Mamaderuby

On 14/04/2024 at 00:49, Ruby Foo said:

Not a company as such but I do know that some European schools are less and less enthusiastic to take on British students since Brexit. That was definitely mentioned to my daughter when she was in Europe. It’s not only the visa issues but also a rumbling grumble that UK chose to make things so tricky. It’s not just in the Ballet world but in employment in general. A friend’s daughter has had great difficulty in getting a visa to start work ( not dance) in Spain. They are giving out far less visa’s to the Brits than before.

My children have many Spanish friends who would love to work in the UK, non-dancers, educated young people. Post-Brexit, they have the same difficulty as British citizens who want to work/live in Spain.

Hi. Came across this. Not sure if it is of interest to anyone. 

https://www.instagram.com/p/C5B7ZWHo1BJ/?igsh=bWtzeWU2czVjanh1

42 minutes ago, Dancing unicorn said:

So glad your ds is enjoying KS! Dd went there and absolutely loved it. Would highly recommend over anywhere. It’s like one big happy family, show term is amazing - have fun and enjoy when you go watch ⭐️

Thankyou! Flights and hotel booked already for end March. Can't wait!

13 hours ago, MrsMoo2 said:

Hi guys, long time lurker here! 
DS used to dance a lot, he auditioned at 11 for Hammond and Elmhurst and unfortunately didn’t get in. He was a Phoenix Boy for a few years and this did help. He started at his local, very small High School tho and was bullied for 18 months for dancing. This led to him developing a hatred for all things creative. He was very angry with the bullies and blamed dance for this.
Anyhow, fast forward and he’s now 16, he left High School (and bullies) in July last year with a full set of GCSE’s at high grades and started his A Levels, in History, English and Chemistry but he’s a performer. As soon as he hears music he’s dancing again, he’ll dance in the aisle in Tesco, with the dog, wherever he sees open space, unusually for a teenager, he does not care who sees him and he enjoys the reactions. The joy on his face is lovely to see. 
Question is, what if any type of dance could he get into at 17 or 18? He’s always maintained his ballet figure, although is now over 6ft, and I believe he’s been doing barre secretly for a while. (Still has one in his bedroom).

He’s obsessed with musical theatre and has a decent voice (in the shower!)

Anyone else a late starter? xx

My DS started dance age 11 (ballet and jazz) in a local dance school. He auditioned at central School of Ballet, Northern Ballet School and KS Dance at age 17, in his last year of school. He was offered places at all three and is now in his first year at KS Dance (started age 18) and LOVING IT! His absolute favourite genre is Ballet and he is learning so much and improving so fast. He is also enjoying jazz and contemporary, and is taking tap for the first time. There is also MT singing for those who show interest and talent. We are so happy with his decision to go to KS Dance. Amazing teachers, fantastic S&C and physio/rehabilitation programme. He feels seen, listened to and cared for. 

2 hours ago, Mummy twinkle toes said:

If West End is an aim then look at where most performers train. London Studio, Arts Ed, Laines, Urdang all have excellent dance courses and their jazz/commercial are very strong. Their dance alumni are all over the West End. Most offer diploma courses at 16 and degrees at 18. 
You can watch clips from Move It to see their dancers.

Also consider Wilkes Academy and  the Brighton Academy, newer schools, building up excellent reputations. And SLP college in Leeds. SLP also offer level 6 diploma.

21 minutes ago, So-not-a-Dancemom said:

Thanks @taxi4ballet that's why I'm encouraging her to look mostly at The Hammond as it does the level 6 diploma over 3 years.  She literally won't entertain doing A levels ... in all honesty, there's probably little I can do to sway her in any way.... so I guess I'm here looking for reassurance rather than advice!

If she is set on full time training at 16, definitely consider KS Dance and NBS as well as the Hammond. All great schools offering the level 6 diploma. 

The CDMT careers conference in February will have showcases and taster classes from these any many other accredited schools. Might be worth checking out.

Best of luck.

I think that if she is not going down the pure classical ballet route, there is no rush. Getting a few A levels, particularly if she is academic, will leave the door open for other options in the future, should she get injured, or decide to follow another career path, either instead of, or after a dance career. I found that my DD matured a lot between 16 and 18, not just as a dancer, but as a person, and was glad that we decided she would be better off starting at 18. I realise that all DCs are different, but IMO getting a few good A levels can only be of benefit.

KS Dance and Central School of Ballet also accept older students. Both in England.

For anyone applying to either of these schools this year, I am also happy to answer any questions. DD is in 3rd year at Morea and DS is in first year at KS. 

On 05/10/2023 at 21:19, Garnier said:

Any suggestions for summer intensives in Spain?

Valencia Endanza 

For my DD, now in year 3 of 3 of full time vocational college, we have used BHSF as a "top up" for NHS. I realise this may not be for everyone, but has worked for us.  BHSF is  a cash back health plan, which we accessed through OneDance UK.  She has used it mostly for regular physio treatments, pays privately, uploads receipt online and receives 75% back in her account in a couple of days. She has also been able to receive both physio treatment and MRIs through the Dance Injury Clinic (Birmingham was her closest, but there are others), covered by NHS. OneDance UK is a fantastic source of information for services for dancers. Student membership only £20 per year. 

Is there much variation in size between the LaDuca models? DD wears Elizabeth in 7 medium. Not sure if it would be safe to order online Roxie in the same size, or get her to take (another) trip to London. 

Haha! Thanks.. exactly this. She has replaced her So Danca hard sole character shoes with La Duca soft soles(in both Black and skin tone) and wears Jason Samuel Smith's, so yes, I am trying to save my pennies wherever I can. Although I don't really want to cut corners if I end up having to replace them in just a few months anyway. Does your DD find a huge difference between the LaDuca heeled tap shoes and a less expensive So Danca or Capezios? My DD says that wearing her La Duca soft soles are like wearing slippers after her So Danca hard soles, but I am not that excited about forking out for LaDuca tap shoes, when she is not really a tapper. 

Hi. My daughter would like to turn her 3 inch So Dance character shoes into tap dancing shoes. I have found lots of tap toes and heels in different sizes online for flat tap dance shoes but the only ones for heels I can find are the LaDuca ones. Does anyone know if these would fit ok, if they are a "standard" size. , or where I can find So Danca tap toes and heels? As you can probably tell...I know nothing about tap shoes or tap dancing. Please help.

My DS has just been offered Central, Northern and KS and he turns 18 this June. Age was not an issue at these 3 schools. However, he was advised by Elmhurst that he was too old to start in first year of the diploma course, and suggested he audition for direct entry into 3rd year. He did not do this as he did not feel experienced enough. I know Rambert certainly take older students too. Hope she recovers soon and fingers crossed she'll get a place off the Central waitlist. Best of luck .

22 minutes ago, london dancer said:

Congratulations to your DS - I agree - the gut feel is very important. DD has also made her decision and accepted RCS - she has turned down her offer from CSB - hopefully those on the waiting lists will hear very soon. A big relief once the decision is made and the accommodation is booked. Good luck to those still undecided and best of luck to all the lovely dancers for the next stage in their training. 

Congrats to your DD. Is nice to start to plan now that decisions are made.

Just an update...DS applied to NBS, CSB and KS. He was fortunate to be offered a place at all three. He has chosen to attend KS Dance. Thankyou to everyone who has offered their experience-based opinions. It has been very helpful. He would have been happy to attend any of these fantastic schools, but has ultimately gone with his gut feeling. I think the best school is the school that is best for you. Best of luck to those still making decisions. 

DS will not be accepting his place at Central, so that will open up a place on waiting list. I am guessing there are separate waiting lists for girls and boys?

7 hours ago, Penguinboysmum said:

When I got the phonecall they mentioned they had a very long waiting list this year. I've only heard of yes or nos

Yes, I was told the same thing. That we would have 14 days to accept or reject offer, as there are many on waiting list. 

Also, I had email last night to say that there were problems with their internal servers, and not to worry as contract would be sent on 26 instead of yesterday, and that 14 day period will start from that time. I guess that people on waiting list will get call with offer, as rejections come in. So hang on in and best of luck.

9 minutes ago, Penguinboysmum said:

Congrats to your DS

And to yours.

Yes! Just got call now offering my DS a place.

It looks like it is quite a distance from Chester House to Central. If relying on public transport, 1 hour and 20 minutes, give or take? And nothing direct? To have to do the trip morning and evening on top of a long day would be tough. Pity, as it looks great. More affordable than most places. And an evening meal, a big plus. 

I know The Place in Madrid is popular and they have adult classes, some on a pay-as-you-go basis. No personal experience.

Here is link

https://www.theplacedancestudiomadrid.com/horario-curso-2022-2023

21 minutes ago, balletboimum said:

There's laundry on site. Ironing board n iron. like all places need own pots pans cutlery.  Ikea and I think others do a student pack can get delivered.  but I ll be honest. Son uses 1 pan a mini George Foreman n baking tray mainly, plate, cutlery, wooden spoon. they get by and share if needed. not been issue in kitchen in 6 months. 

Thanks 

1 minute ago, balletboimum said:

shared space.....usually 8 to 10 rooms share kitchen. has sitting/table area. 2 ovens microwave kettles sinks fridge/freezer get shelf each which actually is enough soace.  cleaned daily.   They also have a small fridge in bedroom each. son puts smoothie, cans packed lunch for next day chocolate in it.  

Ok, thanks for that. Are there kitchen supplies, as in crockery, utensils, pots and pans or will they have to buy their own? Iron, ironing board, etc?