Splitz

That's what I was thinking! Seems like an awful lot of kids to audition for I imagine only a handful of spaces.... So there are 2 groups - JA1 and JA2? I guess each year some stay in JA1, some move up to JA2 and some move on/leave, freeing up the spaces? The problem with going along 'for the experience' is that dd now involuntarily has her heart set on it ... Hopefully it'll ease off over the next few weeks!

My dd also auditioned yesterday in Birmingham for yr 6 and enjoyed it. Came out with a smile on her face which is always a relief! She said one lady on the panel was smiling all the way through, even while writing notes Curious about the groupings - when we arrived the previous group had just finished, they looked slightly younger - yr 4/5s maybe? But then the group that arrived after us (for the 1.30 slot I guess) also looked younger but with a few bigger ones amongst them... Were they all auditioning for yr 6 places yesterday I wonder, or a mixture of 4,5,6...

Haha I've just realised why I couldn't see the new dates on the website - they were from last year! When we did it, it was mostly weekends, only had to ask for one afternoon off school, classed as off site educational activity or something. School were supportive (but then she was only 8!)

Thanks Lemongirl for the heads up but I can only see Wolverhampton and Southsea in 'future audition dates' on their website - am I missing something? My DD did EYB a couple of years ago. She was only 8 so it was quite full-on and tiring for her but she loved it and it really fuelled her love of ballet and performing.

You could give them a ring on Monday - there's a voicemail option that takes you through to the Registrar. She was very helpful.

Hi Following this thread with interest as my DD will also be auditioning for JA - Yr 6 in Birmingham (for either B'ham or London place) next week. She knows her chances are slim (flat feet!) but she wanted to give it a go - and enjoy a day off school We are hoping to apply for Elmhurst but having problems pinning down dance teacher to help with the photos. (It's hopeless me trying to take them... blurry/unflattering/dark/ photo-bombing little sister...) I've emailed them to check about the deadline - I guess they just keep taking in applications till they are full.... Btw thanks for all the statistic info. On their YouTube video, RBS also mention 14% chance...

Thanks for your replies. 9.30am class would make for a very early start our end - breakfast in the car! Guess DD can audition anyway and if she's priveleged enough to get in, and really wants to do it enough (car sickness an'all;), it would be a real missed opportunity so i'd grin and bear it Photos - good idea to send selection! - but aren't the photos just a guide so perhaps 1st position/bras bas won't matter that much?

Hi I am assuming it is simply first position with bras bas and second position with arms in 2nd position... Can anyone tell me if the classes in Birmingham are every Saturday or if there is an option for fewer/alternate Sats (like RBS)? And also what time the Yr 6 class starts? (Can't find mention here on forum, and have tried emailing/ringing the Registrar but it appears she is away). My DD would like to audition for Year 6 Birmingham but I'm concerned about the logistics - we live 2 hours away - I can't imagine driving 4 hours every Saturday (should she be lucky enough to get in), plus DD gets car sick...! Does anyone else do this?? Thank you

I just want to say thanks for all your comments and advice, particulary about the value of hard work and determination for those without all the 'ideal' physical attributes. (I can see it in my dd in fact - by doing her foot exercises every night, she is already showing this determination and willingness to apply herself, which will no doubt stand her in good stead for the future, whatever happens.) And we are very fortunate to have a supportive, intelligent and level-headed dance teacher!!

Hello everyone, I've recently joined the forum too I'm just returning to Pixie's original post about whether her DD should audition despite low arches, and whether it is just setting her up for failure. I could have written exactly the same thing - the only difference being that my DD's teacher hasn't suggested she audition for JAs, precisely because of her feet (despite seeing overall potential.) DD would still like to try 'for the experience' for Yr 6 place - which her teacher is supporting - but I think DD still also has a glimmer of hope... It's lovely she is so positive but given statistics, competitiveness and teacher's opinion, I am not so positive, and not convinced there is much point going through the whole JA audition process! However, I do want to encourage her of course, and I don't want to make too big a thing yet about her feet not being 'right' (she is only 9) - I worry that she will start to resent them, and outside the ballet world they are good functional feet! But that's the nature of classical ballet I suppose, with its specific physical requirements. We will probably audition anyway, for the experience and seeing as she's keen. I suppose I am after the same reassurance as Pixie and wondering if anyone's DC with less than ideal feet has been successful at RB / Elmhurst etc? Following a regime of exercises perhaps? Or feet have changed as they grew? DD does do exercises set by her teacher, but I wonder how significantly her feet can be improved 'enough'. I suppose only time will tell... Thank you!

Thank you. I've been finding this forum so helpful since we started out on this 'journey'!

Hi there This is my first post My dd took part in these awards last year. It takes the form of a ballet class in front of an adjudicator (much like an audition). Children are split into groups according to grade. My dd was in the Grade 3-4 group. The parents can watch the class, then there's a short break and the awards are announced. They pick one winner and two (or maybe three) commendations based on technique, performance and musicality. They can win trophies/bursaries/vouchers etc. It was initially a bit nerve-wracking for dd (she was one of the youngest and had only just started grade 3), but the teacher was so friendly and gave such a lovely class that she definitely enjoyed it. It was all quite gentle as competitions go. There was a mix of standards, I'd say. DD wasn't out of her depth, despite being new to grade 3. Hope that's useful!