HowMuch!

2 hours ago, TinyNEDancer said:

That’s good to hear, thank you @HowMuch! 😊 
 

Pleased you enjoyed it. Is your DD/DS applying for the CAT scheme? What age do they apply? Do they have an expected/minimum grade? Thank you! 

The earliest they can apply is Yr5 to start when they’re in yr6. No expected/minimum grade as they’re looking for potential but from the look of the girls today most were grade 3 and above. It feels very different to their associates where they’re looking for strength and ability. Last year DD got to finals for associates but was advised to reapply when stronger, she wasn’t old enough for CAT then so we’re hoping for success this year. DD is hoping for CAT! 

24 minutes ago, TinyNEDancer said:

We were keen to go to this but had exam coaching classes she couldn’t miss last weekend, and the exam today!

 

Hopefully we can get there next year 😊

I would highly recommend going next year! It was a lovely day.

Today was great! Was anyone else there? Xxx

9 hours ago, Streetdancer said:

Oh I see ha ha! Yes it's confusing. You don't have to be at G5 standard for RAD Inter-Foundation either. The only requirement is that you're at least 11 when you take the exam. Dance schools will all have their own approaches to this though.

It’s mind-boggling at times! 😂 DD does open classes at northern as well as RAD classes locally. Local class starts inter found at G5. From what I can tell, at Northern they will give that guidance at the end of this academic year. I’m in no rush for her to start IF though, I’m just pondering over what the journey may look like over the next few years. 

@Streetdancer
On second thoughts, am I confusing their Inter foundation associates with RAD inter foundation? I hadn’t realised the two had the same title! How confusing! I meant RAD inter foundation which I’m assuming they would need to be at G5 standard? 🤷🏻‍♀️

1 minute ago, Streetdancer said:

My DD only took her G3 in year 7 so I wouldn't worry! She had already started RAD Inter-Foundation and pointe classes but there isn't much pointe work in the IF associates. There were a few sessions in the spring term where those already on pointe brought their shoes and those who weren't did centre practice on demi-pointe and the boys did strength work. 

 

It's true that DD does some steps (is that the right term?!) at Northern that she hasn't come to yet in the grades but it's not been an issue. 

That’s good to know, thank you. X

12 hours ago, Streetdancer said:

Just to add a couple of things from my DD's perspective - she auditioned for year 7 two years ago. The first audition was very relaxed and she came out feeling very confident. It was a marked contrast to her RBS audition! The final audition felt higher level but still a positive experience. There were around 25 in that one. She didn't think there was much testing of flexibility.

 

Inter Foundation is also a class of about 30 but made up mostly of just one year group (year 7) so statistically it may be a little easier to get in at that point. By the time you get to Intermediate there are two year groups mixed again (8 and 9).

 

Hope that helps.

What RAD grade is expected for inter foundation? My DD is year 5 due to do G3 exam this summer and move up to G4 plus pre-pointe in year 6. I’d expect her to stay in G4/pre-pointe for at least 18 months so I’m guessing in year 7 she’d still be G4/pre-pointe. I’d like her to get in inter found at northern when she’s old enough but I’m wondering if she might need to already be at G5/beginner pointe level??? 
 

Or am I over-thinking it all? 😂

1 hour ago, PutYourBooteesOn said:

It's a y5-6 class and there's about 30 of them in the class. Many but not all were new in September. I think there's more y6 than y5. My DD Is in y5 and there's a few of them but it's not 50-50 

That’s interesting to know. Thank you. 

1 hour ago, PutYourBooteesOn said:

 

Their annual highlights for 18/19 said 307 auditioned, 66 given places with 48 being given associate places and 18 CAT. 

I wonder how many of the 48 given associate places were for junior associates? 15 children maybe? 

10 hours ago, Creakingstool said:

 

The cupcake went down very well!! A really good morning visit, I found it really informative and everyone seemed very friendly and helpful.

My DD is hoping for cupcakes at the CAT day next weekend! 😆

My DD auditioned last year. The preliminary audition was just like a class, she came out saying it was really good fun. She got through to finals where they went in as one group of 50 I think. They did a warm up then split into groups and some did flexibility stuff whilst the others danced then they swapped. I can’t remember much more than that . DD said it was still good fun but finals felt more serious and more tricky. She got a no but loved it so is keen to try again this year! 

11 minutes ago, PutYourBooteesOn said:

The CAT open day was brilliant last year.’  They watched company class, miss Cara taught the children in a fantastic class and they had q&a with company dancers. It was a great experience. DD is a JA this year and very keen to join the CAT programme next year now shes old enough. 

It sounds like a great experience. X

11 minutes ago, Jan McNulty said:

From Instagram it looks as though there are going to be some very delicious cupcakes available!

 

 

We remember these from last year! Delicious indeed!!!!

12 hours ago, sunrise81 said:

Never went to the CAT open day. But my daughter is on the scheme in Level 1.and loves it. Miss Cara is fab, so they will have lots of fun I'm sure. 

My DD remembers Miss Cara from the open day last year, she’s so engaging! 
 

12 hours ago, Creakingstool said:

Hi. My daughter and I are going over tomorrow for the open day but looking at the associate scheme rather than CAT due to where we live

Have fun today, we went last year and my DD enjoyed every minute. The CAT day sounds amazing this year too. My DD is a little anxious about the workshops/classes but I’m sure she’ll love it.

And, thank you everyone else too! 

Hello lovely people, are any of you going to the upcoming CAT open day? Or if anyone has been to one before and knows what the classes will be like?

All great ideas! Thank you all so much!!! Xxx

11 hours ago, Crystaltips said:

Northern Ballet do open classes for young people aged 8 to 16. It’s also worth asking to go on the mailing list to get early notice of any workshops that they may be putting on. Also why not watch a few professional performances? Always very inspiring and now is the time. It becomes more of a challenge to fit in as your dd gets older and busier.

She takes classes at Northern Ballet so hopefully we’d find out about workshops there. Thanks. 

I have mixed feelings about this, but as lots of dance schools unofficially use the terms ‘high merit’ and ‘high distinction’ anyway then perhaps it makes sense? 
 

It does makes me wonder about how the children achieving a ‘merit’ would feel. That band would then feel quite low and disappointing. BUT the merit marks are so broad that perhaps those getting a ‘high merit’ do need that recognising, as do those ‘high distinction’ wow marks? 

I’m feeling very similar feelings at the moment. I think it’s the time of year - hearing all the excitement of friends going to JAs and getting CAT places doesn’t help (although I am of course very pleased for them!) along with the miserable weather, coughs and colds! 😤

My DD had a no for associates and it feels like we’re at a standstill. BUT, after some excellent advice and kind words on here I realise that it’s just a lull in feeling ‘busy’ - it feels like we’re getting nowhere but actually the strength and technique my DD is building now we’re ‘back to basics’ is hugely valuable. After lots of focus on auditions, shows and exams before the summer, I’m taking a step back to appreciate the calm!

27 minutes ago, Pixiewoo said:

How old is your DD and which 'bit' of Yorkshire are you looking in? 

 

However, I agree, it is hard to find workshops etc in Yorkshire! We tend of hear of local dance schools having a 'one off' workshop with a particular dancer, or a day to learn XYZ, but there doesn't seem to be any easy way to find them! 

She’s 10. We’re near Leeds. It feels like there should be loads of opportunities but my searching leads me nowhere. X

These are great ideas. I’ve had a search for workshops but can’t find any around Yorkshire - perhaps I’m missing something? 
 

It was a busy year before the summer with shows, auditions and exams so it does feel strange to be back to being a ballet-taxi! I should definitely make the most of the calm whilst I can! 😁

Thank you for these replies. I’ve got 2 left feet so I’m not sure taking classes myself would be a great idea! 😂

I need to take a step back and let things flow. Audition season will come around all too quickly! 

Hi All,

This is a bit of a fed up post. I’m feeling a bit disheartened and in limbo and like nothing much is moving forward for my DD. I think it’s because of the ‘not yet’ for associates followed by this year being one without a show or an exam to focus on. Maybe it’s just me and autumn/winter blues. Maybe it’s just that last year was so full of dancing events and this year is about upping her hours and focus. Either way, I feel a bit like there’s something missing.

I’m not sure what I’m asking? I just needed to say it. Plus, I’m very aware that she’s ok and perhaps this is something about me rather than her? 
 

Thanks 😕

I had wondered about this which made me think sticking to Phoenix and/or NSCD would be good options. I think we might wait a year though, she’s still so young. 

Thanks for the replies. I think i’ll look at options and see what fits around her ballet schedule. It might be worth waiting until she’s in year 6 maybe, dependant on how the next round of auditions go.