Contretemps

Just thought I’d mention on this thread that I have a RA Scholar’s jacket (by Squad Dancewear) for sale in XS Adult. The post is in the For Sale section

Still for sale

I have a Renaissance Arts Scholars uniform jacket for sale - adult XS by Squad Dancewear. It’s only ever been worn once for about ten minutes! We ordered this last year but it took a very long time for Squad Dancewear to fulfil the order, and my daughter will be going to vocational school in Sept so it’s no longer needed. It cost £60 new. Would accept £40 as it is in perfect condition.

Thanks for checking

You mentioned you have more to add…I don’t suppose you have a Grishko pro 2007 size 5 in a XXXX width? Preferably SS shank but would also consider S. We’re really struggling to get hold of some.

Thank you to Streetdancer for highlighting that the handbook link was with the acceptance email/info - I think I've had admin overload with college applications/auditions! I'm still very keen to hear how those who have been on the diploma have found the course 👍

Thanks StreetDancer - we haven’t had a Diploma Handbook through

Hi all, I was wondering if any parents of current diploma students (mainly dance - but I'm sure MTs could help too!) or students themselves would mind advising me on a few things - either below or via dm? We had a really useful zoom call this week regarding new starter info, and I'm aware that there are future sessions planned for specific topics, but I'd love to try and understand a bit more sooner rather than later - so if anyone could fill in the gaps, that would be really appreciated I also know the school can be slow to reply to emails, so thought it would be quicker to ask on here! I'm also aware that things change year on year, so it may be that experiences differ. In terms of Hammond accommodation - it was mentioned that there were 3 blocks - lower secondary school, upper secondary school and then diploma/college. Are they all pretty much within the same area, or are they quite spread out over Chester? And what does the diploma block look like - is it single occupancy, ensuite or shared bathroom, kitchen etc? I think it was mentioned that some were being renovated, but not sure which these were. Does the Hammond school transport also take the diploma/college students to the school site? And is it mainly 1st years that stay in Hammond accommodation, or can the 2nd and 3rd years also remain there? Faculty - we know a couple of members of staff from other associates, but don't feel we know enough about them. Would love to hear a bit more really - very general question I know, but keen to find out. Uniform - do diploma students have to have certain items - e.g. certain colour dancewear, or is it dancer's choice? I think they're all our burning questions for now - but would love to hear about how those who have studied their recently have found the course and faculty etc. Thanks!

It might be too far for you - but PoseAPointes in Manchester (not far from the Trafford Centre) are amazing. They fit the Northern Ballet School students. It's always a positive experience and they really take their time to make sure you come away with the best fit.

DDE is a level 4 diploma in dance education - a few of the other schools/colleges offer this alongside their main qualification. I’m really not sure how you’d top this up if you’d only completed one module - but others may know. Yes it was music on their phones for the audition 👍🏻 Audition class size was around 15 - but the class sizes for the course (as in the intake) was around 30 (or at least that’s what I was told at the q&a). I felt that there were a lot of opportunities provided for students though - e.g. a showcase just for potential agents plus one of the cruise ships (I’ve forgotten which one!) hold an audition session just for NBS students.

We were at the Dec audition day, and also hadn’t attended the open day. DD enjoyed the day and they provide refreshments for parents, as well as a talk and a tour so it doesn’t drag too much! I would bring pointe shoes if your DD has them as they did some pointe work towards end of the ballet class. There was a flexibility assessment but this was as a class rather than 1-2-1. Parents weren’t at the interview - you could probably insist if you wanted, but they did it straight after her solo. Im sure current students can give you a proper insight into the school - but I did find that the class sizes were larger than others she’s auditioned for (by double), and they don’t offer the full DDE - just the ballet module and only if there’s sufficient interest. I think it’s always about finding the right fit, and I did appreciate having the talk and q&a, with having missed the open day.

Thank you I think it did help that her first choice offer was made very early as that was the first audition, so definitely less nerves for the other auditions. But that did mean her nerves were horrendous for the first choice place, as she'd had no practice runs! It is so hard for us parents - not that it's not scary for the dancers of course - but you do end up sitting around all day feeling sick and hoping that they are ok! There's nothing you can do to impact on the outcome, so you're just left waiting.

We have just gone through this process (DD's auditions were Nov - Jan), and yes - definitely nerve wracking! I'm happy to shed any light on the auditions for The Hammond and KS Dance if you want to DM me. My DD auditioned at four institutions and received four offers, so we're very proud indeed!

Good luck to those who auditioned at KS Dance last week - emails are coming through 👍🏻

Thanks for this Managed to get set up in the portal and have submitted everything except the gp certificate. Booking an appointment is on my list of to dos. I’m wondering how long it would be before hearing about an audition place. Also curious to know when the audition dates are. We have one audition right in the middle of her mocks

We’ve stayed at the Premier Inn a few minutes walk away from KS Dance when we’ve visited for events. It’s a little tricky if you don’t have car access though, as it’s not in Warrington itself. It’s not too far in a taxi from Warrington though.

I also haven’t received anything yet and registered about a week or so ago now. Although we also registered for the open day and I found two confirmations of that in my junk folder! Could be worth checking there, although I’m sure you’ve already done so. For those that do have the application details, can I ask what photos they require? And what is involved with the GP sign off? Is it simply a brief checkup?

Hi DanceMum03 - my DC is hoping to embark on this journey for vocational training starting in 2023. Great idea to get a thread going It certainly can be overwhelming, even with having researched it for a few years now.

I’m following this as I’m also keen to know a bit more - particularly about accommodation and funding.

I believe (and please someone correct me if I'm wrong) that Moorland is the only one from the above list that is selective. I think it's a combination of photos and videos that are sent through. For the others there are of course age and grade requirements, but as far as I know you don't need to provide evidence of ability.

Yes - good idea! Thanks

Hi - thanks so much for this info, that's really helpful I've emailed about the two-day course and will report back once I've got more info.

Hi Jane - yes, it's the Manchester School (not the company). The link on the website to the summer school at NBS doesn't load for me, but if you google it there's a form that states 2021 with the dates 2nd-7th August. There is some info on the website for a 2 day summer course in July (15th and 16th) which could be interesting.

We hadn't checked Performers - I'll look into it, thanks Fingers crossed it's in person. It's hard to get the proper experience remotely, although it's better than nothing I suppose.

Thanks for this - that's good to know 👍