along for the ride mum

I have to agree Rowan, I feel uncomfortable at the implied suggestion that some JA centres are less focused. I am sure that every JA teacher does their best for their students and teaches to the same exacting standards following the RBS teaching methods. I cant for one moment imagine that they don't give their students the very best training that they can . Also, three girls and I think two boys from Eastleigh JAs are off to WL this year, with anotherr two girls off to Elmhurst, which I think is a fabulous achievement

good tip Dancemad, is that the same for any vocational school?

Yes Balletmum, auditioned fo London and very lucky to have got a yes. Mixed emotions because we will now be turning down something we spent so long wishing for. I am very much aware that it's a privilaged position to be in, just feel a little sad at breaking the link. edited to add....I just hope that by turning it down somebody on the swl will get the news they are hopong for

Angel I understand exactly how you feel. Opened the letter with very mixed emotions today, having to make a similar decision x

BGP, that's great to hear, it mirroors our experience almost exactly! There are some great, supportive teachers out there!

That makes it all the sweeter Angel. Congratulations

thanks thought it probably wasnt that but not expecting anything adresswd to her, guess we will have to wait

Are the letters adresswd to the children or parents? I have come home to find a card from the post office to say that there is a packet adressed to my daughter that was too big for the letter box. of course I can't collect it till tomorrow, annoying 24 hour rule!

does anyone know if this is the case, and if so, how many?

nothing to lose by auditioning for year4. If nothing else, it would be good experience and you never know, it's not unheard of for children to get in in yr 4! good luck, above all just enjoy the experience, a relaxed mum will make a relaxed child

just wondering, which centre would you be auditioning for?

my recommendation (for what it's worth) would be to concentrate on posture, zipping up her abs, more than worrying about splits too much. As long as she has a reasonable degree of flexibility, being able to do the splits is not a requirement. Best of luck, it is a lovely programme of great training and a real priviladge to be involved in.

oohh meadowblythe, I also grew up very close to the shop as a Thorpe Bay girl. JB is the shop on The Broadway side or the other side of the station? I havent been back for quite a few years but have a great excuse for a trip now x

Oh ok thank you

Oh ok thanks, but they also offer some unfunded places too, don't they?

Does anybody know how many funded places Elmhurst offer at year 7 ?

Thanks everyone, have now taken a deep breath and had a cup of tea! It's all too easy to get caught up in audition mania. Normal service will resume shortly!

Oops not sure where that rogue smiley came from

Auditions for vocational schools next wee. Dd wore well worn in full soles for the last one but was surprised to see that nearly all the others had split soles on. I know it is better to wear worn in shoes but was wondering if a) hers are a little too worn in and is she at a disadvantage having full soles if others are showing off their arches in split soles?

New split soles or old rather tatty looking but well worn in full soles..............?

a tic-tac box is the perfect size for holding hairgrips, very useful

great thanks

i am wondering, Spax, is this a second, more detailed letter, our letter came a couple if weeks ago and said nothing about numbers at all. Could i have anpther letter on the way? edited for typos, really should put my specs on !

Thank you very much, Windover60, I have a feeling she will enjoy the day more than I will! Any suggestions for ways to keep occupied and calm will be gratefully received !

I am told that for the mds audition it is simply a one hour ballet class and possibly an appointment with physio, no solo or anything else required. I am afraid I have no idea about DADAs though, hope that helps