balletbean

Please move to another thread if this post isn't quite in the right place: Just still on the subject of the 14/15/16 year olds (yr 10/11 at school) of those not at a Vocational School yet. With such a demand at Vocational Schools for 6th Form entry, how many auditions will they attend? When, as parents do you sit down with your child and have 'the talk' , ie, auditions are not going as planned or for financial reasons (eek, dislike that thought entirely) ? Has anyone got some really useful info/experience if they have entered vocational schools for the first time at 6th form level? A levels or not? Any regrets not taking them or were successful in obtaining their A levels AND maintained their training at Vocational Schools, some appear to offer A levels some don't! Any experience from those that attended Conservatoire of Scotland or other establishments on a Modern Ballet programme after completing their studies (A levels) at their academic schools, incl those outside the UK similar to a Uni entry? Do you have a Plan B in place? For multiple reasons, the obvious one being injury but also illness which might put a halt on career their choice. or again that horrible £££ reasons! Just trying to gain as much knowledge about the whole training programme available out there. Thank you PS Oh, the last, when at a vocational school what are the extra expenses (£ guideline) do we as parents have to factor in that aren't incl on a prospectus. ie uniform, shoes, costumes, theatre trips. exams or anything that I haven't even thought of over and above the general living costs that you expect for students at any college/uni? Can't seem to find any useful info . Thanks again

Thank you atthecrossroads. One of the issues is that she turns 15 just a matter of days before. When I spoke to the lovely lady she focused on her age at the start of SS. Also can you tell me anything about accommodation you used for the SS. Thank you.

Thank you, I will give them a ring. It's just so strange that there are a few SS and in fact Easter courses aswell that seem to have a gap between courses for abilities. Ps Edited to add:- Just spoken to a lovely staff member at ENBS. Just suggested to submit the application form with photos and the Dance Director will decide on photos alone, whether DD can join the older age group. AirBnB was mentioned for accomodation options besides hotels. The school are currently in negotiations with local hostels that their full time students use term time to see if they might be available for the SS students. However, no supervision/chaperones would be provided. A tad worrying considering the age of some of the SS students attending.

Morning. Just a quick question as you mentioned your DD is 9. Does she turn 10 before next summer for the SS? A bit obvious but had to ask.

My little issue is that my DD turns 15 just 13 days before the start date of this SS. Having taken her IF this summer the lower group would not challenge her but then her age would send her into the older age group, however she is now Interm and Adv Found. Not studying Adv1 like the requirements as stated by ENBS. So stuck in the middle of 'no mans land' just like so many other SS. Just don't know what to do for the best and obviously mindful of the additional costs relating to accommodation, meals incl packed lunches. Any suggestions would be helpful. Thank you

There is a box to tick on the application form if 'require help in finding accommodation'. So I presume its not residential.

Thank you, that has been very kind of you to get involved. I very much appreciate your support.

Do you have any experience of the SS? Especially for the 14/15yr olds that fall between to the two courses. Any info gratefully received. Thank you

Comments from eldest DD who performed on the main stage last year whilst at MT college. Any classes run by Ryan Jenkins is ideally suited for the younger teenager. (ie 14yrs and under). Do not leave booking for classes too late as they do sell out fast. Do check each individual class for their levels as there is no generic age/standard across the classes. Some classes are even listed as "open" so no level is set. Well worth a tour of the Voc school/college stands. DVD's played and reps available as well as teachers from the individual establishments. Give yourself plenty of time to visit the stands, write down any questions that you may have to ask and then to compare against different schools as you won't remember after. Printed prospectus are available to pickup. Closer to the time a full running order would be available for the performances on the main stage. Get there early if you want to be close to the stage. "Move It" memorabilia incl stands by Pineapple and Bloch etc so take your wallet with you. Fantastic atmosphere well worth a visit for any budding dancer across all Genres. DD loved every minute of it, fantastic atmosphere and thoroughly recommends going.

Might be a tad late, just thought I would add to your question regarding Birds and other similar colleges. 16 year olds can only study the Dip level of qualification. 18 yr old applicants have the option of the Dip or the BA(Hons). Hence the reason I believe that so many continue with their A levels and apply at 18. Thus ensuring a backup Plan B is already in place. I know that Birds like to see the post 16 boys auditioning to be physically developed in their upper body strength due to the partner work on the course. That info was hot off the press from 2 weeks ago during a recent audition by a friends son. As far as employ-ability goes I don't think there is a huge difference between the Dip and BA qualification at open auditions. As the director/audition panel don't tend to look at the CV (qualifications) just headshots and how the candidate performs on the day. It all depends which path you wish to take your career. I know quite a few that hold the Dip and BA qualifications. Many have been very successful with just a few gaps in employment since graduation. The only overwhelming comment made by those that went to MT college at 16 is that they wish they had taken their A levels. Now they are approaching their late 20's some are embarking on distant learning which is challenging to balance, work, training and studying along with the costs involved. Hope that helped a little bit

Emma Northmore on this forum appears to be the 'go to girl' for all things audition related. Incl photos Everything from hairstyles, leotards, incl belts and shoes. She also runs audition master classes. Maybe worth dropping her a line. Ex ENB and Elmhurst

Update time; After the initial prompt reply from Olga, sadly I have not had a response to the video they requested. The video was for them to decide which group my DD should apply for. That was over a week ago. I think this may be a non-starter.

Two friends auditioned for Birds last week and unexpectedly received a YES on the spot, before they even left the studio! I feel that the audition day is exciting as the adrenaline kicks in and it can be treated as a stage performance. The waiting game for a result is a whole new experience and very challenging on the old nerves!! Good Luck, I wish you well, with fingers crossed for a successful outcome.

Good Luck Armydancer, exciting but also incredibly nervous times ahead. Fingers crossed for you.

Morning all; Update I saw the post from DWYH on the 29th Nov. Having never heard of the business before but trust BalletcoForum. I ordered a skirt late last week, fantastic service, beautiful fabric in colour/ quality and delivered promptly. Thank you Would totally recommend the skirts for any budding ballerinas. Seasons greetings one and all

I think you have nailed it BlueLou. I was fortunate to watch an international dance comp this summer for all genres. MT genre was nailed by Team England across all age groups, however when it came to Classical Ballet no one could touch Team Portugal for the under 12's incl the boys. Outstanding and mesmerizing the standard at such a young age, however in the top age group I believe (if my memory serves me correctly) the winner of the Ballet solo was a delightful dancer from Team Wales.

That is so lovely to hear, great for your mum as well as the pupil. Brilliant advertisement for her Ballet School

Just out of interest, When you say 'larger numbers' what sort of numbers are you referring to? Thank you

I had no idea, I honestly thought each school would match the needs of their pupils. Something new learnt today that's for sure.

I can understand you frustration, I did not realise that you had to look in your local area for classes, I thought that your DC's current non vocational school would offer the lessons for the grades as and when reached. I had no idea that anyone had to 'shop' around. I have so much to learn. My DD must be in a fortunate position that her non vocational school adapt their timetable for the higher grades each exam season. Nothing is set in stone but changed to meet the needs and numbers of the pupils on the register for that year. At present there is a cluster of pupils studying Inter/Adv1 foundation. The timetable will again change after the exams have been taken. These higher grades hasn't occurred for quite a few years and may not happen again for some years due to the demographics of the pupils. Good Luck on your search

There was a policy for a couple of 6th form schools, can't remember the exact ones but I think Rambert was one where a UCAS application form had to be sent AS WELL AS individual application forms to the recognised schools. May be worth double checking their policy in case it is a simple admin error. I know previously some have missed out because of this simple error. Good Luck

Ballet Central School run a SS. 5 mins walk from Farringdon tube station. They offer suggestions for accommodation, it's not a full residential SS like others. So there maybe potential to be a day pupil only Maybe worth a look.

I can see there will come a time that Adv2 and Solo Seal will nearly become obsolete. BW definitely enter their students for the exams but any regular ballet studios (not Vocational schools) who follow the RAD syllabus will be losing their talented Ballet pupils at 16 for Voc Schools. Thus those pupils will have run out of term time to take these exams. Without a suitable amount of candidates each year RAD may have to change their policy. Unless Vocational schools worldwide are the ones that follow RAD syllabus. Making up for the shortfall in UK candidates and then making up most of the entries into the major competitions already mentioned. Hopefully that makes sense.

Good Luck Anondancer_15, hope all goes well for your audition

I had a reply within a few hours, very impressed. Olga asked for my DD's video to assess my DD's ability. The issue lies with the fact that we haven't prepared a video yet as we weren't sure about whether to apply or not. Only have the usual photos. Just waiting for another reply. Don't really want the hassle to set up video and studio time if the course is a non-starter. Waiting for another reply. Ps I understand pupils need to be challenged but I also don't want DD to feel intimidated and overwhelmed. It's difficult. Might not go any further............