WendyC74

It's crucial that we address the issue of these prestigious ballet schools receiving substantial government funding, including through the MDS scheme and Department for Education grants. This funding is intended to elevate the standard of ballet education in the UK for British students. A ballet school, especially one receiving substantial government funding and given charity status, should prioritise the development and well-being of its own aspiring British talent, rather than inadvertently harming it. If there are allegations of practices within these schools that may harm the prospects of British talent, such as body shaming and bullying, it's imperative that these concerns are thoroughly investigated. It's not about assigning blame prematurely, but rather about holding these institutions accountable for their actions and ensuring they uphold their responsibilities. It's disheartening to see these allegations suggesting that instead of nurturing local talent, some schools may resort to favouring talent from outside the UK to replace what they couldn't foster, which raises serious questions about the purpose and responsibility of these institutions The schools should take these allegations seriously and engage in a transparent dialogue to address these issues and maintain the integrity of the support they receive from taxpayers.

Hi @Doing Dance 1 - Do you know if there's any kind of accreditation or certification from these seminars?

Since my children were young I've assisted with admin and comms at a few smaller schools around north London / Hertford, but always dreamed of putting some of my own training into practice and teaching. When my kids were young the only available option I had on my radar was RAD, although speaking to teachers at a school I help out at last night they were all very complimentary of the ISTD as they thought it would offer me a wider teaching experience with a better balance of theory and practical. I'm aware that Elmhurst and Central also do two-year diplomas, but I'm worried that they seem a bit academic for me and more than I'll need for occasionally leading classes for younger children. When I joined this site I was looking for more information about the RBS ATAP programme as I've known children at the school and I've been interested in recent discussions here about styles of teaching there. The choice is quite overwhelming, but I have some time on my hands and am keen to learn more. What experience does everybody have on these programmes and does the reputation of the school's teaching styles matter at this level?

It's very muddy, but I fear this is the point of the entire thread. The RBS is taxpayer subsidized and a registered charity but seems unable to nurture UK talent so is prioritising international students and benefits financially from both sides. It's quite cunning (in a machiavellian way) but it's denying UK dancers the opportunities they deserve.

It's why the MDS scheme is so important for UK artists as it's UK taxpayer support. It's frustrating when this funding isn't keeping up with international levels and private fee payers, which is possibly why schools like RBS are tempted by the exotic Japanese dancers (and their money) and therefore underutilising the MDS funding they're allocated. (Is the MDS scheme only available to UK dancers or can the schools use it to train international dancers?) I'm sure other schools (Tring, Hammond, Emlhurst among others) would be grateful for the spare MDS funding from RBS to continue to train UK dancers.

Agreed. Although the moral standards expected of these "institutions" are higher than ever, especially since the ROH took the stand against fossil fuels and cut ties with British Petroleum last month. I also think British corporations and financial institutions would also be more willing to support organisations focused on nurturing British talent.

Goodness me. It was too, Yasmine's mum. I've just revealed my guilty pleasure of trashy romance novels. 😊

Just like Ballet, "Football is a game of opinions, and as long as people have opinions, there will always be controversy." - RIP Motty

This was a hard read. So honest and vulnerable. I reached out to Caroline Anderson while reading it to express my appreciation and how much it means to know that others were going through the same emotional experiences. The hardest part of being a ballet mum is the secrecy and unwillingness to share amongst other mums. In my experience anyway.

Dancing Through It by Jenifer Ringer is a memoir by a former New York City Ballet principal dancer that's a very candid look at the challenges and rewards of a career in ballet, including the physical and emotional demands of training, performance, and competition. For children, "Ballet Shoes" by Noel Streatfeild - It's a classic book that tells the story of three orphaned sisters who are enrolled in a ballet school and work hard to become professional dancers. While not strictly educational, this book can really inspire young kids and was a favorite in our family.

It is true that the world is a large and diverse place, with a population of approximately 8 billion people, and that it is important for schools to seek out the best talent from around the globe. However, this does not excuse rejecting existing UK students in favor of fee-paying international students. While it is understandable that schools may want to attract talented students from other countries, they should not do so at the expense of their existing students, particularly those who have already shown great promise and dedication. It is important to remember that education is a public good and should be accessible to all, regardless of their nationality or ability to pay. Furthermore, it is worth considering the benefits of nurturing and supporting local talent. By investing in and promoting the potential of UK students, schools like the Royal Ballet School can not only contribute to the development of a thriving national arts scene but also help to showcase the diversity of talent within the UK.