balletbean

3 hours ago, Becca_19 said:

Hi. I’ve just managed to book into a 2 bed flat at New Medlock with another student from Northern Ballet School! Just wanted to say thanks for all the advice on here - it’s been really helpful and I’m so pleased I’ve managed to secure something. If anyone’s looking for rooms in New Medlock with other NBS students it’s definitely worth ringing them directly as they can give all the information about flats that have been blocked off. The number I used is 0161 236 8487. 

That’s great news. So pleased New Medlock came through for you. Great place to start your DC’s new chapter of their life at NBS. 

Apologies @Rachel I did edit my post slightly but appear to have missed the save button. 
My comment was really directed as to those living away from home (Halls). 
However, there are some pupils at NBS that do work at the weekends but they tend to be the ones that are living at home with their parents & commuting in daily to NBS. Therefore they are able to continue with the same employer during term time as they worked for during the holidays. 

 

4 minutes ago, Rachel said:

Looking for info on additional funding that may be available to help with accommodation costs. Do students work alongside their studies ?

Hi. Additional funding maybe available depending on your geographical location. Trusts/Bursaries and other scholarships could be on offer through your local education/arts council, theatre or your local church it’s amazing where some benefactor's can be found. Well worth making enquiries.
In answer to your second question. There’s just not enough hours in the day or energy left to work during term time whilst being a full time pupil at NBS.  
Many do holiday jobs though. 

2 hours ago, Mjdb said:

Congrats on fab results.

Daughter is currently 3rd year at NBS & has loved every minute of it! She is in dwell MSV, ( been very happy here ), but now believe they're not offering accommodation to under 18's.  Can't comment on US but daughters friends have also been happy in those accommodations. Dada's can be offered at any time ( very very late for us! ) Don't ever give up ! 

If you have any questions about NBS please don't hesitate to ask.

 

Mj

3rd yr already!  Gosh how time flies.  
Best wishes to your DD as she embarks on her final term at NBS and her future wherever that leads her post graduation.🌎 🤩 

21 minutes ago, La sylphide said:

Thank you we managed to get a cancellation room in new medlock this week. I emailed them directly and they said currently they have two NBS flats that are full so can’t guarantee she will be in a flat with all  NBS students it may be mixed but that due to her age she will definitely not be with anyone over 21 and once the flats are all full they will see if they can jig it around a bit for her.  Just waiting for the DADA results now 🤞🏻

That is good news. Pleased for you. New Medlock is so convenient for NBS. 
 

As we know the majority of students on a 3yr degree course graduate the yr they turn 21, so that’s nearly all of the uS students/tenants. Bless uS staff.  
 

Can’t be easy for them. Its not just the NBS pupils for their age but also religion, single sex or alcohol free/vegan only flats and then of course international uni students who want to stay together. all to accommodate. 😉. 
 

You are doing well. Keep that dialogue going. Paid off so far 
Checkin day a tin of biscuits for the staff goes a long way 😊

On 23/03/2024 at 10:02, La sylphide said:

Hi 

just after some accommodation advice from those of you currently at NBS.

DD has an offer but we were waiting on DADA results before booking accommodation as without this she can’t go. She will be 17 when she starts but dwell no longer take under 18’s and new medlock house don’t have any rooms available and the other unite properties are over £255 a week. From everyone’s experience do rooms become back available at medlock as time goes on or are we out of luck?

 

 

Hello, I don’t have a current student at NBS but do have experience with uS, at New Medlock and Parkway Gate  Is their website saying full or have you spoken to staff directly?  They do block off flats once there is at least one NBS pupil accommodated, which might not be reflected on their website. 
Rooms can become available on A level results day as some students may not receive the grades they need to attend the uni of choice however, that would only provide a room in a flat of other older uni students not NBS.   
Possibly the same could be said for another 1st yr NBS pupil that doesn’t receive a DaDa but did pay a deposit for a room.  
Could be worth maintaining a dialogue with the staff directly.  
I appear to have deleted New Medlock’s direct number but I do have the number for Parkway Gate if required. They are literally next door to each other.  
Rather than the generic uS number.  
Good Luck. 
 

20 minutes ago, jenalexandra78 said:

Good day 

 

Just wanted some thoughts feedback/ advise.

 

My daughter is 15 (16 in may) and so far having fab time with auditions. 

 

We only started looking December and selected few will list below.

 

Just wanted any views experiences on the below as I love to here from people with different views and experience .

 

1. Auditioned for The Hammond - diploma in dance l6. Sucessfull.

Accepted on reserve dada list with fingers crossed.

Reserved housing in tramways with fingers crossed. Daughters current fav.

 

2. Auditioned Northern Ballet Manchester- sucessful 

Accepted - dada sucess yet to hear (April time ) 

Looked at student flats - very busy very expensive,  trying to wait it out and see if hear re dada. Daughter liked it here too. 

 

3. Auditioned Italia Conti video audition. Recall given. 

Recall in person audition sent - we are competing in florida so asked for alternative date. Waiting to hear. Nervous on this as may provisionally right in gcses. 

Love the look of the halls here if sucessful.

 

4. Auditioned Stella Mann - 

Sucessfull audition- place offered. 

Diploma l6 dance.  Fab feel. We're positive about dada funding as lots who go here are 18. 

Slightly urban feel. But close to London.  Have to fill forms in and 60 register fee. 

 

5. NDC - offered place.  Btec l3 free course bit would need to stay as we are too far to commute. Very up and coming college. Excellent onwards colleges from graduates. But prefer the other 4.

 

Did apply performers and addict couldn't do the audition dates emailed nothing back. 

 

Thoughts of colleges, dada movement. Accomidations . Colleges experience....

 

Thanks stressed out but proud mum. 

 

Xxx

 

 

First of all.  Congratulations to you daughter on a fantastic audition season 

Stella Mann - Eldest DD trained at SM 18+Found Bedford budget friendly for food shopping as there are many options,  however the only accommodation on offer for SM pupils  is in private rental.  Many rents don’t include in council tax, utility bills, Wi-Fi, TV license etc.  so please research these additional cost very carefully.  
 

NBS - Youngest DD trained at NBS from 16yrs  I acknowledge that the accommodation may initially appear not exactly budget friendly however, the price is fully inclusive of all of the above costs incl a weekly cleaner in the common areas as well as the kitchen/living room of each flat. There is also 24/7 security, maintenance and welfare checks as and when required. Helpful and reassuring when your DC is “home alone” due to sickness. Staff (Unite Student/uS ) will pop in and check during the day when everyone else is out.    If you are seriously considering NBS it is best to reserve a place in one of the Halls as asap. Closest is Artisan, then New Medlock and next door is Parkway Gate all operated by uS. Reception is staffed during the day to collect parcels and to answer any questions/queries. The latter two are about 6/8 minute walk from NBS.
Can’t offer any comment on those operated by Dwell. 

There is high demand due to the significant number of uni students in that particular area of the city.   
 

Hope that has helped, even just a little bit. 
 

☺️

Congratulations to all the NBS pupils who performed at this years MoveIt. Just watched the wonderful performances online, hoping that you are all proud of your achievements🤩 👏🏻👏🏻

20 minutes ago, mum5678 said:

Last year Dwell had stopped taking under 18s, so definitely worth getting your name down for a room in one of the Unite properties if you can... Unite have previously allowed you to cancel with no financial liability if the DADA funding doesn't come through, but as balletbean says, communicate with the properties directly. The rooms do book up quickly so worth getting a name down. They'll do an online tour for you if you want to see a property before you book too. 

 

The properties are all REALLY close, so doesn't matter which one they end up in really (although costs are different! ) We had a generally good experience with a flat of under 18s in New Medlock in yr 1 (bar the lift never working and a few maintenance issues) and have also this year in Parkway. NM seemed to have a better, or more personal understanding of the ballet school students, so that felt nice for Y1.... probably simply due to smaller numbers of students. There are usually other NBS students very close by, either in the same accommodation or one of the other near ones, so they can visit each other and hang out together easily. We were really pleased that we had a flat of ballet students all together, others prefer to live with other students to get a bit of a break from the same people day in/day out. I think age was definitely a factor in this and for a 16 yr old, we were a lot happier with him being with other ballet students, but that's just preference really!

 

Well done on all the audition results! x

The uS staff openly admitted to me that they would prefer to have all their flats filled with NBS pupils. Quieter more disciplined, considerate, polite. To name just a few. They were also in awe of the level of dedication. Out with the lark in the morning. Well turned out and not returning until early evening. Not quite the same for their other tenants😉. Hence why they are so accommodating (excuse the pun) to help out NBS.
We acknowledge that like all teenagers and young adults no one is perfect and they can all have their moments but it’s reassuring to hear feedback from others outages the dancing bubble  😊

47 minutes ago, jenalexandra78 said:

Hello , 

 

So just few quick asks as couldn't see a 2024 link...

 

Dd is 3 auditions in with 3 offers on table,  in limbo due to funding news dadas. As need this to commit to one.

 

Currently have offers from : the hammond diploma l6 dance, NDC (nadeines dance company hartlepool) b tech course and just this Saturday a offer from NBS for diploma l6 dance. 

 

We are aware we can't fully choose till dada info (fingers crossed).

 

Just wondered re accomidation. 

 

Hammond is now at tramways... so going to book n am I am lead to understand if no funding / doesn't go we won't be liable to contact. Should get 250 deposit back. 

 

NBS - again similar situation I just wondered if any 16 year old due to start potentially here , or 17, 18 year olds who are looking at accomidation. I think new medlock, dwell and artesian had spaces.  But would like to try n get it with other potential new starters for here. 

 

She will go where gives funding but I don't want to get funding late and have no accommodation booked with her being younger end.

 

She has also done the video audition for italia conti and we are doing an in person audition at stella man in 2 weeks.

 

But with the 3 we have we are so happy so far. 

 

The btec is obs free but again she would have to stay there as we live in area with no colleges like this near by. But is our fail safe option.  Good college though for anyone in North East.  Audition standard was high with my dd saying the jazz tech was harder than hammond audition. 

 

It's such a long process and I'm such a planner it's hard to switch off. 

 

Waffled a bit there .... xxx

Congratulations to your DC on an amazing audition season. 
I can only comment on NBS accommodation. 
New Medlock is operated by uS (United Students). Used to be open to all higher education students but in recent years (since refurb) all tenants had to be a student of one particular university. Can’t recall which one. If they have done away with that criteria and open to all students.

1) As NBS students are younger than Uni students as soon as one NBS student reserves a room the flat is blocked off. Maybe not all 1st yrs but more often than not that is the case.   No choice on a particular flat just the type of room ie en-suite v’s shared bathroom etc  will determine which flat you are allocated. They might already have a flat blocked off with an empty room. 

2) They have a duty of care (age), errors do occur but if you maintain a dialogue with the staff any errors can be remedied promptly. ie Uni students placed in the same flat. 
3) Early bird rates used to run until April 

4) Contact them directly not through the main contact centre, as they will know the demographics of their upcoming tenants and understand NBS pupils needs better. . 
5) As you didn’t mention Parkway Gate which is another uS property next to Medlock, not sure if that’s because it’s full or you weren’t aware of the property. 
6) Book now, they understand the funding issue for NBS just as much as some new Uni students might not make the grade on results day and could lose their conditional place in Aug. The advantage is that NBS funding is confirmed before results day. 
7) Artisan House, mentioned is even closer to NBS not that any of the others are far away. Newer build so the costs are reflected. 
 

As there are 100,000+ students within Manchester all seeking to find accommodation it’s best to reserve asap.  
With uS properties it is possible to pull out of a tenancy agreement (especially as this will be before the Aug exam date) especially if the decision is based on lack of funding not being available than to wait then try to source accommodation later on. You then might find the only accommodation available is further out and requires daily public transport. Due to the demands in the area. 
 

Hope that has helped a little.  😊 Happy to answer any more questions where I can. 

Ps. All new tenants are to sign a tenancy agreement.  However, as your DC is under 18 you should be the one to sign the agreement.     Sometimes, the agents require a gentle reminder. 😌

38 minutes ago, Lifeafterballet said:

My son has danced in both the US and Europe and has never had to have a medical for a visa 😅

Is this a new thing ? 

I’m not sure, my DD required a visa for China. The full work up. Which was repeated again upon arrival in the country. Incl the dreaded blood tests (she doesn’t do needles).😬  😅

On 05/03/2024 at 18:12, Kerfuffle said:

My DD had this last year, we went privately as the GP was too busy and it’s a longer appointment than a regular one, very detailed. It’s annoying having to pay but one of those expenses that in our case was unavoidable. 

I thought the audition medicals was just the standard additional cost to factor in. But wait until the graduate requires medicals for visas. They are on another level (cost) entirely. Blood tests/x-rays/ECG to name just a few. On the plus side, it’s like having an MOT so you can wave them off with some peace of mind 😊

On 29/02/2024 at 21:13, La sylphide said:

Can they still do the RAD exams if they have studied under a different board? DD has advanced 1 but all her exams have been done with IDTA could she still do the RAD at NBS do you know? 

I can’t see any reason besides the pupils own abilities that could prevent them from taking the exam. Each pupil is judged on their own merit for exams at NBS. 
Might just take a little bit longer for those that have trained in other boards ie ISTD/IDTA to be become more acquainted with the terminology and slight tweak in technique as the examination boards may vary slightly but by the advanced level I’m sure pupils would take that in their stride.   
I’ve had a quick look at RAD but can’t see any restrictions from their perspective either. 🩰😊. Hope that has helped. 

On 27/02/2024 at 07:02, Ballet-taxi said:

Hi,

Well done to her getting 3 offers! My DD also had to choose from these amongst offers. We also had a bursary offered for one of them.

My DD picked NBS and I’m so glad she did! 
Excellent school who know their students well and many opportunities given. Care/safety is a high priority and teaching is well established. Job rates are extremely high with a lot of effort by the school for networking and helping students acquire jobs. Most importantly, DD has been extremely happy there and feels challenged and loves classes.

 

As for making choices between these 3, be careful not to just go on social media posts! It’s better to engage and talk to schools. 
NBS is an established school but not so prominent on Social Media. Others show a good story on social media but when I did research, spoke to schools, I wasn’t as confident they were right for us.

 

When asking re their graduate posts that have been offered, look for honesty and a list of where recent students(previous 2 years) have worked, over a generic list offered of best students over the time of the college. What is the percentage of students getting jobs?

 

Ultimately, location is important too and how your child ‘feels’ at each. My DD had a strong feeling that she liked NBS and felt at home there! This never changed! She made the right choice! 

Some perks to NBS: Students can still complete RAD exams, take part in regular performances, can complete a teaching qualification alongside.

We heard from some larger schools, students have to audition to even participate in the shows. At NBS, auditions take place for featured parts but not the show itself as all included.

There will be pros and cons to all of the schools! Just ask lots of questions! 

 

Sounds like my DD’s experience. 
Walked into NBS for her audition. Greeted by big smiles from other pupils and staff alike. She came away from the audition saying she didn’t want to come home!! 

Loved her time there despite its challenges 😷.  
But definitely agree. Not all schools suit everyone. Just like how students select one University over another.  Research and then stick to instinct. If it feels right it is right ☺️

On 27/02/2024 at 08:29, Ballet-taxi said:

Year group sizes are approx 30 or under. However many classes are smaller as they can be split by ability/pathway choices etc. 

My DD’s ballet class has 8 in it, I think. 

With exam classes being even smaller. If I recall my DD joined 3 others for the final pre exam lessons. Pupils are only entered for exams based on individual merit rather than as a cohort. So each pupil has some control over their pathway.  🙆‍♀️

37 minutes ago, Tuliprose said:

Hi does anyone know how difficult it is to get into Elmhurst senior summer school? Just trying to manage dc expectations 😊

A few years ago, we were told by my DD’s ballet teacher not to apply as demand is so great. This mum never listened (oops). DD applied and was offered a place the summer she turned 15. 
So in answer to your question.  
If you don’t apply you will never know.   🤞🏼🤞🏼

On 01/02/2024 at 15:25, Jays said:

Thanks Neverdancedjustamum, I think I worded the content line correctly.

DD is wondering if the actually dancing will be basic if it's aimed at anyone who wants to study it rather than just serious dancers. She currently dances an average of 10 hours a week and helps in the younger ballet and lyrical classes. One of the girls in her form who is thinking of doing it only does street dance and another never did dancing until school dance lessons in year 7. There are a couple of others considering it who are more advanced than DD. 

Thanks wheretonow, DD may not like the non practical side of the GCSE but then again having an interest in dance may mean she will enjoy it more than say doing a different GCSE.

This is a tough one. My DD didn’t choose GCSE as she personally felt it just duplicated on her RAD/ISTD training. She chose Drama instead as its a supporting skill to Dance.   The students that did select the Dance GCSE & A level loved it mainly because they ended up teaching the teacher. The ‘dance’ teacher just happened to adopt the course by default as she was head of Drama.  Her new cohort were already RAD Grade 6/7 and ISTD intermediate. 

I’d suggest to look beyond the written curriculum but also look closely at what training the teacher has for Dance before making any decisions. 

1 hour ago, Swanwings said:

Does anyone have any experience of their dc having to miss a school audition due to illness... particularly upper schools. Are they quite flexible and offer some alternatives? 

Some might say that it sounds harsh but for many schools and colleges turning up is a sign of resilience. An inner skill & strength that dancers have to possess . Unless obviously it’s contagious or a messy illness 🤢. 
Not to say it’s ideal at all but their actions do indicate their attitude and aptitude that can’t be recorded on a cv, going forward into training and the profession itself. 

9 hours ago, Emeralds said:

Might he prefer musical theatre/jazz dance rather than ballet? (In other words, what Zac Efron and Hugh Jackman do rather than what Carlos Acosta and Baryshnikov do.) Barre work and ballet are beneficial for that genre of dance too. You don’t have to start early for that kind of dance/career and the job and salary prospects are great. Lots of excellent courses and schools/colleges in the UK and he could apply/start at 17 or 18 although I'd start looking, visiting the schools/colleges and applying now. And encourage him to continue dance lessons. 

Northern Ballet School Jazz Focus springs to mind. Ballet remaining at the core of their training but pupils train in other genres are in a wide and varied curriculum. The school are not fixated on age but rather the potential of applicants/their pupils. 
If interested @MrsMoo2 please look at the schools website for information on auditions. 

On 12/12/2023 at 14:58, Macmac said:

So sorry completely new to all the upper school (16+) application system. Would anyone be able to explain please what course my DD has to apply for on Central? Is it the undergraduate form to complete on their website? So confused 🙈. When is the deadline for CSB, Rambert & NSB?

Re NBS. They don’t specify a deadline for applications. Used to be first come first served for choice of auditions. Dates have been posted on their Instagram page.  First one after the holidays is on the 20th January. One round.  Results normally posted an about a week afterwards. Dada’s aren’t awarded until sometime after all auditions are held.  Which for 2024 is the 2nd March. 🙂

8 hours ago, BalletRat said:

Dd attended audition on Saturday , did a contemporary solo and found the work fairly simple. Really hoping for a result soon - how long have others waited in past?

So pleased your DD had a positive audition. Letters/emails tend to be sent out promptly, about a Week. DaDa offers are later. 🤞🏻

15 hours ago, glowlight said:

So sorry to see you go @balletbean.

 

What I would suggest is to leave your account open, because you may have reason to back in the future. Maybe you will take up ballet yourself and post on your own behalf instead of your dd's! Or have dancing grand babies (I know that seems really improbable right now).

 

I'm so happy for you that you got to see your professional dancer dance.

 

Au Revoir.

Aww bless you. I hung my dance shoes up more years ago than I can recall. I thought those days had left me but when the company invited me to have photos with them they all asked afterwards if I had danced in the past due to my posture and foot position. So sweet. 😊😅 xx 

 

Thank you for your kind words. I shall leave my account open. Happy to respond to private messages if I can be of any help with my experience as a parent of post grad audition process outside of ballet companies but won’t actively be following the forum if that makes sense. 
@Fiz, @Ballet4Boyz

 @Streetdancer, @Pixiewoo@meadowblythe, @Pas de Quatre
@Mjdb I wish your daughter all the best. 3rd yr is amazing. Just remember those Kleenex. Xx 

Hi all, I just wanted to come on here to say goodbye to everyone before closing my account down. I joined this forum back in 2017 (if my memory serves me correctly) when my DD auditioned for post 16 training.  Through this forum I connected with a mum whose DD was also successfully offered a place. The girls shared accommodation throughout their 3yrs developing a strong bond that has seen them through many ups and downs along the way. As mums we’ve laughed and we’ve cried and celebrated together becoming good friends throughout this whole process, despite the distances between us. The girls graduated in the summer of 2021 and have been successfully employed as professional dancers since then. Due to the nature of her contracts it wasn’t possible until recently that I was able to book a trip to finally watch my daughter perform (which worked brilliantly as a surprise for her 21st). So the time came this last week, the distance was long the journey was tiring but it was all so well worth it. And yes, like all dance mums I didn’t forget to pack plenty of Kleenex😉 

So as my journey on this forum seems to be complete I couldn’t go without saying a goodbye to one and all. To thank you for your support and wealth of knowledge has been immeasurable. I wish you all the very best in your journey through all of this and with whichever path may lead.  ☺️

Ps. Have a drink at one of the many bars in Leadenhall Market where they filmed some scenes in Harry Potter, from there you can 
Walk across Tower bridge (glass floor messes with your senses if you choose to walk up inside the bridge 🫨) and eat your way around Borough Market including their famous Strawberries with chocolate. 
or 
Catch the Uber boat from Westminister which can take you to Greenwich to explore but would require more time. However just taking the Uber boat along the Thames would be pleasant way to escape the congestion. 
Last suggestion is to visit Camden Market

Might have gathered what I got up to on my recent visit to London😉😄. 

36 minutes ago, Thelittleswans said:

Hey fellow dance parents! I'm sure many of us share the same situation – finding ourselves in central London with some free time on our hands while our dancer children are busy with classes, workshops, and intensives. Usually, it's about 2 hours, but sometimes it turns into a whole day. I'm curious, what do you all do during these moments? On sunny days, there's no shortage of lovely walks and charming coffee shops to explore. After hitting up the main free museums and such, I sometimes run out of ideas. Any suggestions you have would be greatly appreciated

Activities I undertook whilst in London during SS’s.
Buckingham Palace Tour, cup of tea out on the lawn. 

English guided tour of the Houses of Parliament 90mins. There are other options but this one is Well worth it. 
‘Back stage’ tours of the Royal Opera House, Royal Albert Hall, also other theatres within Covent Garden. All well worth it. Groups are small and so informative. 
Diva exhibition and the V&A museum. Fab-u-lous darling  🤩😄 can take walk ins but booking in advance is advisable. 
 

😊