Balletbuds80 Posted August 6, 2020 Share Posted August 6, 2020 (edited) Hi I thought it would be nice to start this topic (if allowed) for those of us who have a DC applying for RBS JA Year 4 and 5 this year via video audition so we can keep track of each centre and help each other out with any questions. If there are any of you on this forum? Group 1 is London and we are Group 2 (Leeds). Would be nice to meet you all (virtually) on here and hear your views. Edited August 6, 2020 by Balletbuds80 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BellaF Posted August 6, 2020 Share Posted August 6, 2020 I have a DD auditioning for a year 5 place in Birmingham (group 4). Seems like we’ve been preparing for this audition forever! Ready to get it over and done with now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Balletbuds80 Posted August 6, 2020 Author Share Posted August 6, 2020 11 minutes ago, BellaF said: I have a DD auditioning for a year 5 place in Birmingham (group 4). Seems like we’ve been preparing for this audition forever! Ready to get it over and done with now. It’s the not knowing that’s the hard part for us parents isn’t it. Not hearing anything for so long and then not knowing what to expect. I am disappointed my DD is not going to have the experience of doing a class. We didn’t book an insight day as my DD teacher only suggested about her applying after that date. She has no class audition experience but she is only 8 so I am sure there will be other opportunities in the future. Possibly next year 😂 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RachH Posted August 6, 2020 Share Posted August 6, 2020 Hello! My 8 year old is auditioning for London (group 1), we also have Eastleigh down as an option. Will be great to share tips and experiences on here. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
glowlight Posted August 6, 2020 Share Posted August 6, 2020 6 hours ago, Balletbuds80 said: so I am sure there will be other opportunities in the future. Possibly next year 😂 There will be lots of opportunities in the future if your dd is open to them. Treat this first one as a fun practice for all of those auditions to come. If she is successful this time it will be an added bonus. If not it is good practice for the next one, and the next one, etc 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BalletmumH Posted August 7, 2020 Share Posted August 7, 2020 Hello, my DD is auditioning for Leeds group 2 also. Such a shame they won't get the lovely audition experience in the studio. We did go the the insight day however which she enjoyed. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jan McNulty Posted August 7, 2020 Share Posted August 7, 2020 Hello BalletmumH and welcome to the Forum! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MamaFrosty Posted August 9, 2020 Share Posted August 9, 2020 My 9 year old is down for group 1, we also put Eastleigh as an option - it’s her first audition experience so we’re just looking forward to seeing what it’s all about! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BalletmumJ Posted August 9, 2020 Share Posted August 9, 2020 Hi my DD is group2 (leeds) thank you for setting this up! X 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RachH Posted August 9, 2020 Share Posted August 9, 2020 Can we talk leotards? Are you going with normal uniform or is it better to go with something different? My DD has a lovely black degas leotard so was thinking of that with a belt. I can’t imagine it will make any difference really. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tutugirl Posted August 9, 2020 Share Posted August 9, 2020 (edited) I would always say go with something that suits them . My pupils wear Degas Leotards for auditions , if they suit them - and they look fabulous , but they don’t suit everyone’s purse ! Your teachers will advise I’m sure . I generally get them to try on all their leotards and then decide which look best . My son’s old JA teacher used to say never wear black!! ( to the girls ) Everyone has a different opinion. It’s important to choose one that the candidate likes , and is comfortable in . Nothing that itches , or has to keep being fiddled with ! Edited August 9, 2020 by tutugirl 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dancing unicorn Posted August 9, 2020 Share Posted August 9, 2020 Hiya If she really wants to go with a black Degas leotard, then brighten it with a bright coloured belt! 💗 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Balletbuds80 Posted August 10, 2020 Author Share Posted August 10, 2020 On 06/08/2020 at 21:00, glowlight said: There will be lots of opportunities in the future if your dd is open to them. Treat this first one as a fun practice for all of those auditions to come. If she is successful this time it will be an added bonus. If not it is good practice for the next one, and the next one, etc Yes absolutely Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Balletbuds80 Posted August 10, 2020 Author Share Posted August 10, 2020 19 hours ago, RachH said: Can we talk leotards? Are you going with normal uniform or is it better to go with something different? My DD has a lovely black degas leotard so was thinking of that with a belt. I can’t imagine it will make any difference really. Have I imagined it that the leotards must be plain with no lace or sleeves? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RachH Posted August 10, 2020 Share Posted August 10, 2020 I found this on the RBS website - in the photos section: Female dancewear: for photographs and when attending an audition class girls should wear a plain-colour leotard (simple-style: no skirt, no frills, lace, high fancy neckline or multi-straps), short ballet socks and bare legs (no tights), ballet shoes with elastic (no ribbons). Hair neatly groomed. Male dancewear: for photographs and when attending an audition class boys should wear a close-fitting t-shirt or dance leotard, dance shorts or plain-colour swimming trunks, short white socks and bare legs (no tights), ballet shoes. Hair neatly groomed, if long please tie back (no headbands). https://www.royalballetschool.org.uk/train/apply/photograph-requirements/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Balletbuds80 Posted August 10, 2020 Author Share Posted August 10, 2020 57 minutes ago, RachH said: I found this on the RBS website - in the photos section: Female dancewear: for photographs and when attending an audition class girls should wear a plain-colour leotard (simple-style: no skirt, no frills, lace, high fancy neckline or multi-straps), short ballet socks and bare legs (no tights), ballet shoes with elastic (no ribbons). Hair neatly groomed. Male dancewear: for photographs and when attending an audition class boys should wear a close-fitting t-shirt or dance leotard, dance shorts or plain-colour swimming trunks, short white socks and bare legs (no tights), ballet shoes. Hair neatly groomed, if long please tie back (no headbands). https://www.royalballetschool.org.uk/train/apply/photograph-requirements/ Yes I knew I had seen it somewhere. Thank you Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MissEmily Posted August 10, 2020 Share Posted August 10, 2020 (edited) Can any Year 6 auditionees fill us in on the content and guidance given? Thank you! Edited August 10, 2020 by MissEmily Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Whiteduvet Posted August 11, 2020 Share Posted August 11, 2020 Year 6 audition was around 35 mins long. A nice teacher leading the class and the children followed, with you filming them. Only meant to go through it once so no practice allowed. Simple exercises and combinations plus quite a few points where they were asked to stand in a certain position (nothing complicated: just to see their proportions) or hold a particular stretch. They took their socks off too at one point. All very straightforward and nothing really you can do to prepare. The most complicated part is uploading the video...! 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Balletbuds80 Posted August 11, 2020 Author Share Posted August 11, 2020 1 hour ago, Whiteduvet said: Year 6 audition was around 35 mins long. A nice teacher leading the class and the children followed, with you filming them. Only meant to go through it once so no practice allowed. Simple exercises and combinations plus quite a few points where they were asked to stand in a certain position (nothing complicated: just to see their proportions) or hold a particular stretch. They took their socks off too at one point. All very straightforward and nothing really you can do to prepare. The most complicated part is uploading the video...! This is fantastic information. I wasn’t sure if we’d be able to watch it through once before filming. So I guess we put a time aside, get her ‘ready’ in her leotard, hair done etc and then go for it. Thank you! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RachH Posted August 11, 2020 Share Posted August 11, 2020 Thank you for the information @Whiteduvet - that's really helpful. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Whiteduvet Posted August 11, 2020 Share Posted August 11, 2020 No problem-good luck! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Whiteduvet Posted August 11, 2020 Share Posted August 11, 2020 Oh one bit I missed was that they had to do a short improvisation. It didn’t have to be classical steps, just a chance to show their musicality and love of dance. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RachH Posted August 11, 2020 Share Posted August 11, 2020 5 minutes ago, Whiteduvet said: Oh one bit I missed was that they had to do a short improvisation. It didn’t have to be classical steps, just a chance to show their musicality and love of dance. Thanks - that's great to know! Was it kneeling (just arms) or standing? And did they get chance to hear the music first or did they go straight into it? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MissEmily Posted August 11, 2020 Share Posted August 11, 2020 Thank you @Whiteduvet. Are you allowed to pause the video of the class to re-position etc.? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mum of unicorn dancer Posted August 11, 2020 Share Posted August 11, 2020 1 hour ago, MissEmily said: Are you allowed to pause the video of the class to re-position etc.? They prefer it all in one go without interruption unless your device is not able to record all 36 min in one go. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Whiteduvet Posted August 11, 2020 Share Posted August 11, 2020 (edited) From memory it was on their knees but DD and I disagree about whether she got to hear it first or not! Edited August 11, 2020 by Whiteduvet Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Millicent Posted August 11, 2020 Share Posted August 11, 2020 I think it would be most like an audition if you just do it once and film them the first time of doing it. That's what we're going to do. Wouldn't some people "cheat" though and practice it first? I hope not as there would surely be a risk of it looking practised (especially any improvisation) and them getting marked down because of that? Or some people might get their teacher to come and correct? How can they make it fair? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Raquelle Posted August 12, 2020 Share Posted August 12, 2020 We did the year 6 video and I was desperate to re record some bits but didn't! She wasnt perfect by any means but we just found out she got a place. They aren't looking for a polished performance but for potential. The dances and steps they are asked to copy are simple so you dont need to practice. Good luck everyone x 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MamaFrosty Posted August 12, 2020 Share Posted August 12, 2020 Thanks for all the really helpful information - well done to your daughter Raquelle! How long did it take for you to find out? My daughter will just wear her dance school uniform leotard, I’ll get her ready and set up and then just go for it! I assume they’ll be able to tell by their performance if they’ve rehearsed it beforehand, and I’d rather she just did it as she would’ve done in an ‘in person’ audition. It’s getting very exciting now! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Whiteduvet Posted August 12, 2020 Share Posted August 12, 2020 RBS is all about potential and physique. Which are things you either have or don’t, really, and practising the exercises over and over won’t make any difference if your body proportions are all wrong, for example. This may be slightly different for eg Elmhurst who I think ask for more technical knowledge at this age, but if you don’t have the right RBS attributes there’s little you can do unfortunately. I would have thought they’d also look negatively at videos where the child clearly knows what’s coming next: Ballet is all about following instructions! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Raquelle Posted August 12, 2020 Share Posted August 12, 2020 Yes I agree white duvet. Our dd got in off the swl so I got a lovely phone call last week! She is slim with nice feet and flexible. She wore a red leotard which was flattering and we couldn't find her ballet shoes so the ones she ended up wearing were too small! However her feet looked lovely when she pointed! It wasnt a perfect audition but obviously they saw something in her x 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Whiteduvet Posted August 12, 2020 Share Posted August 12, 2020 Oh how lovely. Where is she starting? My DD is starting year 6 in Manchester. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Raquelle Posted August 12, 2020 Share Posted August 12, 2020 24 minutes ago, Whiteduvet said: Oh how lovely. Where is she starting? My DD is starting year 6 in Manchester. In Bath. Congrats to your DD! X Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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