balletbean

Congratulations, love to know your final decision. Wow, What a position to be in!

The human body evolves as well over the decades/centuries. Look at what the famous dancers from history achieved and what they are capable of producing now. Just like ballet costumes have changed and adapted to meet the needs of the modern dancer both on stage and in the studio. The same could be said for the top athletes. Usain Bolt is one example. Roger Bannister was a hero breaking the 4 min mile, the world record is now smashed with the record set at 3min.43.... I'm sure that when our children reach our ages and look back there will be yet more changes.

Thank you, we were actually advised against applying for ENBS and RBS due to the unprecedented demand for places. Needless to say, I was the rebel and didn't listen!!!. Which has fortunately paid off. Still walking around in a daze. Good Luck to everyone else.

I will definitely second that BlueLou. Festival/comps are great performance and networking experience. However, the results are very subjective. Unlike exams where there is a strict criteria to meet. The adjudicator has free reign on his/her decisions. The confidence you will gain from these comps will however shine through in the studio and the audition process as and when that happens. Festivals and comps are an enjoyable way to breakup your standard dancing timetable but don't let it take over your day to day training. It's those lessons that will help you reach your goal.

Hi, Just received an email from Elmhurst SS, its was an outright NO. I am just curious of what they look for in the application. I submitted the same photos of my DD to them as well as ENBS and RBS. ENBS was a yes and RBS was a place on the waiting list. Can anyone shed any light? Absolutely delighted with ENBS just interested as this is the first year of applying. Thank you

Apologises, I think I must have read it wrong. Thinking it was the closing date rather than just the "early bird" date. If that is the case when do they finally decide on places? and how are we notified? Thank you This is what I have copied from the website application forms:- To secure your £25 discount, completed forms and photographs (including passport photograph) should be returned by Friday 3 March 2017 to: As there are no auditions for the Summer School you must submit the required photographs – including a passport photograph..............

I know it's far too late now, but the odd thing was that the website stated 10th as closing date but clicking on the actual application form revealed two closing dates:-. Lower School 10th but the Upper School 3rd March. Are the results sent by email or regular post? Thank you

Hi, My DD was offered 1 & 2 for Course A, Now trying to source (affordable) accommodation. Sorry can't help you on the other issue of waiting lists. Totally new to all this.

Morning all, ENBS Course A (15/19yrs). Advice/information would be appreciated. 1) Any successful recommendations for Self-catering accommodation that previous students with a guardian have stayed at during the course. Trying to book and would like to stay within walking distance of the school. 2) I understand we will receive info closer to the date but would appreciate, again from students with experience, what an average day consists of. An example of a previous timetable would be fab. 3) Will there be strict list of 'uniform' requirements sent out of just a guide to clothing/shoes and equipment needed? 4) Is there a canteen/cafe at the school or is it brought in packed lunches? And anything else that could help both my DD and I at the mo. We are obviously delighted with being offered a place but sought of left in limbo until June when further info will be sent out. Thank you

I agree with your sentiments 100%. There is a recent story which I have previously posted on this forum but is so apt for this post I thought I could repeat it. A past student (of my DD's dance school) started ballet at 14 attended RBS at 16, graduated and spent a very happy 8 years performing professionally. Whilst on tour with Swan Lake in the USA she studied to convert her English academic qualifications to be recognised by those in the USA and then went on to pass her medical school entrance exam (between matinee and evening performance!) she commenced her training as a Doctor last Autumn. The mindset of a ballet dancer is hard work and dedication, which is exactly the qualities that are transferable in the medical world. There is always a place for ballet in everyone's life. And you don't have to compromise with one for the other. You can have it all just over an extended time scale... A great story to share, especially with those fathers that have reservations about their children pursing a performing arts career believing that, that will be the end of that. It doesn't have to be. and definitely no "What if Mum and/or Dad had let me" ringing in or ears....

I appreciate your comments, however, a school or individual may not have the budget to fund solo entrants into exams. As well as the examiners attending a venue for just one candidate. There are logistics involved that have to be taken into consideration beyond the actual student concerned.

Bellatrix, There are some lovely 'summer schools' around the country offering anything from pure ballet to jazz to MT courses. Some residential many not. Maybe worth considering, this way it also gives your DD an idea of the standard out there away from her own little dance bubble. Which is so easy. The bigger schools have already passed their closing dates but many others offer first come first served. It's a great opportunity subject to your own personal budget and family commitments. I'm sure that others on this forum could offer suggestions on summer schools, once they know where in the country you are. Good Luck because once they are hooked on SS they will be booking their own return ticket the following year.

I wish her well and hope she is enjoying her time at MT college. As you said the college is actually the easy part. So many now have said all those graduating need to have a Alter Ego. One for home and friends and one for the audition panel. Some open auditions have been likened to a 'cattle market'. Graduates have to be prepared both mentally and physically for the knock backs. They can come thick and fast. Ruthie Henshall wrote a fab little paperback a few years back. "So you want to be in the musicals" Easy go to read and a handy reference book as a student progresses from regular dance schools then auditioning for a college and then the big wide world of the Performing Arts and beyond. Many points covered are relevant even for those pursing the classical route. Fingers crossed for them all, braver than me that's for sure

Ps Instead of editing my lost post again. Just for a point of reference for later on, depending on where your DD wants to take her dancing ie Career choice. Application forms for Vocational Schools and MT colleges ask for Grades ie Pass, Merit, Distinction. They don't ask for the mark within the Grade. Sadly it is then hard to distinguish between one point inside a merit or one point away from a Distinction on the form that counts. Possibly worth considering when making any exam decisions. Good Luck.

Just double check the cut off dates for exam entries at the dance school, my DD's entry forms are currently being completed for June/July exams Edited to add: All lower RAD lower grades on average work out on about 1yr training at regular ballet schools, Grade 6 and above can be about 2yrs similar with the 'Major' exams but some can take longer, depending on how they adapt to Pointe work. Not everyone transitions well, some take longer. Taking the extra time can be worth it. For the sake of a few months could be the difference between a Merit and a Distinction. Best advice is ask the teacher.

Hi, Just out of interest have you researched the marks that the students are awarded both at your DD's current dance school and the new one that you are looking at?. Taking longer to take an exam can show in the higher Marks awarded. As they say it isn't a race, any additional training at this age is no bad thing as it strengthens the girls ankles and improves their technique and prepares for the next grade up as it isn't just about knowledge of the syllabus but the strength and technique. These skills will come into their own as your DD progresses to the magic 11/12 years old and transitions on to Pointe. I wish you well and I'm sure you will make the right decision for your DD, my youngest DD moved dance schools at a similar age, she was placed in age appropriate Grades but as she was the youngest in the academic year it was challenging for her and she gradually has proved herself slowly over the years and was then was asked by her teachers to attend additional classes with the year above as well as her own. I took a step back, so the move was decided upon by her teachers. The raff of teachers as a result of a parent approaching them regarding their child can be challenging especially when multiplied as there could be up to 200 pupils attending the one dance school. Which I'm sure you are not but there are plenty out there. The teachers can only take so much! It's also lovely for your DD to be top of one grade rather than joining another grade mid year and be at the bottom, does nothing for their confidence and self esteem. Any move is best timed when the new school has just taken exams and all pupils in the class are starting a new syllabus. Good Luck with whatever decision you and your DD makes.

Thank you all. The Baking soda has certainly made the black stains paler. The audience won't see, from their seats. Job done. Next job..............

Thank you, they seem both doable options. Nothing to lose at the moment but anything that will dull the black heels will be an improvement. Thanks again. Off to rummage my cupboards for Baking Soda

My eldest DD has graduated from MT college with a level 6 Dip, at the open auditions she has never been asked about her qualifications they ask for their headshots and sometimes their CV. If graduates want to work in the performing arts world then their skills count but also their look, height even hair colour etc. A Dip qualifications no matter who they are accredited to, doesn't discriminate. Auditions can and do. One girl auditioned as a blond and when down to the last few even offered to go brunette (for the part) within the hour if it meant her getting the job!. It is harsh but it is a reality. I know of a few girls and boys, that are the most talented of dancers both classical and MT but have unfortunately had to withdraw from professional performing auditions etc after graduation, purely because of their height (5ft on a good day) something beyond their control. The constant NO's were not paying the bills. One girl who managed just a few months of a 3yr Dip course at an MT college, disliked it so much, attended an open audition one weekend. That was 5 years ago, she is still working for the same company that she auditioned for moving up from a general company performer to a soloist singer and dancer. Gaining experience and skills through sheer hard work, determination and proving herself to the dance company. There are so many examples out there. Other points to consider, looking a bit further than the Dip v's BA. What does the Establishment offer for post Graduation support. Do they invite agents to the college, do they help their students source work either performing or teaching, do they prepare them on the basic everyday requirements of working within the industry (searching for auditions, Tax, Health Insu, Equity registration, DBS check for teaching etc). A student may have a BA but studio and classroom qualified or a student with a Dip but armed with full knowledge of the industry, performance and is 'street wise' of the industry. If you get my drift. Now that really was a disjointed rambling reply to the OP. Too many cuppa's but so much I have learnt since my daughter left the confines of her academic school and entered the world colleges and the performing arts industry. Some of which I wish I had been told or knew of beforehand. Good Luck, at the end of the day, as parents we can only do so much, the rest is up to our dear precious children PS Just to add if a student has qualified with a Dip then decides to change their career later on and goes down an academic route. Some funding might be available for a BA but not another Dip. Depending on the authority you come under.

Morning folks, Sunday Morning Project. It's show time and my daughters well loved Pointe Shoes are very black on the heel. Re-darned the toes so they look clean. Obviously unlike flats where we would just buy a new pair, this is just not practical with Pointes. How do I clean the heels? Calamine hasn't worked. Dress Rehearsal tomorrow EEK Thank you

Can I just add on from your post. CDET is also important when trying to secure funding. My local authority will only use the CDET list of approved colleges and vocational schools when they are considering Student Finance request. E.G;- Elmhurst and ENB are on the list but RBS isn't!

Fingers crossed for you, as a parent we all feel so helpless. At least a grazed knee we can stick a plaster on it and kiss it all better. Migraines aren't so easy. Hope you enjoy the extra show.

Wow, now that is what I call a happy ending. Ps Just to add to the many helpful comments. My son also suffers from migraines.(13yrs old) No known triggers etc. However, I did ask my GP the mechanics of a migraine (what is happening inside the head etc). The pre migraine symptoms are as a result of the blood vessels constricting and then when the full migraine kicks in with the headache it is caused by the dilation of the blood vessels and the increased pressure in the head. With this knowledge I found it helped me as a mother I had a greater understanding of how he felt and how I could care for my son. Ibuprofen when symptoms start and hydration, sleep (if possible) and if the headache kicks in then apply ice pack or chilled wet flannel to forehead and/or back of neck can reverse or slow down the dilation of the blood vessels. Thus at least reducing the intensity. It certainly doesn't cure a migraine but can go someway to relieve the symptoms slightly. The flannel/icepack is a useful tip to have especially if you are caught out away from home or even when your child is at school and ends up in sickbay.

Hi, I'm just curious when you mentioned Chester House. Cris Penfold indicated that he was trying to secure that accommodation in time for ss 2018 incl the staff/chaperones etc. Unfortunately, for this summer he just sent me links to other accommodation in the area but without any chaperones, resulting in parents having to stay. Sadly this is what stopped us from booking. Will be more prepared for next year though. I appreciate things may have changed since I received the last email and Chester is available this summer.

Thank you Fingers crossed for others waiting to hear.