balletbean

I had this exact conversation with Robert Parker this summer. The answer is no. Because of the sheer volume of applicants for Elmhurst they are now ‘vetting’ applications before offering an audition. ENBS are doing the same for the first time this year. Some may feel it’s harsh but I can also understand from the schools perspective. Audition season is an expensive time. Not just for the schools but also parents alike.

That’s interesting because when I contacted the school I was told £30k and that was it!! No offer or suggestion that any additional financial support could be offfered!!!

Thank you, however the bursaries and scholarships are only available to those living in the UK. We don't, we do live in GB though. We slip through the very expensive net!!

There is an Ibis hotel just 15 mins from the school, on the same road, if my memory serves me correctly.

I contacted Elmhurst after my DD attended the SS and was considering sixth form audition. Not being eligible for a DaDa due to our geographical location, fees were quoted at an eye-watering £30K pa excl uniform, insurance, exams etc etc etc

I’ve sent you a private message. 😃

Oops. Yes. Sorry I’m so used to writing initials for the schools. 😒

Hi all. Has anyone heard from NBS after their audition on the 20th November? Thank you.

Micclear is a clear winner. Wet wipes are a complete no no. Just too drying. Even using the most sensitive of brands. What my DD finds is that the primer can be the cause of skin reaction. Even though a primer is really useful especially for an all day festival /Competition type events, stage makeup for a one off performance can be done without. Use a quality foundation and save your pennies on the other makeup like the pressed powder and blusher. Really is trial and error. Good Luck

PS As I couldn't add to my post re Elmhurst. DD loved the extra classes and workshops with the visiting BRB. The Company members are regular visitors to the school. The older pupils really enjoyed the PDD work with the male members!

My DD attended Elmhurst SS. We both loved the setting (private and safe) the buildings were very light and bright and the staff were very welcoming. Accommodation felt rather cold and unloved but then it was the summer and lacked any touches of home. I'm sure would change the ambience. Studios was large and airy (a complete change from what we are used to). Lovely large in-house theatre which is excellent for the pupils to get away from relying on mirrors. Teaching them stage craft as well. Sadly without any funding arrangements ,reality had to play a big part and we were unable to pursue the application/audition process. NB: If you choose to contact the school via email, do not expect a quick response.

The other people to contact are the ones at UCAS. After all they are the ones that deal with Uni places etc. I was of the firm belief (under a slightly different jurisdiction) that finance is available if it's a first Degree. As a Diploma isn't exactly a Degree (Vocational equivalent ) in the eyes of a Uni it is possible to obtain a Student loan to fund a students first degree. There is a link on the UCAS website for Student Loans. Staff were found to be very knowledgeable and helpful. Completely different career but my son was eligible for a student loan for a degree course without A levels but having obtained a Diploma within the same field of study. Good Luck,

As others have said. At an audition they are looking at potential. They will also acknowledge the fact that a child attended no matter how ill she felt or looked. When my eldest was at MT college she struggled some days to attend because of a viral infection. But she did and the teachers acknowledged her spirit and dedication which is a skill required in the business. They were the ones that eventually sent her home for a few days rest and a suitable not was added to her file for future reference. Take comfort that your DD attended and praise her for finding the inner strength for never giving up. It’s a skill many do not possess.

I could not agree more. One young lady performed a Russian dance, the adjudicator made some unpleasant comments about the girls boots she wore, not being authentic. The teacher was Russian and they were her own boots she had lent her pupil. It was hard work to restrain the teacher. Adjudicators can be rather fickle at times.

Same here, DD has a July birthday so is quite used to being the youngest in her class for school and in the studio. When she moved schools she was placed in an age appropriate class/Grade. Over time she has taken the exams with success and has moved quickly through the Grades now in RAD Grade 7 but also studying Grade 8 with girls 2 years older than her but relishing the challenge. Nothing phases her. The move was the best thing we did, a few years back but well worth it.

Hope all went well for your DD today. Will you have to wait long to hear the outcome? The waiting can be so nerve wracking. Fingers crossed for her.

I am hoping that a techie geek will come to my rescue. Fingers crossed

Unfortunately even though we live in the British Isles we are not classed as part of the UK/EU and therefore not eligible to apply for a DaDa. My research has also revealed that any in house scholarships are for UK residents only. RBS appear to be the only ones that offer funding for all pupils no matter where in the world they are resident of.

An honest and well written post. I also have other children to still take into consideration, even if two are older. Having had the experience of my eldest going down the A level route then MT college I have some experience. It's that experience that has helped me realise early on the difference with classical training (has to be 16 at the latest) unlike MT where age isn't quite such a issue. And the obvious additional expenses. MT are very relaxed with uniform etc and having older students that are more independent (I won't say mature!) in a position to work in bars or similar in the evening to top up their income. Obviously at 16 and at vocational schools the last thing on their mind is outside work. Sleep, food rest repeat after the long days in the studio. I too have had that hard conversation with DD about which schools are doable for funding and which ones we just can't afford even with the grant available. So no point in even completing an application form let alone auditioning. Very hard but she has been very understanding. Fingers crossed it all works out for you.

Sorry for the delay, one smashed laptop has resulted in time offline. The lady in charge at ENBS is very efficient but was on annual leave last week. I heard back via email within a couple of days after I posted the forms but then the date for the workshop was drawing quite close. DD really enjoyed the day, about 16 in each of the two classes. Split for ages and just a few boys. Q and A was a tad disappointing mainly as the people that could actually answer the questions weren't present, even though enough chairs had been set out. Parents asked about the academic side of the training, accommodation, funding and assessments. Very pleasant atmosphere and very friendly staff. Hope you hear from them soon if not already. No harm in dropping them a line if you haven't and want to arrange travel etc.

I totally sympathise with you as we are in the same boat. Throw in school House Dance event and then the local Am Dram Panto as well as the mocks, RAD exams, auditions and a little holiday called Christmas into the mix and all I keep thinking of is roll on June 23rd (day after last GCSE and Prom)!

Hi, Thank you for your reply. Sorry for the delay in replying but I've managed to drop and smash my laptop. Another unexpected expense, grrrr borrowing my sons in the evenings but my old one held all the audition photographs. I think I am on first name terms with the staff at the local Student Finance Dept. Their lack of knowledge of vocational training is quite frightening considering they are in the business of further and higher education. No student loans available here. Vocational Skills bursary is offered instead of a career development loan, to the tune of £2,750! Hardly enough to cover pointe shoes and uniform over the 3 years! Funding for fees is in a form of a Grant but falls well short of ENBS fees and others. We are continuing on our research (hence the post about additional expenses) but already had to decline one offer of an audition place due to lack of funding available. It's been very hard for my DD. So close but yet so far.

Hi folks, this post is really geared towards those that have experience of DD's at US's. On top of the fees charged at US and rent/food expenses, what are the additional costs for the bank of mum and dad! i.e How many pointe shoes does a DD get through per term? Tights and uniforms, insurance, examinations, trips, theatre visits, costumes if any and finally the 3rd yr on tour expenses they may incur etc. I am trying to add up the final bill, whilst sitting down and pouring myself a rather large drink!! Thank you

Welcome to my world, No NHS so no free GP visits. Every single visit is chargeable. My DD had not seen a GP since 2011 and that was just for vaccinations. Recently we found out that one school required a medical before the audition. Obviously without seeing a GP for so long, DD needed to see the family GP just to prove she was fit and healthy. Which she was, ££££ later, to tell me something I already knew. At least he laughed (prior to charging me) as he had never seen a teenager that was so fit and healthy!. PS We made sure we got our monies worth.

Thank you for the suggestions. I tried Hall of residence and similar when my DD attended the SS. Because many of these buildings are licensed premises as they hold a bar of some kind they decline anyone under the age of 18. It was frustrating as I was going to stay and share with my DD, I am most definitely well and truly over 18 but sadly that did not tick their boxes.