Swanwings

Does anyone know if ENBS have a waiting list situation after sending out results? I know Central does but Ive never heard of ENBS having a waiting list.

Thank you @Jan McNulty, sorry, I hadnt seen that one.

Just thought it might be useful information , especially if anyone is considering the school for their dc. Website and social media have all changed name to London Vocational Ballet School

Thank you for your reply @Peanut68 and I understand where you are coming from, but really, my daughter is well aware of what can go on and she has never experienced or witnessed anything at her school, which is vocational. They are extremely careful over body image and that the students eat well, they have really taken the best care of her and her peers. I know this is not everyones experience at other institutions, but it is certainly hers.

yes they can, my dd has been at vocational school for 4 years, she is by no means the skinniest in her class but has never experienced any of this. She has loved her time at school. She intends to make ballet her career and is fully aware of how harsh and unforgiving a place this world can be. There is hope, though I know there is a long way to go in some places.

It has become available on iplayer already, I have just watched it. I think it is very tricky to summarise as @capybara has said.

I think regarding homestay, its a conversation they would normally have after application/audition, they certainly do offer help finding accommodation where possible. Also there is funding available, but it does vary each year as its not govt funding and again, its something which is discussed after audition. Theres no guarantees on either but I think its worth going through the process to find out.

My dd did all these about 4 years ago so I cant give accurate info, but I remember her Tring/Elmhurst were on 5th and 6th Jan consecutively. Royal is always earliest I think. Do also consider YDA, now London Vocational Ballet School. I know it doesnt have boarding, but many children do homestay very successfully, and the school is very focussed on ballet primarily. Its also got some exciting changes happening, not just the name. Happy to answer qurestions if you have any.

There is another thread where this has been discussed, I believe its called 'Auditions Upper School 2024' I'm afraid I dont know how to link it onto this one but its got some previous dates etc. Its on the 2nd page of threads on this forum.

I only know the old classics; Ballet Shoes and Ballet Shoes for Anna (Noel Streatfield) and The 'Wells' series by Lorna Hill. Out of print I think but 2nd hand available.... they worked for me!

Royal and ENBS have something during half term and I believe European school does a full winter intensive, depends on the age. I'd also be interested for any other reccommendations of senior intensives during Christmas hols.

Theres no right or wrong answer to this, my yr 6 dd did between 3-5 hrs of ballet per week, plus a gymnastics class, she was taking it seriously and is now at vocational school. It depends on what your dd wants to do.... no point adding classes if theres no desire, but equally if shes keen then maybe a more is a good idea. Also depends on what is available to you, and as @RachH said, whether she wants to take it seriously.

Another reccomendation for Luke, my dd has been seeing him for years, he's brilliant, and great with young dancers, girls and boys.

Thats a good point in terms of communication. I like to chat to my dd when we are walking, I find its also non confrontational and she opens up more easily. Another point, as I am a ballet teacher, I do notice the self conciousness often with girls when they are around 12, and we try to help them as possible ie allow them to wear ballet skirts, close fitting tops and jumpers. Some even try to give up dancing around this time. It might be worth discreetly speak to her teacher to see if theres anything she can do to help with this age. At my dd's school (different to mine) the girls are all allowed to wear black close fitting shorts over their leotards in case they feel nervous starting periods. So many worries for them, but with my dd I found chatting and normalising everything really helped her get used to growing up. Going out for a coffee or dinner together is great for that too!

Just to add, there are a number of photographers who specialise in audition photos, they are often ex dancers.

Both Rambert and Central are generally just an application form with a headshot prior to preliminary audition. Obviously subject to any alteration this coming year. Theres another thread with possible prelim/final audition dates.

Yes you're right about the screening videos, I'd forgotten that, but its just for Elmhurst and ENBS, not RBS, and not for the others. Also to note; RCS involves a UCAS form as well as the school application

Yes you're right about the screening videos, I'd forgotten that, but its just for Elmhurst and ENBS, not RBS, and not for the others. Also to note; RCS involves a UCAS form as well as the school application

I have some rough dates from previous years; obviously these are subject to change! RCS - prelims 27th Jan finals 28/29th March RBS - prelims last weekend Nov/ Beg Dec finals Feb/Mar (last year 5th Mar) ENBS - prelims mid Jan/ mid Feb finals late March Elmhurst - prelims mid Jan/Early Feb finals Mid March Central - prelims end Jan finals early April Rambert - prelims several dates through Jan/early Feb finals 17th/20th March Tring - prelims mid Jan finals mid March Arts Ed - one audition several dates through Dec/ Feb LSC - auditions though Dec - Apr Hope this is useful, I'm sure dates will be released in September for most, my understanding is that RBS is the first one.

Thats good to know, always though it might be tricky to order direct.

Thanks so much, Ive just emailed them and they got back to me straight away saying they have one and will post it! They really are very helpful. Thank you everyone for your help today.

thank you, unfortunately I'm in London so dont think that will work, but I'll have a look anyway. It seems surprisingly difficult to get these skirts considering how popular they are!

Does anyone know of any UK stockists of Bullet Pointe branded skirts? I only know of 2 in UK; Just Ballet and Collective Dancewear, but neither have black in my dd's size. Any thoughts gratefully received.

youre welcome. Actually, I think if you go to YDA website and look at "latest news" (bottom of homepage), then scroll through older news items, I think you might find last years dates somewhere.

If my memory serves me correctly, YDA has preliminaries in mid-late Feb and finals at end of March...... but I cant be certain. They do sometimes accept mid year applications as well.