balletbean

Thank you Peccopa for your reply, Any information/experience is never too late to share with others on this forum. We are all here to learn from others that may be a few months/years (or more) ahead of us in the 'journey' through life as a parent. I have learnt so much as a parent from my eldest 2 ready to take on board for my youngest 2 children. As we love to say 'hindsight is a wonderful thing'. Thank you once again and good luck for your new adventure in America

Thank you for your response, you may find the transition to vocational ballet schools if you are studying RAD, as this appears to be their bench mark on most application forms. On average from research (as my DD is currently in yr10) and other posts a prospective student should be taking at least 8 hours minimum ballet lessons a week and additional lessons of contemporary/modern for flexibility even pilates if possible. Not forgetting the all important Pointe lessons. Stamina and technique is what you have to aim for. Like others have kindly mentioned, I also feel a long talk with your ballet teachers and parents (if you haven't already) to discuss your hopes and dreams. Ballet Teacher to guide support and nurture your passion and skills, your parents as they will be footing the bill amongst other reasons!! One good option at this stage is to remain at your academic school as you are so close to your GCSE's and have probably started the subject syllabus. Other schools may follow a different exam board and would impact on your studies and your predicted grades. Focus on that along with your ballet lessons and consider your options at the end of yr11 (post 16). That way you will have a good few years and exams behind you and will have a clearer view on whether you are ready mentally and physically for pure classical ballet only or attend a college/school that offers ballet as a core subject but supported by other genres along the route of Dip in Theatre dance or at post 18 a BA(Hons) in Theatre Dance. That way it would hold more doors open to you for your career path Good luck and would love for you to keep us all posted on your future decisions.

Hi, Just wondering at what Grade you are studying at present. That may give a greater indication rather than age. Have you taken any exams RAD or ISTD in the short space of time? Thank you

Some very valid points made in your post, However, the LAW in the UK would prevent any pupil from even considering leaving school before they are 16 (with or without GCSE's), even if a contract of employment was on offer. There would be no choice to be made.

Hi, Just a thought, have you tried the regular childrens' stuidos? In my area adult classes are openly advertised but when contacting the school or checking the website it becomes apparent that adult ballet classes are available. Maybe the same practice exists across the pond Good Luck on your search. I'm sure there is a class out there to meet your needs.

Would love to know the outcome, after you have had a chance to compile the results. If possible.

Many of the SS have specific closing dates for applying of which some dates are in January so don't hang around on your research. Others are first some first served basis. My advice is, don't hang around and think 'I will do that next week'................. Good Luck

Completed on behalf of my dd

League Tables and funding issues can be a big reason for academic assessments/qualifications. The other reason is that any pupil at a vocational school or college will have essays, projects etc to complete for their Dip or BA(Hons) requiring a certain level of education. Not matter how focused a pupil is to pursue a dancing career the adult world still revolves around your academic qualications. Love it or hate it. It's reality we can't avoid.

Hi, According to their website 'only under 16's have to be assessed academically'. However, if a student wishes to take AS levels Tring also stated that the student has had to obtain a B Grade in the subject at GCSE. On that note I would suspect that they would expect students to have at least 5 GCSE's A to C Grades but as we all know those grades won't be known until the August, just like all other applications to 6th Form colleges there can be a last minute reevaluation of subjects to be chosen for AS levels. Hope that helps.

That would be me!!

Thank you, I also find it so claustrophobic having attempted that station at Christmas time without luggage was enough to reduce to to a wreck. Trains are not my thing at the best of times. I shall definitely take the walk in future. With or without luggage

I will totally agree with you on that one. Social Media not helping either with endless images of very young girls exhibiting over splits, tilts and whatever they call the most recent popular 'trick'. Missing out on the importance of good solid technique and musicality.

I must admit that Ballet West can be top of the list as THE most challenging of Ballet Schools to get to but the effort is well worth it. My daughter felt like one of the family, so caring to all students of all ages. Mixing with those students training for the Genee was very inspiring. We hired a car after flying up to Scotland and enjoyed the most stunning scenery en route.( took longer than google maps stated as we kept stopping to enjoy the scenery! Absolutely breathtaking) I do know that BW can offer a pickup/dropoff service from the train station, if arranged in advance. My first taste of Scotland and looking forward to the return trip. PS To be fair on RBS, Covent Garden isn't exactly easy either. Having experienced Covent Garden tube station without luggage was a challenge in its self, let alone a dancer for a 1/2 weeks stay with all her belongings!! They do not travel light, bless them.

BlueLou, Ballet West is great, my DD loved every minute of her week there back in July. Some of the girls have now set up now a chat group as they are planning to return next summer. Such a friendly family atmosphere.

I loved it, but for someone with theatrical background (me) watching a programme with a title of "behind the scenes" I would have liked to see more and hear more about the real behind the scenes incl the costs, metres of fabric for costumes and budget, shoes, cast size, staff behind the scenes. Even the orchestra. What it actually takes to put a ballet together for its opening night. Who makes up a ballet company from the youngest member of the company to the soloists themselves incl the hours put in. And not just a biography on the SPF as fascinating as it was, without the rest there would be no RBC and the Nutcracker.

Hi, Just seeing the age of your eldest have you thought about Pilates (promoted by many vocational schools). There should be classes in your area for all abilities. Pilates is well known for strengthening core as well as improving stretch. Many sports halls, community halls, village halls and schools hire out their venues for independent instructors. Hospital Physio may also offer names and contacts. As long as they carry the necessary qualification and Insurance it can be a fun sport to get into. Especially with upcoming GCSE's it can be a welcome de-stress time. Welcomed by many academic teachers. It's also a great bonding time as you could even take the classes with your DD (if it doesn't ruin her street cred! lol) The skills and technique she would learn from Pilates can be carried on when she leaves school should she go away to Uni or into adult life and continue to offer her support with her scoliosis.

Thank you Anna C, kind words are always appreciated and readily accepted. Merry Christmas

I'm pleased that you have been able to have a chat with your DD. I appreciate that we want whats best for our children, I'm just a bit concerned from the way I've read the post (I apologise if I've read it wrong) that time with friends (online) and TV incl extended bedtime is only on "condition that she tries hard in class". If dancing is her own true passion then no conditions should have to be attached to lessons/training. She is still so very young. By the very fact that you have started a dialogue with your daughter (always a good thing) and hopefully will continue as she grows and develops and her chosen vocation/career path becomes more clear to her. We can only guide, nurture and support but not decide for them, frustrating as it may seem at times. I do wish you and your daughter well

Hi I would just like to add, that if your DD was placed in a lower grade with younger children, please remember that steps/technique learnt in the lower grades are carried over and improved in the higher grades. Without solid foundation and knowledge the higher grades may become more challenging than they need to be. There is no criteria (until the voc grades) that exams have to be completed in a particular order. But strength and technique needs to be gained as from 11/12 girls start going on to pointe after attending regular classes over a period of time. A fair compromise is to take lessons in a lower grade until the class take the exam then hopefully if all goes well slot into the right age group when that class start a new syllabus/grade after an exam. So she won't feel so much in a 'catchup' mode. Good Luck

Thank you, I understand it slightly better now. May I suggest you sit down with your DD and ask her if this is to be a career choice or a hobby choice? I appreciate it is still very early for her to make such a decision but it may go along way to gain an understanding of how she is approaching all these lessons. How are her academic studies? Will she transfer to senior school like the UK at 11? She may wish to reduce one or two of the lessons and have some free time with her school friends. Excessive tiredness can lead to possible burnout even at just 10 years old. Sometimes allowing a break can help a child get off the 'treadmill' for a while and assist in making some important decisions in their life. There is still plenty of time for a young child to climb back on but with renewed energy and focus. Hope that helps. The poor assessment as you mentioned could just be a frustrated teacher expressing her opinion for a pupil that she sees great potential over and above the other students in the class. Wish you well.

Hi Missfifi, Can you just clarify the schools your DD attends. I am a tad confused how she can attend 2 schools one being vocational. I appreciate that you live in Spain so education/training is different to the UK, hence the reason for clarification. Incl how long has she been at the vocational school? Thank you

I can totally sympathise with you over your frustrations. I had similar experience for my son growing up as he was passionate about horses!! All publication and clothing was geared towards the girls. Even though there are more boys that work professionally within the Equine industry. Definitely worth an entrepreneur moment. Good Luck.

Done on behalf of my DD

Just adding on to my last post about additional expenses How many pointe shoes on average do the girls get through per term at Vocational Schools? Do the schools arrange fitting/supply etc then send you the bill or pupils just pay there and then? Trying to work out how to keep up with the demand if not arranged 'in house'! Sounds simple but pointe shoes aren't like buying yet another leotard or tights etc Thank you