isadora

We're in the same position as you, isadora - I think it must be true that you stand a better chance if you have an enthusiastic teacher behind you, rather than just the parent trying to fathom it all out, especially with things like the photos (ours were so amateurish in the lounge!) and what to wear, how to put yourself across at an audition etc. But then it's a great experience for the children if they can take it without too many expectations. Glad we did it, though I guess if my dd had been really desperate to get a place it might have been stressful without a teacher reassuring her afterwards, rather than just chatting it through with me! As it is, it hasn't knocked her confidence at all and she's keen to try again.

That is true. At least it doesn't raise their expectations too much (though perhaps also not their confidence). As a mum you probably know how to manage your child's expectations best, and it also avoids any jealousies in the ballet class. But its a bit lonely for the mum. We did good pictures technically because I have those skills but I don't know about the ideal positions etc. We don't even really know how they are used.

I think all the kids that go to the auditions are amazing & so brave there is no way at their age I would have been confident enough to do anything like this

that is true. but i would have loved it if my mum had been a ballet mum!

i think increased applications perhaps because of social media making more and more people aware of the opportunities. RBS itself does a good job of promoting JA and you can see how many views there are on their promo video. its frightening in itself.

sparkle you may be right that its best not to know. then you can carry on thinking its down to a dollop of luck and its worth trying again. however, we have never had a single word from her teacher. the only encouragement has been from other girls and other mums from time to time, making some generous remarks.

if that is true it leaves parents who enter their child without the support of the teacher, and who don't get a place, even more in the dark.

i think you might be waiting at least a week or two!

i just want to thank lisa for starting this thread. I've found it very comforting to read these very humane sentiments, i expect mostly if not all from women. i am so used to reading aggressive posts in news blogs, more about point scoring than fair discussion. its nice to know that the people on this forum are not "just" obsessing over ballet matters, but really care about the most important things in life. love to everyone. 

she's an Elmhurst associate

 

thats pretty wonderful!

think I've got it now! thanks everyone. 

31 August (after the auditions) 

 

so this would mean august 2017. she will be still ten. so that would be ok? sorry to be so slow about this.

thats such a relief, thank you! i was so upset last night thinking its all over as they don't do mid associates at totnes which is the only one we could reach. white lodge? in our dreams!!

I have a question regarding age limit for RBS JAs. Ive been assuming all along that we can re-apply next year, but its not clear to me when the age 10 limit refers to. On the web page it says the age in August, but which August? The one before the auditions or the one after? As my daughter is going to be 10 this year, would she actually have another chance at JA? 

Many thanks to anyone who can advise.

 just that they are not "right" for this particular scheme at this particular time.

 

At the same time when you are starting out, particularly without the support of the teacher, you have no idea whether DS/DD was even close. That for me is the difficult bit. Somehow a yes gives more confidence than a no. For us it was just the chance to be in a good class with highly motivated pupils, rather than long term ambitions.

Well done to the yesses and keep going SWL and nos. My dd got SWL first time round, then got in second go although was turned down for CBA, so they really are all different. If she had got in we would have only done 1. I realise there are people who do multiple associates, there is nothing to stop people doing that, but in my personal opinion (which I know is not a popular one) I think it's a shame when it's the same girls taking all the spots. Obviously they are very good and have what they are looking for, but there are so many talented children that get so close and want it just as much. Sorry to be controversial. Good luck to all and remember, doing an associates class is just an added bonus, it does not mean you can't make a career of dancing x

I think thats a fair point and one worth considering.

 It is extremely demoralising and harmful to their self-esteem. 

or to the parents   

when i showed my daughter the rejection email she said it was so nicely written it made her happy

Does anyone know how many children are offered places each year?

1. move! --- not always an option though if you live in a place with few schools

2. which is CBA?

Problem was teachers not very supportive - infact are not happy my dd's have been offered a place at CBA (

I experienced the same and had to do the whole thing alone. Incredible though that they weren't happy at the success.

thanks for the commiserations. feeling very down.

Just got a no from totnes

Most often I think it is the dc's dance teacher who will be the one who suggests auditioning.

we entered with permission but without blessing. which was not too encouraging.

all these yes-es... so great, but it seems like everyone is so much in the dark beforehand. or do people have an idea that they are going to be successful? have people auditioned on recommendations of ballet teachers or are there some who are parents entering their children?

Congratulations to her, well done. You must be both so excited. My daughter auditioned at Birmingham for Elmhurst. (But not for RBS)

wow, very impressive. was that this year?

Thanks! my daughter's assessment of both auditions was that everyone seemed about the same. she also enjoyed being seaweed at totnes.