Frangapani

She SO deserves it as she REALLY is a super girl!

Give her our love

F xxx

Thanks! That does help!

F xxx

Hello - what time are the RBS SA classes on Saturdays in London? (don't get excited DD not got in - friend asking!!!)

F x

sorry famcandance - missed the bit about what academic year she is in?? Agree with some of the others that it is all about what happens at 16 that really counts..... level playing field and all that.....

Sorry that she is having a hard time - maybe this "blip" will spur her on even more if this is what she really wants out of life - I know that my own DD (not at vocational school) has had more than a few disappointments and her dreams have not yet been met, but this just makes her keep even more focused on the end results.

Best of luck

F x

Hello - my DD is going to get back into canvas split soles now she is not at RBS Associates. Don't think NB mind - DD hated the leather full sole ones.

Agree re you can buy the shoes and tights anywhere - so long as you have the regulation leotard.

F

I got a letter when DD left primary school to say that she was underweight for her height - however, they then added that they are aware that she is a dancer so will be on the slim side purely down to the amount of training she was doing, so they had no concerns.

She eats a lot (which is a relief as I am currently the opposite) and has a very healthy attitude towards food.

She, too, has filled out since starting her periods (at 14.5).

F x

That's fab news! Well done to her for all her hard work

F xxx

My DD didn't start until she was 14.5 years and she was 5ft9 then!!!! Do hope she won't grow much more - that said, I stopped growing before I started my periods (full adult height at 11) so she may well take after me....

F x

bicarb of soda mixed to paste - gently rubbed onto the shoes. Leave to dry then brush off

F xxx

Hi Fran

We have had to turn our SA place down, so there were lots of tears on Saturday as this was her last session. I wish you and your dd best wishes for next year at Northern and hope we bump into you again

swe xx

Sure our paths will cross again and all the best to your DD

Lots of love

F xxx

My DD has always worn Freeds but is getting through them (even the pro's) at an alarming rate. She is currently in Grishko Proflex but I don't suspect they will last any longer!!!

F xxx

Many congratulations to all the students who have worked so hard to get to this place.

Hope it isn't too traumatic for the parents!!

Lots of love

F xxx

Congrats to those who have got in and yes, the packs will get to you so don't worry.

My DD has been a JA, Inter and found out last week she has now got an SA place - good news at LAST!!!!

F x

Haven't read your comments as been off here for a bit - but that is big of you to apologise publicly.

F x

Well, FINALLY some good news!!! DD now an SA at Northern Ballet

F xxx (best of luck to everyone else) xxx

Has anyone heard whether their offspring has been kept on for SAs for NB or been offered a place? Getting concerned now as not heard a thing and they break up soon......

F

From today's Links, there's a BBC item on the Cuban National Ballet School with a young Mexican student remarking on the difference she sees between European and Latin dance physiques:

 

http://www.bbc.co.uk...merica-17794562

Interesting Ian! Thanks for posting this - going to "steal" it for my facebook!!!

I think that getting fixated on numbers is a very bad idea - yes they need to know that muscle does weigh more heavily than fat so they can be slim, toned and healthy but weigh more than someone who looks larger!

I do NOT think that young dancers in training need to know what their BMI is, personally. It is setting them up for comparisons, paranoia and future problems. My DD has a lovely balletic figure but, having recently found she has not got an SA place at RBS (despite only ever had very positive feedback all through MAs and clearly standing out as being one of the good ones), she is now thinking it is because she must be too big... she is tall and has a lovely figure - not skeletal, but certainly not large!!! Yes she has developed a little - but I would expect her to - she is heading on for year 10!!!!!

Makes me so mad when people concentrate so much on height, weight etc etc rather than ability! (rant over...)

F x

I don't know how many coffee shops there are in Tring but there are loads in Leeds! There is actually a public cafe in the foyer at NB's HQ. (When I attended NB's mixed programme in February, lots of parents were enjoying a cuppa while waiting to pick up children.) They do some lovely cakes! NB is also very close to West Yorkshire Playhouse where, again, there is a very nice cafe.

 

Quarry Hill is maybe a five minute walk from the main drag. During the day there are a couple of nice cafes in the gorgeous Victoria Quarter arcades as well as the usual high street ones on Briggate. If you don't mind a 10-15 minute walk from Quarry Hill there is a fantastic vegetarian cafe in the Grand Arcade (adjacent to the Grand Theatre). Although I am by no means a vegetarian, it's one of my favourite places to eat and is very reasonably priced.

(and come fundraising days can I HIGHLY recommend the PTA cake stall..... - baked by yours truly!!!!) xxx

Leeds has Harvey Nicholls!!!! What more do you want? their coffee is amazing.

Amen to that!

F xxx

Was just about to say 2013 but Aurora beat me to it!

F x

I heard on the ballet grapevine that the Elmhurst girl who got RBS actually get assessed out from White Lodge in year 9?? Just shows how things can turn around from one year to the next.

Well that is encouraging to hear that!

F x

DD shaves - quick and easy!

F x

Looking forward to hearing some good news on this thread - good luck folks! xxx

This happened to my dd too- and I can tell you she has been at Northern for nearly 2 years and has loved it! The staff are amazing-very friendly and approachable and the standard of teaching is excellent. Well done x

Amen!!! DD been there for years - facilities could not be better and the staff are wonderful - helpful, caring and supportive Let's hear it for Northern! xxx <3 xxx

F x