MPatti

balletmom8 don’t forget the hunger factor! Although my DD had no complaints about the food (except limits on dessert!) at White Lodge, she lost weight! And she doesn’t have much to lose! She was starving, and since the demonstration ends at Noon, we didn’t actually sit down for lunch until 2:30! Nice juicy hamburger and Halloumi fries!! Enjoy an extra night, it is worth not worrying about traffic and security lines at Heathrow.

I would contact the school as to whether or not they plan on the Parent Demonstration that day. If so, that ends around noon, but your DD will need to get bags from her room, and then bring them back up front. You would want to have an Uber pick you up directly at White Lodge instead of trying to get on the crowded shuttles back to Richmond, and you should ask the school if that is allowed as policies may vary. They were very much encouraging everybody to use the shuttle back to Richmond. We waited at least 30 min for that. Depending on where you live in the USA, for us West Coast people it is pretty near impossible to catch a flight back home same day with the program ending at noon.

FlexyNexy, I was just talking with some UK family. You mentioned you have an appointment for next year, have you requested it to be expedited? My family mentioned you can request that, and need to list your reason. Not sure if that helps, or if you did that already.

FlexyNexy, I am so sorry that is the case. I will say in my past experience, if the schools know anybody (friend of friend etc) who works for the US state department, they can sometimes move things along. Ask everybody you know and see if they know anybody!! Wishing you the best of luck. This is just horrible…

I also found the review website trustpilot somewhat helpful in seeing whether the experiences of past travelers is what these websites promise. Based on that I would not use Rapidtesting, which I mentioned in my post above. Thank you for the info BalletActive! Trying to get these booked shortly.

There are several clinics in Central London. From UK govt website I have found: 1rapidclinics in marylebone 134pounds for day 2&8, plus 94pounds day 5. Expresstest is at Heathrow and also Paddington station, 139pounds day 2&8, not sure about day 5, Biogroup-Lab in Marleybone and Fitzrovia, 225 pounds for Day 2, 5, &8. there are more options, but get more expensive. All of the above take weekend appts. Turnaround time varies but I think mostly 24 hours for day 5. Mail in options are cheaper, but don't work very well if you are not staying with family or your hotel doesn't accept mail for you...

Has anybody received the handbook yet? Thanks!

Here is the boys list from 2019, and also list of linens. "BOYS: RECOMMENDED CLOTHING All items must be clearly named: • Dance Trunks (shorts) or Footless Tights • Fitted White t-shirts/Leotards * • Appropriate supportive undergarment for male dancers i.e. dance belt • White* socks • White* soft ballet shoes • Character shoes (usually black)** • Trainers/Sneakers for Creative Street Dance (ballet or jazz shoes may be worn) • Tracksuit (for between classes) • Outdoor footwear (for between classes) * Black items are also acceptable ** Please bring character shoes if you already own a pair, there is no need to purchase shoes just for the course" "Residential students must bring towels and bedding which should include: 2 x sheets, a duvet cover and pillow case to fit a standard single bed. A single size duvet and pillow will be provided for every student, you do not need to bring your own."

White Lodge list from 2019, doesn't mean it will be the same for 2021: GIRLS: RECOMMENDED CLOTHING All items must be clearly named: • Leotards • Pink tights/pink ankle socks • Pointe shoes (only girls who are currently working en pointe should bring their pointe shoes) • Soft ballet shoes for flat work (with elastics only, no ribbons) • Character shoes * • National skirt **(the national skirt is a full circular cotton skirt. Generally black or blue, has an elasticated waist and should come to just below the knee • Jazz shoes (ballet shoes may be worn) • Footless or convertible tights • Waist elastic • Tracksuit (for between classes) • Trainers / sneakers (for between classes) * Please bring character shoes if you already own a pair, there is no need to purchase shoes just for the course ** If you do not have a national skirt, please bring a long practise skirt

Question about current bubble rules at Upper school, and how they might apply to this summer at Covent Garden For Summer, the RBS website indicates the following “we will not be able to allow day students to enter in and out of the group ‘bubbles’ created for the duration of your child’s stay. Should the situation change we will relook at what is possible closer to the course dates and inform you accordingly.“ Does this mean CG students won’t be able to leave to explore for touring on the weekends? would they be able to meet up with family on the weekend? Just trying to plan extended family visits in London and wasn’t sure if that would be possible during the course with the “bubble rules.” Any insight appreciated!

To me the word “potential” has been very nebulous. What does that really mean? Having seen RBS summer parent observation, DD opportunity to take Summer class last year virtually with Powney, I came to at least part of the equation- your child’s ability to follow lengthy instructions for combinations, remembering them without watching other kids and staying on the music as they have the confidence to know what to do ( as they get older I am amazed at how some can do this so well), do a variation in time with the music with a group after having practiced it only a few times with said group and not having the benefit of a personal coach for weeks on end to teach you), and finally actually applying the corrections. And if after all that and more you can still manage to have some artistry, that is potential. Although these observations were for age 14 plus, they could be scaled down for age. What other specific components of potential have others seen and observed with RBS?

Cantref it seems if they are taking international students, they need to apply to get on the list from their end. You may be able to sway them, as Houston Ballet Academy is on the list, ABT JKO, Joffrey, Orlando Ballet, etc. There are many small high schools (Public and private) who take foreign exchange Students who are on the list, Many small private universities. So not sure they can get around it if you are paying them tuition. Good luck!

There are lots of Ballet schools on the SEVP list. If they are a school, they should get on the list if they are accepting international students. The list is lengthy and includes many small schools of all sorts. I am confused, are you paying tuition or is this a ballet contract and will be receiving pay? Is there a school associated with the ballet company?

MariCat, the kids will share with their close friends, there is no keeping that quiet. (At least with girls). I guess that will depend on your studio and how close the dancers are with friendships. Ours are tight night and they learn to cope with friends getting better roles and they know their “pecking” order so as dancers they learn to become resilient and bounce back from disappointments. As they get older at 15 plus it is harder. As far as a parent, in the year that my DD pretty much got into every big three letter school Summer program, I laid low and didn’t enter the studio for several weeks. With COVID rules, that should be easy on your part!! Let the news bubble up from the kids naturally, give parents some breathing room of a few weeks and let them ask you questions, not bringing it up personally.

Alison, I didn't say it doesn't happen. It is outside the average age. So yes it does happen, we all know people, but with dancing 30 hours a week it should have been looked into. She clearly stated before vocational school at age 16 she was dancing 30 hours per week, periodically getting 3 hours of sleep a night. This is not healthy and should have been looked into. It has been known for decades now that the excessive hours of training in gymnasts caused irreversible health damage to those girls.