contact them as the girls may, as I suspected, be in different groups.

18 minutes ago, Yrosered said:

I emailed in a few days ago as I have to book (increasingly pricey) trains and, depending on times, a hotel as well, and they said they wouldn't know the times until they had final numbers for each age group but would let us know asap after the closing date. Hoping to be able to day trip it and that the fares aren't too extortionate!

 

 

Thanks Yrosered, at least I know there is nothing I can do until the week of the audition.  We are too late to back out of the exam and anyway she will need the extra session so what will be will be.

1 hour ago, tattielashes said:

 

Last year the initial audition was only between 11-12.  The recall in London was 10- 1 I think, but they did ask you to be available until 2pm 

Thank you tattielashes, what age is your DC?  I assume they audition each age group separately.  DD's friend's Mum has now asked if we can take her DD as she has to work that day.  As I haven't told DD there might be a problem they have assumed we will be going.  I am now thinking that even if we can make it her friend may not be at the same time.  How approachable are the NYB staff?

How will audition days work?  Can anyone enlighten on the possible timings? Found out yesterday that DD has exam prep on the audition day so want to know if we can now fit both in? 

Delightedly to see 407 is through. 😊

6 minutes ago, cupcake said:

Last year there were only a few girls (3) in her year at WL that did SS- most students want to try something different - at least in the lower years.

Assuming there are three WL pupils and three Associates in each year at SS looking at the average number of UK dancers offered places that would leave around 12 places for non RBS dancers in each year group. At 20% odds are not that great!  Would love to be corrected if anyone else’s intelligence can give a more accurate analysis.  As noted on the RBS SS course post hopefully this has opened out the opportunity for those who applied for Easter although I understand there is only one group per year as against two at SS.  Hope those going at Easter have a wonderful time and fingers crosssed for those waiting for SS offers. 

1 hour ago, Lifeisgood said:

How many girls from the uk are there normally doing the ss? 

It understand that it can vary from group to group but from the information I was able to find out recently around 60% are overseas. Of those from the UK many are Associates and some train at RBS full-time.  This may have been different before they changed the format.  The new Easter one may also affect this - hopefully in favour of the UK dancers. 

On 12/01/2018 at 18:17, cupcake said:

Eliteballet,

Competition for these intensives etc is intense... my dd was never offered a place on the WL summer school... including the year she was offered a full time place at the school!😉

A recent post on a SS topic was saying that in the past WL pupils were give priority. Is this not the case then? I know that Associates were encouraged last year but don’t think all who applied were offered places.

It's Sports Direct or TKMax for us - thank goodness DD is too busy dancing to go shopping in Hollister, Pink or Top Shop!

Every-time DD makes a school team I despair as although matches should finish in time to get back before the end of school they inevitably over run and/or the coach gets stuck in traffic and then there is the rush to dance class not to mention the risk of injury.  Thankfully she managed exams last term without injury and the bruises could be covered by make-up!

DD just wears a pair of too short sweat pants (I have offered her a new pair I promise!) or sports leggings and hoodies

Last minute shout out for a ticket for this evening - please PM your number. I will be at the ROH around 7pm to see if I can get a return.  Thanks. 

Sorry I have just seen this - am I too late for us to get this sorted for this evening?