balletbean

Shocked and happy all rolled into one. First time ever applying;- Waiting list email for RBS SS on Friday Offer of a place at ENBS SS today. Head is all over the place, have to put the kettle on and sit down.

More commonly known as 'speed dating' teaching style. If, it's like many schools, you will only be allocated a 5 minute slot to speak to a teacher. Take a note book and pen, preparation is everything. You should also have the opportunity to meet the academic teaching staff and discuss that aspect of your childs training/education and not just her time in the studio. Depending on the age there will also be the subject of GCSE's to discuss. For the first one may be just listen to what they have to say rather than any direct questions unless it's as a result of what they have directly said. Making a quick note at the time helps, then if you do have any questions later on (always happens as you walk out the door!) you can always send the school a short email. Most if not all would be happy to answer any questions that you may have. Time is limited on the night and they don't appreciate a parent 'hijacking' a teacher for longer than the allotted time. Main thing is don't worry, take it all in your stride, it may take a few of these Parent evenings to get into the swing of how the school works.

Sounds like you had a fabulous time, and very proud of your DD. Fantastic results, even sweeter when not expected. Congratulations.

6 girls I know from our area were delayed for 6/7 hours getting to Move It on a day pass for the Friday (fog). But one stayed for the weekend. Was 'scouted' and handed a golden ticket to round 2 of UK Dance Elite competition. Totally unexpected but gladly accepted. Sounds like an amazing event. Hope that everyone else that attended also had a fab time.

That's interesting to read how others apply calamine. I've only done it by tipping bottle straight onto a cotton wool ball/pad and gently dab over the shoe. Applying 2 coats with time to dry in-between. Soft ballet shoes are stuffed with a sock to push out into shape covered in the same way as above and left to dry, the sock can be washed afterwards. I'm sure local chemists must think there is an outbreak of chicken pox when stocks run low, not realising it is festival or exam season.

Hi Liv56, Thank you for the info, however, I feel (may have to be corrected) that all auditions for Sept places have already taken place. Many of the SS application dates for a selective place have also closed. You may wish to consider a SS placement at some of the other reputable schools either all classical ballet or those offering a Jazz course. These SS's are invaluable not just for the teachings nut also to help on confidence and also a greater indicator for yourself of the talent out there and prepare you for the audition season ahead. We can all get so wrapped up in our own little local bubble that it is hard to appreciate what is out there. SS helps us with that. There are day courses and also full time residential. I'm not UK based so only know of the obvious more Nationally known courses but others on this forum with better local knowledge could probably offer some suggestions. Or buy (subscribe) to Dancing Times publication. A great read that also carry many advertisements for Full time, Associates, SS and Workshops. Good Luck

That's a relief, Thank you, it's been bugging me on the correct title of a 2 degrees studied at the same time.. Sad, but I just couldn't think PS It's a age thing......

I totally understand and sympathise with you. Not knowing what is for the best. A couple of things to finally think about, 1) Nothing is set in stone, I have known enough students that swap courses once they have arrived at Uni, the staff appear to handle this with ease and treating it all as if it is the norm 2) Gut instinct, by your daughter. What and how did she feel about the Uni that she has decided on? You won't be able to answer this and neither probably will your daughter be able to explain it. It will be that instant feel that she felt about a place. My daughter had it when she auditioned. having visited 3 different colleges in a week. The final one we hadn't even been to for an open day and least researched because of the timing. We arrived and we can't put our finger on it, she just said that she felt she was at home! The instant calm within the college. Another one we had visited the open day, researched the course, college and city, ticking all the boxes on paper. Went to the audition, I left her there for the day and I felt unsettled all day. She arrived back at the hotel, and then admitted to me that she would have difficulty if she was offered a place as she really did not like it. Just that gut feeling again. So that is all I can say, research, discuss and talk about the different places but at the end of the day just step back and let your daughter decide. After all she will be the one living and breathing the course and the other students for the next 3 years. Good Luck and I wish her well

Hi, I'm probably a tad late jumping into this thread but thought I would just add my experiences to the mix. My DD considered both MT colleges and Uni's to study Dance, when applying 4 years ago (just graduated). The most noticeable difference between MT colleges/vocational schools compared to Uni courses is that there are far less hours of studio time for a Uni student. Any additional studio time comes at the students own expense and time, which would not be factored into by tutors and the work demands of the course/degree signed up for. The Uni's also appear to lack the contacts within the industry and agents if your DC is considering the performing route into the industry. However, the Uni's do appear to prepare their students for working as a teacher and/or the business side of dancing. It all boils down to what career path you wish to follow. Please don't be concerned about changing your mind as you continue your studying. I know of one girl who only completed 6 months at a reputable MT college, disliked it so much, went to an open audition and has worked continuously for the same dance company for 5 years. With no help from anyone. Have you considered a course that offers 2 degrees (can't remember the official word for it). eg Geography as the main degree and an additional course in Dance. Manchester offer this type of degree I believe. It allows the student to study a very generic subject widely accepted in many careers but with the additional qualification to teach Dance of whatever genre is preferred. A happy mix of the two. A current pupil at my DD's Ballet School is in that process at the moment. It appears to be an excellent compromise for those that love dance but may not want to follow only the performing route but want to open up their employ-ability and keep their options open for later on. Good Luck, it's not easy and as parents we all would love to have that crystal ball to see into the future to help us help our children make the right decision. It's not easy but worth the research and throw in as many options as possible to consider. PS Not too sure if you are now running out of time for Uni applications for September 2017. That can only be answered by making calls to the individual Uni's as the official dates may be close but if there have been less uptake for some courses they may extend the application dates for an individual.

Morning, To help with the answer to your post, what age, grade, when and location for the child or yourself that would like to audition? If that all makes sense. Thank you

Morning, I don't have any experience of Elmhurst but do from MT colleges. DD and her friends auditioned for as many as 4 colleges within a short space of time. The letters then arrived a short while later. On many occasions the teenagers were accepted at all 4 colleges. Each establishments will then in turn ask for confirmation and deposit to be made within 4 weeks of the letter to secure their place. As none of these colleges are in consultation with each other they have no idea that a student has multiple offers. Audition timescales tend to overlap across all the schools/colleges. Then the fun begins, trying to decide which of all the colleges/schools they wish to accept. Then they have to decline the offer made by the other establishments. Or the parents have a change of circumstances and hard decisions have to be made as funding cannot be secured or even an injury/illness prevents the child from accepting the only place offered. There can be so many reasons for a child having to decline a place. A college/school may then revert back to their 'waiting list' (some may just have NO list they revert back to) and then they write off to those children to offer a place. After all these schools and colleges are a business and can't afford to run on half a class just because the offers were not accepted. Hopefully, this may answer your question. Being offered several places is not that unusual.

Having just looked at the website, it said that confirmation of places will be made within 4 weeks of closing dates. See below (copy and paste from page) Applications are now being accepted and must be received by the following deadlines: Summer Course A: February 10 2017 Summer Course B: February 24 2017 Applicants will receive a reply from us within four weeks of the above deadlines. Hope that helps

If it's anything like my DD Ballet school. ASK your DD's teacher for her preference. It will be your DD's teacher that will be checking the shoe before you will be allowed to sew on ribbons and darn the toes. This could result in a very long expensive return journey for you if you do decide to travel outside your area for your DD's first shoes. Especially if her teacher decides that the shoe is not right. This does happen. Once they have become more established en pointe then you may be allowed to shop around. Many manufacturers of Pointe Shoes have been in the business far longer than any of us being involved in Ballet, including their makers. Just because one maker is not suitable for one dancer does not mean that the shoe is no good. Just like street shoes bought from designers/manufactures as varied as Clarks or even Christian Louboutin not all size 5's shoes fit size 5 feet. PS Their is a link on Google of images of feet and the names that they are given depending on the shape of the toes. This may give you some indication of the kind of box you may be looking for, but apart from that you have to trust the trained fitter and teacher.

Cris Penfold who organises the SS has been out of the country attending Dance World Cup qualifier in Russia. He was very friendly and supportive when providing details of accommodation on offer. Unfortunately, we eventually had to say no to the SS. The courses on offer are fab but without chaperoned/supervised accommodation the SS works out very expensive for us (incl flights) as I would have had to stay in London all week. DD is 14. However, Cris did say that come next summer ('18) they were hoping that the accommodation used by full time students and the House staff maybe available for the SS. We have friends that are in the industry having attended other colleges/studios and ALL of them recommend LSC not just for SS but also for full time training. I think that can be one of the best recommendations there can be. Research also shows that pupils that Graduate from LSC are gainfully employed in many productions incl WestEnd. The holey grail for nearly all performers. PS If your DD does attend this SS, would love to know more afterwards. Hoping to get there next summer. Thank you

ScottishDancerMum, Sorry can't help you on any Canadian National Dance as I really don't think Justin Beiber quite cuts it!! lol Would love to see one though, how about Regional rather than an actual National dance but still unique to Canada and its history. My DD's school, have always stuck to European National Dances (close ties to RAD). Other festivals may also use this as their benchmark. Different local schools in my area have only ever entered Highland (Scottish Dances) in the National section. Love to watch the diverse dance styles from across the world. Dance World Cup is a wonderful opportunity to see these. Malaysian were wonderful and the standard was amazing. Many costumes are stunningly beautiful and VERY VERY expensive to replicate due to the intricate embroidery. Hence why those European dance choreography tend to be held within the schools archives and rejuvenated on a rota system and who ever fits the costumes in store!. Groups or solos. Happy hunting/research..

Greek tends to have it's own class should it be included in a festival. Last summer was the first year that Greek was included in the Dance World Cup. It has unique choreography and style. Whereby Canadian National dances, Hungarian, Romanian etc all come under the banner of National. Unless Scottish or Irish have their own special class in a Festival then you can enter Scottish in the National Class. Again with so many variations in Festivals you (or the teacher) have to read the small print. Acro is another one, some acro moves can be incorporated into Modern/Jazz/Contemporary or even Tap Choreography but in limited amounts and only where appropriate. There have been too many cases or cartwheels and aerials appearing in nearly every routine. Song and Dance also has it's own rules ie % of dance to singing etc The other thing to consider when entering classes in a festival, as few or as many as your child or your budget will allow is that sometimes to be eligible for an overall Trophy that takes aggregate scores into account. Our local festival states " 3 solos one of which must be ballet" is required if a child would like to be considered for a particular Trophy. This award is a lovely bonus as it could mean that a child that did not win a class but scored highly in 3 may well have accumulated enough points to win a Trophy at the end of the Festival. Again it all boils down to reading the small print. Good Luck have fun

Can I just jump on to this post. The other item to consider/research on are the adjudicators that will be at the festival. What are their specialties? Do they have a strong swaying towards a particular style within a genre etc. I know of one adjudicator who was also a Greek teacher/examiner. She favoured Athletic Greek rather than lyrical Greek. Certain competitors were automatically set at a disadvantage. Shouldn't really happen but it does. Also consider the music. many adjudicators that follow the festival circuit may have heard the music again, again and again. Select something slightly different which will get them to sit up, wake up and watch!! Good Luck

That's lovely or hear. Can I ask which vocational school your daughter attended? Thank you

Hi, Just out of interest, how much does it cost to hire a tutu? Thank you

Hi, Some good suggestions. However, the application process closes at 5pm today!! EEK.

Hi, Just wondering if you were using a Lloyds card to make a payment. I had an issue with my card, totally unrelated to RBS but still related to a school. Maybe a bank IT issue rather than RBS?! Hopefully all sorted by now

Hi. DD took IF last July. Ballet full sole pink satin ballet shoes with ribbons Plain black cotton style leotard with belt. No mesh or embellishment. Thick straps preferred. Scoop front/back. Hope that helps.

This subject on home schooling is all very interesting, can children that are home schooled access dance lessons during the day rather than crammed into the evening like those in regular school? Or is it just done to eliminate what is seen as unnecessary curriculum associated with academic schools. Also, in my area to access funding for Uni and Performing Arts Grants, students have had to have obtained 5 GCSE's Grade A* to C, how would that work with home schooled children? There doesn't appear a way to escape the 'norm' that the Government perceive as being an education. Any parents out there that did home schooling years ago and have watched their children train and enter the 'adult' world without the recognised 'normal' GCSE's would be interested to hear from them . I'm even beginning to worry about the change from A to C.... Grades to this new grading system of 9 to 1 and not sure if establishments will understand the new system. I think I am the one that needs an education

Thanks Jane, Very interesting. How would that work when applying to Vocational Schools for post 16 training when many establishments require the standard GCSE qualifications to enable to dancer to study Dip in Theatre Dance/Modern Ballet/Professional Dance or even the BA(Hons) equivalent? The UK are still so very focused on a square peg round hole type of education. If you get my drift.

Out of interest, how does home schooling work in the UK. I'm only aware of USA home schooling. Does a home schooled student still sit regular exams and how do you source home schooling material or do you employ a private tutor? Thank you