Ballet Saga

I’m sure it’s an online video but they expect a solo. My DC didn’t audition for them but he heard that’s what they want.

I think the schools want talented kids. There are a lot of decent kids out there and that’s part of the problem. The jobs can take the best of the best. Plus it’s being at the right place at the right time. So it’s not even about being good or not. I’m sure all the kids are good dancers after all the years of training. The schools are all good schools. It really is heartbreaking for the kids after they’ve worked so hard.

Yes I would like to know this too! A lot of schools seem to have such successful graduates…But statistically that can’t be right! I’m sure the schools just give the impression of success for most. Which at the end of the day pulls in pupils which is what the schools need to run… Also worth noting the schools that assess out or don’t take many of their own into the graduate year look so much better on paper! And it’s quite obvious why! Edited to add: this is why I tried not to listen to the ‘noise’ when it came to decision making for my DCs school. Looking for graduate destinations doesn’t tell you much about a school.

I think hard work and determination count for a lot!

Gosh! It’s madness. I know even in non arts industries it’s similar. So many jobs are insanely competitive for young people. But I do believe the attitude ‘it might be me’ isn’t a bad one to have! Keep going!

I think it’s worth noting that even a ‘top’ school doesn’t guarantee a job. I know a lot of people are swayed by the names of schools. Schools are a business in their own right at the end of the day. They need students and they know that there will be hardly any jobs for their graduates. That’s just the reality of it sadly. Hence why all the graduate schemes have popped up (another business). I fear for my DC like all of us do our kids. We want them to find work. But only a few will. You have to keep trying though if that’s what you want. I would say don’t be too picky when it comes to a job, a job is a job at the end of the day! Good luck to your DD. Good luck to all the graduates this year. I wish there was a job for them all.

The email says early April so should be soon

The email says early April. Hopefully that’s sooner rather than later!

I don’t think there is movement into the company from the school. You have to see them as separate entities really.

We’ve declined a place and also a scholarship so hopefully someone will get a nice surprise!

I’m sure it’s around May for the European semi finals

I know people have had to fund raise to be able to do it so…

It’s an awful time! It really does take over. I’m pleased you feel more reassured. The best thing to do is go into it and try and enjoy it. I really hope he gets the school of his choice.

It’s so unhelpful when teachers say thinks like that without giving any actual advice! Firstly tell her not to worry. It can easily be developed. I would get her dancing for fun at home or in a studio space you have hired. Just put on some music and be free with it. Also find dancers she likes and imitate them. Get her to film herself and watch it and she can see where she wants to improve. And she needs to work really hard not comparing herself to others. It just destroys confidence. She has plenty of time to develop her confidence before upper auditions.

I wouldn’t be worrying about whether he is an RB associate etc. That doesn’t make a difference. If they like him enough to get through to finals then he has a chance at a place. Both Central and Elmhurst look for different things. Central take on a whole new year group so there are more places to give out which means more of a chance. Well done to him for getting to finals and good luck. If it’s a no this year you can try again next year.