DancingDays

You did a very wise thing in staying home tonight....the section started an hour late at 8.30 and we left at 9.45!!! There was still 2 sections to go after us....I don't think they'll finish until around 11 which is far too late for 13 and 14 years olds No luck again tonight for DD and this was the full version of the dance she used for her auditions at Tring and Hammond - it's a great routine with lots of technical difficulty but still not enough to resonate apparently. I would say though that I would have placed 2 of the 3 placings tonight and there was some strong work shown.

I am bracing myself for the same Billyelliott once DD starts Tring in September....she's always had such a good experience at this festival before so it's a real shame for her....we've got one more festival in June then that's it. I'm hoping Tring will let her take part in Regionals next May as she's qualified 3 dances already so fingers crossed xx

Congratulations to you and your DD Osmum - exciting times

I just resurrected this thread because I thought I remembered reading the comment above about the face not fitting which is something that really has come to bear for the first time with us... My DD is definitely a victim of "her face doesn't fit" at a Festival we're at just now....and we've never come across it before so it kind of stings a little bit....I'm not saying that DD wins and places for every section at every Festival she does but she always has some success at least. Last All England, DD qualified her Ballet, Modern, S&D, Character, National and Cab Duet through to Regional Finals and then took her National to Finals where she got called out in 4th with Honours. Just last month she came 1st for her Character and National and 2nd for her Ballet at our region's first qualifying festival for this All England Comp and was awarded the Festival Classical Award for her age group. But last weekend and this weekend...we're completely flummoxed by having absolutely no hint of any praise in anything.....even to the point where the mothers of the children who are winning are coming and telling us that DD should have won or at least been placed. Now, I'm a very level headed Mum when it comes to Festivals and DD has always been gracious in defeat as well as victory, enjoying the taking part whatever the outcome, but today even she said "Mum, I could have cried when I came off stage today".... the worst part is she still wants to go back for more tonight in a Modern Section of over 30!

Good luck all and enjoy the class

Clara, did your DD get residential offer too ? That would make another JA age DD staying... and Balletmum's DD is Main Cast but JA age...so that's 4 of us already

Hi Danceroo, although my DD got offered a main cast part she is only JA age so I wouldn't worry about your DD feeling left out. We sent our contract back on Tuesday and DD is very excited. DD is also cover for the JA Ballet so she'll be learning that one too and I think there are normally a few JA age children who do the full residential experience. I think for a lot of people it's distance that plays the deciding factor - 10 days is a long time to have to travel back and forth - or to do B&B / hotel for...so I guess it depends on where you are location wise too? I would have thought that NYB will have it pretty well practised in terms of evening activities and placing children with similar ages together, etc. What does your DD think?

Can't wait to be part of the Tring Park community Kiwimum6

Such sad news - just got home to an email sent out to Friends of RBS. Deepest sympathies to all who knew and worked with her.

Hi Amandawhiter, my DD is also starting in year 7 and we are also eagerly awaiting our pack with details about uniforms, etc. I'm hoping that there will be a transition day so the DC's can all meet before they start. I think it's very narrow minded of your DD's current school as well as grossly unfair! All 4 schools auditioned hundreds of applicants and places are offered to those children whom the schools see potential in....that's the top and bottom of it....whether you can afford the tuition does not come into the initial audition results although we all know that for some people although their children are successful at auditions, financial circumstances mean they are unable to take up places....but that certainly doesn't equate to those who can afford it being less talented!! What a load of croc! Our DD is super excited to start at Tring in September

It's the Lease photography website: The Level 1 & 2 are also up there now http://leask.photography/

The Level 3 and 4 photos are now on the website - some lovely shots - hopefully the Level 1 and 2 photos will be up soon

DD had a fantastic couple of days - really enjoyed the classes. She wasn't selected as one of the two winners but in her usual fashion, has decided that it wasn't meant to be because it would have meant coming away from Tring the first weekend after she starts to go to the finals which she says wouldn't be good because she'd miss the settling in and bonding!! Very proud of her! The two dancers who did get selected in Level 1 were lovely and were very deserving. I also saw the Level 2 competition and there seemed to be quite a wide range of ages and levels in there but left before the level 3 and 4 competition began. Congratulations to all those who won in the other levels

No, go right round to the end - there is a sign above it saying "National Dance Company Wales"

Hi Everyone, we're all settled in at our hotel and took a walk over to the Millennium Centre to find out where the entrance is. We thought we'd let you know so you all know where to go - if you're standing at the main entrance to the Millennium Centre walk round to the right and keep following the building right round to the back. The National Dance Company Wales door is the last door you come to. See you all tomorrow!

Thanks Happymum - I'll be on my own on Thursday so it would be lovely to meet and say hello We haven't done anything like this before but DD does go to the RAD Associate Classes in Birmingham and really enjoys them so hopefully the girls will have a great couple of days... and meanwhile I'll be working out of a hotel room for 2 days

DD has a new solo (just finished) and a new skirted leotard - we thought about taking her tutu but decided that a more simple style would work better for this. DD will be in Level 1 too Happymum and we can't believe how quickly its come round! Really sorry about your DD's hip trouble Bankruptmum - hope it clears up quickly x We're travelling down to Cardiff tomorrow afternoon - good luck everyone!

Well done to your DD Amber21 - fab news x

Yes, just checked our Acceptance Pack and although it says "venue to be confirmed" last time we did it at Nottingham all the rehearsals were at the school the auditions were held at which was lovely for parking, etc. We literally only moved into Theatre the day before the shows.

It's been a wonderful experience and we'll miss it next year! We've had a lovely lazy morning today though

Lovely news for all these talented DDs - congratulations to you all x

MTB's Summer School looks good this year ... x

Oh Swanprincess, so sorry to hear that ...

Fingers crossed for your DD PdC - soooo close now - and to all the other DDs still on the waiting list x

Congratulations to your DD Dancing 2003