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Just hoping that someone may be able to suggest a contact/source of advice that may be able to help my 14-yr-old daughter make some decisions about her future choices in dance. We're based in the South West but informed opinions from all sources would be very much appreciated - looking for inspiration, really! Ideally somebody who would be able to have a chat with my daughter about her choices post GCSE, especially with regard to University options vs vocational training, as well as best choices to make moving from experience purely in classical ballet towards a career in contemporary or musical theatre. Any and all input greatly valued - thanks!

Hi Another question from a newbie dance mum 😂... Ballet feet, my research tells me that high arches (banana feet) are desirable, so when it comes to vocational schools is this a 100% must? Or do dancers get in with nice but strong feet but not necessarily very high arched. Just trying to manage DDs expectations lol

The London Russian Ballet School is accepting applications for auditions for the vocational ballet course. Full-time training in the Professional Russian Ballet Method with outstanding teachers from the Bolshoi and Mariinsky theatres, plus a first class academic education. Applications are open for auditions for entry onto our full-time vocational ballet course with academic education. Auditions begin at the beginning of February 2019 and will continue throughout the month. Thereafter auditions may be arranged by request with the school. To apply, please visit: http://www.londonrussianballetschool.com/applications-auditions/ Send completed form to auditions@lr-bs.com or call 02074980498 for more info. LRBS is delighted to be able to offer 2 full scholarships for boys for our full-time vocational programme in 2018. These scholarships include world-class training in the Professional Russian Ballet Method for male technique, pas de deux, character and contemporary as well as top-level academic education (A Levels or GCSEs). For more information on the course please turn to the relevant section of the website and if you wish to apply, please see the information below or call the school.

I am delighted to say that this new approach to vocational training is working beautifully and producing amazing results. ABA is everything you would receive at any top vocational Ballet School with the added bonus of living at home. So, any pastoral care issues vanish, which as a parent is so key and as a teacher it means my students are thriving due to this new approach. The classes are very small (8/9 in each), the feed back and contact with myself and other teachers is constant and we are working more in line with levels seen in Australia and the America. Dancers attend who used to be at white lodge, Elmhurst and Tring and are all thriving with no injuries. The Staff are at the top of their game and the academic schools have been fantastically supportive. There are exciting developments in the pipeline but I am just so delighted that for the dancers and families of today, there is now another option that is genuinely at the same level as the usual top choices. I realise there may be concerns as I haven't existed for many many years and so the brand name is new. Please ask away and feel free to visit the school to observe and meet the teachers if you are genuinely interested. I won't firewall you, or sell a huge building but I can guarantee happy, healthy and superbly well trained dancers and I will always be honest as I am a mother too - we don't get to redo these precious years! Ages 10 to 16 Auditions March 29th at Sadlers wells www.balletboost.com

I am delighted to announce that on Sunday 2nd April 2017 BBA will be holding auditions for entry in to the Ballet Boost Associate programme in September 2017. Sunday April 2nd 2017 Rambert School in Twickenham Apply via www.balletboost.com - online application form with Photo requirements. OR email emmanorthmore@yahoo.com for queries. Ages 7/8 to 19 across at least 4 levels which will possibly be expanding for September 17. Vocational level classes with a strong thread of anatomy. Please be aware this is a scheme for those dedicated to achieving a high level of training working alongside their current classes. Running on alternate Sundays (with a weekly option from September.) www.balletboost.com for more detailed information 07958 725862 for worried/confused parents!! Feedback and assessments will be given. Fantastic Teachers Amazing Studios Wonderful Pianists International Vocational Level Training - Exciting times for the future of Ballet

Hi everyone, I began dancing six months ago at 16, hoping to one day dance professionally. The more I danced, the more I realised just how difficult it would be to get to that point, but luckily I currently dance with the only ballet school in Ireland to offer vocational training. While I wasn't accepted at first because I didn't have a strong enough technical base, I was just offered a place in the full-time vocational training program. I was ecstatic as you can imagine- but sadly my plans have fallen through. My family are completely unsupportive and financially I just can't afford the training or the travel costs. Does anyone have any tips for how to turn down vocational training and move on with ballet? I'm struggling to stay focused as it really feels as though this is a once-in-a-lifetime offer for a late beginner like me, but yet I can't do it. Has anyone dealt with this problem of unsupportive family or financial difficulty before, and if so, how? Thanks for all your kind words, CaineGreyson

Hi Everyone, I'm writing with the latest news from AEDA. AEDA launched in September 2013, the school is based in the heart of the UK in Nottingham's Creative Quarter and housed in privately owned, purpose built and beautifully refurbished facilities. September 2014 saw our first intake of full-time vocational students to our ‘Performing Arts Professional Programme’. Alongside our talented cohort we have also made new appointments to our teaching faculty, including; Bolshoi Ballet Maestro Gabor Menich, Allison DeBona and Rex Tilton from US based company Ballet West and Jon Orton previous vocal coach at Stage Door Manor (and tutor to Lea Michelle). The school aims to set a new national standard for the delivery of vocational training, taking into account all elements of health and wellness, whilst in pursuit of professional technical excellence. Full-time students choose to embark on bespoke training in either Classical Dance or Musical Theatre and are supported by an incredible teaching faculty. A Level subjects and other options for 'Post 16' education can be combined with either course. Student numbers are limited and each student is offered an individually designed schedule. The school also operates; Easter and Summer Intensives, Private Tuition Programmes and a 'Pre-Professional Programme' - entry by audition only. Scholarships and bursaries are available and auditions for entry in September 2015 are now open. If anyone has any questions about AEDA or would like to arrange a visit to meet with us, please let me know. Kind regards, Carmen