Laura_ballet

@OldDanceGal have you contacted the RAD? They might want a copy for their archives as they have a great library

@Balletbloke any class in particular? I was thinking of going to Inga’s intermediate.

I’m in London for a week this month and I wanted to try out the various open/drop-in ballet classes available. I usual go to pineapple so I’m interested in taking class elsewhere. I would prefer an intermediate level class. Any suggestions please and any pointe classes also

Any idea if they have to bring snacks ? Or is there a tuck shop? Do they need to bring any money?

My daughter has already started making a list for what to pack and here is what we have so far: - sliders - towel/hair towel - hair products - bun stuff ( gel, hairspray, pins, bun nets ) - washing bag (shampoo, conditioner, soap, toothpaste, toothbrush, moisturiser, Vaseline) - sheets for single bed - blanket - pillow - leotards - tights - phone and charger (on wish list !) anything else to add to list from past experience of SI

@RachHwow thank you so much @Swanwingsthanks really helpful

Are you able to tell me how many hours ballet per week and what are the other classes? Do they do contemporary?

Could anyone share with me the audition dates for pre-lim, semis and finals for 2023 entry for Whitelodge, Elmhurst, Tring and YDA, as I would assume there won’t be too much movement this year, possibly a few days either way.

My daughter was very lucky to audition for 4 works by the Royal Ballet/BRB during her first year as a JA: The Light of Passage, Nutracker (BRB), Sleeping Beauty and Cinderella. Potentially could have danced with company 4 times in less than a year! I believe this is more than usual however opportunities are definitely available for JAs and a lovely experience if they get chosen

@Tiaramum thank you how does kings compare with WL? I presume she is enjoying it ?

@MissEmilythank you so much for all the information. We are thinking of YDA also, any experience with their audition process? WL is first choice and she is already a JA so I assume it will be a ballet class similar to what they are used to and I believe final audition they have an interview. I’m trying to mentally prepare for the year ahead, i already feel overwhelmed, so it’s really great to have some more information thank you

Hello Correct me if I’m wrong but is a jazz class part of the audition process for Elmhurst? Also any more details on the audition process would be appreciated and any experience with tring also?

My daughter is attending this week also 10. Feel free to DM @Luludance

Thanks all for your input. It is ballet that my daughter is passionate about so I would assume WL and Elmhurst would be more appropriate. Anyone able to comment on the standard of ballet in the other schools mentioned (Tring, Moorlands, YDA and Hammond)

I’ve got a keen daughter who would like to go off to “ballet” school. Things have changed a lot since I trained and I wondered what are the top 5 vocational schools in the UK now. I appreciate vocational schools are not always the best route however we are going to explore it as a potential pathway for now and if we need to change course then we shall do so.

With regards to shoes, I wouldn’t buy the full sole just yet. Turn up first week in shoes they normally wear for regular ballet class and then ask the teacher. A few girls in my daughters class brought full soles but ended up wearing split soles as the teacher didn’t have a preference.

Well said @MissEmily

You can ask to change the time. I have heard of parents that have requested previously. However, like @Millicent I didn’t want to ask, so i just took what I was given. My daughter struggled to come to terms with leaving her Saturday classes at first and there was one point in the first term where she was debating leaving JAs so she could resume her Saturday classes! More of a comfort thing I believe and once she started to enjoy the JA classes and made some friends she settled in well. She still misses her Saturday classes at her dance school however you can’t do it all and I believe the JA classes have been a brilliant foundation for her technique/artistry but also a whole range of experiences she would never have had I.e. audition for Royal Ballet works, watch rehearsals etc.

Yes I don’t know why people advertised that they got offered another year as an associate on social media as you don’t get assessed during the Junior Associate programme.

It’s 2 hrs 15 min long. They have to arrive 15 minutes before and it takes about 15 minutes for them to get out! So all in all about 2hrs45!! The class is a mix of body conditioning, ballet fundamentals with some national dance also. That’s the set up for year 4/5 class however it may be different for year 6 as they “prepare” them for Whitelodge audition.

Anyone who got a no or waitlist definitely don’t give up. My daughter got no first time and then yes second time round.

The classes are held at the Royal Ballet Upper School in Covent Garden. The classes range from 9am start to 345pm start. I believe there are 5 classes for JAs

I like bloch one. https://www.movedancewear.com/bloch-belle-practice-tutu-p695/?sku=BL R2921ROY ML&gclid=CjwKCAjw1YCkBhAOEiwA5aN4AVVq-Da8yV_nR70Ucnc2jFxBouYqxwPUJ5-Z2yo6GkjODEjXahMOERoC8QQQAvD_BwE

Thanks everyone for all your help. @Neverdancedjustamumive ordered one from Amazon! Thanks for your help.

My daughter would like a stretch band to help with her box splits and general stretching. She’s only 137cm and a lot of the bands we have tried are too big. She wants to do follow tutorials by Claudia Dean etc (supervised of course and I’m a ballet teacher) and we need some equipment. Suggestions pls and thank you