balletbean

Cold wash, non bio powder/liquid on a quick wash. If only worn for one hour lesson then you could get away with not washing them every-time. They are a pain and I don't miss those days. Good Luck.

There's a lovely biography just posted on a FB page today. Which surprisingly when reading the article the lady in question, attended not only my DD academic school but also the same ballet studio taught by the same teachers as my DD. Albeit a few years back. The lady started ballet at 14, applied to RBS at 16. Was accepted. Graduated from the RBS, employed continuously with different Ballet Companies around the world for 8 years. Whilst in the USA performing, she started doing research about attending Medical School (her second passion whilst at school) and to retire from ballet. Sure enough she completed some further academic exams (USA equiv to A levels) was accepted at Medical School and has started training to be a Doctor. Actually taking her entrance exams sandwiched between two performances of Swan Lake! Fantastic story to all budding Ballerinas but who may be bouncing between 2 possible career choices. You can have it all.

Totally in agreement with you. It's also a great opportunity for children to meet and experience the standard of other like minded children. So easy to get so wrapped up in their own 'bubble' mixing with the same children week in week out. helping towards confidence in an audition situations a later date. Also if, like my DD are are considering a full time place some time in the near future, a SS is a brilliant introduction to life at a school. Something that a prospectus just doesn't show.

Interesting that no one from Russia made the cut. I wonder how that news was received

Plenty of time, they don't need breaking in, just ribbons no elastic and NO darning. so all good!

My DD wears Grishko soft blocks which are also called pre points. Apparently she has wide feet (G fitting) but narrow heels and they fit her really well. Same size and fit as her Grishko Pro 2007. I was confused as well as she did not need them for IF but now needs them for Inter. Thought it was a bit in reverse!

Good Luck on your fund raising. If you haven't already checkout with your local authority as there may be Bursaries, Trusts or Private sponsors of the Arts that may be willing to offer full sponsorship or at least a contribution in return for some advertising i,e wearing a hoodie for the duration with the sponsors name. I have heard of airlines offering financial support with travel arrangements. This summer an airport even offered a contribution for some competing teams in an overseas dance comp. RBS (if you dig deep enough on their website) have a template of a letter to use when seeking corporate funding and media (radio and local newspaper) support incl guidelines on points to include in any correspondence. Fingers crossed for you and the girls.

Have you tried YouTube?. I know there was a BBC series on life at Elmhurst. Maybe of some use or search long enough there could be something on WL. Sounds like a lovely story, good luck to your DD on her project.

If the studios are closed over the holidays, how about some freelance Pilates to ensure your DD stays supple. Also very good for de-stressing for that GCSE time. Many Voc schools incl Pilates in their syllabus anyway. Not forgetting a little amount of pointe work, even if it's just gentle feet exercises at home en pointe.

May I suggest, pop into a local cosmetic depart store with your DD. The staff on the counters are generally very helpful (and free) for their suggestions and may teach you on the art of eyebrows without the 'scouse brow' as its referred to! Clinique are always very helpful.

I skipped the public transport and hired a car! Obviously not practical for teenagers. I did obtain a quote for a taxi from Glasgow airport to BW in case my DD was travelling on her own. At the time she was only 13 and an inexperienced traveller. £130 one way for one taxi (not per person). Driver would be in the arrivals hall at the airport, all drivers (firm I recieved quote from) holding full police checks incl Child protection etc. Drive is just over 2hrs without stops. Much quicker and direct than public transport but obviously more expensive. Challenging

Central School of Ballet is 5 min walk from Farringdon Underground Station on the direct train from Gatwick, one stop before St Pancras Int'l. Not sure how international Gatwick is from your location. The other consideration, thinking completely outside the box. Glasgow Int'l Airport! Maybe daft but the train from Glasgow would take the girls to Taynuilt or a coach to BALLET WEST. Full Board accommodation provided (£580pw) and the SS has 4 weeks on offer so a student can select their own weeks, anything from 1 to all 4 for the overseas. If taking the train, I know the school offer a pick up service from the station to the school. Pastoral Care is outstanding, from personal experience. Deposit on application full payment in May. Maybe worth a look. But obviously all subject to where the students are flying in from understandably.

Hi, When you say a scholarship, is that because the students will be funded from their home to attend a summer school or looking for a SS that offers a scholarship? Not really up to speed with all this funding business. So I thought I would ask, if that's not being too personal. Thank you

Welcome to my world, where even a litre of milk is £1.12! Thanks folks for the info, I was just curious.

£114 with all the bits and bobs. Not forgetting the wet afternoon snuggled up in the living room darning the pointes!

£52.00 in store but online Pro 2007 were advertised for £42.95 online. Then £42.95 for a pair of demi/exams Is this kind of mark up the norm?

Morning all, Just interested to know the price of Grishko pointe shoes in specialist dance shops around the country (£) rather than online. Obviously they are the one item that really can't be bought online but I think I've just been stung at a local dance shop. Or is it the norm for such a markup compared to online prices? Thank you

At least with BW, a deposit is taken when booking. Then final payment is in May. With the option of 1, 2, 3 or even all 4 weeks if you wanted to. Spreads the cost slightly. But you do have to factor in Travel costs as BW is located in the most stunning but isolated location.

I read it that way as well. CG accommodation is optional. As the students are obviously older they could source Hostels or commute in everyday if they lived close enough or select accommodation at RBS CG. The choice is theirs.

No personal experience of the school however I do have at a personal knowledge of DDI and DDE. The qualifications on offer at 6th form level, these are not performance qualifications but focused towards a teacher training qualification. Therefore may lack the contacts in the industry for graduates if focused on performing. Obviously nothing will prevent any graduate from any school auditioning for a performing career. Moorland School doesn't offer a Dip or BA in performance unlike other vocational schools. No DaDa and/or other funding probably available either as it appears to be a Private School. But that is obviously a personal issue for each family. It just all depends on your childs' focus and chosen career path. The choice out there is overwhelming as there don't appear like for like schools to compare. Not even ENBS to RBS offer the same qualification.

As I live on an Island, travel (expensive at that) is just a way of life for us residents for whatever reason we choose to travel Business, leisure, health) unfortunately. So I can certainly relate to your issues.

I'm with you on that one Sherbert. However I can understand the initial sharp intake when the price is seen on the screen. It's a bit like price of school uniform when bought all in one go, it can challenge most budgets but when broken down in to the amount of times worn over what period of time, it works out quite inexpensive. Just doesn't feel like it at the time.

Nor have I, I was just curious when trawling through the application forms for the different SS and the questions that they were asking. Would love to know how any of them actually decide from photos and a piece of paper of who should get a place!

Maybe try asking at a sports shop, they might just be prepared to give/sell one of those plastic swimsuit display hangers. Manager/Supervisor might just think its like a regular coathanger you are trying to obtain. You just never know, no harm in asking.

Having experienced both of my younger childrens' academic schools activity week (£) this SS actually appears quite reasonably priced. It's the world we now live in, doesn't mean I agree just nothing surprises me any more. Sadly.