Swanwings

I can reccommend Thermos food flasks for keeping food warm for lunch. My dd goes to vocational school but there are no lunch facilities, the school recommends all students invest in hot food flasks and I have to say the kids love it. I usually make extra food for evening meals which can be chilled in smalls portions overnight then heated in microwave every morning. The flask is pretty good at keeping food warm enough to feel like a hot lunch. Its usually someing involving pasta or rice and this makes it easier. 

Hello @ThatDancingGirl, I cant comment on what the courses are like as my dd is still yr 11, but I do know that Elmhurst and Tring both offer Alevel options if thats any help. 

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

11 minutes ago, Peanut68 said:

Red shoes & Swanwings - I am pleased for you that you feel this way

But -politely - I add doubtless they will witness others suffering abuse of various sorts…unless they train mostly privately & with perfect teachers….or wear blinkers & earplugs! My opinion….based on abuse aimed at me & others over 30 years ago & sadly seeing & hearing it replicated identically (& in many cases far worse with the so called ‘validation’ that social media piles on things from ‘successful’ influencers) on this generation of trainees too…

To add…. One school’s experience was generally very positive but still not 100% perfect (there issues were mostly boarding & ineffective/mean houseparents & bitchy kids) 

 

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. 

1 minute ago, littledancer99 said:

As a parent of a year 6 dancer I am so sad that this still goes on in some of the best ballet schools in the U.K.

I feel like veering her away from ballet entirely after watching this 

 

can a child ever make it in ballet without being abused 🤦‍♀️

 

 

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.

3 hours ago, Thelittleswans said:

This is great to hear. I have emailed YDA regarding boarding but all I got back was, we don’t offer boarding unfortunately and didn’t mention home stay or how to help with that. Is that something I would have to figure out alone? I have no idea where to begin. Also there was no mention of funding, that’s a problem for us. 

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.

12 minutes ago, Legseleven said:

I agree with everything already said. We found that car journeys were the best times for chats about possibly uncomfortable issues as I couldn’t look at DD because I was concentrating on driving. That seemed to free her to express things she may not have expressed if we were chatting face to face as usual. 

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!

9 minutes ago, glowlight said:

I think that it is more important to get your dance teacher's help with the photos, rather than a professional photographer.  Or at least seek their advice on which photos are the best to submit.  

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.

8 minutes ago, BalletMumOfOne said:

Also to add, depending on when you need it, I have ordered the Leo’s direct from their Shop in America, and they have come super fast (within in 10 days) and the cost/post wasn’t dissimilar to buying in the UK.

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

1 minute ago, BalletMumOfOne said:

They will post if they have it in stock, I had a similar issue with a white bulletpointe skirt, their really lovely and so helpful 

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.

12 minutes ago, academicdancer said:

Pretty sure that The Dancers Room in Lichfield stock it, but you'd have to go there in person to buy. Probably best to contact them first to check if they have what you want in stock.

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.