if only!

Your little girl sounds an absolute darling! Go and talk to the team, find out about Saturday/Sunday. Even audition & see what happens. The audition process is a good day out, quite long if I remember.Not just a quick hour and a half! The other thing I've thought about is, when dd decided not to do final audition, to wait a year and work on her ballet she auditioned for the Suffolk Junior Dance Company, (a really good introduction to Contemporary for that age group) and loved it. They had good performance opportunities and the young performers had great fun choreographing etc. It's on a Wednesday. DDd was year 7 when she did it, but a very young yr 7 & held her own (birthday not till Summer holiday, don't know whether your daughter is yr 5/6 but she may be right age?) Dance East has a great atmosphere and dd's early love of Contemporary was definitely nurtured by this class, (Contemporary is quite a hard thing to 'get' your head round at that age) There's also the Musical Theatre Performance group, non-audition, on Thursdays (5.15-6.15) I know you probably know all this, just trying to actively encourage you. (uncool!) Best thing about the Academy is, (I noticed you've posted "Inferiority Complex") they don't have favourites, everyone is equal regardless of background, all have a passion for dance. In dd's level there's those who ballet is their thing, then there's those who haven't done any ballet before DanceEast but are hip-hop dancers. It's quite liberating in a way, as parents, none of this comparison against others. Dd may feel it's frustrating, she'd like harder ballet! But can she hip hop?! Good luck for NYB, we only did it a couple of years as hugely expensive... but dd did want to carry on doing it. DD had just turned 11 first time and stayed at Tring. There were a few younger also staying, so give it a go. None of my dd's little lot had solo roles or anything, just part of the main gang (another uncool smiley!) Ignore the whole dilemma of the bed issue, go and have fun on the audition day, a recall is fantastic and you should be proud. (There's a lovely little quirky cafe called the Chelsea Teapot round the corner, back along Kings Road... great for more cake eating!)

DD just back from BalletBoyz, (very enthusiastic review. Apparently best ever piece of Contemporary dance, all very fluid... I'm sure she knows what she means!) DD has read thru' this DanceEast thread and (although doesn't like my over use of smileys ... not cool) says I must mention more of the amazing opportunities to perform. So.. for my daughter's benefit... A couple of years ago Level 3 went to Berlin. Last year a group from all the levels performed at the Royal Opera House, (joined forces with the Place CAT & Lowry CAT), under the artistic guidance of Gareth Malone and had a couple of residentials in London, with classes at ROH & involvement with some of the RB dancers. Big Dance in London. Olympic celebrations in Christ Church park. Involvement with Snape. Can't think of any more and she's gone off to bed. She wasn't particularly impressed by my reference to chocolate cake but us poor mums need some reward for all our driving, leotard washing, ribbon sewing, tight buying etc etc we do!

Very interesting point about Ballet Black. DD loves their contemporary style of ballet but she has said she would never be able to get into their company because of her colour yet her cousin could (not that her cousin wants to dance at all but...) and (this is a 13 year old mind working) you could never have a Ballet White because it wouldn't be right. And she's right. But Ballet Black isn't really discriminative, as ballet, particularly classical, is predominantly white, so maybe it's ok? I agree with you Julie, I'm puzzled too! Katymac, loved your 'blonde' Norfolk! Suffolk's a bit like that too!

Yes, Janet Kinson taught dd, an excellent teacher. Full of encouragement and enthusiasm, recommended dd try for NYB. (Janet Kinson very involved with NYB but I can't remember in what capacity, I think teacher/choreographer? etc) And we get up early every Saturday to go into London and back. It's become part of our routine and we don't mind it at all. In fact we're going to possibly experience withdrawal symptoms next term! It takes a lot of discipline to wake up at 4ish every Saturday but one does get use to it! My husband and I alternate so it's never too hard and I've spent many happy Saturdays revisiting places/museums/art galleries I visited in my student years and carefree 20s, (bc... that is before children!) We get our train tickets way in advance so they're pretty cheap, so it's worked out well. Must say I'm with your youngest on the chocolate cake, I'd far rather partake in serious chocolate cake eating than a dance class!

My dd & 2 friends also auditioned for London SA... no news either. Well done to all the yesses, (fantastic news!) and hugs to all the others and those waiting. I'm a big optimist, (always a longer way to fall when things do go amiss but...) and a big believer when one door closes another opens No certainly doesn't mean 'no forever', just 'no not now, maybe later'.

I think the levelling at DanceEast is a bit of an enigma! There's a real mix of ages within groups & varying year groups in all levels. So there's every possibility it could be a Sunday. Definitely go along to the Open day and find out more, the Academy team are very approachable. Yes, East Anglia certainly needs an Associate Ballet scheme. My daughter attended the Ballet Enrichment classes at DanceEast, (I think these evolved from the Ballet Scholars) and when these finished she began at London Junior and Senior Ballet. Unfortunately these have moved to a Sunday, for Summer term only, (I hope- not sure about Autumn). Of course, if they stay on a Sunday it might be something worth considering? It's an excellent scheme offering pilates, contemporary and pointe on top of the regular ballet so she's going to be a bit lost without it as it has really helped her improve her ballet technique. For a year she attended Tring's CBA, held on Sundays, (she actually turned down the final audition at DanceEast to do this as she felt her ballet needed the extra) however Tring, although wonderful, was a real hike for us and she auditioned, successfully, for DanceEast the following year. But definitely go along for the Open Day, even if just for a nice day out and an enjoyable coffee in the lovely DancEats cafe!

DD attended this fabulous course last year and is going again this year. As Intensives go it's excellent value for money. Always a plus She loved the teachers, Yoko Ichino was fab (her words) and really got them to think on the spot, (some exercise when she wanted them to improvise, think up their own exercise there and then, whilst the pianist played. Or something like that. Dd reports back in such high speed it's sometimes hard to recall what she said) And she loved spotting the Northern Ballet dancers as they went passed, (we always try and see Northern Ballet when they visit our local theatre.. they look so much smaller in real life, must be the pointe shoes!) She'd love to do their Summer school but unfortunately it clashes with other commitments, as it did last year. I had never visited Leeds; the only thing I knew about it was Leeds was my brother's favourite football team way back in the 70's. So we all had a family trip up North, stayed in a Travelodge, which was in walking distance of Quarry Hill. We explored Leeds, the countryside and had far too many trips to the Leeds Armouries (I have boys... we had 3 trips. They did not return my level of tolerance when we visited the Art museum or Henry Moore Institute!) DD can not enthuse about it enough and can't wait till next week, just hope all this snow clears up, it's about time we had something Spring-like!

Have no idea what a smiley face is doing with sunglasses on? I pressed the letter B! Should read plan b... dd may go down the dance science route, she likes the idea of a phD in Dance and becoming a doctor in it (smiley intentional!)

Hello Clara DD attends DanceEast and the opportunities she's had since starting in September 2011 have been fantastic- working with choreographers, theatre trips, (she's seeing BalletBoyz at this very moment), workshops, dance groups etc... even a trip to Circus Space, (fortunately a circus performer's life is not for her!) They have some great teachers too. Nearly all of it she's loved, save for the hip-hop sessions this term, very difficult when ballet is your thing first and foremost. Also, Dance Health has been invaluable as it's beginning to teach her about a Dancer's Health and her own body, (with regards to being a young dance student). My dd has aspirations of being a Contemporary/Ballet dancer and Choreographer. She's even thought that Dance Science maybe an option for her (as a plan . So DanceEast is great for that as there's Creative sessions, with a fair bit of students working out their own choreography plus the Dance Health as mentioned. There is a very holistic and realistic approach to the teaching which as a parent I like. However, the ballet is not levelled but mixed (the emphasis is on Contemporary) so she does attend an associate scheme. DD believes, and I think she's right, that strong Contemporary technique needs a strong foundation of Ballet so it is something she is constantly striving to improve. This Easter and Summer she will attend Ballet Intensives away (unrelated to DanceEast) for this reason. Fortunately DanceEast is on a Sunday which leaves Saturday free for associates, but it is a hard work weekend, with homework squeezed in, (something may have to go next year, though at present she is keeping on top of the academic side of life) That said, the DanceEast Easter & Summer intensives are brilliant and the end of year Academy show was very, very strong, and original! I was amazed by the Level 5's. They're pretty tough! Classes within the Academy are Ballet, Creative, Contemporary & Dance Health... I think all levels do this. And as mentioned all levels participate in trips, performances etc. Each student has an Individual Training Plan tailored to their needs. I hope this all makes sense! There are others on this forum who have had a few more years experience of DanceEast and can probably shed more light on the whole process but please pm me if you want more info.

Yes I'm there. No more hideously early Saturdays for you, nor bus transfers, cancelled trains or detours round Ely to get home. And I'm envious, very! Your DD deserves this. She really does. All that hard work, determination and talent has paid off. And I'm so incredibly happy for her! (I mean it's not every day I get to run across a dance floor and give out hugs... with my shoes on. Though did feel a little obvious and "Miranda" like, sort of wishing I looked more Darcey or Margot!) I think you should go out and celebrate but you'll probably want to start saving !

FAB-U-LOUS! FAB-U-LOUS! FAB-U-LOUS!!! It's clicked- I know you! Not many I know have to pull off the road and scream. We'll miss you both soooo much!

I can recommend ENBS Summer course, dd has done it twice now and absolutely loved it. She's made some lovely friends through it, from as far afield as Japan and Brazil. (There were a lot of Spanish and Japanese, not sure why). DD very interested in finding out how other countries do things, (she found out last Summer that us Brits are a lot kinder to our knees-that is, don't force turnout!) so she always came back full of talk, not just about ballet but all the other interesting "stuff'. I know it's not RBS but at least there was no last minute change of plan. I don't know whether this is helpful but...(pasted form ENBS site) "We will be accepting applications for Summer Course from 1st January 2013. Applications for Course A must be submitted by 1st March, and applications for Course B must be submitted by 1st April. Our summer course is regularly oversubscribed, so please ensure that your application is submitted before the deadline. You will be notified if you have been selected to attend the course after the closing date. Application forms are available from info@enbschool.org.uk." No application fee, just photos.

Is that a hint!!!!

Unfortunately I don't know. Someone else on this forum might be able to answer as there is a parents committee. (I'm just a Mum with not much involvement other than turning up and chatting to the others!)

Information for London Junior and Senior Ballet Audition entry is from 8 to 18 (or 17?) Auditions take place in June and September. (There's also a scholarship audition in September) Successful candidates are placed in one of the levels but are sometimes moved in first couple of weeks. The Junior levels (Entry level; Junior Foundation; Junior Level) have ballet and 1 hr repertoire, Junior level can take pointe but need permission from their regular ballet teachers. Entry level take ballet revision. Senior levels (Senior Foundation; Senior level; Graduate Level) have 1 hr pilates; ballet (time varies between 1 1/2 -2 hrs according to level) and 1 hr pointe with alternate weeks of Contemporary (I think 50 mins) I would have copied link to save all the above but wasn't sure! Wait... here's an attempt but doubt it will work! (Sorry!)... http://www.ljb.org.uk/pdf/TIMEANDFEES2012-13.pdf Termly report plus one full assessment with outside 'judicator' plus Principal. Students can move up or repeat year... not sure about assessing out. (I don't think so) Classes held on Saturdays but next term are on Sundays (in between moving premises) but next term back to Saturdays, I think!

My daughter's Grishkos harden after every use and I have no idea why. Perhaps a combination of sweat and shoe glue and then drying rock hard? However, she gives them a good beating, anything and everyone in her vicinity. Even thrown them in the microwave. I leave her to it though as she always looks pretty lethal when she's in shoe bashing mode! Doesn't make an awful lot of difference as she's the noisiest in her dance class despite best attempts to land softly. She's got new soft blocks now and hoping that her last pair were just a fluke! Oh, she does run on the spot in them too!

London Senior Ballet is a wonderful programme. At Graduate level they offer Pilates, Ballet (obviously!) and Pointe plus alternate weeks of Contemporary. There's are also scholarships awarded. Excellent teaching and, (don't know how important this is when it comes to Ballet classes), but the pianist is a genius. (No, I'm not on commission, perhaps I should be!)

Thankyou Jazzpaws. You wouldn't believe how nervous I was about posting on this forum... I don't even do Facebook! I'll post something more positive next time. This forum is a fantastic resource and I don't know where I'd be without it!

I've never posted before... so a bit nervous! (And will probably hit the wrong key!) So here it goes... And it's a bit long... sorry! I have read with interest and gleaned much from this fantastic encyclopaedic forum. I’ve donated my tenner and consider it money well worth spent. Though happy to read as an “outsider” it is this issue of funding that has prompted me to join in the forum. I too feel uncomfortable with the tone adopted by some, regarding the unfairness/disproportionate funding for families on lower pay scales. Even with the DADA these low earners will have to find a large sum, (relative to their income). I know of parents on low incomes who can simply not afford to go down the DADA route. If you want support from all do not alienate lower earners by suggesting a lack of work ethic. Be careful what you say! Uni doesn’t always mean harder working young people. I work in a school where hard work doesn’t always equate intelligence. Some naturally bright children rest a little too much on their laurels whereas those lower ability will work hard to just achieve an average. Of course a lot of bright children do work exceptionally hard, and I find dedicated dancers, more often than not, seem to be in this category! Please don’t say those on higher salaries did a lot more work earlier. Both my husband and I are post-graduates and due to circumstance outside our control have found ourselves this past year as low earners. I recently spent a night with my frail, ill father whilst they tried to find him a bed in hospital. A 95 year old lady opposite had spent over 6 hours waiting in a wheelchair. The nurses and auxiliaries were working their socks off. These lovely people are on such low pay and they do such a hard difficult job, yet with an aging population, the need for carers and health assistants, (the underpaid), will greatly increase. My husband is amazed, that in this current economic climate, a DADA scheme in any form is still affordable. Like many taxpayers he will see health and education (alas, not dance) as needing priority. I’m NOT of that ilk. I was trained in the Arts (ah! that’s it! that’s why I’m on such a low income!!) I love all forms of it. It's what makes us, us humans, us! If that makes sense! A life with out the Arts, in all its many guises, is a dreary one, an unhealthy one. Also, the Arts are one of our greatest exports, (see how successful the Against EBACC petition was, many big Art organisations including individuals signed it). I think there should be state funding, but, on this forum, please don’t knock the lower earners. Society works on all levels. IF ONLY there was sensible state funding for all our talented children... regardless of income. (sudden after-thought... have you thought of contacting the big Art organisations? To have them on board would be great!)