Jazzpaws

Thank you all I think after the busy audition year, I really didn't think ahead, so need to get on the case Will talk to DD and she can also take advice from her teachers - maybe the summer break should be shorter lol

Oh dear, had better chat to DD about it, have missed some of the deadlines already, I'm sure - always something to think about isn't there x

DD is just settling back into Central after the Christmas holiday. I think most of them have noticed the difference after the 3 week break ! Do most vocational students do a summer school - or if not do they just work out over the summer to keep their fitness and flexibility up to a certain level ? I hadn't really considered this - I did think summer schools were more for pre vocational students . Must say, the thought of an expensive summer school is a bit worrying on top of everything else ! Any advice please

I do feel this should be explained more much clearly on websites. When DD was auditioning last year, I put a lot of time into looking at the funding and also taking advice from forum members.I needed to know if it was all possible and realized that the maximum maintenance element of the DADA would be £4550 for Tring (and Elmhurst) as they are outside London. With ENB, it's around £1000 more as it is inner London. DD realized that if she went to Tring, she would be with a host family,as I couldn't have found an extra £7000 per year, which would have been fine, as others do this and there are also day pupils. She in fact turned down a funded place at Tring, in favour of taking a place at Central - a relief financially for me and there are certainly enough other bits and pieces to pay for ! While talking to other mums on the rounds, a lot of people were absolutely convinced that if a full DADA is awarded, then all fees are paid. I did try and say this wasn't so, but simply wasn't believed. I then started to wonder if Tring (or others) would help those who couldn't pay the extra, but as you have found out sugarplumsmum, this doesn't seem to happen. As your DD entered late, I can easily see how you misunderstood all this, but it should have been explained very clearly ! Is it too late to go with a host family now ? A forum member kindly told me her DD paid £500 per month, which is a huge difference. Wishing you all the best xx

DD was offered places at Tring and Central, but chose Central and is loving every moment. Yes, I was very worried about her living in London at 16, but she is at Student Castle which is very secure, plus they all travel around together (free bus travel once the oyster card is sorted) Apply to as many as possible, she may find she likes one that isn't her first choice Good luck !

My DD went to Dance East CAT before starting at Central this September. Places are for students between 10 and 18 who aim to make dance their career. All successful applicants are put forward for the means tested bursary which can also cover travel costs and most uniform costs

Sounds to me that she did very well !! Do they have singing lessons at Central ? I know 2 girls who have worked on cruise ships and competition is very fierce - they have had a wonderful time travelling the world and being paid

DD has just finished her first week at Central and is loving it, was over the moon to find out that her ballet teacher taught her last year at SA's She is at Student Castle which is lovely Hope everyone else's start has gone as well as hers

I agree Kat - as our DD's are starting vocational school next month, this seems a bit of distraction - no doubt if their schools want them involved they will soon let them know x

I agree Julie W - if the A level study is almost there. why not take it - we'll see xxx

Must admit the A level work load does seem rather a lot on top of their busy schedule. Dad is more interested in the dance A level as it seems a lot of the work is covered on their course anyway. I'm hoping that at this stage she can express interest and make a decision later. Will be interesting to see what the others do x

DD is starting Central in September and is looking at A levels that are offered. Do many of the students take A levels there or are any of your DD's planning to ?

Hi Worktolive My DD will also be sharing a room at Student Castle with another girl in September. How do you go about getting the oyster card - do you have to be resident in London to get it or can she get it before she moves there ? Also which bus does your DD catch xx

Don't the Somalian's etc need the requirements to enter ? If they do, then Australia is still putting it's own citizens first

Do agree with you generally, but I do know a girl who did the level BTEC, after which she worked hard dancing at Haven and has since spent the last 5 years working on cruise ships alongside others from vocational schools.

Thank you Tulip - it's so exciting. it's been hard keeping her focused on GCSE's as she has her mind on other things She seems so young to be living in London, but they all seem to thrive on it don't they. So very pleased that she's going there

Hi Chloe My DD goes to a 'normal school' too , and in year 9 was only doing 5 hours of ballet per week (including CAT scheme) She has never done a summer school, but applied to RBS Senior Associate scheme for year 11 entry and was accepted. She also successfully auditioned for Dance East Cat for entry into year 9. DD did start with another ballet teacher 2 1/2 years ago to pursue her vocational exams ( she has been so lucky with her ballet teacher, the best ever). DD is going to Central School of Ballet in September ( also had a funded offer from Tring and BTUK school), so her audition year has been very successful. I would advise you to join an associate scheme, or CAT scheme - not all finish at 16. I couldn't afford summer schools, but DD got there anyway. Just remember, schools are also looking for potential - have a go and I wish you the very best of luck xxx

None of like weight comments being passed on to sensitive teenage girls - as a mother of 5 I have never had scales in the house, not necessary ! However I am sure some fanatical gym coaches are equally prone to make comments about weight - I've never seen an overweight gymnast at Olympic level, in fact some of the Russians look very gaunt to me .

I think anything forced that causes pain is wrong ! DD is starting at Central in September and she is very flexible, which she managed very well through ballet training and was never forced. Silly really, the club had noticed that my grand daughter has potential,and were fast tracking her, so if she does indeed stop they only have themselves to blame. Bring on the ballet - although I might have to wait a long time for that, best to keep off that subject for the moment lol x

haha legseleven she has been called a stick insect in the past lol x

DD has really long legs - 35" inside leg ! She has stopped growing now - 5'9" and I think most of the time when she struggled with her legs was when she had a growth spurt and her muscles had to catch up with her bones - that is probably a very bad way of putting it , but she never grew in a smooth curve, more like a jagged one x

DD and a few others have passed Adv 1 but still do the classes for extra ballet training. They are learning the new syllabus from scratch alongside the other girls .It is very different and they find it challenging, but then new things often are. I must say they absolutely love the syllabus with it's lovely artistry and music. She takes the Adv 2 in the summer- not sure what will happen about RAD work when she starts at Central .

Thank you for your replies. To me at 6 years old, a hobby ( which it is at that age ) , should not cause physical pain and should be fun ! I am far from the expert in dance, but I have watched all 5 daughters progress in a structured and completely safe way doing ballet . My grand daughter could already very nearly 'split 3 ways' without any pressure, somersault over and other things, so why force anything. Also, what a good point - dance teachers's have set qualifications and enter students into exams up to professional level. Have no idea at all how this applies to gymnastics

Hi Ellie, her Dad will have a word. I don't think any 6 year old should be pushed like that. She has been moved up groups very quickly there, but if this has put her off and she stops completely I won't be sorry. I'd far rather she took up ballet, but it doesn't appeal to her at the moment, we'll wait and see what happens x

I have 5 daughters and they have all studied ballet (only youngest DD is taking it to vocational level). From my point of view, ballet starts at 'good toes/naughty toes' and builds up in a completely structured way into a flexible, artistic dancer, and I feel the training is completely safe, work and stretching done is at never forced. My granddaughter is only 6 and has started gymnastics, was doing very well and loving it till now. She doesn't want to go any more as she was pushed down into the splits and it hurt ! This has never happened in all my daughter's ballet lessons. i feel so cross!