Jeteitallaway

My Dancer is now in a mainstream school  after very recently studying at one of the schools featured on panorama. They were assessed out with no official warning , however I suspected that their build would play a part . There was extreme favouritism in the  year group . The children are treated so differently from one another and it causes resentment, low self esteem  in those who are not in favour and egotistical behaviour from those who are .From what I’ve seen and heard  it is even worse further up the school. One student is repeatedly featured in performances, social media posts , program covers etc . Many of you will think this post is sour grapes . It’s not ! Ballet was never the dream I had for my child . If I’m totally honest I’m not even sure it was truly theirs .I’m relieved that we have stepped off the rollercoaster and glad that the opportunity was taken and we were never left wondering what if . Let’s hope that that now this has been addressed so publicly that schools will now have no choice other than to abolish outdated practice and move forward into a healthy happy environment where young dancers can flourish . 

I watched on Saturday afternoon , it was a real treat . It was clear that some students are featured far more heavily than others, so I’m glad to hear as a parent with a child about to start WL that the opportunities are spread out across the performances . I was so impressed by the student choreography one piece in particular was spectacular and had me on the edge of my seat .The obvious progression shown in the class pieces from year 7-9 was inspiring . My only regret is not getting tickets to also watch the upper school show .

Thank you , that’s a shame . I must subscribe regardless now I’m a fully fledged ballet momma 😀

Could any please tell me which month the dancing times will print a list of recipients of the ybss scholarships ,please ? I missed it last year and would like to save a copy for my DD this time round .

Usually drop and go 

Thank you we are spoilt for choice with these ! 

Could anyone please recommend a piece of classical / contemporary music for my DD , age has been asked to choreograph a piece for her leavers concert . We can’t find anything that stands out ( it has to be instrumental) thank you 😊 

22 minutes ago, cotes du rhone ! said:

The highs are very high and the lows are incredibly low. I don’t think anything can prepare you for the journey you are about to undertake. For warned is not forearmed. Regrets ? Yes there are lots. Would we do it again ? I’m not sure. I have a Dd who entered at 11 and a Ds at 17. I am happy to share our experience of Elmhurst x 

Thank you I would really love to hear from you 

32 minutes ago, sarahw said:

Hi - first of all try not to worry! I know this is easier said than done! There's lots of ups and downs, many of which you can't predict. It's best to take it day by day otherwise it's just overwhelming.

Many children from ballet schools get into Laine etc at Y11 so don't worry about that.

As regards the assessment processes at each school I think they vary and really only someone who has had a dc at the individual school can advise. I can comment by PM on Hammond but suspect that's not the school in question!!

There were plenty of DC at Hammond with funding who had been assessed out of other schools if that helps.

Good luck!!

 

Thank you that’s 

37 minutes ago, sarahw said:

Hi - first of all try not to worry! I know this is easier said than done! There's lots of ups and downs, many of which you can't predict. It's best to take it day by day otherwise it's just overwhelming.

Many children from ballet schools get into Laine etc at Y11 so don't worry about that.

As regards the assessment processes at each school I think they vary and really only someone who has had a dc at the individual school can advise. I can comment by PM on Hammond but suspect that's not the school in question!!

There were plenty of DC at Hammond with funding who had been assessed out of other schools if that helps.

Good luck!!

 

Thank you , that is good to hear , wishing your DC all the very best . Thank you for taking the time to advice me .

So my DD is starting vocational school this sep year 7 . There are lots of things worrying me , ie how will she cope with homesickness, how as a family will we cope without her etc , however my biggest concern is assessments , more specifically being assessed out . My Dd didn’t expect to get into to her first choice of school as she didn’t get her second or third choices . However she did ! I’m hearing stories of high volumes of students being assessed out and not all finding another school or funded places . I  am probably getting ahead of myself but would like to know of back up options . Is there funding for schools like Moorlands / YDA etc . Also if a child stays in ballet school until end of year 11 have they missed too much all round work to get places at the big MT schools like  Laines etc . I would also like to know how much warning schools give to students not offered another year and is this verbal or just scores on reports ? 

Please Coukd someone explain to me what a shallow foot is , my dd will be starting WL soon and I have no idea what type of feet are has . 

1 hour ago, Ms Sunshine said:

My dd got Hammond, Tring and Elmhurst year 7. She has decided on Elmhurst so Tring and Hammond mds were handed back xxx

Well done , hope someone on those waiting lists will be getting some good news  

35 minutes ago, Juliet said:

Hello everyone. I've been reading through all the posts as I often do although don't often comment or post myself. I agree and sympathise with everyone on here. But these stories are not new..... The ballet/dance world is a law unto itself. Whilst things should be fairer sadly I don't think they ever will. And can I just say it is Directors choice whether you are auditioning for schools or companies. 

My DD would probably be considered a success story having gone all the way through RBS and graduating a couple of years ago having never I might add been picked up for JAs. Her time both at lower and upper school was full of ups and downs and times when teachers comments could actually be quite cruel. Casting choices.....'Oh the same old ones' 🙄  There's a lot I believe that goes on behind the scenes..... But I think if you can keep your head down,work your socks off and look at the bigger picture and the end game and try not to get involved in the small politics that go on.....it can help your journey wherever it may land you. 

I completely understand the parents of DC auditioning for companies. We had all of that. Me tirelessly searching for cheap flights and hotels and buses to theatres. How demoralising it is for your kids if the director just about puts in an appearance 10 minutes before the end of the class. My advice there would be if you can possibly get a private audition.....for example join in with the company ....avoid open auditions....they are like cattle markets and so much talent gets missed. 

My DD is in a company in Germany and it has been very tough ......the directors are very hard. But.....she is performing , she has made a life for herself. And I think maybe if she'd had a really easy time at school she would not have been able to cope with what goes on beyond vocational school. And now that that bit is behind us we can remember the good bits. Performing with the company....dancing at Buckingham palace.....trips to Japan and New York. And definately the incredible friendships that are made and will last a lifetime.  

And some of those even though they secured contracts have actually decided this life isn't for them.....and they are perfectly happy doing other things. But at the tender age of 11.....this is what all of them wanted to do. Imagine if they'd not given it a go and then in later years thinking 'what if'. 

There are no guarantees in life whatever your children decide they want to do/be. 

But good luck to all those starting on the vocational route......and yes much wine will be needed 🍷

Finally a success story , I do feel we are giving up so much sending her it’s nice to hear some positivity. Thank you for sharing 

4 minutes ago, tutugirl said:

Jeteitallaway

 

Please don’t be despondent.

One of my pupils has recently graduated and has gained a job in a reputable company in the U.K. .

 

She began at my own school , then Hammond , then another vocational school for post 16 .

 

My DS went to Tring in year 9 and graduated in 2017 .

He gained a job in a lovely classical company abroad and is extremely happy .

He had an amazing time at Tring - gained 8 GCSE , 2 A levels .

He also made lifelong friends , particularly one , who still comes on holiday with us .

His time there included 3 trips to Sweden , a fully funded Summer school in Hong Kong for 3 weeks and much more .

 

These are just a couple of the many many success stories out there .

Of course there will be a few who don’t make the grade , or have a change of heart , but equally those who go on to happy and fulfilled careers in the industry .

My DS has a friend who gave up dancing aged 18 after being 

at vocational school since 11 .

He says that he doesn’t regret a single minute .

 

Good luck on your journey into vocational world , I am sure exciting times lie ahead .

 

Thank you , wonderful to hear this . I’ve gone through so many emotion in the last week . From happiness to sheer panic . I’m trying to approach it realistically and hope that it’s the right decision. Sounds like your son had a wonderful time regardless of the outcome. Hope to hear some more happy stories .... pours wine 🍷 

I’m new to the forum with a daughter off to vocational school in September , obviously reading the statistics on here is alarming and a bit depressing if I’m honest . Is there anyone on here that could share some happy/ successful stories of their children’s time at vocational school and beyond ?