pastel

I recently made my first ever dvd audition for my dd. I didn't even own a camcorder, so I was a complete novice at it! I bought a cheap camera and a tripod. The helpful shop assistant told me that you need a 10x speed for the memory card. The cards are the same as those for still cameras, but apparently video needs a high speed. I would recommend planning on filming 2 or 3 sessions on different days. The first one is a rehearsal for you and the dancer. You can go home, watch it and figure out what to improve on. Second day you get just about everything right and the 3rd day you can fix up any little extras. I had never used the imovie program on my mac but it is easy and I was able to cut and paste the bits I wanted. Having said that, I didn't cut and paste within exercises. But, if we were filming and something went wrong (eg: a loud person arriving at the studio, music doesn't start, dog entering.....), we simply started that exercise again and I was able to delete the error. Once you make the dvd, double check that it works on different computers and the tv. Here is a link to the video on youtube. It is not exactly what we posted off. I have deleted the intro, thank you etc and repeats of some of the barre work from front/side. We didn't have time to rehearse the exercises, although I would recommend that if possible. Hope that helps.

wow! That looks beautiful! I love the whole food philosophy too . I agree with Kat09 - wish we had a money tree!

LinMM, I don't know about private sponsorship, grants etc. I guess that is the next thing we should look into

LinMM, overseas students are not entitled to any funding at UK schools. The only school which is subsidised here is the AB, so we all borrow extra money on our housing loans to pay for tuition. If you send your kids to Uni, either they pay fees, or they pay the debt back once they start working, so education costs no matter which way you go about it. Would you like me to PM my details to you to give to your friend, or is she ok for you to pass her details on to me? It always helps to be in contact with others in the same situation. thanks, pastel

Thank you, we aren't planning on moving to the UK unless dd is accepted into a ballet school, that is the driving reason. Which other schools should we be looking at? She is particularly focussed on being a classical dancer.

thanks for your comments We have been looking into the logistics of moving to the UK - the REALLY important things like how to get our dog there . Since my dd is aware of the body type preferences of some places, she said that we should find out if she is out of range before going any further. It is good to know they don't have any formal requirements. I did read somewhere that students are measured and weighed at the end of each term, so I thought there must be guidelines for that. LinMM - the RBS website has requirements as to which exercises to show on the video, but doesn't say it has to be professionally filmed. I would do it myself but would need to use a larger studio than the ones at her school. It is hard to get far enough away to keep the entire body on screen for the whole time. We often buy videos of our dd at competitions and I'm continually shocked at how poor the quality is! They have loads of big expensive looking equipment and the videos are often shaky, blurry, poorly lit or over exposed and worst of all, they don't follow the dancer so you get blank viewing! I made a video for the POB summer school audition and it wasn't fancy but it was clear and quite adequate. I used a tripod. Because I made it myself, I was able to have full control of the editing which was handy. I think the main thing is that they need to clearly see what the dancer is capable of, I really don't think they are looking for Hollywood standard .

so, does anyone know if they only take the super skinny kids?

oh....

Hi, sorry if this question has been asked before. I searched the forum and came up with no hits. Does anyone know if there is a chart available on height and weight requirements for RBS? My dd dreams of applying and since she is 16 this year, the reality of auditioning is getting close, she would need to do the video audition at the end of this year. She is by no means over weight but also not one of the skinny girls who seem to be the only ones picked for Australian Ballet School. We figure the body type required for RBS would be similar. Is there a chart available? I have searched the net as well as RBS website and haven't found one. Alternatively, does anyone have an idea of what the measurements might be for upper school? Thanks

ohh, so disappointing :( but it is good that she was able to warm up outside and feel more prepared. Wishing her all the best for the next audition.

I'll be sleeping by then! Shall check first thing in the morning

Oh dear! Why do they make it so hard for kids? Isn't it hard enough to make it as a dancer? I find this ballet world seems to be fraught with near impossible hurdles. Sorry you have to wait 2 weeks for stage 2! Hope you've got a stash of good books in the car . Ok, I'm an artist and no, it doesn't pay well at all. If not for my husband, I'd be working another job and starving. BUT - we are free to express ourselves as we wish, or, we can cater to the market and probably make more money. It seems that the priority with dancers is that their body type is right, then they need the strength, fitness, flexibility and technique just to get into a school where they can then train to be a dancer. What about their heart? Isn't dance about expression and art? So, we go along to the ballet and watch POB with our jaws dropping and our hearts bursting because it is all SO exquisitely beautiful! How do they train these bodies to be artists? (And without crushing their little spirits in the process) I've taught in art schools and always believed that you can teach technique but being an artist comes from within. Now I'm questioning everything I ever thought on the subject.

ooohh, I can't believe THAT is the audition!!! I would call that an assessment prior to audition. If she passes the first test, will the barre audition be the same day? Here's hoping she makes it through the first stage!

Truly wishing her all the best! I think everyone here understands what a big dream it is to be in the POB school. I know my dd would give anything to be there. Praying that she dances her best ever and shines from deep inside her heart

great news afab!

thanks Janet My dh is coming along too, we plan on exploring - it will be like a second honeymoon for us, we do everything as a family so it will be strange to be out and about alone together

My daughter is doing Prague Masterclasses - no audition, but minimum requirements and photo required. We have one day off, then go to Florence for the Joffrey Ballet School summer program, also no audition. We've never been to either so hope they are both worth the trek from Australia

Swanprincess, that's a hard question! I think everyone battles with doubtful thoughts. Some people are more confident than others. My dd is not one of those super confident, extravert people and has been knocked back by auditions too. I asked her how she deals with it and she said that she will go and practise in order to distract herself and do something constructive toward her dream rather than worrying. Also, finding out where your weaknesses lie and working on those helps. We need to have a balance between accepting criticism and not taking on destructive comments. The main thing is to not create a mountain in your mind from a comment, or worse still from a rejection which doesn't even come with any explanation. There is a strong element of 'lottery' with auditions due to the sheer numbers of people applying. I think you need to have definite goals and focus on them rather than the set backs. This week we are in the midst of a competition. The majority of sections are for modern, jazz, tap, contemporary etc and my dd is only entering the few classical sections on offer since she doesn't do the other styles. The adjudicator is unashamedly biased toward a handful of kids from 2 particular schools. After the first night, we have managed to pick who will win the places in each section before anyone dances because we know who the favourites are. Each day as we drive to the venue, my dd has to prepare herself mentally for what is ahead, accepting the fact that the judging is unfair but knowing her goal for the competition, which is to increase her performance skills. As far as how to not drive your parents crazy, probably being honest with them and saying how you feel inside would be helpful. It always helps us to know that we aren't the ones to blame . Mostly likely, your parents care about your dream and feel for you too, I know I do for my dd. There are so many factors involved with being a dancer, like body type etc but it still helps to remain dedicated, committed and work hard. Keep turning up to everything and keep your eyes fixed on your goal no matter what obstacles come up. Wishing you all the best

Swanprincess, keep on trying! You've got a great attitude staying so determined. Hopefully you will be accepted into another summer school and you never know how much you may improve over the next year. Wishing you all the best.

Swanprincess, sorry you didn't get in. We understand how disappointing it is - not sure that the ballet schools realise how hard the wait is . Best wishes for getting in somewhere else.

congrats afab and lildancer!

Hi Ballet7, the two my daughter is attending are both still open. Prague Masterclasses (16yrs and older) and Joffrey Florence (15yrs and over). If you child is older, this info may help.

Hi, is anyone attending Prague Masterclasses or Joffrey Intensive in Florence? My 16yo dd is booked in for both and we have never been to either.

Hi Tulip, just wondering how old your dd is? We just applied and my dd was accepted. She is only just old enough to meet the requirements so I was not too sure she would be accepted. She missed out on RBS and POB so is now very excited to be going somewhere with such amazing teachers. Have you looked at accommodation yet? There seem to be some reasonably priced apartments. Hope to meet you there

We also had our email this morning and it was a 'no', so I have a sad daughter here. Best wishes to everyone who is waiting!