Friends

My dd applied for the Sixth Form. She has auditions for RBS and Central. I feel very cynical about the whole process. My dd has achieved her present level on just 6 hours a week of ballet lessons. She is competing against girls who have been in full time training since they were 11. If this is a necessity then please let us know so we don't waste our time chasing something that will never become a reality. My husband compares the training to spending hours on the driving range but never reaching the golf course. They need to perform more and not in a festival situation. A dancer maybe technically perfect but not necessary be able to perform and for me I would rather watch someone that can evoke an emotion than watching a robot. There is a lot of British talent around and we never see their full potential because we do not nurture our own. I feel we will never get to see my dd full potential and that seems such a shame after she has dedicated so much of her time to follow this dream. Fortunately I am a realist and never stopped my daughter participating in other activities just in case she could get injured!

Just received dd's letter of rejection from Elmhurst and we are a bit shocked she didn't make it through the first round! She has been an Associate of the RBS for 8 years , awarded 3 scholarships with the EYB and 1 to the Wells Weekend, passed her Advanced 1 at RAD and ISTD with Distinction but was unable to pass the basics! It would be very useful if along with these letters one could get some feedback. I feel my emotions have resurfaced that were experienced during the one and only festival my dd participated in when she was 8. My husband thought she was a swan dancing amongst ducks and wanted to punch the judge when she wasn't placed!! Fortunately we have taken the positives out of these experiences. My dd can find her way to London on the train on her own, knows her way through the Underground, participated in 3 children's ballet and had workshops with Marianela Nunez and Steven McCrae. I'm a great believer in fate and there will be greater opportunities around the corner.