pastel

Royal is 'by April' but I think it is by early April.

Hello Balletaj, just wondering which other summer programs you are looking at? thanks

Hi sophika, I'm not afab either. Well it was our first go at putting together an audition dvd too. I googled "how to make a ballet audition dvd" and used the tips to put it together. The POB wanted a minimum of 2 exercises at the barre, 2 in the centre (front and side views) and add whatever else you like, no time limit. It was VERY rushed for us because we had just returned from 2 summer programs in Melbourne and Sydney and only had a few days to figure out what to do, buy a camera, shoot the film, edit and learn how to make a dvd. The most difficult part I found was that I couldn't get far enough back in the studio to make sure I didn't cut of my dd's hands or feet. Here is a link to youtube. This is not exactly what we posted to POB. I had to cut it down a little to upload to youtube so I deleted the text intro and thank-you at the end. My daughter introduced herself (in French) before dancing. I also deleted 2 of the barre exercises which were pretty much the same as the ones on there, but showed front or side. You may notice that the two little dance studies she does at the end are filmed from the long side of the studio and she is cut off a couple of times but the studio is not wide enough for her to have danced with the short end as 'front'. Hope that helps.

I've been reading through this topic with interest. I'll state out front, that my dd is one of those "international students" who would do anything for a place at RBS. I'm not good with statistics, but thought I'd add a couple of comments. The question has been asked 'Why do international students want to train in Britain?' In Australia, we really only have the one company school, which is extremely difficult to get into and not everyone is looking for that type of training. The Aussie Ballet is a very contemporary company so if your dc wants to be a classical dancer, it isn't really a first choice. So one aspect of looking O/S is lack of choice here. Secondly, in our country, we have many ex RB folk who teach our kids. They are brilliant and well loved. Naturally, our kids want to train where their mentors did. As an aside, as far as I'm aware, if my dd were fortunate enough to be accepted into RBS we would pay full fees. (Not sure how we would manage??) There are many international students in our pre-professional/vocational schools here too. We think they all look better than our home grown students - maybe the grass always looks greener on the other side! Also, I think it is important to note, that these students are all just kids with big dreams and lots of dedication and commitment. My dd has applied to attend RBS summer school because even if she only ever dances at Covent Garden for 2 weeks in her life, it will be a dream come true. The financial commitment on the part of our family is huge, her application is a decision we didn't take lightly and will require us borrowing money. IF she were to somehow be accepted into the US it would require us to leave our gorgeous farm life and all our family and friends. Students taking those places do so at a huge level of sacrifice - either the family relocates or the kids move to the other side of the planet alone. There is a lot more at stake than statistics. On a positive note - realise that what you have in the RBS is legendary and it is an honour that you have students from all over the globe, hankering to attend. I know that doesn't console your kids if they miss out on a place. Our family would LOVE to have the chance to attend that beautiful Opera House and watch the RB just once in our life!

We've used the felt tip marker as too. You will probably need to buy 2 markers.... she say's speaking from experience of running out during the second coat on the first shoe, having coloured both shoes once! We live half an hour's drive from the nearest shop . BTW we had to colour the ribbons as well.

Hi Just Ballet - ok, at least I'm not going crazy, someone else has noticed that Giselle is hard to dress I just had a look at your website - lovely! And, you ship to Australia

thanks taxi4ballet, yep, I've been trawling the internet including e-bay. We've pretty much decided to change her variation to Aurora's wedding since she already has a suitable creamy/white tutu. The costume needs to be 'historically accurate' and the time and cost of having one made is out of reach right now.

Thanks, yes, I intended on taking the costume in, but it doesn't belong to us and the way it is made would be very difficult to alter. I would need to put a zipper in the back as well as cut the bodice down and make the skirt much smaller at the waist. It is adult size medium and my daughter is child extra large (age 12-14) or adult extra small. To alter it would ruin it for the ballet teacher.

dramascientist - first performance 13th April Thanks pupsmum, I shall enquire about a one off, usually they require a few weeks, plus delivery time.

Thank you KathG - I looked on that site. Gorgeous costumes, such a shame they don't have a Giselle costume. Thanks Spannerandpony - that is the exact costume dd's teacher had which we thought she was going to wear. It is way too large around the bust/waist area but the sleeves barely fit over the shoulders because there is no opening in the back! She needs to go down at least 3-4 sizes but would not be able to get a smaller one on. Very strange design with a non-stretchy edging on the neckline. Thanks for your help

Thanks pupsmum, I have seen their site - lovely but too expensive for us, especially for such a specific item that may only be used for a few performances.

Hi, does anyone know where I can buy a Giselle act 1 costume? Any links to costume websites would be helpful. We live in Australia, but many post OS. I have placed a 'wanted' ad in this forum. thanks,

Does anyone have a peasant costume suitable for Giselle act 1 variation? My daughter is 15yrs, small in the upper body. We need it for a competition, thanks,

We are applying for a couple of summer schools which ask for a CV. Just wondering if anyone could offer advice on this? My dd is 15yrs old. Do you put it together in a formal manner similar to a business CV? How long should it be and what information needs to be included? Sorry to sound so ignorant, but we've never been asked for this before. Thanks!

oh, that is disappointing

They said by April - not sure if that means by the start or end??

Has anyone heard of this summer school in Amsterdam? - http://www.ahk.nl/en/theaterschool/dance-programmes/national-ballet-academy/amsterdam-international-summer-school/ Looks like entries are still open.

This issue bothers me greatly! My dd is regularly in tears about being fat. Goodness! In regular clothes she looks thin, in a leotard, you can see some flesh at the bottom of the hips. How on earth one avoids that during the hormonal stage of 15/16 I don't know. I haven't clicked the link to the recommended book yet, but will. She has been tired lately so we've started on iron supplements as well as multi vitamins which goes against my grain since we like to grow our own food and prepare every thing from scratch to eat healthy naturally. It is so hard for them when they look at themselves in the mirror next to others who are skinny or verging on anorexic. Unfortunately the result of the disease can be fatal as we know too well. If only ballet schools and companies were more sensible about the whole deal. We recently saw POB perform and my dd was entranced by the gorgeous dancing but discouraged at the slightness of build of the dancers. All of her friends who have been accepted into the Australian Ballet school or the associate program are the waif-like ones so dd will not even consider applying. (To be fair, she doesn't want to attend that school because she thinks AB is too contemporary.)

scary but true! edited to ask - what age is 6th form?

Wishing you all the best for POB, Elmhurst and RBS. I always say to my dd that things happen for a reason and if we stay calm (don't panic), listen to that small voice inside and follow its leading we'll end up in the right place at the right time and meet the right people for our life. I sincerely hope your dd has a wonderful time where ever she dances this the summer

Hi anjuli_bai, thanks for your interesting reply. I find it very comforting since the vocational school my dd is at teaches in the way you describe - this goes against the regular way in Australia. Her teachers have just returned from the USA 2 years ago, so clearly, they have taken on that model. I feel like we are on the right track

Hi Pointytoes, the Prague Masterclasses is a SS for older dancers. You need to be 16 and have at least one year full time vocational training. It looks fabulous with a great line up of teachers. Here is the link. http://balletmasterclass.com

Thank you for that info. Very different from our situation.

Hello, this may seem like a strange question, but I shall ask it anyway. What is the process of training to become a dancer? By that, I mean, in order to get a job in a company (hopefully), what type of training is required and at what age? It seems to me that you can't get into a company without having done some time, at least a year at a company school. Is that correct? In Australia, we only have 1 large company, plus two smaller ones. Most kids seem to be at preprofessional schools in order to apply for company schools, such as Australian Ballet school, RBS, English National and others in USA and Europe (usually Germany). There seems to be a big emphasis in our state (NSW) on taking part in competitions. I've heard it is not so big in other places such as Victoria. My dd is turning 16 in June and started 'part time' vocational last year and moved into full time this Feb. She took her RAD Adv 1 exam last year but is not doing RAD anymore. Looking ahead, will she stay at the current school for another say 2 years, then need to audition elsewhere? What age should they be finished training and ready to audition for jobs? I realise these are probably all million dollar questions, but just interested to hear from others who are further down the road and see what it is like in your part of the world, since my dd may well end up there as she has no desire to join the Australian Ballet because is it primarily contemporary and she prefers traditional/classical. Thanks in advance, pastel

yes, it really would be a good idea if all the ballet schools had the same application and acceptance dates to make life a bit easier for all the families. It actually wouldn't be that hard to co-ordinate