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Hello, Looking for know how and advice! My son will start y11 in Sept 2019, looking to apply for upper schools for sept 2020. It’s make or break year, and the threat of loss of identity if he doesn’t make it is looming large. His dream is ELmhurst, we will also apply to ENB and Central. He does not want to do a course that is more modern or contemporary.  Does anyone have any advice, about the audition process, or what other options there are?  We live in London which helps. Are there other options? 

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Royal Conservatoire of Scotland is mainly classical (everywhere does some contemporary). Kings International is fairly new, but at least one of its founders previously taught at Elmhurst. Tring Park is also a possibilty with new Co-Directors of Dance.

Edited by Pas de Quatre
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3 hours ago, Pas de Quatre said:

Kings International is fairly new, but at least one of its founders previously taught at Elmhurs

Thanks! That’s really helpful. I had never heard of it! 

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@Minoblade having read your posts on both threads I wonder if Emma Northmore can give an honest assessment of your Ds strengths and what would suit him best for sixth form. The audition rounds start very early in year 11 and you need to go into it with as much knowledge as possible as it’s such a difficult year. 

Is your son doing any summer schools this year to get a feel of the competition and a differing schools opinion? 

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Thanks Jane. Is Emma the Ballet Boost person? I think my Ds knows her, but is forbidden from doing so due to school rules 😶.   He has Elmhurst and ENB (2 weeks) summer schools lined up, and the his top three choices are Elmhurst, ENB and Central. Unfortunately Central clashes so we have to find another introduction day or something. I haven't quite worked it out. He has done ENB autumn and Easter intensives in the past. 

 

I think we know its not easy for him but our view as parents, is that there is much to be gained from the endeavour and we don't want him to ever look back with regret and say he gave up too soon. Of course its a balance of what you lose along the way versus what you gain.  We (I say "we" - tbh I am doing this completely alone - Ds doesn't want to think about anything else and Dh completely bewildered)  have started to look at the performing arts Diploma at UAL - (City and Islington) since he is really talented at singing and acting, and pretty bright too. Its such a mix of people saying A levels are worth it, versus not - if you want to end up doing something in the theatre.    

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3 hours ago, swanprincess said:

London Russian Ballet School would be worth a try, especially if he wanted to stay living in London :)

  Thanks! will take a look. Never heard of it (🤔

3 hours ago, Jane said:

@Minoblade having read your posts on both threads I wonder if Emma Northmore can give an honest assessment of your Ds strengths and what would suit him best for sixth form. The audition rounds start very early in year 11 and you need to go into it with as much knowledge as possible as it’s such a difficult year. 

Is your son doing any summer schools this year to get a feel of the competition and a differing schools opinion? 

 

3 hours ago, Jane said:

@Minoblade having read your posts on both threads I wonder if Emma Northmore can give an honest assessment of your Ds strengths and what would suit him best for sixth form. The audition rounds start very early in year 11 and you need to go into it with as much knowledge as possible as it’s such a difficult year. 

Is your son doing any summer schools this year to get a feel of the competition and a differing schools opinion? 

 

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7 hours ago, Pas de Quatre said:

Royal Conservatoire of Scotland is mainly classical (everywhere does some contemporary). Kings International is fairly new, but at least one of its founders previously taught at Elmhurst. Tring Park is also a possibilty with new Co-Directors of Dance.

 Thanks Pas deQuatre. Ds always dismissed RCS this as not being mostly classical so I will reinvestigate. Do you know anything of the acommodation/ Living situation? 

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BTW I have never partaken in a forum before. I had to look up DH, DS, DC, DD - Hope I have got it all correct!!! Nevertheless, this forum is so great, a real relief for me to find others in this slightly bizarre and scary world 

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I have never figured out why RCS call their course Modern Ballet, maybe to try to say they are not old fashioned and stuffy.  It is definitely classical and there is some inte-reaction with Scottish Ballet who of course are also classical based but with strong dramatic content and some contemporary works.  Student accomodation is in purpose built blocks a few minutes walk away, with all the other students taking courses there, i.e. music, drama etc.

 

To answer your question on the other thread, there were some bad experiences at Tring reported over many years - my own DD had a dreadful time there.  An unannouced Ofsted inspection at the end of the Autumn term and an offical letter requiring remedial action lead to the Director of Dance standing down.   If you do a search, there are several old threads.  This may be why you were warned off.  The new Co-Directors Anthony Dowson and Lorraine Jones are excellent and I believe the school now has much to recommend it.

 

Central does have a few Days of Dance, usually on Sundays in the Autumn term for those thinking of auditioning.  Keep an eye on their website.

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  • 2 weeks later...
On 30/06/2019 at 16:04, Pas de Quatre said:

Central does have a few Days of Dance, usually on Sundays in the Autumn term for those thinking of auditioning.  Keep an eye on their website.

I saw you posted an update that these taster days for Central are now posted on their website. With a sinking heart I see that they clash with the school's annual nutcracker performance (7/8 Dec), and DS tells me this was the same last year.  honestly- does the complexity never end?! 

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14 hours ago, Pas de Quatre said:

They have one day Summer courses in mid August, one of my pupils is doing the 14-16 day. Are you able to do one of those?

Sadly not, I think those are literally the only days of hols we booked. There comes a point at which there are NO MORE SACRIFICES to bloody Ballet and I think I’ve reached it!!! 🥺🤣

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Hello Guest,

 I wish you well in all the deliberations for your son. I would be happy to answer any questions re Kings International.

 

My daughter( 15) has been in a vocational ballet school abroad  since the age of 10 and opted to accept a place at Kings International instead of continuing into the upper school program at her old school. Her ' year 11' break actually fell at year 9 in our country , hence she could move early. She has had the chance to experience several high intensive programs in world class schools, has attended workshops in the Russian , Cuban, English and now Italian teaching methods.  

 

She has been very happy with the course structure and professional level. She has respect for the teaching staff and has improved greatly. It is a small school  but aims at individual attention for its pupils. The area is calm and the students, national and international have been able to settle in very well. It is relatively economic for us parents as much as any specialist course is!

 

I know that Kings has a scholarship for boys so it is worth exploring, They would be open to you arranging a visit I am sure. 

 

Hope this helps,

 

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