Katymac

It started off with them being a bit hmm about the whole thing After I'd discussed the whole situation: They were awestruck at DD & the amount she does (& a little concerned) They are worried about her GCSEs (finally) & agree she is doing too many They are worried about her auditions & the amount of time off school she will need They understand my need to be in regular contact with the school & DD's teachers They agree (tentatively) with my audition strategy But they don't have any solutions - they have to think about it

Sorry I completely forgot to say thank you for your help advise & support I am such a worrier

The PE thing was a concession as we objected to 14 GCSEs Too many auditions is a problem; we have such differing views of DD from teachers - so we really don't know how good she is. So we have to do the great colleges & the more realistic ones too plus the level 3s. We are arguing discussing it all the time. Clarity of 'system' is something I will concentrate on - so we know the process, I'm guessing if we get as far as 2nd auditions (I think some of them do that) they could be shorter notice. Forms over the summer is planned, along with photos - we took some earlier in the year so we are starting to get an idea of 'how not to'

DD goes to an ordinary comp; next year is yr11 We are planning quite a few audition, plus a few performances and lots & lots of dance/music lesson; so we are off for a chat about minimising work load, managing expectations and generally being proactive and discussing 'issues' before they become an issue. We have arranged (for the last 2 years) that the PE lesson is used to 'catch up' on homework and for the last year that has happened in Ethics/Citizenship as well. But each new teacher/cover has needed confirmation - & several times DD has been in 'trouble' as she hasn't been believed. So we'd like to head that off before yr11 starts as I think it could be quite an emotional year. She isn't doing classical Ballet (she isn't good enough) so there are a lot of colleges she is considering which means a lot of time off; I've tried to minimise it and done lots of Open Days this year. Her plan B also needs auditions (level 3 BTEC) but tbh DD would rather not do them - I need to persuade the school that time off for Plan B is necessary (even if DD thinks it isn't) Has anyone any helpful tips/hints or suggestions to help us this year? My feelings aren't helped by the fact that the serious sportsmen/women in the school are supported well with lots of helpful/useful concessions etc. But of course DD is only doing dance.

Yes - birthday present=summer school in our house & Aunts & Uncle send money for leotards/tights/shoes etc

DD was in pleats of laughter when I said this in the car last week & has chosen to put the words as her facebook picture Dance moves from being a hobby quickly and becomes a lifestyle choice; the posts on here confirm that. But at what point does it happen: when it moves from x classes/hours to y classes/hours when you decide to try and make a career from it when you go to class when you have 'proper' flu when it stops being a cost and becomes an investment in the future What do you think?

Oh that does look good. DD already has her Bronze and is working on her Silver; I really like Arts Awards

I imagine she will be fine; DD started Modern at Easter & is taking Grade 5 in July (whether this was a good idea or not, I'll let you know when we get the results) But she loves Modern & Jazz

Thanks

Oh good luck I hope she enjoys it

She isn't any more Taximum - she gave it up

This looks really good - DD will be gutted to be only 15

The show was amazing! I saw a 'west end' production recently & this was so much better I've told DD despite not being able to afford it, Tring should go on her list - it's so 'me' I just loved it Realistically though - it's probably out of our league! & DD felt a bit awed (intimidated?) by all the amazing dancers

I just got home from a lovvely, lovely day I spoke to loads of people some from here some not (& tbh I got confused towards the end about who I 'knew' and who I didn't) Everyone was kind and helpful; it was lovely to meet you all! Thanks

Ah! Poor you I've had a lovely night at the High Wycombe travelodge (£28) once could find the bloody thing!!

Do we all look hopefully at each other or is there a secret signal/phrase?

I'll be looking out for anyone friendly

Her Ballet teacher is incredibly supportive of other dance classes and styles of dance. She says she (Teacher) would have got through loads more auditions if she could have done Ballroom or Salsa or Flamenco or any of the miriad of styles DD does workshops in. She has just spent 5 days taking photos/choreographing and videoing steps/routines so DD can apply for associate courses in September. DD & I can't say how much we appreciate her or how lucky we feel tha the first Ballet school we phoned (in 2011) was hers. It's been amazing for DD & she is supportive for me

TBH the exam teacher has arranged a private lesson for DD so she can miss it; but for me the pride was in the automatic decision that the exam came first (it had been booked first) rather than "what can I do to get out of it" or "but I want to be in the show" delivered in a wail-y voice

Exam rehearsal was booked before show rehearsal - so she can't do the show She is sad, but she made the decision, the exam is more important, was booked first and she wants to do well. The exam teacher has moved the exam so DD didn't miss it (because of the other class), moved the rehearsals so they don't clash with the other dance class.; so DD feels it's unfair to ask her to move the rehearsal again I am proud of her - I think it's the right decision (but also sad about the show)

Your DS is with my DD........ Hmm your user name strikes a chord!! Only 54 miles or so this evening

So it looks like we are all in different groups - that's a shame

DD's in Jupiter Group H - I imagine it's been tricky working out levels.......DD doesn't 'fit' I guess as she has been doing Ballet for such a short time

DD is 15 and in quite a small group I think - I've forgotten the name but it's purple <blush> She's a bit nervous & not completely convinced she wants to go (as she doesn't feel competant enough)

Just got the paperwork through for this; is anyone else (or their DC) going? I know DD would be pleased to have 'met' someone before the day