balletbean

On 20/02/2023 at 12:54, FlexyNexy said:

It is scary and as a mother of now adult ex ballet dancer I strongly encourage every parent to give their child as much "normal time" as possible away from ballet. This is to prepare them also for the shock of “not making it” into dreamed company.

We had unwritten rule when after ballet class we never talked ballet at home, she never socialised in her free time with her ballet peers, and we did had normal holidays and I am proud to say that we do not have any summer photo in arabesque by the pool!

I hated when her ballet teacher used to say that if you have Plan B, you have already given up! It took me so much effort not to get my daughter brainwashed and yet when the ballet career went down the drain, not because she did not have offers, but she was proud dancer who refused to dance for free or tiny money that did not cover even her travel card she struggled to find her identity.  

This was the hardest part of her life! And this should be taught in schools too. Schools should be also publishing success stories of children that went to work on a cruise, theatre lightning managers, costume designers, make-up artists, accountants, chef…. It feels like they are ashamed of them.

I follow so many parents run accounts on social media just because I used to be in the ballet mum world and I fear for the little ones. Even the competitions turned the Art of Ballet into a kind of sports (but without sportswear). Who turns more, who jumps more, who lifts his leg more, who stays in balance longer, who invents a new trick and the spirit of dance disappeared. Sad.

Well said. Whilst my DD and her cohort were supported to audition they were going in blind post graduation. However that being said, NBS do celebrate all their graduates successes and welcome return visits at anytime.
 

We were all so ignorant about knowing what was deemed acceptable pay & conditions whilst trying to balance not being taken for a ride as a newbie to the industry. Then the mental preparation of the waiting game that comes along after an audition. This subject could create a forum all on its own. Advice & support for graduates within the Industry. Whether that’s a ballet company or the wider world of ballet. 
 

5 minutes ago, DreamChaser said:

Lots of info on Unite accommodation, does anyone have any experience of Sanctuary - Grafton St and Denmark Rd?

Hi. If it comes under uS then they accept 16yr olds. The only criteria is that the 16yr olds can’t sign the tenancy agreement. That would require an appropriate adult or over 18 to sign. Hope that helps.
Sorry no direct knowledge of the two properties mentioned.  🙂
 

44 minutes ago, BalletBelle said:

Hi @Amy06,

My daughter has been offered a place and also likes NBS, however she still has 2 auditions to go and we will also have to wait until we know whether we can secure funding before we can make any decisions. We can't take up any offers without funding 😔.

I cannot wait until this whole process is over and we can start getting sorted. Everything is a bit in limbo at the moment.

If you are still looking for someone at the end of March, we might know what is happening by then and, if so, would be happy to flat share. I'm sorry we aren't able to be of more immediate help.

It truly is a nerve wracking time but as accommodation appears to be in short supply for NBS pupils this year already, New Medlock is now designated for MMU students only whereby previously many NBS pupils stayed there I would suggest you really give serious consideration to make a booking ie with uS (Unite Students) as they do offer a refundable deposit should circumstances change later on. 
Good luck. 

Just now, kazia1 said:

Thanks for everyone’s help. It’s been so supportive. Finally after a season  of auditions and a variety of offers, my DD has decided to go with the offer from LSC with the BA in Theatre Dance (Jazz). Now we know we can get cracking on everything! Good luck to everyone 🤞🏻😀👍🏻xx

Congratulations to your DD 🤩 xxx 

10 hours ago, ptd said:

Hi, my daughter has been offered a place at NBS which she is delighted to receive.   We are still auditioning for other schools but NBS is top on our list.  Does anyone have any recommendations for accommodation, what is best suited to 1st year student, need to get moving on this before everything is booked out.  Thanks for all help.

 

P

Hi. Congratulations on your DD receiving an offer. As far as accommodation please check out Unite Students (uS) website. They are the company that own and manage the properties mentioned by Mydb. Parkway Gate next to New Medlock has been undergoing a massive renovation over the past few years. Rents were comparable between the two but unsure since the refurb of the new prices. Artisan building is only a couple of years old but the rents reflect that. Eye watering to say the least but it is just a few doors away from NBS. Do try to secure accommodation asap. uS have been very good in the past by accepting a deposit to secure a room knowing that in some cases it can be dependent on being awarded a DaDa. Once a room has been secured the flat would be blocked off for only NBS students but do keep in communication with them as errors have occurred in the past. 
My DD resided in both Medlock (now only available to MMU students) and Parkway during her 3 yrs at NBS. It had its faults like most Halls but generally overall they served their purpose. She was safe which is important. I would choose uS properties again. 
Good Luck but please don’t delay your search. Demand is high.🙂

ps. Wherever you choose to sign a tenancy agreement with please check the dates very carefully. It’s easy to overlook as the end of NBS summer term can fall just outside the weekly count for those Tenancy Agreement  😏

10 hours ago, Mjdb said:

Hi, my daughter is year 2 & loves being at NBS. Students have been rebooking accommodation really early  ...my daughter & her flat mates had booked before Christmas!. They are in MSV dwell & she has been since her 1st year & has not had any problems at all. Quite a few from the unite properties are moving ....across the road to MSV dwell.  Saying that though accommodation does come available throughout the year & there are other options very near too. She is following the jazz route ...they still have ballet lessons but not as many as classical focus. Yes they have to travel to Denton but this is one bus ride 30/ 40 mins. To the bus is about a 15 min walk & off the bus to centre pointe is about 10 mins walk. You can get a yearly bus pass...useful if your DD / DS will also use the bus to get shopping etc.

As others have said if you need any other help please don't hesitate to ask.

 

Mj 

I was just on uS website as I was curious as to how Medlock was fully booked already. Which was unheard of when my DD was at NBS. The building is now only available to students enrolled at MMU but still operated by uS which has obviously impacted on accommodation availability for NBS pupils. Even though their places are confirmed long before A level results day and UCAS confirm places for MMU.
 

Pleased to hear that your DD is enjoying NBS and is settled in Dwell. 
 

😊

Hi. Just jumping in here. My eldest DD has a teaching post with a local dance school after graduating MT college with the Diploma level 6.
 

She sourced a course off the ISTD approved list. The lady is based in Herne Bay nr Canterbury. DD attended a one week very intensive ISTD ballet course last Oct. Very challenging & exhausting but productive week. Stayed in an AirBnB. Exam on the last day. Just has to continue teaching within the studio and complete the final unit to obtain her full ISTD teacher status. 
 

https://www.danceteachertraining.org/

My Niece who has full RAD teacher status as she attended RAD as a full time student sourced a ISTD course held in Swindon to obtain her ISTD teaching quals. To add to her other qualifications incl RAD Silver Swans. 
 

There are so many routes available. Like so many others have said, it all depends on your end goal, incl time line. Your access to current teaching, take into account your availability to attend courses which might not be near your home and funds available. None of these short courses are residential so you do have to factor in these additional costs over and above the actual cost of the course. 
Obviously it’s all worth it if it gets you to where you want to be.  😊

Good Luck. 
 

4 hours ago, Wenders said:

We made appointments with unite and viewed both, as you say they are just around the corner. They say they are fully booked for next year but if you are interested keep checking the website as rooms have been coming up in both. 

Gosh, already fully booked! They used to have early bird rate until April time, encouraging returning students to book early ahead of those 1st yrs awaiting their A level results. How times have changed. 

13 hours ago, Hayjon said:

Just a quick update... My daughter has had 2 offers so is really happy.... We have another audition at the end of March, and maybe another but we don't have a date yet. 

Congratulations to your DD. The inner confidence grows when the offers start coming in as well as it’s always good to be in a position to have a choice in your final decision making. 🍀😊

1 hour ago, kazia1 said:

Did the parents stay or go and come back for Q & A ? 😀

If you decide to take a stroll to stretch your legs during the audition process, may I suggest to turn right out of NBS then right again. At the end of the road you will see Unite Students accommodation New Medlock and the adjacent Parkway Gate. This is where many students stay and will give you an overall idea of the area etc. uS staff maybe on hand to answer any questions you may have about the services provided. 😊

3 hours ago, kazia1 said:

Thanks😀She’s looking forwArd to it. Yes driving down as train strikes put me off that as wasn’t sure when they would be happening! Staying in Maldron hotel nearby, got a good deal though they don’t have parking onsite but I believe there’s a car park very close. This is audition 4 and it’s definitely a stressful process waiting for results! 

Will check out older posts for further details, thanx. Good luck to all 😀

That’s great. And totally understandable not wanting to rely on the trains. With regards to the car that’s a yes, just past the Maldron in Charles Street there’s a multi storey carpark which is opposite  the Ibis Hotel.  
We only had to wait a week for the letter to arrive in the post. Still hold that letter dear. 
Good Luck and best wishes to your DD. 🤞🏼😊🍀

3 hours ago, kazia1 said:

Hi, first time posting👍🏻 My dd is auditioning next Saturday at NBS Manchester. Travelling down from Scotland. We didn’t manage to go to any of the open days so not got a feel for it. What’s the audition like ? My dd enjoys all styles of dance. She’s doing a lyrical solo for the audition. We have had 3 auditions so far and 2 offers, waiting for the result of RCS.

Any insights would be great. This whole audition season is exhausting 🙈🙈for parents too. Thx 😊 

Hi. How exciting for your DD. I presume you’ve got all your travel plans sorted or would you like some advice?  Audition day can feel like quite a daunting prospect however when my DD auditioned at NBS from the moment we arrived and throughout the day both the parents and DC were made to feel most welcome. (We hadn’t attended any open days either, so we were definitely the blind leading the blind on the day😉). 
I understand the process has changed over the past couple of years so would be unfair to comment directly about the actual audition but happy to provide any guidance/advice for parents 😊

5 hours ago, Wenders said:

Morning all. 
 

Northern has been at the top of my DDs list since she was there in the Summer. We are auditioning soon and I just wanted to make sure that we were fully informed so we could ask all our questions when we are there. Did your children enjoy their Dance experience there? Did they find it easy to make their choice at the end of year 1? Do they still have a varied timetable thereafter? What are the hours, is it Mon-Fri or do they also dance Sat mornings? Does your dancer have a part time job? Where did they stay in the first year? Quality of teaching? For the Northern graduate how easy has it been to gain employment with a dance diploma from Northern. And most importantly did your dancer enjoy their time there. 
 

thanks 

Hi. I’ve sent you a PM ☺️

18 hours ago, Wenders said:

Hi there, my DD is looking at both of these schools for her diploma, any feedback would be much appreciated. Thanks 

Hi. As mum to a graduate DD from NBS do you have any specific questions in mind? 

Accommodation? Living in Manchester?  Auditioning post graduation? Academic module of the Diploma?  As there have been changes with in the teaching faculty it would be wrong for me to try and answer questions related to that aspect.Happy to respond where I can either here or via a DM 😊

3 hours ago, Hayjon said:

Thankyou for that, her audition is in a couple of weeks there so I guess it will give her more insight. 

 

So. Stressful.... 

And breathe …….. 🤞🏼🍀

11 hours ago, BalletBelle said:

I totally agree @DreamChaser, I didn't appreciate how exhausting it would be for parents!

It's not just all the travelling and form-filling; my head is spinning with all the information, pros and cons of different places etc too 🤯

 

I remember those days, sleepless nights, spread sheets and charts but fundamentally what it all boiled down to was the good old gut instinct you get to actually walk into the school or college. Whether it’s for an open day or only on the actual day of the audition. You will just know. Not all schools/colleges will suit all dancers even when they are offered a place. 
From my experience don’t verbalise those ‘gut instincts’ to your DC. Wait to hear from them as you maybe pleasantly surprised of how much you are both thinking alike without saying out loud or maybe select your questions very carefully on things you might have noticed or experienced that they might not have on the day to have that open and honest discussion. After all it won’t be us spending the next 3yrs of our life at the school or college. 😊
 

10 hours ago, Hayjon said:

Stella Mann is in her top 2 I think, but when she went for her taster there was only her and one other who would be 16. So I'd be interested to knowhow that works and if they feel different or are treated differently? 

Hi. For some unknown reason my first attempt to respond has disappeared into cyber space. So here goes….. 

All pupils are treated equally as they’ve all been accepted into first year based their skills & abilities. The expectations within the studio are the same. Whether they have just turned 16 or they are nearly 19 if not older. The only slight difference I have noticed along with others that I’ve spoken to at other well known MT colleges is that the 16yr old boys are not expected to lift the girls in partner work certainly in their first year. So they are treated slightly differently. They are encouraged to do more weight training or similar to develop stronger upper body muscles.  Which all makes sense. 
 

Academically- those pupils that have secured higher grades in one or more of the Humanity subjects at GCSE’s or A levels if that’s appropriate tend to fair better when it comes to the essay writing modules of the syllabus for the Diploma. Those who have a keen eye for detail, presentation and being well organised within the academic work also tend to fair better overall. Unlike school the teaching staff are not there to remind their pupils to submit work. Most colleges do not have dedicated diploma academic teachers but rather the dancing teachers take on the role. It’s not hard to let things slide when the days are long and they are tired and when there’s food to prep/laundry to do etc but it is imperative that time is given on a regular basis within their schedule from the outset to ensure the written work is kept up to date. If you have any further questions regarding this please drop me a private message. Happy to help were I can. 
 

The difference in the ages really only becomes apparent within their social life and all that that entails. 😉 

1 hour ago, Hayjon said:

Hi, is anyone's DC currently going through this process. 

 

We have been to open days now and my DD has her first audition in Sunday. 

 

She is nervous as am I😁

 

We've been to open days at SLP, Performers, The Hammond, Stella Mann and KS DANCE. 

 

We didn't choose any of the London Colleges due to the expenses or accomodation etc and the fact that we are unlikely to get a Dada. 

 

It's a very nerve racking process and I hope she gets a place on a course. 

 

Anyone else is this process? Most on the forum tend to be degree students.. And very few 16 year olds. 

Hi,  I can understand and appreciate how you feel. My eldest went to Stella Mann on the diploma course, albeit a few yrs ago at 18. My youngest DD went to NBS also on the diploma course at 16 (also July). So I’ve experienced both ages leaving home. From that experience alone I’ve learnt not to overthink the age thing as some 16yr olds are more mature than many 18yr olds when living away from home for the first time 😉
 

The majority of first yrs at Stella Mann were 18yrs + at the time. Obviously I can’t comment on the schools current cohort. However, I can add that Bedford was a very budget friendly place for a student to shop for food and everyday essentials etc. The downside is that accommodation (old mainly terraced houses) is in the private rental market and the standard was sometimes questionable. We all know about rent increases and the costs of utility bills etc recently. Many of these old houses cost a lot to keep warm but then my DD’s accommodation over the 3yrs were always within a 20min walk of the school.  So that’s a plus as there was no need for daily public transport. Plus and minus all to take into consideration. 
Whilst focusing on the audition itself is vitally important, please take time (if you haven’t already) to research in great detail the accommodation for all of the schools and colleges your DD is interested in. 

Some of the schools/colleges may have access to Halls type accommodation for their students like those for uni students. This type of accommodation offers a ‘safety net’ (as I call it) for the younger tenants. Rent incl utility bills, 24/7 security & maintenance etc. And generally in better state of repair and decoration. 

Happy to answer any more questions you may have. 
 

Wishing your DD all the best 🤞🏼

17 minutes ago, Streetdancer said:

DD is lucky enough to have been offered Diploma places at both The Hammond and NBS (with 2 auditions still to come but I think these 2 are her favourite). She is finding it incredibly difficult to make a decision. One thing I'm looking at as a parent is the faculty. There is plenty of information on The Hammond's website but I can find out almost nothing about NBS. I got the impression at the audition that there is 1 main ballet teacher and 1 main jazz teacher. Can anybody provide any more information? Please feel free to PM if you'd prefer. Any other insights would be very welcome too! Thanks very much. I may be back with more questions later 😂

Hi. Congratulations to your DD. What a fabulous start to the audition process.
 

I’m mum to an NBS 2021 graduate. Feels like a lifetime away but as DD only revisited the school and teachers last Friday it feels like we’ve never left. 😊 Not sure if you are on FB or Instagram as their most recent posts on both forums offer some insight into what some of the staff were up to during the holidays.  
I’ve tagged @Dancers Dad in as they have a wealth of knowledge as to the day to day runnings of the school as a parent of a current pupil and of course the more practical aspect relating to accommodation etc. 

12 minutes ago, Joanne1 said:

Hi, My DD is in the process of auditioning for dance colleges. For some of her auditions she is required to sing a solo ( which she has prepared). It states on the audition not to wear dance wear but her choice of an appropriate outfit. My question is does she choose an outfit that is suited to the character/style of song or an outfit that she feels comfortable to sing in. She is auditioning for post 16. Apologies if this has been asked before, new to this forum and first time writing. Thank you in advance for any advice.

Hi. We are all here to help in anyway we can. 😊
From my experience the girls tended to wear nice pair of trousers and a top or a pretty (floral)day dress. Nothing too tight or too short. Sunday lunch not Saturday night vibe. (and not linked to their song). With their heels ie New Yorkers or similar. The heels helped them stand better than flats during their solo. Brush the hair down or leave 1/2 up. Light makeup. Light coloured lipstick. 🙂 

I know it’s easy to say to not be disappointed but it’s not to be seen as a No for the entire world of ballet. It’s just that the school possibly wasn’t the right fit. 
Also it’s worth remembering that these experiences helps the young dancer to learn and grow as an individual as when they do graduate they will be auditioning for companies and contracts. Not every company will want every dancer but there will be that one that does.
No difference with Schools/Unis in fact any job we’ve ever applied for. 
Good Luck. The right school is out there I'm sure you will find it. 🩰🍀

On 22/11/2022 at 19:53, Mamaderuby said:

This is most recent information. It's from 22/23 year. Was the same 21/22 year. 

EU residency + UK citizenship. I believe 

he would be eligible. 

 

https://www.gov.uk/dance-drama-awards

That’s interesting to see that those from the EU are still eligible for a DaDa subject to other conditions obviously. Students from the Channel Islands are not eligible. Even though the islands are a crown dependency they are still excluded. 😕

32 minutes ago, dizzyalice said:

Hi

I’ve only ever commented on one thread on here so I guess you could say I’m still a newbie. My DD is Year 9 and is looking at possibly auditioning for Upper Schools when the time comes. She was a JA and got to Elmhurst auditions finals but in 2020 so because she had decided she didn’t want to live away from home, we didn’t go to the final audition, just as covid was about to start. My question is, I’m not that much of a ballet mum and other than the 4 main schools, which other options are there at 16 years old? We are looking at classical ballet though she also does contemporary, modern, jazz. I’d love to hear of experiences of upper school particularly from those who joined in year 12 from mainstream schools. Have they found it difficult being up against those who may have gone through lower school training? 

 

Hi. be prepared, long response coming.
 

I’m going to suggest that you may want to look at the Northern Ballet School (NBS) in Manchester. Not the stereotypical upper school as it doesn’t offer A levels like some of the big names. 
NBS offers a Diploma level 6 in professional dance. All pupils train in all genres for the first yr with the option to select either the classical focus or the jazz focus for their 2nd & 3rd year. When a pupil does select Classical it does not exclude other genres entirely as their timetable is developed around them giving the opportunity to continue broadening their training. And the jazz doesn’t exclude ballet either as that is such a core part of the pupils training. 
First yrs are not all 16yr olds like other upper schools as NBS cater for those intending to pursue the Jazz focus from the outset but everyone has an assessment and interview at the end of their 1st yr to assist them in selecting the correct focus to meet their skills, abilities and of course future employment in the industry. 
What also sets the school apart is the one day only audition process. Dates offered start on Nov early Dec then start up

again late Jan. No recalls, no finals. Letter arrives about a week later. There is the option to be considered for a DaDa for funding and that does require a wait until all auditions are completed. 
Pupils live off site in one of the many Halls offered by Uni providers nearby but don’t worry as the providers do not mix the NBS pupils with Uni students in their flats. There’s also a small proportion of pupils across the year groups that commute in as they live within the Greater Manchester area.  
There was an announcement recently by ICTheatre who is the parent company that owns NBS that they had been confirmed that they can now offer a Degree along with the Diploma. Which would certainly bring the fees down for some in line with other degree courses. Whilst this isn’t probably available for the younger pupil it should mean that there are more DaDa’s available as the older pupils could  select the degree course if the school retain the same amount if DaDa’s. But this is all fairly new so plenty of time to see what happens.

DD graduated July 2021 so we’ve now moved away from school life and now gaining our experience and knowledge of the audition process & working within the industry. Which is another experience entirely. 

Any questions please just ask. 😊  

On 08/11/2022 at 07:37, Howdoyouknowwhentoquit said:

Good morning

 

I’ve been searching through the boards for help with homesickness and found some really useful threads but some of the experiences feel slightly different to ours and I’m not sure where to go from here. 
 

My child (MC) has started vocational school this year (year 7) and is really struggling with homesickness. The first 3 weeks we nearly threw in the towel but MC although feeling very unhappy wanted to carry on trying. So we persevered with a compromise of coming home each weekend to begin with. We’re now into the second half of the term and although things are improving very very slightly (from my point of view as MC has control of their emotions more now and isn’t constantly sobbing and begging to come home) they are nowhere near settled yet. 
 

We are now not picking them up for the first weekend (wish we’d done this last term as it feels as though they are starting from the beginning) as a bit of a make or break because weekly boarding is not feasible due to the distance and because it resets the clock every weekend with the homesickness. 
 

I appreciate all of this probably seems normal and what others have experienced however the bits we’re struggling with is that they cannot find any positives about their days at all. They like the school but don’t seem to love it. Currently they aren’t looking forward to the dancing or academics and certainly not the boarding so cannot see how to stay positive about it all. 
 

They are disappointed in themselves because this has been a dream for a few years and they worked really hard to get to this point and don’t want to give it up and regret it but just want to feel happy.

 

I don’t know if the not looking forward to it is normal because the homesickness is so overwhelming or if it’s an indicator that it’s just not right for them? 
 

Another kicker is that their roommates seem settled and happy and they can’t help but compare themselves. 
 

We’re taking it a term at a time and I’m proud of MC that they continue to be brave and persevere but I genuinely don’t know what to do next to help them.
 

Any help or experience of whether this is normal would be greatly appreciated. 

I’m so sorry to hear about your experiences. Have you spoken to staff at the school just to ascertain if there is an issue either in the classroom/studio or even the meals served & friendship groups etc, homesickness symptoms can manifest itself to be a reaction to other factors. The biggest cause for many is lack of sleep. It’s like a slow burn they just don’t recognise how tired they are. Once those factors can be ironed out it’s a way forward 
My DD was older when she went away but struggled with what she thought was homesickness in the January term after being home for the holidays.  The school recognises that Sept then Jan of the first year are always the trigger points for potential homesickness. 

Instead of bringing her home again for the weekend (she would have had to fly back as we don’t live on the mainland) I travelled up to the school and checked into a hotel nearby for the night. She stayed with me. We visited some places in the area. Walked/talked/slept and ate out. Just Sat mid morning returning back later on Sunday evening. She still says now it was just what she needed. A good nights sleep just recharged her battery. It was like flicking on a light switch. Came home a few weeks later for 1/2 term full of life. (I also supplied her with her favourite homemade cake). 
 

Tired hungry children are never a good mix.

The other option to consider if at all available….. 
If you have contacts with another parent in their yr group maybe they might be in a position to pop in one weekend and take their child and yours out for the day if school allows it. Might just be enough to help things ticking over until the end of term. 
 

Rest assured if that is such a thing, Homesickness is perfectly normal at any age when being away from our home.  

Best wishes. It’s just a small paragraph in chapter for the book of our life. 
 

1 minute ago, Cabbie said:

Hi there, I am after some advice please. My child is hoping to go to Northern School of Contemporary to study an undergraduate degree course next year. They are also interested in The Place etc. 

 

However, they have always had a back up plan of pursuing an academic degree if they don't get in. Is it possible to apply for both avenues this year, or do they both have to be done via UCAS so its one or the other?

 

Hope that makes sense...

 

 

Hi.   Very valid question. 
 

Do the two vocational establishments request applications are done direct with themselves or via UCAS? 
 

If like a few vocational colleges they request application via UCAS your child can still apply for both on one application then add 3 unis for the academic choices on the same application form as there’s space for 5  choices.   
 

If it’s direct to the school/college then there’s nothing to stop your child completing their UCAS form with 5 Uni’s of choice and applying direct to the colleges in the usual way. 
 

Just ensure you meet the necessary deadlines for whichever route you take. 

Good Luck.