Dancermom

37 minutes ago, Weloveballet said:

Glad you got sorted! Not what you need at all. Definitely have a glass of wine. I’m still stressing about not getting this text through even though I know email is ok, would of rather had both, will try it again tomorrow as we are Saturday. We all deserve drinks when it’s all over and done with 

We are there Saturday! I’ve got my DD some treats for in the car on the way home after the audition, I think I might take myself some too 🤣

46 minutes ago, Raquelle said:

Thank you! My DD is so emotional...its a lot for them after months of being locked down x 

It really is a lot for them. Especially with all the build up to it. And the fact they havnt been in a studio since way before Christmas. They’re all superstars x 

Has anyone heard what’s going to happen with the extended young dancers this year? X 

11 minutes ago, Raquelle said:

There is nothing more stressful than turning up at your hotel the night before an audition and realising it has closed down!!!! Luckily premier inn squeezed us in! @balletdreamsmust have been the same hotel only they forgot to email me to tell me....I haven't even bought wine! 

Omg ! Hope you’re settled now. Good luck for tomorrow! X

1 hour ago, BalletBoyMumma said:

A good reminder. Thank you!

 

The waiting is the most stressful thing - it drives you a bit crazy (well it does to me). 

 

 

Same! I hate it, I need to find things to distract myself lol x

16 minutes ago, Weloveballet said:

Just had health questionnaire and Richmond park pass through via email 

Yes I’ve received it also ☺️

QA

6 minutes ago, BalletBoyMumma said:

Yes! I could be wrong but I think there are a lot more MA places for girls than boys too. 

 

They said looking at taking 12 boys and 12 girls in the Zoom meeting we had but can take more as they do have space to. I have read (on here) in previous years those extras can go to Summer intensive students they have their eye on (I think that’s why there’s a box to tick ‘would like to to be considered for full-time training’ on the application forms, though that may have just been Spring). 

Yes that would make sense wouldn’t it x 

10 minutes ago, Balletmumlife said:

Current Year 7 is 15 Boys and 15 Girls

Oh great, thank you x

2 minutes ago, BalletBoyMumma said:

Don’t worry - same here. 😅

 

I’m constantly lurking because often the news of results breaks quicker on here than the actual email landing in my inbox. 🤣

Yes that’s so true!! I saw on here first that the finals results were out 🤣 

Is it usually around 14 boys and 14 girls in the class? I know they don’t take a certain number for the sake of it but around this do we think? X 

9 minutes ago, BalletBoyMumma said:

6 apparently. From the website: 

 

Our Mid Associates are in School Years 7, 8 and 9.

Classes run from September to July on Saturdays at five centres around the country, in London, Birmingham, Bath, Manchester and Newcastle, and Sundays in Dundee.

Mid Associate boys are encouraged to attend our London Centre where specialist boys’ classes are held.

 

 

Thank you! I’m trying to work out numbers and what the odds of a school place/mids place are 🤣 I need to get out more 🤣

How many JA/MA centres are there? X

52 minutes ago, The red shoes said:

Ds JA teacher said the original list they got sent out was 120 girls which then got cut again to just under 80 xx 

 

The JA teachers knew who was through to finals before we did! 

Wow! Thanks for that info 🤩

2 minutes ago, Weloveballet said:

Yes I had heard they’ve taken more than usual this year maybe because it was a video audition, so they felt they needed to see more in person, if so it’s everybody’s gain as the experience of getting to dance at White Lodge is a very special one. Yes I wondered about international students also. 

I’m not sure but I think around 70/80 would be the usual amount at the finals? I’m sure someone will know! X

4 minutes ago, Weloveballet said:

yes I have heard of some being on Friday and Sunday 

Oh ok! I think there was 24 boys at the audition wasn’t there? So If it’s the same for the girls then that would make 72? Then there’s the ones that can’t be there in person and the international students. I wonder though how many international students there are at this age 🤔

I wonder if it’s definitely the three days for the girls? 

18 minutes ago, PetitJeté said:

No we haven’t had ours either, we’re going on Saturday. 

We are going on Saturday too x

14 minutes ago, Weloveballet said:

Has anyone from the girls groups received their health forms/vehicle Richmond park pass yet? 

Not yet no 😬 I’m hoping it will come tomorrow x 

5 minutes ago, BalletBoyMumma said:

Aww Dancermom - that is so lovely! 🥰🩰

 

That’s the thing, we CAN keep this positive, no matter what. Last night I asked DS how he thinks he might feel if it’s a no, he said ‘Oh that’s fine, there’s 6 more years of applying and I’m sure I’ll get in at some point.’ 😆😆😆 (I do love his confidence 🤣). 

Yes definitely, this experience is nothing but a positive one whatever the outcome. Your DS is totally right about getting in at some point and if he wants it enough he will! 
 

Even just to get to the finals is something they’ll never forget! X 

3 minutes ago, BalletBoyMum1 said:

My son found some Disney music that has been converted to ballet music last year. He loves it and often listens to it falling asleep now too. I also have it on in the background when working at home.

 

Agree that it has given them an extra boost - my ds teacher says he's been trying harder in lessons since getting the finals places. Almost like it has confirmed he is good at ballet. He is the newest to his little dance school and is lower in level than any of them. His junior lessons have 4 children in, just him and 3 girls. He sees the other boy who is older, in body conditioning classes and they play on xboxes together. But he always feels like he's not as good as the others. The teacher is very selective on who she trains and did say to me last year that he is a lot lower in ability than anyone she has taken on before, but she sees a potential to be great. So he was taken on with the promise of hardwork on his part. Then lockdown hit last year, a week after he had got a place. So it has been so tough.

 

But these little things, finals and spring intensive place, have given him little boosts to his confidence. The best thing for him was meeting other boys who are his age and love dancing - he felt like he fitted in with them all.

What a lovely story! Sounds like it’s all meant to be! X 

5 minutes ago, BalletBoyMum1 said:

And I've just realised I've been doing the likes wrong - so none I've added to posts have gone on till just now 🙈

I did the exact same thing! 🤣

This whole thing has been good for my DD so far, she screamed so loud when we told her she’d got to the finals at white lodge.  She’s taken her ballet really seriously since and last night after school she sat and chose some ballet music from Amazon, making sure every piece fit to her specific exercises that she’s chosen to do every day. It’s given her confidence because I keep stressing to her that even just to get to the finals is an achievement and she should be proud of herself. It’s so nice to see her being pro active with her preparation! X

1 minute ago, BalletBoyMum1 said:

I'll be glad when it's over too. I can't concentrate on my research project I'm supposed to be doing today and I've still got a lesson to plan for tomorrow but my head is all over the place. Luckily it doesn't appear to be bothering my son in the same way. I think this is worse that waiting for news for anything I've ever done for myself 😂

 

I'm at home today and not in school so I'll see his school teacher at the gate this afternoon and see if he's been different in class at all, but at home he seems his usual self. 

I think they are different to us, personally I think they only think about it when we mention it, I don’t think they’d stress like us x 

1 minute ago, The red shoes said:

Who knows what they are looking for 🤷🏼‍♀️ I really wouldn’t worry. In the past ,children have been accepted without even doing much ballet before but more gymnastics. They had the right attributes / equipment etc . It really is a guessing game. 
Also they take 14 boys maxim. They don’t have to fill up the spaces and won’t. If they only like 6 or7 boys they will only take that amount . 
I’ll be very glad when this is all over to be honest, it’s consuming me!!!  Xx

I totally agree, I’m looking forward to the summer holidays when all the results will be out and we can relax until the madness starts up again! X

2 minutes ago, BalletBoyMum1 said:

Wow, I've just read all of your replies and am now certain my ds will get a no. 

 

I don't have a clue whether his turnout is good or his hamstrings are tight etc. He does his 3 lessons a week, does a few stretches most days, can't get into any splits, but is a lot closer to it since starting with a different dance school last March (and doing more lessons with his teacher). I honestly feel completely clueless. He only originally did the video for an MA space but his teacher said about ticking the box for the school and sending one to Elmhurst too. In his head he would love to dance every day and be with other boys (and girls) of his age who also love ballet. But he won't be too upset if he doesn't get a place as he never thought he would even get an audition. 

 

I've not seen him dance officially since before he joined his new dance school, so don't really know what he's like. Obviously I watched his audition videos snd he's definitely improved a lot since the last time we were allowed to have a viewing week, but I don't know what I'm looking for, so just don't have a clue!!!

 

Your boys all sound so amazing, confident and so good at ballet. I don't know how they will choose only 14 of them!

 

I've not asked about the audition since Friday evening. He spouted out loads on the way home. Mentioned one of 2 bits over the weekend that I hadn't heard first time, when he was telling my Mum what it was like. He's still grinning every now and then and when I ask why he says he is just thinking about the school! He had his private lesson on zoom last night and came out of the lounge after buzzing - his teacher obviously knows what he's talking about, so they had a little catch up and talked technical stuff!

 

I'm just hoping we don't have to wait the full 2 weeks. This is worse than waiting for my exam results last year!!!

The waiting is agonising isn’t it. Your DS has as much chance as any of the boys. They look for potential also and as long as they think they can work with the body and they liked him that’s all that matters. I wouldn’t worry too much about the technical stuff. 
 

We are also of the opinion that a place for our DD at the school will probably not happen but my fingers are firmly crossed for an MA place although I know that’s a long shot too. At least if nothing comes of the audition then they’ve had a lovely experience and if they want to they can apply again next year! Xx 

Just now, Lara Eschler said:

I think people who get offers for a full-time place have a short period of time to accept. I did not realize it would be until May for Associates. I have to start looking at other Associates Schemes too. We are applying for Central School of Ballet which has the audition of 5th of June. I cant wait to know what ds is doing next year for sure. 

Same here! X