Lemongirl

Very interesting, thank you. 2dancersmum - it was the week long dancers' course that dd was looking at at My Aerial Home but from what you say I think it would be too much for her. She has good flexibility but I have no idea how much upper body strength she has. I think maybe she should try the trial session they run which is just 1.5 hours to see how she finds it.

Fiz, that is scary....but there is an element of risk with most types of physical activity, even sports at school.

Think I would also find it terrifying but Dd is a bit of a daredevil, she teases me for being scared of flying and thinks of turbulence as 'fun'! What part of the country did your Dd train in this Carmen?

I wonder if anyone knows anything about aerial dance training? Dd was very taken by it at Move It and we picked up some info from My Aerial Home based in South London. They run courses and also come and try days. Does anyone know anything about this school or are there others?

Thank you, such helpful advice. Anna - I was (naively) under the impression that sixth form full time training involved a boarding school set up. Dd has attended residential dance courses and always enjoyed the boarding part but I don't think she will be quite ready for independent living in a year's time!

Thanks for the Move It tip - we went on the Saturday and got a lot of info from schools. I was surprised to find out there are so many opportunities at 18 even if not previously in full time training. Dd likes the sound of jazz and contemporary alongside ballet but NOT singing or musical theatre Personally I would like her to stay at school to do A Levels and audition at 18, but she'd like to try for 16. At least have a go. I haven't even looked at the fees or considered the financial implications yet.

Pictures - she passed IF exam a few months ago and has been learning the Intermediate syllabus for some time. Taxi - that is a good point. But I've booked something else for her now this week so no point bringing it up again.

Harwel I did think about doing that but didn't want to rock the boat. She would have been really cross if she found out dd went after her saying no. And we'd upset her over another issue recently so we're not in her good books!

Yes you'd have thought so Harwel. But what can I do?

I have booked the London Ballet Company course for dd, she went last year and enjoyed it. It's the previous week, from Tuesday 29th April, if anyone is interested in anything last minute!

Marianne - do you have any details about the YDA one, I can't find anything online? I just phoned them but there is no one there so have emailed but not sure if they will pick it up.

She said it's not suitable as there will be a lot of vocational students and associates and dd is neither. Although Central say she should be fine. If the standard was of such importance it would be by audition? Anyway the teacher has said no and won't sign the form so no point asking again.

We're still looking for a course. Dont't think Malvern would suit dd either unfortunately. Does anyone know of any other courses preferably the week of 4th April?

Is Malvern residential? The Dance Forward one looks good but we are away over the Easter weekend. Ideally we're looking for the week of 4th April. Dd's teacher has said no to the Central one so we'll have to look for something else. I am waiting to hear back from the London Ballet Company about theirs but there is no phone number and they haven't responded to my email.

Where was the old venue?

Dd is worried about doing the Central one now as we think the other attendees might all be associates or full time students and she isn't. Not sure what to do, I'm sure she will benefit from the high standard of teaching but I don't want her to be out of her depth.

OMG yes! We had a good day in spite of dd not being able to do any classes as they were all full. But got loads of info about the different schools and I was pleased to see there are loads of opportunities for full time training from 18. Dd still wants to audition at 16 though. Lots to think about. Bought dd a turn board and a foot stretcher.

Does anyone have any experience of booking classes on the day? It's too late to book online now and Move It are being a bit vague whether there will be spaces on the day. Dd would have to miss her regular classes if we go tomorrow so not sure if to take a gamble. She's chosen about 7 classes, do you think she would get to do at least some of them?

Dd is probably going to the Central one. I phoned today and there are still some spaces available.

Yes we want to get info from the colleges too.

Oh dear. Is there plenty of other stuff going on besides the classes?

We have only found out recently about Move It (via balletco forum!) and dd is keen to go. But when I've looked online most of the classes say check availability on the day. Does that mean they are sold out or do they keep some spaces back to sell on the day? There's so many dd wants to do, she'll be gutted if she can't do any!

Actually I've just remembered that dd did an Easter course last year with the London Ballet Company. I'll check to see if they're doing one this year.

I've contacted Tring, it's full but have added dd's name to the waiting list. Will be more organised next time!

I know it's a bit last minute but does anyone know of any Easter dance courses this year? Dd is intermediate level ballet and also does tap, modern and jazz. We're in London but she would be happy to do a residential one.