windover60

It's only the ballet clothes that they sew in themselves - everything else can be bought before hand. Have you had the kit list and supplier details ? Last year I got everything beforehand and my dd only had to sew her leotards and shoes. Pm if you like and will send me your e mail. There is also a stamp you can get which dd took to school and I used for all pants socks etc

I've got tickets for myself and 12 year old daughter who is a ballet student to see mayerling as she was keen to see Edward Watson - the description says ' adult drama' but does not say ' unsuitable for children ' as hansel and gretel did. I am assuming that this is because of the story content but that it would be suitable for my daughter to watch - what are your opinions if you have already seen it ?

Evie - I have to say I think you probably would you know, even though you miss him terribly - he would not be the lovely person he is if you had not let him follow his dream xxx

We were charged for ours too whilst many other I know we're done under good will. I wrote letters stating that this was necessary for a school placement and was part of our daughters 'special need' - the bill hasn't been resent (yet !) although my Gp supported us as it took all of two minutes , his practise manager did not agree! I later found out her daughter hadn't been successful in auditions in the past and I did wonder if it was a bit of sour grapes !

Hi hair belles

Quite a few year 7 and 8 seem to do it but by no means all. Some go to the Yorkshire one. From what I understand they are only allowed to do certain summer schools.

Hi sasha

Yes my daughter was selected waiting listfor summer school in year 5 - she then went last year and is going again this year. She got a Ja place and is now in year 7 at white lodge. We were told that the summer school takes a lot of overseas students, about half, so it is actually harder to get a place and it is from photos only. I would definitely go for the whole Ja thing - it was Invaluble for my daughter as it confirmed what she really wanted to do and obviously you are seen in person at the auditions so they get a clearer idea of whether you are suitable. Best of luck xx

Hi there

You should get a bundle of info at some point soon but I seem to remember last year it wasn't til after Easter hols. The new parents days is basically where the children get to meet their guides from current year 7, all get to meet each other, watch a demo ballet class which you do too, then parents have a talk from head, boarding, PTA etc and you can ask questions. Lunch is a BBQ which you all have together and can meet other parents. We found it informative and great to meet others. Also dd made some friends before starting.

Hope that helps.

My daughter did Ja s in Bristol with Rbs - don't know which is the nearest venue for you ? I'm sure others on here can advise x

Hi Clara my daughter entered vocational school on lower grades than some her of peers and no festival experience. It has not made any difference at all as they want them trained in their own way/style. I would say that the associate training was really useful preparation though and would recommend your daughter tries for that if she is serious about ballet.x

Well done to your children tango and tpss - welcome to the white lodge journey ......

I would agree with lisadebs - in my daughters year 7 group they came in at different levels/grades but this didn't effect where they are now as they are taken back to basics in their method of training. There was one non Ja in this group.

Sorry to the no's and good luck for all your future plans and fantastic news for the yes's - the beginning of an exciting path !! X

I didn't realise those were today - is that everyone, current Rbs students too ? Good luck everyonexx

Phew JA dad the suspense as just too much ! Am very happy for you - was it the year 8 place ? If so I will pm you as my daughter is a current year 7 and was eager to know which girl would be joining them !

Well done to Theodore - how exciting for you all and well done to krishell - an amazing achievement for a year 9 place

A friend with a dd got a no for a year 8 place today - good luck everyone and to those auditioning this week x

Good luck to all tomorrow and on the 8th - it really isn't worth trying to guess what the second look is about as girls were offered places from both groups in our year - just try and enjoy the day and the surroundings - easy to say I know !!

From being there last year I echo what everyone is saying about not trying to second guess too much ! Last year there was all sorts of theories about what being called back meant ! My dd got a place and was called back for a second look but some also got places who were only seen once - it can drive you mad trying to work out what this means and we still don't know ! My advice is to get outside for a walk and if you have a car go to Pembroke lodge in the park for lunch or into richmond. If not take some food as it is a long Day for parents - my dd however said it was over in a flash and had a great time !

Good luck to everyone and enjoy your day x

I know if someone who only wanted a ma place but had letter saying to go to the finals - when they enquired they were told they needed to go for the ma place- when we were there last year everyone was definitely auditioning for WL si dies anyone know if this is new ? This may mean all the 31 are not all for WL places

Yes thank you drdance and that's also a huge relief ! X

Many thanks for all advice on here and just to say that dd saw a podiatrist today and all is well with her toe ! I'm relieved that she's had it checked out and has lots of advice on how to prevent it happening again and general footcare. Happy half terms.

Really pleased for lisadebs dd - this is our first year and had no idea how stressful it can be ! Dd is through to year 8 so is thrilled but sad that her year 9 guide is not - well done to all those through and thinking of all those with not so good news - it must be so hard xx

I hadn't even realised that we received marks so thanks for the guide x

Hi there just wanted to support what everyone else said - dd was asked why she wanted to go to WL why she liked dancing and how she felt about living away from home then general things about family pets other interests etc - really nothing to worry about - she described it as an enjoyable chat ! Good luck to your dd on finals day - hope you both enjoy it x

Thank you drdance - yes I agree with you - it seems that the nurse is bandaging it up to get through appraisal as she hasn't had any real help with treatment. It is hard for me to gauge how bad it is and what needs doing from a distance - she is only in year 7 and it is hard to deal with away from home. Thankfully it is half term at the end of the week and I plan to get her an appointment with a podiatrist then. It is just a shame that she has to do her first appraisal with a very sore toe as she feels she can't dance her best!

Thank you everyone that is really helpful. I am waiting for my dd to phone me this evening to hear how it is tonight as she went back to the nurse this morning.

Many thanks