KeenButClueless

Does anyone have any insights as to whether the SA course is valuable training? DD has been offered a place, but is at vocational school where she can already do weekend classes. I’m trying to weigh up pros and cons of having her head into London every Sunday during GCSE years, the time, the cost, etc. How long are the classes? Thanks

Tring give MDS to who they think deserves it most, regardless of year group. It changes every year.

A slightly late response, but I would also strongly recommend Nicola Tarry if you can get to her. She is simply phenomenal. Oliver and Steffi were amazing at the summer intensive too. My daughter is at vocational school and trained with Nicola beforehand and still goes to her intensives whenever she can.

This year it was £36 to apply then £845 for the week, which turned out to be Sunday afternoon to Friday lunchtime, but with parent arrival early in the morning. Some people therefore also have to factor in a night at a London hotel to be there on time. Arrival and departure days/times are not shared until after you pay.

Maybe - but they would have had to clean thoroughly last year too. The information, when it comes, is always very clear, but I think actual course start and end dates/times should be shared earlier so you know what you’re paying for.

Is anyone else a bit disappointed with the course length this year? They had a whole extra day last year for the same price - and we weren’t given the pick up date until after full payment was made. I’m feeling a little robbed for 4.5 days of training to be honest.

My daughter got week 4 too and took her own photos on her phone with the timer! 😂 Congratulations! My daughter got in last year from the wait list and loved it.

If she’s serious, absolutely look at Nicola Tarry Classical Ballet (previously known Nicola Moriarty or Woodside). She is a phenomenal teacher - she is extremely passionate yet still makes it fun. They haven’t competed much in the past but seem to be attending more festivals and doing very well.

I think start dates depend on the year group, but I would just email the school to ask if you’re still unsure, they’re very responsive.

Nicola Tarry (Nicola Tarry Classical Ballet on Facebook and Instagram) is doing a summer intensive in mid/late August and she’s absolutely incredible. Based near Sevenoaks, choose from either 3 or 6 days. My daughter trained with Nic before starting at vocational school and goes back to Nic for intensives.

My daughter is there that week too. She’s 12.

Hi @Beadancer, I know that at least two girls were offered places from the MDS waiting list last year. Good luck! Edit: I should have said that was for year 7 entry specifically.

It definitely doesn't matter. I'd keep it plain and simple though. Belts are not necessary and whatever shoes your DD usually dances in. And remember, socks not tights! Good luck!

If you still need help, I would be happy to try to answer your question.

Hi, all places in the first round of offers at Tring are day places, as far as I know. If your DD secures a funded place, then a boarding place will also be awarded - the MDS students automatically get boarding places. My DD is in year 7 with an MDS, and her initial offer after the first audition was a day place with the funding audition. Following the funding audition she was awarded the funding and the boarding place together. All MDS students currently in year 7/first form are boarders. I know of several girls attending the year 8 funding audition. If it helps, there do seem to be more places in each year as you progress up the school. There are only 8 dancers in first form this year, but about 13 in second form. Good luck at the MDS auditions.