Glissé

Yes she is actually going to be seeing one and I’m hoping this will provide some relief and some answers.

Hi everyone just thought to come on here and give an update. Dd tried writing down her strengths, passions etc but keeps coming to me saying I don’t know who I am without ballet. As a parent I provide lots of reassurance it’s just so difficult hearing her say that because obviously she is so much more than the ballet world! There are also more opportunities sprinting up as we edge nearer to grad and she says she almost feels this guilt and worry that she’ll regret it later on if she doesn’t go for these opportunities even though she’s decided she wants to come away from it all. This is definitely a very very tough year!

Hi my dd has loads of old pointe shoes she wants to get rid of!

This is a very interesting topic. I agree with everyone else try not to take social media too seriously as people post what they’re good at and you don’t see their struggles. However having said that my dd was accepted into White Lodge 8 years ago she only trained at a local dance school in a hall but also did royal ballet associates every Saturday. She had no privates and certainly didn’t do any summer intensives simply because we couldn’t afford them. She was definitely accepted into the school based on her potential and I do believe if she auditioned for White Lodge now I am certain she wouldn’t have gained a place. Back when she was 10 Or 11 yrs old it was very common for children to be accepted on potential and the international competition was also less. however recently I have become increasingly aware of children as young as 9 or 10 yrs old doing multiple private lessons with top industry professionals , associate schemes etc and they do seem to be the ones being accepted into the schools. I do worry about them doing too much at a young age they may be more prone to burnout especially if they continue to train privately alongside their vocational training. However having said all this let your dc apply see what happens because you never know if you don’t try.

Ive loved reading everyone’s replies, thank you. I was thinking the same giving dd a break after grad and not rushing into anything. I’m sure there will be lots of grieving as mentioned eg anxiety depression anger etc. It will be interesting actually because dd has been through all of them emotions caused by ballet so stepping back I’m thinking will allow her to heal. I guess time will tell and we are going to embrace this hell of a journey!

Exactly the same with my dd think she’s going through a bit of an identity crisis at the moment! I agree they have learnt so many transferable skills over the years just need to find that passion so they can use them! Thank you , very best of luck to your dd too have a lovely Easter xx

I will have to get dd to do the same writing down passions etc. she’s been stuck in a negative rut lately her school isn’t helping I think she needs to find who she is outside of dance. It’s so hard when ballet has been the biggest part of her life for all these years. Like you said she just needs to find that passion ❣️

Dd’s school also extremely unsupportive at looking at other careers. She reckons that she definitely wants to come away from dance similarly she has no one to ask for advice as they’re so focused on company contracts. I’m sure we’ll work something out in the coming months

Excellent news congratulations! Dd still a bit lost as to what she’s going to do after grad it’s so hard at the moment especially with the pandemic.

That’s ok, it is important to share both perspectives. In this moment in time reading that no letter may feel like a heartbreak for families and dc but actually may be at your dd’s advantage in the long run. and I agree it’s so easy to be blinkered. Dd hated boarding was very homesick just wasn’t for her. If I’ve helped at least one family today that’s all that matters.

What an amazing achievement for your DD! I honestly do believe those who receive no’s only makes them stronger and more determined. A dancer can truly fly without the pressures of appraisals at White Lodge, international competition and living away from home etc. although I am pleased to read that they are keeping dancers for three years now. Obviously every dancer is different though what works for some may not work for others. I know many dancers who have thrived under the competitive environment.

Exactly the same with my dd. She knows of many who have been to a local school and an excellent associate scheme outside of royal who have gained places at the top upper schools over the girls at white lodge in year 11. Just want to reassure everyone it’s not the end of the world 💗

I would just like to say congratulations to all the dc who have been offered a place I know the feeling all too well when dd was offered a place for yr 7. However to all the no’s please try not to get too disheartened as dd actually told me she would have turned down her place if she would have known her experience. I don’t mean to dampen the mood just want to reassure those who have received a no it is not the end of the road because I know many successful dancers who haven’t been to a vocational school and if the love and passion is there anything is possible. Keep dancing and please feel free to pm me ❣️

I do wish there were more apprentice type schemes with companies available to British dancers. My dd is in graduate year and as a middle working class family we simply wouldn’t be able to afford graduate programmes costing around £3000 upwards not including accommodation and living costs. Beyond graduation I would expect dancers to be the required standard to join a company. I couldn’t pay out more money after 8 years of vocational training. If British dancers are not receiving contracts then that makes me question the training in this country compared to international dancers however this is going slightly off topic but still relevant. However even if dd did receive company contract it sounds as if the pay is very low and once again it’s the bank of mum and dad.. it’s a real shame because I believe there are so many talented dancers however once again financial reasons may end their career early 😔

Exactly right, even when our children decide to audition for upper schools at 16 they are still very young and between the ages of 16 and 19 they mature into young adults. If they go to an upper school and complete a levels or a degree alongside their training they may find interest in a field elsewhere and therefore their aspirations may change I think upper schools need to accept and realise this.

This is very sad to read. I understand that the main focus of many upper schools is to gain a contract. However, seeing as contracts are few and far between you would think they would also help students with a plan b and not just release them into the big wide world.

Totally agree my dd is keen to choose a different path after July however with no guidance from the school and others around her making audition videos etc she feels like a failure for not doing the same which is very sad 😔

I agree upper schools need to be open and honest to their dancers and more guidance needs to be given to them for a plan B. At DD’s upper school they send them audition notices etc for companies across Europe and the states however there is no guidance for those who may not get jobs or who want to step away from dance after July. Unfortunately it seems that they just want them graduated and out the door so they can move onto the next year group.

Grishko Nova Pro pointe shoes size 4.5 xxxxx medium shank Never worn however DD started to prepare them PM me for photos. Slight mark on heels however not noticeable on Available in original packaging £30 inc postage and packaging

• brand new however DD has sewn on the ribbons but they can easily be unpicked they have also been softened with a hammer so are ready for use. • Size 4.5 X butterfly maker • £15 inc postage and packaging

• Brand new in packaging • Size adults Small to Medium dd is 5 ft 3 and they fit fine • £6 inc postage and packaging

My dd is also in third year and is unsure what to do in July similarly she isn’t keen on a graduate programme it’s all so devastating for all the graduates this year. It would be great to hear from other parents.

I am disappointed that there isn’t one American in the finals. There was one young lady in particular with the most beautiful feet, turnout and extensions think it was candidate 117.

This resonates so much with my dd at the moment. She is currently at an upper school however hasn’t truly been happy and ever since she’s been online she says she feels safe compared to being in a studio. We have decided after July she’s going to leave the ballet world for her wellbeing. Unfortunately we had a negative experience at a top lower school dd discovered her drive again and decided to apply for upper schools however I think she hasn’t truly recovered from her past therefore she’s seeking some support between now and July. If I knew the pain the ballet world has caused my dd we would not have pursued the vocational route.

Does this rule include vocational schools as well?