Guesty

Keep us in touch. Sending every best wish that he is fine in a couple of days. I feel down my stairs twice! I am clumsy...both times after a few days i was feeling much better. Our bodies are strong and its amazing how we bounce back. I am sure he will be just fine but i can only imagine your worry. He is in good hands tho by the sounds of it. Sending you hugs x

Its her life is so spot on with her comments! Include everything in your budget for audition season. I really adds up. Saying that ...its wonderful to be a part of this very exciting year for your dc. Make the most of it and enjoy the special moments you have together cause when they get that place and start next september you wilk miss them!

We made a revision schedule for dd gcse that started early so that she was less stressed and that worked well. She came out with excellent results but was very prepared and that was key as academics other than math and science aren't her thing.

Also, we talked a lot before each audition on getting a yes or no and how that would affect dd. It helped me know the places she really wanted to get and her to see that it wasn't life ending if she got a no. Have a fantastic plan b and a wonderful plan c in place so worse case scenario your dc will know she is ok.

I know one girl last year that got finals at several top places but no offers...she has gone on to her plan c to study medicine i believe ... good luck to her...she will earn more no doubt!

Good luck to all. Long year ahead but all performing arts students who really want to make it are very driven ...that inner strength they have will prevail. As parents we worry more than them sometimes!

Pm me anytime if i can help. X

My dd just started at Tring in lower sixth form...she loves it and I do feel she is safe there. Pastoral care and the dance training is excellant. She helped take tours yesterday and really enjoyed showing possible students and parents around!

Good luck to you all. Its a wonderful experience that you share with your dc. If they gain one of those converted places then their hard work begins! And as parents you need to be ready to let go a little. Prepare for the ride as they say.

This forum is such a massive support system..use us and ask any questions you may have...

Also remember before you start that schools have their own type of dancer that they are looking for. Just because you may get a no at one place doesn't mean anything. My dd got yes and nos but fate usually comes into place and she is flying, loving every minute of the place she is at now for sixth form dance.

I would do it again tomorrow ...call on me if you want any help or advice and most of all enjoy it!

There are many paths to achieve a dream...not only talent is needed ... drive and determination is a must. Its such a specialist field that we have to be so proud of our dc even going for it.

Look forward, always be positive and cherish the special moments you will have with your talented kids!

Keep us in touch!

Thank you lildancer69...she is v.pleased to say the least. She says the classes are great and just wants to get as good as your dd and the others.

I know your dd lildancer69 is an inspiration to mine! X

My dd is loving every minute of Tring! Making some great new friends along with being back with dancers she already knew from summer schools or festivals along the way. She got a great room with a fab roommate. Full timetable but already wants to drop a level...the draw of dance in the morn is too much even to miss one class. I have asked her to persevere for a bit longer though!

Missing her so much but she is so happy so I can't be sad, she has her dream training and great people around her. Happy days. I know dd is with a few forum dc.- I hear sixth form induction includes dressing boys as girls and visa versa today ...!

Just a quick best wishes to any dc off to start new courses tomorrow! We are off to Tring so see some of you there i am sure!

My dd didn't do her ballet solo en pointe for audition but we know a lot who did, her teacher set it with moves she cannot achieve en pointe yet!

Whatever you decide practice and be confident and show them your technique and what you are capable off. Good luck!

Wonderful news! Congratulations and celebrate well!

I know! Dd said she saw you! We made it with minutes to spare due to traffic and i had to leave pronto as a had double parked someone!

The girls had fun for sure. I have seen some great pics!

Bring on sept 3rd!

Thought todays show was fantastic and showed how hard everyone had worked! Well done to everyone involved

Love it Tulip! I am in...!

Hope to catch a few forum members this sat this sat!

Be lovely to put faces to posts!

I will wear white linen trousers and i have blonde shoulder length hair! Come say hello!

I wonder whether in future all 16+ courses will end up being funded through the student..ie with government grants. At £9000 a year its not far off vocational sixth form costs. It would even the playing field and avoid some talented dancers/ students not being able to attend accross the spectrum of incomes.

Not ideal but a possibility.

I see the same for regular sixth forms. Funding is constantly being cut yet the students still deserve good facilities and top teaching.

Sorry...yes your right Its her life!

Such a hard topic funding and not easy on anyone.

The same funding that a university student is offered is available at Central. Rambert, Enbs ... all degree courses...

' a wealthy absent parent or relative' let me check...nope...don't have one of those either but i do have determination and common sense which goes along way in budgeting for anything if need be.

Re grants ...

Look online, in the library, call your local council and your county council and businesses.

Level 6 diploma is higher than A Levels and if ur dc wants to still have A Levels on top of diploma they can...

Every penny counts for sure.

I am a single parent who has never had support from the dad. He lives in another country. I have talked to friends with two parents going to the same vocational school that my dd will start at in sept and their invoice is simply double what i have to pay. Yes we will get a maintenance grant to help accommodation fees but i also lose all tax credits so its all relative.

My point is that just because you are single and lower income does not mean its easier for us to afford or we get more.

Everyone can research grants and gain additional funding if you put the time and effort in.

I have learnt from a great fundraiser to write to as many people as you can...worse they can say is no!

I worked out how much i spent last year in dance lessons, associate classes, festivals, costumes, exam fees, travelling costs, private lessons...and it was a lot!

I think we see the invoice and forget how much we pay out each month...plus other costs that build up when our dc are home.

I think for the specialised education that these schools give we do have to pay. Its our choice to audition for them after all.

Yes in a perfect world free training should be given to specialised areas...but where would it stop?

We pay through our taxes so would everyone be happy to pay more tax even tho their child isn't specialising in our chosen field? I think not.

Plus...the best of the best sometimes don't make it...they decide to go another route, get injured, decide it doesn't pay enough ha ha...whereas someone with drive ambition and love for dance will.

lots of variances.

Sorry for rant but i do feel its our choice.

Dont pertain that its easier for my dd to attend v.school than someone who has a higher incomeas believe me its not. You just have to set goals. Budget well and be organised. I haven't had a holiday in years but supporting my dd is more important to me.

Holidays can be had in the future when i win the lottery ha ha.

just wanted to give a my thoughts ...i feel we are all in the same boat...regardless of income.

Remember our dc are getting top class private education with the chance of reaching their dream.

All i want is happiness for them and the chance to get there.

My dd is in B too and loving it!

Glad that all our dc seem to be having a wonderful week...see you saturday!

Me too...DD almost picked everything out ready to go!

Definitely check your routes in and avoid sat nav taking you from the M6 and down the A38!

Report...in case anyone interested in going on the dance summer school in scotland, perth next year...DD had an amazing time. Full on from 9.15 to 10pm. Ballet, contemporary, jass, stretching, repertoire, point, two teachers came from Matthew Bourne company abd taught along with teachers from Bird, Laines and Ex Royal. Evenings included Mexican dance, traditional scottish, audition practice and swimming on site.

Well worth every penny!

DD had her audition in late feb this year for nothern and we got a letter pretty quick offering place and DaDA, conditional on providing the appropriate proof of household income. It was a full day but great as just one trip whereas all others were audition then finals so two trips, two hotels ...! It all mounts up.

I do know others offered straight place no dada offer and others with offers of place and consideration for DaDa so they are all possible.

my advice would be to really look at each school and what they offer...ALevels were not high priority on our list but i know for others they are. Also i sent off early for any prospect details each school had...northern does a great dvd!

The director there seemed wonderful and if DD had not been offered the school she has accepted then she would have gone there.

Accommodation is right round the corner...i went and had a look around at two...both really nice and one took a block booking for the dance students.

Good luck with auditions...although long, tiring and expensive we loved every minute doing it together and i would do it again for the fun times we had!

Don't hesitate to ask more questions ...this forum was and still is a valuable wealth of experience and support!

Kindest.

Yep...it seems like expensive masking tape! I once bought some for my dd and i couldn't see any difference! Although i am not an expert!

My dd and 9 others from dance school are on their way up to scotland for the dance sumner school in Edinburgh. 2nd week is Matthew Bourne repertoire so will report after! Hope everyone has fun ss season!