dancedizzy

Fancandance2 sounds like you need to take up your particular gripe with the school in question. This thread is going round in circles. You can also ring MDS a very nice gent whose name escapes me will clarify that MDS are for ballet.

The sad reality that schools award these government MDS for talent and physique for potential in training for classical ballet. Schools are usually frank about their criteria for selection. I can speak personally about 2 of the 4 MDS schools and have close friends who have children at the other 2. With regard to medical insurance these 4 schools encourage you to join the BUPA schools scheme which is included as a separate fee within MDS, you can opt out but have to have own cover.

My daughter also on CAT scheme but it's classical and covered by MDS

MDS at dance schools is primarily for BALLET. I refer to Elmhurst, Hammond, Tring and RBS see link http://www.cdet.org.uk/professional-training/funding/ I hope famcandance that resolves your dilemma!

Hi Tulip, Fortunately we do not live too far away so my daughter commutes to Leeds four times a week, previous to this she attended Tring and my eldest White Lodge. Dancedizzy

Northern Ballet Academy Leeds operates a non residential but vocational professional programme the only classical CAT programme in the country and is part of the MDS scheme. My daughter is part of this programme, having previously attended a residential vocational dance school MDS funded(one of top four) leaving out of choice, having gained this place at The Northern Ballet Academy. She receives over 15 hours of pure classical training per week which exceeds the amount of ballet she received at her previous school. The programme is demanding, my child loves the school, facilities, staff and training and has made such progress. As a parent of more than one 'ballet daughter,' in vocational training, it's a refreshing change to be in environment where every member of the dance faculity including Head of Dance is caring,supportive and approachable!