BalletBoyMumma

Phew! Answering my own question here but (in case it helps others) on speaking to the staff at the Box Office they only have the usual 'no children under 5 permitted' exclusion for this performance. 

Hi, hopeful for any advice if possible. I've booked tickets to see BRB - Mixed Bill at Sadlers Wells (2 adults, 2 children, well one adult, one teen, and two children) but it said nothing about adult content when booking, and they offered child rates so I didn't even think to look into it, but I've just spotted on Ballet Black's own website that they say 'The Suit is not suitable for under 12yrs'

Can anyone help me understand how 'adult' it is? They are mature, sensible children and occasionally watch movies above their age rating if we've viewed them first and think they can handle the content. 

Will be gutted if we have to give up our tickets. I really should have researched first and not just randomly picked a performance without any idea of the content - silly, silly me! 🤦🏻‍♀️

On 14/09/2019 at 19:53, BattementBatty said:

My daughter had a wonderful time. It was all quite overwhelming with the homework exercises for me though!  

 

I’m rather cross about this though. She splashed a bit of water on herself in the train home! 😡 

Oh dear - that is really bad. ☹️

Is it permanently stained or have you managed to shift it at all? Was the belt bought from the RB shop? If so, I reckon it'd be worth complaining. 

That good to hear SJBallet and BattementBatty, glad your DDs enjoyed it. 

DS enjoyed it too. We had an absolute nightmare of a morning, very stressful, which really wasn't the best way to start a new programme but he came out smiling and said everyone was really nice - much to my relief. Their teacher seems lovely too. 

We're looking forward to the next class. 😊

Personally it feels like we're ALWAYS 'at dance' 😰 but that's more because I have three children who dance. Individually it's not a crazy amount at all. My son (he's 9) does 40 mins of each ballet/tap/modern (normal class) and then has a 30 min private session with his teacher per week - though the private class is fairly new, just a few months, as was to get him exam ready - it's worked out well and his teacher is really great with him so we're trying to keep it going as long as we can this term. 😊

You can be a one session a week student (or have zero previous ballet experience as some professional dancers have proven) and picked for associate programmes if you have what the ballet schools are looking for, I'm sure. Or do hours and hours of training and still not picked if you aren't what they are looking for, unfortunately. 

My eldest daughter does a lot more actual ballet than my son (she's G6 so naturally it requires more time-dedication) but she can't keep up if she goes to a one-off intensive class/workshop at a vocational school (she's tried - she's good but definitely not a natural and I doubt any vocational school would look at her twice - she only dances as a hobby and has a completely different career path in mind so thankfully it doesn't bother her one bit).  

I've had the email from our London teacher and she's said no yoga mats. Not sure if this applies elsewhere though. We've been told one large towel (I guess for laying on) and one tea/hand towel size. 

2 hours ago, Crazylifecrazykids said:

* slightly silly question alert *

Ok so totally new to this 😊 after trying to work out the photograph rules with uniform etc, it got me wondering haha. My dc wants to wear the tracky top nearly all the time (and let's face it who wouldn't) luckily too hot at the moment but is this ok for it to be worn, Where ever and when ever type thing? Feel silly asking the associates office this! I'm sure the novelty will wear off but until then can dc wear it?

I can't see why not (I don't remember seeing anything about it in the information booklet) but if you are wary of not upsetting them there are other Royal Ballet hoodies in other styles. They sell them at nearly all RBS events/auditions and there is a seller on eBay (but not sure if it's an approved seller though they look exactly the same as the ones that were sold at the auditions).

I didn't buy anything there incase he didn't get in (I didn't think he would) 😆 I didn't want to get his hopes up. 

I too quite like the exclusive associates ones though. It's almost like a badge of honour. 😁 Though I think I'll be protecting it so much that he'll only wear it for classes and any events that might come up (I'm hoping there are some!). ☺️

Though, now you've said that, if/when he ever asks for one (a barre) I think I'm just going to point at one of the dip station bar things (the 'den'). 😂 Truly multipurpose. 

26 minutes ago, Lara Eschler said:

Looks great. Not sure I can manage the tweak but will try buying those as well (can’t ever have enough uniform anyway).Oh and he has ballet barre? Wow

 

I got  the leotards yesterday in sizes 1 and 2 and size 1 fits really well (the crotch was even ok). It is all so exciting (sort of wish it was me going 😂

Haha, ours is really weird fitting - gives him four bum cheeks and I didn't think he had enough weight on him for that ever to happen. 😂 He'll have to live with it as the size 2 would be huge on him. 

Nooo! It's one of my husband's dip bars (or called something like that) but it mostly gets used as a play thing - the kids are currently sat with a blanket draped over each side to create a den (crazy in this heat), pigging out on snacks while they are watching Beauty & the Beast. 😁  It never gets used for it's intended purpose. 😂

My eldest daughter (13) does have a cheapie portable ballet barre but she doesn't let the younger two use it much. It's a bit flimsy - ok for her as she's learnt to be much more controlled, the younger ones tend to pull on it more which makes it unstable. I can't say I recommend it - holding the back of a chair as a makeshift barre works just as well, if not better, at this age.  

20 minutes ago, ExBallerina said:

 

This is excellent thanks....I’ve just ordered this morning and ordered 9-11 in the jumper but after seeing your pic , I think it’s going to drown DS so will probably have to get 7-8 xx

It might be ok.  If you do wait for it to arrive and see if it fits please could you let us know? I'm intrigued to know if there's a big difference. Also, I bet quite a few children will be wearing them pretty big at first. 

7 minutes ago, Mrs Brown said:

so pleased I could help Balletboymumma. I am only on this thread out of sheer nosiness and enjoying sharing other people's news, one of mine hates ballet and only does it to enable her to do tap and Spanish and whilst the other one is pretty good she would never be able to do associates or anything because of a medical condition so we won't ever be doing any of this.

 

I take in so many waists like this as mine are both very skinny.

Oh, bless you - well I'm so very glad for your presence. 😊

My eldest is similar, though she fairly recently ditched all the others in favour of more ballet (which confused me as it was her least favourite of the three: ballet/tap/modern) but she wouldn't ever entertain the idea of applying for anything at all (I don't mind really as it's less stress for me). She dances for herself only and that's fine by me. 

To be honest, of all three of mine (two girls and a boy) I never thought it'd be the boy child that we were doing all this for. 😁 But here we are. 

I hope both of your girls enjoy their dancing, whatever form it is and however often they do it. ❤️ That's the most important thing really.  

Got the photo upload to work finally. Hope I'm allowed to do this and that it's useful.

So, he's 9 but tends to be smaller and skinnier than most boys his age. Height 129cm 

Zip Up RBS Jumper is 7-8yrs - spacious but doesn't drown him. 

Joggers are Asda school dept ones (slim leg style - £5) age 8-9yrs. Had to snip and tweak the elastic but now fit perfectly with growing space (Thank you Mrs Brown).  

The colour is a very, tiny bit darker on the bottoms but also the closest we could find. And as you can see, it's not noticeable. 

On 23/07/2019 at 22:22, Mrs Brown said:

sorry no I meant the elasticated bit of the waistband. I am assuming they have some elastic in them and then pretend drawstrings at the front. If they haven't actually stitched through the elastic when they have sewn the waistband down then you might be able to cut a hole and pull it through to shorten it. Unfortunately some shops do sew through it which means you can't. 

Oh you are a star! Thank you!!! His Asda pair now fit perfectly.  

So simple but I'd never have thought of doing that. I just need to figure out how to add a photo (file too big apparently) but just wanted to show fit of both the joggers and zip up jumper incase it might help others with their orders and sizing. 

On 23/07/2019 at 22:22, Mrs Brown said:

sorry no I meant the elasticated bit of the waistband. I am assuming they have some elastic in them and then pretend drawstrings at the front. If they haven't actually stitched through the elastic when they have sewn the waistband down then you might be able to cut a hole and pull it through to shorten it. Unfortunately some shops do sew through it which means you can't. 

Oh that makes sense. Thank you! I'm going to try that. 

7 hours ago, ExBallerina said:

I’m about to order the uniform....does anyone happen to know if the boys trunks come up small , big or true to size ?

 Thanks xx 

We found them small. I phoned the shop and was advised they are very tight so measure and order either the exact size or one size up (because they should still be nice and tight). We ordered next size up from his waist size and they fit perfectly (and he's super skinny). 

Welcome and 'Hi' to all the newly-joined 'newbies'  

Congratulations too! 👏 Exciting times ahead.  

30 minutes ago, Lara Eschler said:

Hi, we are still waiting for the uniform to arrive but H&M joggers have drawstrings but the blue might not be as navy. 

Yes, we tried those too - completely wrong blue unfortunately.  

24 minutes ago, Mrs Brown said:

have they sewn through the elastic or could you cut a hole on the inside of the waist band and pull it through a bit to shorten it? this is what I do with most of my daughters clothes.

I think it's just sewn on bits that look like they are drawstrings but aren't...but now you've said that I'm going to check in the morning. Fingers crossed I can just cut the stitching and tighten them. Thank you.  

We've bought Asda as they were closest in colour but still have the issue with the baggy waist. Has anyone found any with adjustable waistband or pull strings? (that actually work - I probably should have checked the Asda ones first as they don't though they are fairly slim fitting). 

8 hours ago, SJBallet said:

Thanks for that @sunrise81. I have now emailed about DDs EYB and other MT associate programme.

 

Did anyone read the section in the handbook about photo's is it correct that you cannot put any pictures of JA pupils on social media (I'm thinking about a first day pic of DD posted to the closed dance school social media page). It would make sense as you don't see many pics online when you search JAs, just official ones.

Yes, I'd like to know how this goes too. We don't live anywhere near our friends and family but they are all so excited for our DS I know a social media update (I have quite a locked down profile but it would still share with lots of people) would make some family and friends so happy (many of ours are overseas). 

I also have the added issue of we home educate. I've not quite figured out what to do regarding the school report other than maybe ask the dance teacher, and another activity teacher,  to write a note on how he is in a class setting and then add some bits about the reading/writing/arithmetic levels he's working at at home. I'm not entirely sure what they are after. We also have new exam results coming which I've read also need sending in. I think they are going to get fed up of me emailing - oops! Haha! 

Just bumping for the others who are on the results thread, but DCs got a yes, to see. I hope that's ok?  

On 09/07/2019 at 10:16, Lara Eschler said:

#BalletBoyMumma

thank you ever so much for the info. That is exactly what I needed to know. Super useful, it sounds like my son has a similar built to yours, so very helpful.

what other Associate  programme is he doing?

 

You are very welcome.  

He was also accepted into Cecchetti JAs. It's only once a month and he really loves the style (and loved the taster day and audition) so we've decided to give it a go too. Some weekends are going to be incredibly busy for us but he's super excited about it all. 

It does look lovely once on though. My DS showed his teacher and she was quite fond of how it fits so he'll just have to get used to it (the shorts are cut like Bridget Jones pants, much shorter at the front, which I thought looked odd but she said really shows off their legs).   

It all arrived in just two days from order - I was very impressed. 

17 hours ago, Lara Eschler said:

Hi everyone,

my son will be in year 5 and in JA4 boys 32 sessions in London. Anyone else?

Happy summer! 

PS: Has anyone bought the uniform already?

We've bought the uniform. Odd shape leotard (my DS is skinny though) - loose at crotch and arms but not very long in length. The shorts are very short and tight too (shorter than we are used to) so I suggest opting toward sizing up on waist (my son's waist measures 20" and on advice of the dance shop I went with 22").

We also have the zip up sweater too - my DS is 9 but small, we opted for 7-8yrs and it's still roomy so should last a while. Not bothering with joggers as I've heard they are just standard navy joggers and come up wide - we'll look out for slimmer ones, probably from supermarket/high street school uniform ranges.  

I'm yet to buy character shoes even though we do need them for DS' other associate programme (RBS have said best to wait till their teacher tells us if they need them). 

There's a separate thread for RBS newbies btw.  

Completely agree about not pressuring students to opt for tampons.

My daughter has just discovered the delights of high-waisted underwear. 😆 They come up to where both the top of the tights and the ballet belt sits so nobody realises she's wearing them (not yet, anyway). She'll likely do this for her exam too. The time will come for other options. 

Some of the Plume (adults size though XS is about right for an 11/12yr old) leotards have a built in bra shelf type thing if that helps? My 13yr old wears them - they don't have a strict uniform at our school so often she just has a top over leotard without a bra or standard bra underneath but nearing exam times we've found leotards with built in band and extra lining makes her feel more comfortable and not so exposed.