Swanwings

waiting list here too, also disappointed as she went last year.

Same here, dd got in last year from the waiting list, so it does happen, but we had hoped for a definite after last year and also attending the spring course.

Anyone waiting for ENBS SI results? My understanding was that we would hear this week, but havent heard anymore so I'm getting fidgetty now in case Ive missed something? Anyone got any updates or results?

So sorry, I'm afraid I've only just seen this, I was indeed at the the theatre. Apologies I wasnt able to help, I'm not sure why they couldnt book tickets.

I know there are homestay options which apparently work very well, but we live withing travel distance so I've never investigated it personally. My dd knows the ones who do homestay though and she says they're very happy there.

I dont mind, dd is at YDA.

Absolutely! But its personal, perfect for my dd, she is so happy at her vocational school. She cannot imagine going to the alternative local secondary and firmly believes she would have been unhappy doing that.... I think shes right. But as I said, its personal and also depends on what is available locally; if a dc is serious about pursuing dance, there really needs to be some excellent teachers and good opportunities in your area.

If anyone is considering YDA for their dc, and is able to get to London next week; YDA is taking part in a gala performance on 26th March (next Sunday) at Bloomsbury theatre. It is a fundraising gala put together by Du Boisson Dance Foundation, with dancers from RB, ENB and Scottish Ballet performing alongside students from YDA and West London School of Dance. Tickets are only £25. Its a lovely opportunity to see how the students progress through the school as all year groups are involved. Link for tickets and more info below. https://www.ucl.ac.uk/culture/whats-on/du-boisson-dance-foundation-stars-future

I believe it will be the week after next, ie week beginning 27th

my dd wears leotard and shorts when she sees her physio, so that would be my assumption for the auditions as well. A leo with a low back might be helpful as they like to see the spine.

This is very true... boarding isnt for everyone. I've known lots of young dancers whove done very well at local schools and gone on to train full time later. It just depends what your local options are.

This is such a big question, personally I reccommend YDA, its a wonderful school and I speak from personal experience. They do have some accommodation options and some funding but not always. They turn out some fantastic students and always look for the potential in students. Otherwise; a local school which will offer high level classes is fine for now, If my dd had not gone vocational, I would have looked at doing several ballet locally, plus an associate course to give some variation and experience, plus some private lessons with a really good teacher (I dont think this needs to be every week). There are always opportunities to move schools later on, and opportunities tend to increase as students get older. There are lots of holiday courses as well which can help supplement weekly classes. Im happy for you to DM me if you want any more details.

Generally it is reccommended to wear a simple non fussy leotard ie; not lots of criss crossing straps, nothing asymmetric and of one colour. Otherwise I think it is personal choice.

White Lodge: Royal Ballet lower school

This is a very difficult question to answer, normally most professional training colleges only take students up to the age of 19/20, however there is sometimes some variablility and flexibility. It depends really on what they want to train in and what their capabilities are. Contemporary/musical theatre colleges are most likely to take older students, which ones also depends on location, whether you need funding (not all offer the funding options), and their aptitude for the course. Their teachers might be the best source of advice for this. I realise this isnt really very helpful, maybe see what they really want to do as course vary enormously depending on what their preferences are.

Having potential means your teachers have probably seen something in you that you maybe cannot see just yet. It means what you may one day be capable of with the right training and hard work on your part. So dont judge you dancing too harshly. Your future in dance however, really comes down to how much you love and want it. If dancing is the thing which makes you happiest and you love the training, hard work and any performance opportunities which come your way, then maybe you should go with it as far as you can. But its down to your gut feeling. You have to want it; it is a hard life with no guarantees of a job. It is a life literally full of blood sweat and tears, but as I say, if you love it so much that this does not matter, then follow your instinct, but its not for everyone.

I think this is a particularly relevant point; the school I work at has declined significantly in numbers over the last 3-4 years definitely less children wanting to start ballet. Not sure exactly why this should be the case.

I have always been extremely hoinest with my dd; she is determined to make ballet her career. I have told her that she may well have her dreams and ambitions, but to be successful she just needs to be paid to do the things she is trained to do.... It doesnt matter if she is a principal of a major company or corps de ballet jobbing dancer, teacher etc. As long as it makes her happy and she makes a living, then she has won. The dance training gives them so much more than technique and performance skills; they will be able to complete teacher qualifications (useful if between jobs), private coaching skills, acting skills, there are many avenues in theatre and fitness which become more open to them because it is their world. They learn determination, resilience, how to work hard for something they want. I personally had a minor career in dance, but it left me with many skills which I have now turned to teaching work. These are skills I began to learn at the age of 8 and am still learning now. I would not change it.

I understand the LCB summer school is good but I have no personal experience. I can reccommend the Young Dancers Academy Summer school (24th-28th July this year). My daughter has done it previously, she is at the school and loves it.

My understanding of the RBS ATAP is that it is for currently qualified, practicing teachers who want to use the new RBS system, as a syllabus intheir private dance schools, I dont think it carries any teacher qualifications. Elmhurst and Central do not do teacher training unless it is perhaps a small part of their dancer training programme. I have participated in several of the RBS iInspire seminars which are useful for expanding current knowledge but they also carry no accreditation. I dont think you have to be a qualified teacher to do those, but prior knowledge would be extremely useful. Teacher training qualifications are generally run by the most well known syllibi: RAD, ISTD, IDTA, BBO, RBS (seperate course), there may be another one or 2 that I have missed. I recently completed my training with RAD but I teach ISTD at my current school. In my opinion it doesnt matter which one of these you know for teaching younger children, ultimately they all teach ballet at a level suitable for the age group.

Waitlist here too, lsst year we had to confirm to stay on it but not this year... theres no option. I assume its automatic this time? Didnt get a place from the waitlist last year.

Thank you for this, can I ask how you found out? I've been wondering about this but didnt find anything.

Hi Bizzymum, I couldnt find anything much either when I looked on the website. My dd is looking to apply next year so I'm just doing some research. I was thinking I would have to ask the school for help with this. Tricky situation for young 16 year olds though.

Hi, I've recently completed my qualifications with RAD on the CBTS course; its very much independant study and worked for me as opposed to ISTD as I couldnt get to any of the centres which offer it. The only in person requirements are a teaching post for the 2nd year, somewhere local to you, and a 10 day in person course which can be at RAD HQ or sometinmes other venues. This can also be online as they run it for international students, but not always.

Hi Somerdance, my dd had a no from Tring but a yes from YDA, shes been very happy there and in yr 10 now.