balletbean

This is all very interesting and I'm following this feed. We live in GB but not classed as the UK (similar to the I.O.M) . So no funding eligible through the Gov scheme of DaDa's. However, we have our own funding system then classed as overseas students (for uni's huge fee hike) not sure on UK Ballet Schools. Anyone from the EU has the right to work here but we are not free to work in the EU as of now. Something which might affect all UK dancers in the future. Will be following that with keen interest. One thing to secure a place at vocational training school for our children and with all the stress with the financial commitments involved but then the job opportunities when they have graduated is all so overwhelming. Is it best just to take on step at a time (en pointe, obviously) then worry about jobs later on down the line. Since no one has any answers at present.

Hi all, I just thought I would add my feedback to a SS that my DD attended back in July. Ballet West in Taynuilt, Scotland. The most outstanding stunning location for a school, tucked in the back of beyond. Rather challenging to access though but that was a small price to pay when you have a school set in the most beautiful grounds. Residential course with all students housed in safe secure accommodation on site. The over 15's in the chalets on the very long drive. The younger children shared rooms within the main house. All meals were served up in the main house. With wild deer seen trotting across the drive way! The teaching staff were outstanding, the care and pastoral support for all was amazing. It was my DD first residential trip without her fellow school friends with her and the support was so reassuring. Only a phone call away. Lessons were held in large purpose built bright and air conditioned studios set with in the gardens. Focus on ballet but also included Jazz/Contemporary. Age and RAD grade appropriate with a parents review at the end of the week. A few of the full time students of the school were also in attendance as they were rehearsing for the up coming Genee but were just included in the review pieces at the end along with the other SS students. Would recommend anyone to consider this school for summer 2017 with 4 weeks on offer. A couple of overseas students stayed for 2 weeks and were cared for well by the staff when the gaps in the SS dates meant the school was otherwise empty for the weekends. I was amazed at what all the work that the students presented at the review with out and instruction or prompting by the staff. Certainly one to consider, my daughter can't wait to return. Even though it took one flight and a 2 hr drive to get there!!

Thank you everyone for your contributions. Information much appreciated.

Hi Snowflake, Sorry, just picking up the thread now. Interesting with what you said regarding soft blocks for RAD Intermediate. My DD took her exam in July in regular canvas ballet shoes with criss cross elastic then just a small amount of pointe at the end. The most expensive 10 mins of my life £70 for the pointes!!! Grishko all the way though. Local supplier is the best as when you do have to replace them you can't just order the next size up on line. The box width can change bulk buying is also not advisable at this stage either. Hope your DD has enjoyed her first week back at dancing.

Thanks Jane, I shall have a go. I'm a newbie, as of Thursday to this site so still trying to find my way round it. Give me a pair of pointes to darn and I'm there give me anything IT and I'm lost! .

Thank you. The reason for quoting "Russian Ballet Method" is that is what clearly is stated of what is taught at the LRBS. Nothing more was added. Trying to complete research on as many schools at possible, before any decisions are made. Getting very confused and overwhelmed by it all.

Hi all, There are plenty of ballet dancers out there that only entered vocational schools at 16 and have gone on to make a successful career. From experience and research attending a lower school does not guarantee being able to "graduate" on up to the 6th form. At 11 no matter how intensive the training and how well a child does at exams Mother Nature can cast a wicked blow. Two acquaintances of mine had this happen to them, barely reaching 5ft 1at 15/16. There was a BBC Wales also a series based at Elmhurst as they followed 4 children at different ages. From yr7 upwards. Unfortunately for one young lad at 16 he hadn't grown. Beautiful talented ballet dancer. The Director stated to camera "******* is a stunning dancer but we would be doing him an injustice to keep him here for 6th form with the hope that he grows. The best thing we can do, which is incredibly hard as he is so talented is to let him go and allow him to audition at other schools (i.e MT)." His honesty was quite refreshing. talent and previous training unfortunately (if you know what I mean) is not always a guarantee. Mother Nature has the final word.

Speaking from personal experience with my eldest DD who has just graduated but from MT college. Spread out the dates if possible. My DD ended up having 3 auditions in 10 days all requiring slightly different solos etc ! Just as the snow arrived! Not a good start. Manchester, Liverpool and London. We don't even live in the UK so for costs we thought an extended trip was a good idea with flights etc . No No No, physically and mentally exhausting. On the bright side the letters arrived home the day after we did. No waiting for the postman.

Ballet taxi jump in, no problem at all All in this together. "Can I jump on this request and ask for any advice for Rambert and Bird too please if at all possible. (Hope you don't mind balletbean - but it's just all too confusing and hurts my head everytime I sit down with DD to look at this.)" From experience, attendance at the summer school preceding application can go along way for a successful audition. A student at my daughters dance school recently attended Birds summer school, was awarded a scholarship for next years summer school. He will be 16 this Nov and will have auditioned for a full time place before the summer school . Another well known soap star from the same school "walked" their audition (by all accounts) by attending the summer school a few years back now. Not saying it's a guarantee but evidence appears to prove it certainly can't do any harm. Gets the student seen and for the student to give a more relaxed performance at the audition. School familiarity for one.

Hi, Russian Ballet Method, how does this method compare/work for a potential student that has only ever studied RAD up to and incl Advanced Level? Currently researching Vocational Ballet Schools for post 16 training. Thank you

Taxi4ballet you are a star. Thank you. Must get off line as my darlings expect me to conjurer up a meal from my kitchen and at present that isn't going to happen. I shall have a go tomorrow. Very informative afternoon. Thanks again

Hi, Has anyone have any hints, tips, dos and don't's when it comes to applying and auditioning for post 16 Ballet Schools. On the List is Elmhurst, Central, RBS, ENBS and Ballet West. Timeline amongst other things. Thank you

Thank you Taxi4ballet, I feel like a rebel in the camp at DD school, as I insist that my DD has shoes that are right for her and not always seems to be the same train of thought as her teacher, Bless her, love her to bits but sometimes, just sometimes teachers can get it wrong. To be fair on them they teach and not in the industry of pointe shoe manufacture and can't possibly keep up with what is out there. PS How do I copy a previous post or part of it to reply to, like you have? I'm so useless, when I was at school I was doing well if I got in the classroom and bagged the electric rather than the manual typewriter!

That is great to hear, to be offered a couple of places is a fantastic achievement and you are right to be so proud. I shall continue to complete my research but I think Ballet West will remain at the top of our list. I spoke to Gillian at the end of the Summer School. Lovely lady and you can just tell that along with the staff are passionate about what they do but also the welfare of their students. I wish your DD all the best for her new life up in Bonny Scotland. x Ps How long was it between submission of application form, audition then hearing the results? Time line etc Thanks

Hi BlueLou, Still not too sure how to link one post to another without getting lost so any advice gratefully received. I saw that Central offered A Levels but it appeared as evening or weekend studying. From what I gather its at KCC just below the studios. Have you been able to find any details on the additional costs involved? Central appear to have a fantastic reputation, the only negative point I have found upon research is that the studios, because it's an old building are rather cramped, including the corridors. The location is good for us as its on the main line from Gatwick to St P however, my concern is my dear little 16 year old and how she would cope with the chaos of the big smoke. Hence my additional concern that accommodation was provided either on site or nearby which would also mean that there was no House Matron or similar to assist the young students whilst they make the big transition from home to vocational school and the demands of the actual course both mentally and physically. So many questions! So pleased that I'm not alone and starting my research so early compared to others. Thank you.

Thank you Liveforballet, Another question off my list, still unsure about the issue of pointe shoes but sure will get there. It's not like she leaves next week! If any of the schools are like my DD's ballet teacher they seem to have their preference for a particular make of Pointe Shoes. Does Ballet West have a preference? I treated my DD to a hoodie after the summer school and it's the same colour and font of her current ballet school uniform. When are the full time auditions held and how long did it take to receive a reply? What format did the audition take and any other hints or tips would be greatly appreciated. Sorry if this has gone slightly off topic from the top of the page. I'm still learning how to navigate this site as I'm no techie geek. Sad I know. Did you daughter audition elsewhere and how did they compare. I want to offer my daughter every opportunity however I'm mindful of the costs involved for the audition process before we even look at a full time course fees! How much, if you don't mind me asking is accommodation at Ballet West, as in the main house then the house on the drive and then the chalets also on the drive? Was your DD offered a choice, as it appears she would be one of the younger students, I was led to believe that they could stay in the main house. Gosh, I could chat for ages. oops

Hi, Liveforballet. Your post has been most helpful. A Levels was really my focus and was the negotiating point for supporting my DD to spread her wings at 16 and not at 18. This has all been a learning curve for me as I realise at insisting my DD completes her A levels before any further vocational training is not fair on her as it will certainly put paid to her dreams. She is certainly not MT focused unlike her peers at her dancing school. She is out on her own, they are focused on Birds/Laines/Arts Ed etc. This is a brave move but one I totally support. Just getting my head around this A level bit! Ballet West pastoral care during the summer school was superb and I instantly felt comfortable unlike a school in a City but still felt I should complete my research to the best of my ability. With others not providing accommodation really does not tick my boxes. Cannot fault any of their training and I'm not beginning to even compare that part. As far as travel, that's quite reassuring as my DD would need to return to Glasgow airport for a flight home, with the possibility of other students doing the same is comforting. Even if they are not on the same flight! Home delivery service sounds the way to go, it's all these little bits that prospectus for the schools don't say. The other question, if you don't mind. Uniform and replacement items in particular pointe shoes that can't be ordered online. Do the Ballet West organise that aspect, or is it a trip to Oban, if there is a ballet shop there? I tried to investigate the area this summer whilst DD was at the summer school but was in awe of the scenery. It was absolutely stunningly beautiful in July. Interesting and challenging no doubt in the winter months!. Thanks again, this is certainly more helpful that what I had even thought I would learn when joining this site only yesterday

Thank you Liveforballet, My DD attended the Ballet West Summer School, absolutely loved the school and probably would have stayed given half the chance! The stunning location and even the set up for accommodation was spot on. I have a couple of questions if you don't mind as you have now first hand experience. How do the students go food shopping, without transport how do they manage? Not forgetting the slight issue of access/travel when on their own at the end of term. Would love to hear more about Ballet West from an insiders point of view. No matter how many other schools we look at my DD keeps bouncing back to Ballet West, I'm just trying to encourage her to "not to put all her eggs in one basket" and look elsewhere to gain a balanced view and ensure she makes the right decision. My only stumbling block for Ballet West is that the school doesn't offer any A levels and this is what as a mother I really wanted her to obtain, most of the other ballet schools offer this option. Thanks again.

Hi, Still on the subject of accommodation but moving on from summer schools to 16+ full time course. My DD and I are currently researching the ballet schools throughout the UK (RBC, Elmhurst, Ballet West and others), and would appreciate a parents perspective on the accommodation on offer for a couple of the schools, ENBS and Central in particular. Not the "rose tinted" view as conveyed in the prospectus of those schools but the reality of the situation. How do the girls, that have only just turned 16 cope with the cooking, cleaning, shopping, travel etc as well as the intensive/exhausting days that they put in at the studio, coupled with being away from home for the first time? This is all completely new to us, before we even complete any application forms. No point raising her hopes and incurring costs for auditions for some if its a non starter regarding unsuitable accommodation setup. PS, We have the time to take this process slowly as it would be for Sept 2018. Thank you.