Tiaramum

We are doing PP this year, but last year dd went to the KI and would be this year if it didn't clash. For us dd needs to work on her performance skills as she is technically really good so wanting to make the most of Emma and her amazing team at PP. KI was brilliant and a really great insight to their school. My dd has her confidence back from being there, she now has her spark back and they really care about the individual pupil.

Yes its self study. BUT you can choose how you do it, so for us dd is doing maths and both english gcses this year, then next year will do some more. Splitting them over the two years takes a bit of pressure off.

Firstly congratulations. We were the first cohort through the new way of a three year programme with RBS at WL. Its not what we were promised, nor what we signed up for but hey ho. This isn't the place to discuss it but if you want more details PM me. Despite all that my daughter loved her time at WL, she has made friends for life, its given her that independence and maturity she wouldn't have if she had stayed at home. Just go into it with your eyes wide open. We successfully auditioned at other schools for a year 10 place - boarding places were the main issue - there are no boarding places left! Just be aware of that. Mine is now at Kings which offer a homestay facility and is thriving there. Its fabulous - if you can get your head around academic learning through oxbridge and not using traditional classes. RBS is the dream for so many and dancing in the company is a bigger dream with limited pathways into it. The training to get one there isn't straightforward and there are numerous debates on the level of training at WL. If I knew then what I know now would I have sent her? probably as it was her dream but I wouldn't have followed the rules - I would have got the extra coaching, done extra strength and conditioning, gone for every intensive available. Does this school fit with whats right for your child? Are you ok going into it knowing you won't have a place in year 10? Are you prepared for doing the audition round again in year 9? As a vocational student they are either flying high or feeling low - are you at home prepared for that rollarcoaster?

Dont panic. If you have any questions shout out. Just enjoy the experience x

The school use two taxi firms, and reception can organise a taxi back for you. In terms of getting there there is a taxi rank straight across from Richmond station - theres usually plenty available.

Any year 10 or year 11 dancers in the UK achieved a place?

Kings International Ballet Acadamy The Performance Platform

It was such a friendly and supportive competition. All the dancers were cheering each other on and all had a great time. The masterclasses were fabulous and it was great to be able to watch. Highly recommend this for next year

I’m also looking for two tickets x

Very shocking stats. It was awful been part of it. If you read the figures quoted in their annual reports you can see clearly how the british students numbers have dropped significantly whereas the international numbers have increased. However despite the horrendous last 6 months with them WL was an amazing experience and one my daughter holds onto proudly. She (and I) have made friends for life and she is determined to audition for upper school. I would say to anyone - Go for it, enjoy that experience, treasure every minute but have that back up plan ready. Really think about the options for year 10/11 as many of the other schools won't have boarding places available leaving many dancers stuck. Don't go into it thinking it wont happen to me or that you will get warned if your child isn't likely to get a place. There will be no warnings.

Can I just clarify. Last years year 9 were the first to go through this new system. Our of the original 14 girls that started in year 7, only 4 were kept on.

Look at Ballet Boost - held at Pineapple but accessible by train and tube - Emma Northmore runs the best workshops.

The AD at RBS didn't watch any summer school classes at WL this year. There is a huge focus on things like the PDL and YAGP - RBS pupils are not allowed to enter competitions. Given the choice between a UK Trained dancer and an international dancer the international dancer will win in the eyes of the AD every time. If you look at the stats prior to his arrival there was approx 20% of international dancers training under the RBS umbrella. this is now up at 40-42% and figures for the past two years have not been given out as yet.

Please have a look at Kings - there is sometimes a residential house where the dancers can stay (they have to be able to be quite self sufficient though - sorting their own meals etc)

It really was horrendous. Different members of the school told us different things. The AD and the head teacher all told us through documentated communication there was no need to apply elsewhere, then in the oct half term it emerged that wasn't true and they had expected all students to apply elsewhere. There was very little support and we had to do the chasing constantly to ensure things were organised and on track. Elmhurst auditioned the year group via zoom but didn't offer any places (we heard rumours that this would be the case anyway). We were also assured that there would be no surprises - everyone who did not get a place in year 10 had had glowing dance reports and were not told of any issues. I will never forget that first parents day where the AD stood there and promised us all faithfully "You will have all read the bad stories out there but I promise you here and now that these stories are just that - stories. If you do not get a place in the next year you will have been made aware of the reasons why before any auditions/assessments" We fell for that promise. However having said all of that and going through a year of hell I would not take away that experience from my daughter for anyone/anything. She was part of an amazing year group and has made life long friends, as have I. RBS is a dream that will be short lived for most UK students. Go into it with your eyes wide open and enjoy the experience.

Yes, RBS now give out offers for years 7-9 (the foundation programme), the students then have to reaudition for years 10/11 where very few of the UK students will be kept on. Our year group was the first to go through the process and it was horrendous in every aspect. I am pleased to see the communication with current year groups is much more clear and gives emphasis on the fact that it is a 3 year programme and you are now encouraged to apply elsewhere (this wasn't the case for our year group). RBS have taken on the criticism and improved things for those years following us.

Thats correct. The majority of international students in WL are ex YGP/PDL and have been given funding to allow them to be there. The UK numbers for RBS are declining ;-(

Have you had a look at Kings International Ballet Academy? Amazing training - my dd is in year 10 and a level 2 with them.

My dd was offered a place this year for year 10, sadly we couldn't find any boarding or home stay facilities BUT some of dd's friends are there and they are loving it. The school are really doing what they can to improve things there and they seem genuinely interested in each student.

Hi. My dd was lucky enough to have three years at WL and is an avid reader (& good with critique) if that helps

Ballet Boost are having an audition prep class at Pineapple in London over half term - Highly recommend them. Professional from start to finish and really care about each dancer. YBSS are also doing prep classes and again they are fab.

Hi. We went for an audition insight day four years ago now. It was a normal ballet class with some warm up's and stretching. They talked the kids through what the teacher would be asking them to do rather than what a panel were looking for. It was a great experience to be able to dance in amazing studios and be taught by RBS teachers. It was nice for parents to watch too.

Vocational training has to be right for the individual child. My own daughter was more than ready for it but still suffered the odd pang of home sickness, going from her own room to a shared dorm, dealing with different personalities. It has and still is a rollercoaster of emotions both for the child and for the parents. We've sacrificed holidays, day trips, decorating the house etc to fund the dance life. I work 3 jobs, my partner works 2. Are we aware this may go nowhere? Yes. We offer her the chance to stop every time shes home BUT she just loves what she is doing. Even through the turmoil of auditioning, assessments, finding a new school she has remained focused and upbeat. We remind her how lucky she is but never make her feel guilty about what we are doing to allow her to live her best life. You know your child the best - can they cope with independent living? Been away from home? If yes and you can find a way to afford it go for it, if not look at what else is on offer - associates, open classes, dancenhance, the performance platform. Even though she is away we have more quality time together now and no matter what happens in the future our daughter has had a great time on the whole, met some amazing life long friends, had the opportunity to meet her heros, danced in incredible studios, made her more independent and more mature.

ah yes - thank you

Just out of curiosity what nationalities were these girls?