HollyLou Posted July 20, 2018 Share Posted July 20, 2018 Thankyou @Dancing unicorn. My dd can't get away with bloch ballets, she loves the fit of the so danca split soles. She was worried she'd have to change to a different brand. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dancing unicorn Posted July 20, 2018 Share Posted July 20, 2018 I’m sure they will be fine. I think once you find a make and fit that suites you, then you are best sticking to that! Good luck for sept 🍀 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Picturesinthefirelight Posted July 21, 2018 Share Posted July 21, 2018 Any canvas split sole are fine. Whatever suits your Dds feet best. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HollyLou Posted July 23, 2018 Share Posted July 23, 2018 Are there any rules with regards to school shoes and bags for the girls? Is it just black leather shoes? Can they be ballet pumps or do they need to have a buckle/lace fastening? Am I right in that it's black bags for school (one for dance and one for school)? What do the other girls have currently. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Picturesinthefirelight Posted July 24, 2018 Share Posted July 24, 2018 They do not encourage ballet flat style school shoes as they are bad for the feet although some of the drama students try to get away with wearing them. Mary Janes & brogues are the more st common type of shoes. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Picturesinthefirelight Posted July 24, 2018 Share Posted July 24, 2018 Dd has used the same black Bloch dance bag all five years but lots have the same one so she attached a coloured ribbon. She started off with a black then grey backpack for books but ended up with a bright blue one. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Karen Posted July 24, 2018 Share Posted July 24, 2018 Many of the girls in my dd’s Year had DMs- very sturdy and supportive. I was shocked at the initial cost but as dd’s feet have stopped growing, they did last for 2 school years. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dancing unicorn Posted July 24, 2018 Share Posted July 24, 2018 (edited) Yeh dd initially had brogues when she started at Hammond in yr10 but after a few months we ended up getting DM’s as she was getting pains in her calves from trying to keep shoes on, they kept slipping off her heels! So I would go for lace ups or a t bar straight off!! Edited July 24, 2018 by Dancing unicorn Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HollyLou Posted July 24, 2018 Share Posted July 24, 2018 Thanks everyone. My dd has been looking at the Mary Jane DM. The other issue we have is that she is only a size 13 (just) so choice is limited as so many are very young looking 🙈 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Picturesinthefirelight Posted July 24, 2018 Share Posted July 24, 2018 I feel your pain. Back in year 7 a plain Start Rite Mary Jane Samba was the only shoe that fitted Dd. How we rejoiced when she finally reached Size 2.5/3 in Year 9 & a Start Rite Angry Angels lace up fitted! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Picturesinthefirelight Posted July 24, 2018 Share Posted July 24, 2018 In fact somewhere on this forum is a thread from 5 years ago from me asking about shoes! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
margarite Posted July 31, 2018 Share Posted July 31, 2018 (edited) Regarding school bags - I know they prefer dark colours, but do they have to be plain or can they be patterned? Edited July 31, 2018 by margarite Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dancing unicorn Posted July 31, 2018 Share Posted July 31, 2018 (edited) Dd used a plain black shoulder bag for academics and a navy blue Jack Wills bag for dance! Hope that helps x Edited July 31, 2018 by Dancing unicorn 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
angel Posted July 31, 2018 Share Posted July 31, 2018 One of mine had a Vans galaxy print, the other started with a black Topshop leather one, then burgundy and various blues Noone batted an eyelid 😏 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
margarite Posted July 31, 2018 Share Posted July 31, 2018 Thanks both, DD has been twisting my arm about getting a satchel with a cactus print on it and am trying to persuade her to go for something a little less jazzy 😩 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Danceintherain Posted August 22, 2018 Share Posted August 22, 2018 It's been a few months since I've read this thread, but I recall the suggestion somewhere about parents of existing students being encouraged to attend the Open Morning. My DD is starting in September and I'm thinking of taking my mum to the Open Morning at the end of September so she can see DD's new school, and hopefully get the chance to see her too, perhaps in a class. Is there a part of the Open Morning (say, at the end) when you can have a quick hello with your DC? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
angel Posted August 22, 2018 Share Posted August 22, 2018 Yes, just briefly. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ballet4Boyz Posted August 22, 2018 Author Share Posted August 22, 2018 Hi, I’m sure if you let the school know & boarding staff - you can take your DC out after the open morning has finished. We usually take our DS out for lunch & spend the afternoon with him 😁 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Karen Posted August 23, 2018 Share Posted August 23, 2018 Definitely no problem to take your child out after the open morning. You’ll get the boarding house email (if you don’t have it already) so it’s easy to let them know what your plans are. As long as they know, it’s no problem at all. Open day is a great way to see classes, but you won’t know until quite near the day what your child will be in. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Danceintherain Posted August 23, 2018 Share Posted August 23, 2018 Thank you all so much, that's great to hear. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Penguinboysmum Posted March 24, 2019 Share Posted March 24, 2019 (edited) Hi. DS has just found out he has an MDS so will be joining Hammond in Year 8 in September. The letter says further information will be sent out in due course but I wondered if someone could let me know what happens between now and September? Do they have a transition day etc? What about buying uniform or finding out which boarding house he'll be in. We really weren't expecting to get funding so we're all in shock at the moment. Thanks in advance Xx Edited March 24, 2019 by PenguinBoysMum 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Penguinboysmum Posted March 24, 2019 Share Posted March 24, 2019 Also is there any Wi-Fi in the boarding houses or will he need a hefty data allowance to video call us? 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ballet4Boyz Posted March 24, 2019 Author Share Posted March 24, 2019 Hi PenguinBoysMum .... firstly congratulations to your DS ..... the Hammond is an amazing school !! There is an induction day towards the end of Summer term where the new students meet & spend time with their year group. You can meet Becky Edwards & her lovely team from Stardust (based in Lichfield) on the day - who supply all academic & dancewear uniform for the Hammond students. There will be uniform samples to try on there and then, but possibly not enough to kit your son out properly & it gets very busy. The best thing to do is contact Becky directly (there is a website) and explain your son has been offered an MDS place at the Hammond and she will guide you on everything ....... she’s a credit to the school & always so helpful. It’s always best to contact her early on as she becomes a very busy lady organising all the students kit over the Summer !! I can only speak for the boys dorms and the WiFi is there but can be hit & miss depending on the boarding house & the location of your room !! Before he attends in September you’ll be notified by email which boarding house he’ll be staying at and then on arrival you are then given your room number & specific bed & wardrobe etc. I’m basing this on the previous years but things may be done slightly differently now as there will be a new ‘head of boarding’ in place, which means changes could be made. Hope this helps Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bluebird22 Posted March 24, 2019 Share Posted March 24, 2019 @PenguinBoysMum huge congratulations to you and your DS! I think I remember last year that he got to Elmhurst finals? I’ve just spent the afternoon with someone who knows your son I think and she was so excited for him! Very much deserved! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Penguinboysmum Posted March 24, 2019 Share Posted March 24, 2019 21 minutes ago, Bluebird22 said: @PenguinBoysMum huge congratulations to you and your DS! I think I remember last year that he got to Elmhurst finals? I’ve just spent the afternoon with someone who knows your son I think and she was so excited for him! Very much deserved! Yes he got to Elmhurst finals last year, then a straight no from Elmhurst this year. We'd decided not to audition anywhere else this year until he was invited to audition at the Hammond. I'm so glad we let him! As the BBO world is quite small I have an idea who you may have been with. That's so sweet. Thank you x 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Penguinboysmum Posted March 24, 2019 Share Posted March 24, 2019 2 hours ago, Ballet4Boyz said: Hi PenguinBoysMum .... firstly congratulations to your DS ..... the Hammond is an amazing school !! There is an induction day towards the end of Summer term where the new students meet & spend time with their year group. You can meet Becky Edwards & her lovely team from Stardust (based in Lichfield) on the day - who supply all academic & dancewear uniform for the Hammond students. There will be uniform samples to try on there and then, but possibly not enough to kit your son out properly & it gets very busy. The best thing to do is contact Becky directly (there is a website) and explain your son has been offered an MDS place at the Hammond and she will guide you on everything ....... she’s a credit to the school & always so helpful. It’s always best to contact her early on as she becomes a very busy lady organising all the students kit over the Summer !! I can only speak for the boys dorms and the WiFi is there but can be hit & miss depending on the boarding house & the location of your room !! Before he attends in September you’ll be notified by email which boarding house he’ll be staying at and then on arrival you are then given your room number & specific bed & wardrobe etc. I’m basing this on the previous years but things may be done slightly differently now as there will be a new ‘head of boarding’ in place, which means changes could be made. Hope this helps That's great. Thank you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tutusrus Posted March 24, 2019 Share Posted March 24, 2019 Re Exeat - you can pick up cases from boarding house before (but be sure to check what time the boarding house will be manned until) and then collect child from school at 4pm so you can get on the road home quickly. The evenings are busy but it helps avoid homesickness. We found the less calls meant all well and when calls increased a little homesickness has set in but the head of boarding was a great help and most of the time it’s our need as parents to speak to them rather than their need to speak to you. I would say that the Sundays can sometimes drag and so saving up all your questions for then passes time for them if they don’t have an activity planned. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
margarite Posted March 24, 2019 Share Posted March 24, 2019 My best tip - start labelling uniform as soon as you get it. You have to name EVERYTHING from dance kit to sheets to every single bloomin’ sock else it can go missing. And casual weekend clothes too. I left it until last week of August to label stuff and nearly had a sewing-induced meltdown. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bluebird22 Posted March 24, 2019 Share Posted March 24, 2019 @PenguinBoysMum I’ve mentally logged his name so I know to look out for him in show programmes in the future! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Penguinboysmum Posted March 24, 2019 Share Posted March 24, 2019 39 minutes ago, margarite said: My best tip - start labelling uniform as soon as you get it. You have to name EVERYTHING from dance kit to sheets to every single bloomin’ sock else it can go missing. And casual weekend clothes too. I left it until last week of August to label stuff and nearly had a sewing-induced meltdown. So first job is order so sew in labels! My least favourite job is sewing so little and often sounds a much better plan, thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peanut68 Posted March 24, 2019 Share Posted March 24, 2019 (edited) Laundry Marker pens way easier & some items simply have no ideal place to place sew in or iron on labels... I hate & am terrible at sewing & have not ever had problems with any school complaining that labels should be sewn in! Do wish there was a white laundry marker pen for labelling black tights/socks/Leotards & undies as often white labels are cut out for comfort/appearance! Anyone tried a white sharpie (if there is such a thing!)? Edited March 24, 2019 by Peanut68 Typo 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Karen Posted March 24, 2019 Share Posted March 24, 2019 1 hour ago, PenguinBoysMum said: So first job is order so sew in labels! My least favourite job is sewing so little and often sounds a much better plan, thanks! Easy2name do a range of naming options. There will be some things such as towels and sheets that you can use the punch on name buttons and I used iron on names for underwear. (They lasted well as long as they were applied with enough heat). Keep those horrid sew on labels to a minimum! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Picturesinthefirelight Posted March 24, 2019 Share Posted March 24, 2019 1 hour ago, Peanut68 said: Laundry Marker pens way easier & some items simply have no ideal place to place sew in or iron on labels... I hate & am terrible at sewing & have not ever had problems with any school complaining that labels should be sewn in! Do wish there was a white laundry marker pen for labelling black tights/socks/Leotards & undies as often white labels are cut out for comfort/appearance! Anyone tried a white sharpie (if there is such a thing!)? I’ve used white iron on transfers from Easy2name but they don’t last that long. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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