TinyNEDancer

21 hours ago, Balletmamatotwo said:

Please don’t worry about her not being showy. I really think the Elmhurst panel can see through that because my DD is exactly the same! That’s why she can’t do festivals or anything like that. She prefers to sit back and watch the gymnastic/acro stretchers and be entertained by them rather than stretch herself. Some of my DD’s friends have stunning classical bodies or are amazing dancers that she’s used to almost not being noticed much even in class, while teachers rave about the others. The good thing about this is that she is overjoyed and stunned whenever she gets yes’s from auditions or when she’s praised  😊 she never has any expectations and so everything she achieves in her quiet way is a pleasant surprise 😊  I actually prefer this because she has no preconceived ideas going into anything, she never thinks she will get places because she is a so and so associate or because she looks like the ideal (because she’s not). She’s the poster girl of “no expectations” 😂 she feels no pressure. Your DD sounds amazing, I’m sure she will get the yes’s she desires and even if for some reason she doesn’t get it this year, it doesn’t mean she won’t ever get it. More importantly, it doesn’t mean she’s less of a dancer than those who get in are (especially in the case of certain scheme!)

I love this. Your daughter sounds wonderful! And thank you again. I’ve just read some of the things you said to my DD tonight and she found it really interesting and encouraging. We’re auditioning in Sunderland so ages to wait until then, it’s not until 22nd June 🙃

7 minutes ago, Balletmamatotwo said:

My DD and I found the Elmhurst YD audition process very lovely, the school has such a lovely atmosphere, not at all daunting. The audition itself my DD found very enjoyable, from how she described it, it sounded like it had so many elements to it that can showcase the strengths of the children. She said it was different from the JA audition in that she felt the panel didn’t look too much at their bodies and she felt like they looked at all the kids, not just a select few. Like your DD, she also just loves to dance and she felt very at ease during the audition. Although something to keep in mind with Elmhurst YD in Birmingham is that quite a number of the kids in each class are also RBS JAs in the BRB centre. I can just imagine how it might feel a bit odd for those who auditioned for both but didn’t get in to JAs, especially since those who are also JAs tend to change into their uniform at Elmhurst after their YD class. For DCs who really wanted both, it might make them feel a bit upset (especially at the start perhaps) seeing a select few walking around in their JA uniform. Like a weekly reminder of an unsuccessful audition. I don’t think this is the case with the other centres.  Ironically I have on several occasions had the chance to watch classes with Elmhurst YD children in them (mixed in with children from other associates) and I must say they stand out with their artistry. 

Oh that’s all super helpful, thank you!! I know it’s hard to truly know at this stage, but the more I read about it the more I think she’s right to have her heart set on Elmhurst. There are a couple of older girls she knows from her stage school that go, & she thinks they are wonderful! Sometimes she gets put in a group with them to dance in a performance, and this is chosen via an audition process, so hopefully that’s a tiny bit of a good sign!

What concerns me as I think it will count against her is that she’s not a showy or overly confident girl. She sits and watches the others leap around and stretch whilst they’re waiting to audition, and it isn’t that she isn’t passionate about dancing or where she is, it’s that her confidence only really comes out when she is actually dancing or on a stage! I also wonder if she gets psyched out by the others in the actual audition, but I guess I can’t change her, bless her! 

I do think (as does her teacher) an audition where she gets to dance more will work in her favour, I hope so anyway. She’s definitely more of a classic ballet dancer rather than a super flexible, gymnastic one 😬

I REALLY value the Elmhurst feedback and tips. Thank you so so much 😊

4 hours ago, Balletmamatotwo said:

Last year my DD auditioned on a Saturday and we received the result email by the following Tuesday (at shortly after half 3 in the afternoon), just 3 days after! Don’t worry too much about flexibility, my DD has non-existent flexibility 🤣 , slim but non-classical body and so-so feet and despite some girls doing acro style hardcore stretching in the waiting area, she was still one of those lucky enough to be offered a place. I would say I find Elmhurst much more varied and inclusive in who they pick - almost a more overall view of the child as a dancer.  It’s not just about the feet, physique or flexibility.  The audition according to my DD last year had a lot more “dancing bits”, jumps etc. She found it a much more fun yet challenging (in a good way) than the JA audition.

That’s really helpful and very encouraging - thank you! I have a DD due to audition for a Y4 place. She has had a few other things/programmes in mind but she’s absolutely desperate for an Elmhurst place!! She’s not as flexible as the competitive stretchers we saw at RBS JA audition, nor does she have their ‘confidence’, she’s just a young 8 yo who loves ballet and wants to dance as much as she can! 

All and any insights into the Elmhurst process are welcomed by us all in this position I imagine!! 

Hello

Has anyone’s child applied for both Scottish Ballet Associate Programme and Ballet West Glasgow Associate Programme? For some year groups there is a clash of audition day/time and so I’m wondering what people are doing in that situation. 

Please can people PM me (but maybe reply first so others know there might be info/guidance to share?) as I’ve read that it’s best not to discuss in a thread. 

Thank you 😊 

If my daughter goes she will be just under 8 1/2.  She won't know anyone at all, or even recognise anyone, as we live hours away!! I'm hoping the other children will be friendly! Sure they will be. 

To anyone whose children have been before, is there an element of choice to the workshops? And do they closeness in advance or once they are there? If anyone has a rough timetable that would be brilliant. I've been in contact with Tring, but with it being Bank Holiday weekend I am not expecting a response until Tuesday. 

How many children are usually on the course? 

Thank you everyone. @Hazel sorry to jump on your thread. I could start a new one if you prefer? 

My daughter is also interested in this course so I would also be keen to find out any further information. How old is your daughter @Hazel? 

I would also be keen to know if anyone has a child that is a Ballet West associate, or has been? I have just realised that people cannot comment publicly, but if anyone is willing to share their experience by message I would appreciate it. I feel like there is a lot of helpful knowledge about the Royal Ballet JA programme and Elmhurst Young Dancers, but not Ballet West. I am interested in similar things as on the other threads, how many are in a class, the time of the classes etc. Thank you! 

On 21/04/2019 at 07:06, Jan McNulty said:

I always ask for "proof of postage" at the Post Office if I am posting anything that is important to me (if I am not using special or recorded delivery).  It is free and if there are subsequent enquiries you have the proof that, at the very least, it was posted.

I regretted not doing this, hence my relief when it arrived!

Just to update, I sent the form off in the normal post (not recorded) and I had an email yesterday acknowledging receipt. That's a relief! 

2 minutes ago, Farawaydancer said:

 

My dd attends at Hull and both dc have attended ballet boost holiday courses in London, and will do so again this summer. Always had excellent teaching and good advice from @Emma northmore   

Brilliant, thank you! My DD is very excited to audition, we have found them so helpful and professional so far. Fingers crossed!! 

23 hours ago, Farawaydancer said:

 

Ballet Boost at Hull is excellent, I would thoroughly recommend it. 

That’s great to hear, about Ballet Boost. My daughter is hoping to audition in June. I have heard some great things and they’ve been so helpful in correspondence. Which BB location does your daughter (or son?) attend classes, Farawaydancer? 

9 minutes ago, Astrid said:

I sent mine normal post, the woman in the post office was quite adamant it was two stamps..I was too scared of her to question so just went with it, and I got a reply from Elmhurst a couple of days ago by email? Just a standard response saying that they would be in touch with my time and more info. So it looks like it got there and the photos were ok 😁. It didn’t take long to get my email from them..

Ooh this forum is so useful, I would have never known to have expected an acknowledgement email - thanks so much Astrid! Although I only put one stamp on!! But at least I know that it hasn’t got there if I don’t get an email 😀

Even when it’s sent it’s still bothering me it seems...! And I guess this is only the start 🤷🏼‍♀️ 😀

54 minutes ago, Waverley said:

Hi all - have now received email for DD’s audition, she is on the last day of the London auditions as well. 

 

Same here @pinkbex81 - tiny little 7 year old who is only just old enough to audition but it will be a fun day out anyway and all good experience!

We're in the same position too! Just old enough to audition but looking forward to the extra opportunity to dance and enjoy the experience 😀

3 hours ago, Creakingstool said:

I've not sent off yet (Manchester closing is later) but I think I'd add recorded delivery so I've got the proof of delivery. Would make me a little more reassured I think

Well I’ve sent it! I didn’t want it to get stuck at the post office over the Easter weekend so I sent it normal post - hopefully it arrives ok!! 

Astrid, creakingstool, anyone else who has sent in the application and photos for Elmhurst - have you sent them in the normal post or have you sent them recorded delivery? It seems a bit unusual popping them in the postbox, not actually knowing that they have been received, unlike an email or an online application form, but I guess this is the system that has worked for years?? 

I just need to get it sent now I think 😆

Thank you, Astrid and Creakingstool. Let’s keep each other updated as to how we all get on along the way?!

I don’t think we’re expecting much, but it will hopefully be a nice experience 😀

7 hours ago, Astrid said:

Good point..should probably crack on with the form..😆

Are you taking the photos yourself? I'm not sure I know what a 'good' photo is 😬

And are they definitely actual photographs?? Rather than emailed files? 🤔

On 04/04/2019 at 20:58, Creakingstool said:

Does anyone know if the application for the audition closes at all?  Set number of places? We would be auditioning for Manchester. 

I emailed them a couple of weeks ago and they didn't say that they closed early, I alluded to this, and they did say that everyone who applied was offered an audition. They were very friendly. This is also our first time doing anything like this! It would be good to share our experiences. Does anyone have RBS too? And before Elmhurst? 

And to yours too, Astrid! Will she be going into Y4 in September? If so she’s the same age as mine. We are very new to all of this! I don’t think we’ll get far but we’ll have some nice days out along the way...! 

Thanks Astrid. Yes, just for the audition. You’re right, it probably doesn’t make any difference at all! I had read that the ratio of the no of children vs. no of places was ‘better’ in some RB locations than others, and wondered if it was similar for Elmhurst. I have a dancer v keen to get onto the Elmhurst programme - and these two location options - so thought it was worth asking! Thank you for your reply 😊

I wonder if anyone has any wisdom they can offer. My daughter will be applying for the Elmhurst Young Dancers programme for 2019 entry, Y4. We find ourselves in a situation where we can either attend an audition in Sunderland or Plymouth. Strange, I know! I wondered if anyone had any advice on which would be better, if either did have an advantage? For example, I know that Royal Ballet School have a far higher number of applicants at some centres vs. others, and so the ratio/chance of being successful may be different. Is this the case in this situation, does anyone know? I hope this makes sense! Thank you 😊 

Thanks Ballet Bear, I saw it on Wednesday evening! 

I don’t know the answer to your questions (sorry!) but I had a couple of my own:

- does anyone know what the closing date is?

- do we send forms and photographs via the post, or via email like some of the others?

Thanks in advance if anyone knows! 

Hello

Does anyone know when applications will open for this year's auditions? Can anyone remember roughly when it was last year?

Thank you

Thank you. I’ll email them I think. 

Hello

Does anyone know (or have a rough idea) when applications will open for Elmhurst Young Dancers (Junior Associates) and/or Ballet West Junior Associates, for 2019?

Thanks in advance for any insight!