balletbean

8 hours ago, Pixiewoo said:

Quite agree ... it seems to be a 'rite of passage' for the serious triple threats ... first pointe shoes, then Jason Samuel's, then La Ducas ! 

 

It comes to something when Pointe Shoes are the cheapest shoes you buy! Although, you shouldn't have to replace the others as frequently! DD has had to wait till her feet stopped growing to get hers! 

Absolutely. A good thing to know is if you order a pair of Jason Samuels on line not in-store and it’s your first order with Bloch they offer 10% discount.. 

Not so much for a pair of La Duca’s but they do make great 18th, 21st then Graduation presents.  Once hooked they never look back. 😏. 

4 minutes ago, Mamaderuby said:

Haha! Thanks.. exactly this. She has replaced her So Danca hard sole character shoes with La Duca soft soles(in both Black and skin tone) and wears Jason Samuel Smith's, so yes, I am trying to save my pennies wherever I can. Although I don't really want to cut corners if I end up having to replace them in just a few months anyway. Does your DD find a huge difference between the LaDuca heeled tap shoes and a less expensive So Danca or Capezios? My DD says that wearing her La Duca soft soles are like wearing slippers after her So Danca hard soles, but I am not that excited about forking out for LaDuca tap shoes, when she is not really a tapper. 

Hi.  Sorry, I tried to re-edit my original post but failed miserably. Having had a brain storm I ventured into the depths of my DD’s shoe cupboard and found her 3” heels which just happen to be So Danca and her LA D’s 2” taps. They are vastly different heel base sizes. Tried to upload an image of the shoes side by side but that’s where I failed. 
My DD loves her La D’s. Didn’t take long to acquire several pairs like your DD has and switch from her first capezio heeled taps to La D and never looked back. As they are designed & made for that professional level and put through a pretty hefty work outs every-time they hit the dance floor they never look tired or worn and therefore per wear they are worth the investment. Well that’s what I keep telling myself. 😁

However, it is well worth keeping hold of her old So Danca shoes as they are rubber soled. Well worth having as the girls never know if they are rehearsing or even performing on rough ground for an out door event or similar. 

 

25 minutes ago, Mamaderuby said:

Hi. My daughter would like to turn her 3 inch So Dance character shoes into tap dancing shoes. I have found lots of tap toes and heels in different sizes online for flat tap dance shoes but the only ones for heels I can find are the LaDuca ones. Does anyone know if these would fit ok, if they are a "standard" size. , or where I can find So Danca tap toes and heels? As you can probably tell...I know nothing about tap shoes or tap dancing. Please help.

Hi. Happy to contribute. 

Most taps bought are a standardised fit for ladies & then men’s shoes. My DD & I are familiar with La Duca heeled tap shoes and the Bloch flats- Jason Samuels.  

I apologise if I’m now going to say something that your DD might already know but just wanted to make sure that you are aware that not all character shoes (New Yorkers) are suitable for taps to be fitted as it would depend on the shoe having a ‘hard sole’ ie no flex and a sole thick enough to take the screws without sticking through the inner sole. 

Whilst there is the possibility of dancing in a 3” heel tap shoes it is rare, the standard height for ‘heeled taps’ are 2” which you have probably seen on the La Duca website so their taps are designed for a 2” heel base. With the difference in height you may have to look very closely as the measurement of the base of your DD’s 3” heel as they could be smaller than a La Duca 2” if that makes sense 😊

Ps My wallet having taken the hit where tap shoes are concerned I can certainly understand the reasoning behind reutilising shoes already in the cupboard. Good luck.  😉

On 11/05/2023 at 21:31, Mjdb said:

I'm also available to answer questions as my DD is a year 2 student. 

My daughter is loving her time at NBS.

I agree that it's a combined decision for the year 2 path choice as it's not just about wants ...students have to be realistic about their choice.

Again agree yes a varied time table.

My daughter does have a part time job....wkends only. 

My daughter has been in Dwell MSV ( over the road from Medlock) for both her first & second year & is staying there for her final year.

I don't have any other schools to compare teachers too. Daughter is very happy with her teachers & again the results of the shows says it all. The school is very approachable. 

Something I will add is about health insurance.

My daughter has had a few problems late last school year & begining of this year. Without insurance I don't think she would be dancing if we have had to wait for available NHS appointments! 

The school were very supportive of her & didn't push her into dancing. Until we knew it was safe for her to do so she sat out but still attended every lesson. 

 

Mj 

So pleased to hear that your DD is loving her time at NBS. My DD loved her time there despite being hit with quite a few challenges during her time there 😷. Amazing school & faculty that kept them going throughout. Which was just as hard on them as it was on the pupils. How time flies as your DD must have started just after my DD graduated. Hope all goes well for this yr end show and going forward into 3rd yr. ☺️

NBS - Northern Ballet School are offering a free course for 13yrs + in July. A taster of what the school offers for full time pupils. 
 

Please check their Instagram page for full details of the course and application process. 
 

🩰🙆🏻‍♂️🙆‍♀️😊

Trying to reduce my DD’s shoe collection.

Beige Roxie Tap shoes 
Size 38 1/2 with a 2.5”  heel.
No scuffs or marks. 

Ideal for a girl heading off to college this Sept on a Jazz course or just wanting to upgrade their tap shoe collection. 

Unfortunately I cannot upload photos onto this page but happy to provide them upon request as it may work via DM 🤞🏼

RRP £220. Asking £160 which would incl UK tracked postage. TIA. 😊💃🏼

On 13/04/2023 at 19:59, glowlight said:

@Lemongirl - A lot of the cruise companies hold open auditions periodically in the UK.  These are often advertised in The Stage (or at least they used to be, and I see that Princess have an advert for Princess on The Stage website at the moment)

 

Some have their own entertainment recruitment web site eg https://www.princesscruisesentertainment.com/auditions, https://www.carnivalentertainment.com/auditions, 

 

Some go through agencies eg https://www.tedgroup.com/casting-recruitment/marella-cruises-production-cast/, https://www.peeltalent.com/careers/

 

It's also worth keeping an eye on are Disney, who employ dancers in their parks and on their cruise ships - https://jobs.disneycareers.com/auditions

 

Other people on the forum might have more recent experience which they can share. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

My DD secured her first contract through PEEL Talent, fantastic management team- not directly an Agency as we expect but rather like a sub- contractor who are appointed to audition and rehearse the dancers for their ships. PEEL cover some  Costa ships but not all & Ambassador Cruises. Dancers do require the STCW Cert ( international convention on standards of training & certification and watch keeping for seafarers) and medical ENG1 (seafaring) beforehand. Costa Ships are now requiring EU passports as they are an Italian based company/employer. 

Industry Auditions, originally just on Instagram but now they have an app. All links on their Instagram page, in which they provide an up to-date list of all up coming auditions not just cruise ships. 
 

Another one to follow is Universal Studios who advertise independently. From my experience it’s about June/July seeking dancers. Application/audition process is lengthy. 
 

@Lemongirl I can relate to the situation your DD finds herself in with regards needle phobia. My DD passes out after every procedure involving a needle which ramped up a gear when she was at college and the covid vaccines came out . It’s not easy for us to watch our children struggle with these situations.
I wish I could offer some magic solution that could make it all go away.
However, the only coping mechanism my DD recently created to try and help her through these moments, is to close her eyes whilst listening to music very loudly through her headphones during the procedure and keep telling herself that the reward (a contract) is greater than the actual needle moment she has to go through. 
Not sure it would work for anyone else but maybe just help reduce some anxiety for someone 🤞🏼

😊

3 minutes ago, Lemongirl said:

Thank you.  We are based in London but I think she would consider anywhere in the UK.  Maybe not overseas just yet.  As well as contemporary she has experience in ballet, tap and jazz.

Thank you. I understand. Had it been overseas I could offer some advice but as my DD and her wider group of friends all secured contracts overseas I’m sorry I can’t offer any suggestions for UK contracts. 
However, I can totally recommend one particular teacher at BASE studios SE11, if your DD would like to continue with lessons post graduation and before securing her first position. 

1 minute ago, Lemongirl said:

My daughter is graduating this year in contemporary dance and will be looking for her first job.  She's done some research herself but it's all a bit overwhelming!

 

Can anyone recommend any particular companies that she might look at?  And any other advice for new graduates?  Many thanks.

Congratulations to your DD’s upcoming graduation. 

Is there a particular focus in mind for her first contract? Local as in UK or further afield? Purely contemporary or skilled in other genres? 

Happy to help where I can as a mum to a 2021 graduate. 

10 hours ago, sunrise81 said:

Luckily my dd had her first period whilst on leave out so with me! But she went away in yr 7 with a box of products.......which seemed to get less and less as friends started theirs and borrowed things! Didn't have much left by the time she needed them 🤣

 

 

Rest assured as they grow up they still need us. My DD is currently on a long contract overseas, surprised that she couldn’t source her usual items or even similar alternatives so good old mum came to the rescue. 📦🤭

5 hours ago, SissonneDoublee said:

DD and I are really close, so the thought of potentially not being there to support her when she got her first period was a tough one. I made her a ‘kit’, a selection of sanitary products so she could choose what she preferred, feminine wipes, a microwaveable wheat pack, chocolate, and a long letter from me containing all the support and hints and advice that I would want to pass on when the time came.

 

It meant that when the time came, she had my support already there waiting for her. The houseparents were, of course, wonderful. They are first period veterans like no others! I think making the first period kit was more help for me than it was for DD! It was something we were both glad that I had done, though.

Sounds brilliant and well thought out from a a very caring mum ☺️.
Reassurance that we’ve all been there, and that there’s nothing wrong but recognising the potential upset & embarrassment (ie bedlinen😉). It happens and not to worry or become anxious is so important for these young girls. 

On 07/04/2023 at 09:38, TwirlyWhirly said:

@Adagio123Congratulations to your DD! Not exactly a purchase, but with 5 months to go (and depending on existing skill levels of your DD), I'd recommend working on some life skills with them! E.g. changing sheets/ duvet; sorting laundry so your lovely, brightly coloured uniform tracksuit etc. doesn't go in with whites; sewing own elastics/ pointe shoes; money/ time management; how to take brief notes from classes (written or electronic). A lot of stress can be alleviated for both DD and parent of DD if they can solve some seemingly trivial daily problems with confidence- houseparents have many kids to look after so aren't always there just when they have a panic on. Phonecalls at 8am asking, "Where are my socks?" from hundreds of miles away - I've been there!  Also, if they are good at these things, then helping others in their dorm is a lovely, friendly thing to do!

Also little life (girlie) hacks that you can think of for that time of the month. Some girls may not have even started when they head off to LS. Anything from overnight and other moments that happen😉🧺. Which I’m sure we all understand and appreciate but living away from home when they happen can be somewhat overwhelming for the girls. 

On 29/03/2023 at 13:36, OnTheMove said:

It’s very hard to

compare things like grade work, as the emphasis at the main ballet schools isn’t graded work. 

It may be more pertinent to compare technique work and general ballet performance opportunities. 
 

Exams are a good marker of grades you have achieved, but they are not indicative of judging talent. Just like in academics exam grades aren’t necessarily a marker of intelligence. 

Another way to look at Voc schools is to look where their graduates are offered contracts as a whole and which direction you wish to pursue your career. ie. Ballet company then you are more likely to (but not exclusively) look towards Elmhurst.
The Hammond, NBS & Tring whilst offering predominately ballet they also have an a wider syllabus so there will the opportunity to pursue a more diverse pathway within the arts upon graduation. 
 

Obviously no one is going to pigeonholed/constrained to follow a particular pathway just because of the Voc school/college they attend but choosing one more closely suited to your ideal career pathway, hopes and dreams may well suit you better as they will also hold the contacts you may need to reach your goal. 
 

Hopefully that all makes sense. 

A fleecy blanket/throw not just for the bed but one that can be used to cuddle up in, great for watching tv or having a quiet moment.  
There are some great companies that offer personalised photo blankets. Perfect gift for those moving away from home.  No matter how old they maybe. 🥰

Hi. Again like @BattementBatty I don’t have any direct experience but I do know that many schools are accommodating to any child’s additional needs that they may require within the audition process to allow them to be accessed for their actual ability. Same goes for RAD examinations. 
As a past Chairman of a local festival my committee and I were very keen to have the festival open to all. We offered a smaller quiet changing area/softer lighting, a walk through on stage during an interval and if required we politely requested soft applause or none at all afterwards if the noise was too stimulating.  We just wanted everyone to feel included.  Just an * next to the competitors name for the judges indicated additional needs. Could be a child with substantial hearing loss, mid treatment for an ongoing medical condition or physical disability. Whatever additional needs we in the dance world understand the empowerment of dance to the individual.  Everything was done to respect the rights of the child and in agreement    with the parent/guardian. 
 

So I wouldn’t exclude a dance competition/festival in the future. Just being a little more selective on which one. 
 

I wish you & your daughter all the best. 

4 minutes ago, Lifeafterballet said:

Not in our experience 

Neither in ours but still an interesting topic. 
 

2 minutes ago, Hanmah67 said:

So are they actually any advantages of going to vocational school for Year 7? 

A very interesting question. I’m also interested to know just out of curiosity as we are past that point(e). 🩰😊

On 16/03/2023 at 08:29, Thelittleswans said:

Just talking hypothetically here….the results are in. Unfortunately, it's a no for Whitelodge, Elmhurst, and Tring, for example. So, what's the next step? If vocational training is not an option, what other types of training could be pursued? How many hours per week should be dedicated to training, and how many private and group lessons should be taken? Additionally, what extracurricular activities could help maintain strong technique? Should festivals be put on hold in favor of bigger global competitions? I'm curious about the alternatives available for those who don't attend vocational school in year 7.

Back in the day vocational school at yr7 wasn’t even on the radar. Our location hindered any chance of even applying for Associates as we don’t live on the mainland. Fast foreword to the summer hols at the end of yr9, DD attended her first SS. A light bulb moment. Came home increased lessons at her studio of up to 14hrs per week. Ballet/Greek/Contemporary/Modern & Tap - the latter I appreciate is not for everyone. No private lessons but then her classes were small anyway. Which was all rather crazy when you factor in GCSE school work/mocks/exams/shows/school trips etc. but you don’t think of it at the time. 

Entered any comps/festivals/performances that came her way and other ballet associated opportunities but still stayed loyal to her studio & regular lessons. Took RAD grade 6/7/8 incl Inter in quick succession. Auditioned for post 16 pre professional training in the Autumn of yr11. Graduated 2021.
Haven’t looked back since.🩰 🌏💃🏼

To sum up. Whilst there are the obvious merits for Vocational Schools there’s still no guarantees at yr11 to progress to US. Please don’t let the lack of offers at yr7 to be the end of any dream. It’s just the start of an exciting future just by a different pathway. 
Remember anything is possible 🤞🏼😊

49 minutes ago, Dancingpotato said:

Looking for a bit of advice in terms of audition leotards as dd has decided she doesn’t feel comfy in the one she wore for her prelims and semis. She has a blue cap sleeve one which she likes but not sure if schools would prefer a basic thin strap? Central and RCS to be exact. Any help appreciated 

If it’s unclear on what to wear in the audition info provided, then be guided by the uniform style of the particular school that your DD is auditioning for. If the uniform is cap sleeve which so many are then your DD should feel comfortable in her blue cap sleeve one. 
Hope all goes well for your DD 😊

On 12/03/2023 at 07:18, Clouise said:

I am wanting to return to Ballet - I am 33, but struggling to find adult classes in Manchester that aren't just sort of 'ballet fitness' classes.

I passed grade 4 when I was younger, so it has been a long time, but I would love to train properly again & take exams. How have others managed to do this as an adult? Also does anyone happen to know any good classes around Manchester/Cheshire end? (Not city centre as that will be way too difficult to get to after work).

 

Any advice appreciated as I am feeling rather lost with it all!

 

Thank you

 

Hi. Such a wonderful idea. I don’t know of any personally but you may like to try to email Northern Ballet School in Manchester. Whilst they don’t offer adult lessons directly I’m sure they would at least be able to point you in the right direction.  
enquiries@northernballetschool.co.Uk.  🩰

1 hour ago, DancingShoes said:

Hi @daisy50,

My dd is at NBS and one of her classmates had done a university degree before starting her training. I'm not sure of the implications long term but it shows that some schools take older students.

I'm also not sure how it would work with funding as the student mentioned isn't from the UK.

Same here. In my DD’s yr at NBS there was a pupil older than her peers but as she wasn’t from the Uk I’m not too sure how the funding worked. Funding being a constant issue for so many as we all know only too well 😔

2 hours ago, daisy50 said:

Hi everyone 

I have two daughter one is nineteen the other twenty one both at college studying law and psychology. 

Both have had extensive dance classes in ballet  and contemporary from an early age and are still continuing this.

They have now decided they would like to pursue  dance full time.

My question is what is available in both ballet / contemporary and musical theatre and what is the last possible age to apply 

Hi. I wish your daughters all the best.  Exciting times ahead.  If they are seriously considering changing their career direction, some might say they are caught up on the middle of the ages some colleges require. If your eldest is close to graduating with her college course it may well be a good idea to complete the course.  They could continue their training at their current studio. Increasing hours and extending their skill set within associated genres, singing is a bonus. Some institutions welcome the older applicant to the usual 16/18yr olds. The ones I’m thinking of is London Studio Centre and Rambert.  

Also looking at this from a slightly different angle. 

Depends within the performing arts industry of where they see themselves performing.  Obviously a classical ballet company requires vocational school training to even begin to gain access to the ballet companies but there is nothing to stop anyone from attending an ‘open audition’ held by many companies within the industry as they is no prerequisite that all applicants must be a graduate from a recognised dance school/college. ie cruise ships amongst many others. Obviously this has advantages but also no guarantees. The companies are looking for highly skilled dancers not a particular degree or diploma. Not easy I appreciate that but  it has happened in the past where contracts have been offered without a degree/diploma.  The person I know in particular auditioned and remained performing with the particular cruise ship company to close on 9yrs. Leaving by choice having moved up through the ranks from ensemble to solo performer.   
That’s just one example but there are other contract opportunities. 

Might be worth looking at “Industry Auditions” as they have their own Instagram page and website. The website is full of useful information as well as offering audition guidance Headshots/CV’s etc. 

Good luck. Happy to answer any more questions that you may have 😊

35 minutes ago, mim said:

I have used a product called Pointe Paint made by PointePeople. The black color covered the shoes and ribbons quickly and easily with no mess!

 

 

Thank you. Loving that last bit. No mess as I had visions of covering everything including me!! 😁

Hi all, I’m sure this has been asked before but I struggle to search for past posts. 
 

I’ve been challenged by my eldest DD to dye her pointe shoes black. They aren’t new but need to be dyed for a production she’s involved in.  
 

Any suggestions gratefully received. 🩰

Thank you. 😊
 

2 hours ago, mum5678 said:

Hi all, congratulations to all your DC's on their fabulous offers! 

 

It's so frustrating that Unite seem to have just booked all their rooms out to MMU and seems incredibly unfair. It just might be worth contacting Zobia at New Medlock House directly (newmedlockhouse-manchester@unitestudents.com) on the off chance she can help, and/or to ask when they might release any that aren't booked. She has been really supportive and very helpful previously. They like having ballet students as they're always bright and bubbly and up and out, and often keep their flats tidier. She was also really good about keeping the flat to under 18's this academic year - I know this hasn't been the case previously but they did with our lot, possibly after some parents fought the battle in previous years! She doesn't have a lot of control over things but you never know. 

 

In terms of where the current students will be, there is definitely a flat of what will be 2nd yr NBS students booked at Parkway Gate next door to New Medlock... it's saying rooms are reserved but again, it might be worth a direct email, and also more booked in to Artisan Heights. I will ask my DS to see where others are staying too in case he has any other suggestions. 

 

One thing to bear in mind is that the insurance that comes with the Unite students accommodation can not be activated until the reach 17, so we've just had to have half a year with his room and the contents uninsured (could do it privately of course, but we never got around to it!)

 

 

Hi. My DD resided in both New Medlock and Parkway during her time at NBS (graduated ‘21). I’ve been curious with all this news about lack of room availability so I went into uS website. To say I’m shocked at the prices they now charge is an under statement. A classic en-suite in a 5 or 6 bed flat between Sept ‘18 & summer of ‘21 was £162pw. Now I see prices as quoted ‘from’ £237pw. 😳. It’s not like the students at NBS can take on part-time work to supplement their income during term-time unlike Uni students but even then the prices are crazy. 
 

I do agree though with contacting the properties directly. We always managed to get any issues sorted incl a random Uni student accidentally placed in an NBS flat whereby contacting uS main line fell on death ears. 
 

I do happen to have acquired the email address for the CEO of uS if anyone feels that they may require a little assistance to obtain answers. Just drop me a PM.  It’s worked in the past. 
 

As far as insurance, all I can suggest is for parents to check their home insurance policy carefully as there are many that will cover personal possessions whilst away from the home. My DD was fully insured as a result of this despite only being 16 at the start of her time at NBS. 
 

As I conclude, I totally endorse your comment about uS staff in Manchester love having NBS pupils as tenants. It’s a good point, along with their ‘vulnerable age’ 😉 to use whenever engaging with the staff. It’s amazing what can be achieved😊

Good Luck and best wishes to everyone starting out at NBS.  Great school with fantastic passionate & caring staff. I say staff as that goes beyond the teachers. Many times these key members are overlooked. 😊