Gingerbread

She was at the yorkshire ballet seminars the first year my DD was there. I was reliably informed that she didn't get into RBS.

or if they don't, perhaps they should

my DD did the Ruth French award I think, when she was at her old ballet school. Either that, or the Ruth French was on at the same time as another award she was doing. It would have been either at Battersea at the RAD HQ, or in Birmingham - all theRAD competitions she did were at one of those 2, and I think the Ruth French is probably a similar format, i.e., do a class in front of a panel, then get through and do a final class in front of a panel, who pick a winner & runners up. Good experience in order to see who else is out there, but of course it's only open to RAD people so arguably not really seeing who else is out there! and also, it was definitely done through DD's [then] teacher and not publicised much, even to other children within the same school. Although any winners from the school were publicised!

Spax - thanks for your comment. My DD is sorted as she's at a really good school that have taken her under their wing and she goes every night after school so definitely getting the hours in. Not sure if ballet will be ultimately the way forward but the work ethic she's getting is fantastic and she's quite pragmatic about the future (I think)!! Useful however for others to know that scholarships are available so thanks for posting

Spanner, I would say MOST people. It's all very well having a school with good training but if they can only give that training to a select few it makes you wonder

Hi Sheila - I ordered some purple warm up boots from you for my DD for Christmas - I thought your service was fantastic and Dd loved the little freebie bag with the hairpins! thanks and all the best.

I've stayed at the City Guesthouse in York - cheaper than the Monk bar hotel but still really really close to the uni where the seminars take place. However, book now - wherever it is you want to stay. My experience of YBSS tells me that accommodation gets sold out really quickly especially if it's a race weekend, which it often is at that time in July. I second Betty's as an absolute must ..... and the best Italian restaurant is Mamma Mia, which is situated in Gillygate - really close to the uni.

I'm afraid I can't help you but just wanted to post to say that I looked at the YouTube video and wow what a pretty tutu! Wish I could find something like that on Ebay for £60! good luck with your search.

I'm shocked - what a horrible, horrible thing. She has done nothing wrong!

My Christmas wishes to everyone as well. I haven't been on the forum lately but I do like to know it's here! I hope everyone has a successful 2013.

Worn a few times but generally good condition. £3.50

Well said Julie - ballet is never going to get a reputation as an inclusive activity as long as dancers from less affluent backgrounds are discriminated against. I understand YDA and places like this will not be able to afford to charge less as they have overheads and teachers to pay, but my DD is very lucky to go somewhere that exists to help talent from all backgrounds as a major priority.

We saw their last show, it was fantastic. I would highly recommend anyone to go and see this one too, if Central London is accessible. It will open your eyes to just what is out there, outside of the schools that everyone has "heard of." and DoubleTrouble - all the best to your DD's on the night!

that depends though on whether funding is being received from the vocational school in question, I would think.

Last year, DD had a series of private lessons with a respected teacher. As well as giving tuition to my DD,(not at vocational school) she was also coaching pupils from the 3 main vocational schools that you have all heard of. It was very interesting. Rowan, you make a good point about the gilded cage!

Spanner my DD did this 2 years ago (or was it 3)? She won their musicality award at the end. I wonder if I met you then, unknowingly?

Very good condition! £8 plus postage pls message me for photos or any other info.

My DD failed the audition for LJB but got into LSB. Hope this helps!

Aha! I'd never even heard of them til I picked up a leaflet in doctor's waiting room this morning! Would you recommend their shoes for orthotics and/or ballet dancer's feet? (assuming said 13yr old finds a pair that suit)!

I have discovered a website called www.hotter.com their shoes look supportive. There are some summer-ish looking pairs. On their FAQ's it says: "What styles have removable insoles that will enable me to replace them with orthotics? The majority of our footwear includes removable insoles. The depth of the orthotic may affect which styles are the most suitable. Please call our customer services on freephone 0800 083 8490 for advice." that sounds hopeful! Looking at the actual shoes, most of them my DD would not consider, BUT there are some possibilities. It's worth a look, mainly for adults I would say. Hope someone finds this useful! (shoes seem to be around the £50 mark - similar to the converse/vanns price).

thanks for replies! I will try to go for the option that's the most economical, and also that meets with DD's approval. These 2 things are rarely if ever the same... Will we need to buy the next size up, to incorporate the orthotics? I will wait til we've got the orthotics and take them along when we buy the shoes to make sure. (actually that's probably the obvious thing to do but it's only just occurred to me!

Following seeing the physio recently, DD needs orthotics .... I can't think that there are any shoes in the shops at the moment that will work well with these! I think ideally the choice would be lace-ups but I can't see that 1)they are available or 2) DD would want to wear them for the summer term (although needs must, of course)! What about Converse (or something cheaper/similar) - is this sort of thing do-able with orthotics? Lots of questions but someone must have gone through this!

same here - along with gym, tennis, football, bike riding, roller skating... slowly slowly over time they faded out and the ballet just took over. It was like a natural evolution. (I've never danced, by the way).

Really pleased about this thread too! I do have Facebook, but I would prefer not to do this on Facebook. What's nice about this forum is the anonymity - more for my DD than for myself. Correct me if I'm wrong, but wouldn't doing this on Facebook mean everyone would be identified?

We have this problem too - I have mentioned to school so many times, but it's difficult not to sound a bit "precious." Quite frankly I'd rather DD just sat out PE, I don't think there's any benefit to her. Edited to say: Sorry, I realise I have gone totally off topic!