Dancer's Driver

Hi, My DS has been offered a DADA from Tring. It's all he's wanted for 3 years (non vocational at moment) but we are trying to work out how much it will actually cost us to make sure we can find the balance from somewhere. DH is self employed so don't have any income figures yet for 2012/13 - business has been so variable in this climate - very frustating as won't know proper offer amount from Tring for ages and still may not be enough for us to afford it but probably too late by then to cancel without paying a term's fees in lieu. Catch 22. Also waiting on Central results which we probably won't know before Tring acceptance date - 3 April. Student Loan's are done on last year's figures which is more sensible so loan/grant figures should be out quicker. Feel very fortunate indeed to have actually been offered a dada this year but the headaches don't end there unfortunately. There were several WL boys at the dada audition & I expect they'll get offers from several places. Its her life - maybe phone Tring to see if DD is no 2 or 22 on reserve list. I'm sure they'd understand.

As a very general rule this "multi-tasking" business seems to expect dancers to have many skills, supposedly to be more employable in an ideal world. Forgetting finances just for a moment :- So (aside from dancers on a "ballet only" route at RBS etc ) do you think it is better for eventual employability to - at 16 - keep a broad education going in several disciplines at schools like Tring and then maybe go on do more specialised training afterwards at 18/19 in say Ballet/Contemporary or MT and then get into work (if possible). Or go to straight to schools like Central & Rambert who seem to be training their students to go into companies after the 3 year degree courses and not really to go on to further training.

Dans-Ez have their factory in Kent - maybe they might do a special order ?

Waiting too - they're cutting it fine. Haven"t slept properly for days !

Is food included there or extra ? Hyelm seems a long way away but the bus journey is easy & it seems a nice area - a help when dc is only 16.

Yes, DS is going to Elmhurst and Central. A no for ENBS though.

Thanks everyone

Does anyone know what is expected for the DADA or MDS audition at Tring ? Is it a ballet class ? Do they do the solo again ? Do they need another solo/monologue ? Have Tring audition Tues but only a week before DADA audition if lucky enough to be recalled.

Thanks Lildancer96. Well - we've had an income estimate form with Finals letter also asking us to confirm DS attending. Now had a medical questionnaire for parents to complete, general questionnaire for parents to complete and one for school Head to complete, to be returned before Finals. Wonder when medical will be required.

A bargain it may be but the Doctor has never actually done anything except have my DS sitting in front of him - no examination, blood pressure check, nothing - so £20 just for a two second signature is a pretty good hourly rate ! I'm more than happy to ensure that my son is fit and healthy before moving from state school with dancing/travelling on top to full time vocational training and I even accept having to pay for the medical - I just can't afford to pay twice or three times if all the schools ask for different tests. When is the detailed Elmhurst medical requested ? After finals if a place is offerred ?

Thanks ballet0, I think I'll type out a 'cover all bases' sort of letter for Doc to sign then, based around the Rambert questions, and hope for the best ! Rambert don't mention Finals so I'm presuming they decide on the one audition.

We've been asked to provide a Doctor's Letter for DS to take to Rambert 6th Form Audition stating that he's fit to undergo dance training, what surgery he's had if any etc etc. He's had medical forms signed before for performing licences & Doc usually charges £20 (for a 2 second signature). My question is - if DS is lucky enough to get to any more finals (already has Elmhurst) will all the schools want a medical or letter from the home Doctor ? Or are auditionees seen by the school medics ? Or both ? I just don't want to steam ahead and get DS an appointment for the Rambert Doc's letter if I will need letters for the other schools and will have to pay each time. Thanks

Does anyone at ENBS know if the boys' accommodation is similar to the girls' ? DS auditioning for 2013 / 14 courses and living arrangements are a huge concern for us as he's not really very streetwise (always dancing so no time to go "out and about" ! ). Is accommodation arranged through the school once any offer is accepted ?

Has anyone's DC joined this ?