mimi'smom

At Elmhurst BUPA is included in the MDS (probably other schools too) but not the excess should your child need treatment. The cost of some other treatments is also passed on to parents eg sports massages. Our uniform allowance has run out every year too! Frequent trips to see BRB (I thought we were charged for these, albeit at a subsidised rate but I may be wrong) One music lesson included in MDS (it used to be 2 and some people have absorbed the cost of the second one so their DC can continue with the 2 lessons). Best of luck to you and your DC - great idea to get information before you get swept along - once prelims start it becomes very intense. It is a huge financial (and emotional) sacrifice but we wouldn't have it any other way.

Thank you so much Afab!

Good morning everyone! Does anyone know the arrangements for those arriving by car? Is it walking distance from the Sheen Gate?

Just noticed that Groupon are doing tickets for Prince of the Pagoda's at the Coliseum from £26 in case anyone hasn't got their tickets yet (20% off) http://www.groupon.co.uk/deals/events/gl-curated-by-groupon-events-4/36200251

Mine too Oldermum - glad there's a (very!) familiar face for her! See you there!

MVOBE It used to be the case that all PVPs were given finals but this stopped in the year my daughter auditioned (2011). x

Is this the one Janet? http://www.amazon.com/review/R3FTHSH0UNRHOH

Does anyone know why they ask for parental occupations on the application forms for the scholarship auditions? Are decisions made on the perceived ability to pay? (it asks for occupation not income..)

Just noticed this on the Elmhurst website: STOP PRESS: 2 December 2013 We will now be holding both Lower and Upper School auditions on 22 January. We will do our very best to accommodate everyone but applications received once this date is full are likely to be placed on a waiting list. x

Can I just ask parents of children at vocational school what they do about photos for summer schools? Previously we have had our dance teacher take them in the studio but would feel a bit cheeky asking her now that DD has been left for over a year. Is it disadvantageous to submit photos taken in the home environment? Many thanks!

They do run contemporary classes at the Dance Xchange on a Saturday (not linked to the CAT scheme as far as I'm aware) My dd and her friends used to do it to fill the (long) gap between Elmhurst Associates and RBS Associates they enjoyed it and felt like they'd had a good workout in the process! You can turn up on the day and don't have to block book (though it is cheaper this way) It may be worth trying one to see if your daughter would enjoy the CAT scheme especially if (like my dd) she has not tried contemporary before.

Thanks for the clarification Cotes, didn't realise that it was only Birmingham Associates that did this

Elmhurst Associates also offer (optional) jazz and exercise for children (body con) classes which my daughter loved and felt were very beneficial

Belljul your post brought a tear to my eye. I cannot listen to that song without being reduced to a sobbing wreck as it came out when my eldest non dancing daughter was about to go to secondary school. I did indeed feel I was losing her in some way. Now 6 years on we have the most brilliant relationship. Without meaning to sound corny she is my friend as well as my daughter. Like all of us with children at vocational school I struggle with my youngest being away (the song that reduces me to tears for her is For Good from Wicked!!) but I know the bond we have built up, especially through the dance journey is strong. Katymac, you have been kind enough to share videos of your daughter on here and she is a beautiful and confident young lady - I am sure your relationship with her will find new ways to grow. (But sending you big 'I know the feeling' hugs anyway)!

From the 27th October page: "Join us for the first Family Sunday of the season! Come and explore the Royal Opera House, its artists and the world of opera and ballet on our fun packed day for the family. Explore dancing with a Royal Ballet dancer, singing with a professional singer or get creative with a set designer. There will be chance to try on costumes from the stage, see a professional make-up artist at work, or just relax and enjoy live music with a drink or snack from the restaurant" Angela x

Just had this through my email - the ROH are holding 'open days' on the last Sunday of each month (not December) with lots of activities for children on a drop in basis. Tickets available (£5 adults £3 children) on the website. Sounds brilliant and the first one falls in many people's half terms. Typically, we are actually down in London that weekend but are booked up for the Sunday!! http://www.roh.org.uk/functions/family-sundays?utm_source=wordfly&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=2013_Sept_Education_FamilySundays&utm_content=version_A&emailsource=17280 You can also book now for the November one!

You will be in our prayers here too xx

Hi Fiz I will ask my husband if he is interested (he and both girls play but we only have an electronic keyboard ) But please if you have the opportunity to find a charitable cause or Meadowblythe's church can collect please go with those! Otherwise we will make a donation to a charity of your choice if we do end up taking you up on your generous offer! We are off on our holidays this weekend so will check thread when we get back. When is your deadline for getting rid of it?

It's an online code I used - not sure if the offer is available in store but you can do a click and collect to avoid P and P costs x

Hope it's ok to resurrect an old thread but just to say that Debenhams currently have a promotional code on their invisible pants - three for the price of two.

Iron on transfers are great for socks, underwear etc. We got ours from Easy2name x

Here's a 5 star review of the upper school performance from the Birmingham Post: http://www.birminghampost.co.uk/whats-on/theatre/review-elmhurst-school-dance-ruddock-5067641 Wish I'd seen it - the 6th formers in today's final combined lower and upper school performance were breathtaking!

The list of Elmhurst graduate destinations can be found on the 'dance' tab of their website but no information for this year's graduates as yet

There is a jazz style movement class as part of the Hammond audition too edited to add that jazz is on the dance curriculum at Elmhurst x

What a fantastic review Nana Lily - you have summed up the show as beautifully as it was performed! (Note to self - have watched the show twice and hadn't noticed the one-shoed dying swans - look out for that on Friday!!) For me, it was the joy with which they all danced that made the biggest impression - felt extremely proud to be an Elmhurst parent today!