Does anyone have any information about the Dance School of Scotland

[Kez51]

Hi all

I am hoping someone can be of assistance please. We have recently moved to Scotland and my daughter, 12, has been accepted into the Dance School of Scotland. However we have been told recently that the emphasis is no longer on classical training and more on commercial dance styles. I would really love some input from anyone’s experience about the school please? It’s really difficult to make a decision about where to go from here. It will mean that she needs to give up RCS and Young Ballet company, as well as possibly Scottish Ballet, all of which she loves. Any input would be greatly appreciated! Thanks 🙏🏻 

[Flit and float]

I wasn’t aware the focus had changed…it was always classical but they did some jazz, tap etc too? There is the MT course too which is more all round and less classical. Your best bet is to probably contact the school directly? 

[Jan McNulty]

Hello Kez51 and welcome to the Forum!

 

The website says (for dance) " Dance training based on classical ballet" and mentions further down the page the long association with Scottish Ballet:

 

https://www.thedanceschoolofscotland.org.uk/dance-school/dance-curriculum/

 

I think Flit and Float's suggestion about contacting the school is the right way to go.

 

Please do report back if you find that the emphasis has changed.

[Kez51]

Thanks for the welcome!
 

I had thought it was very classical too which is why I am asking. Certainly the audition was classical. It’s just difficult to know which way to go when you are new to a country/ system and have to learn on the way. 

[Blue Box Ballet]

4 hours ago, Kez51 said:

Hi all

I am hoping someone can be of assistance please. We have recently moved to Scotland and my daughter, 12, has been accepted into the Dance School of Scotland. However we have been told recently that the emphasis is no longer on classical training and more on commercial dance styles. I would really love some input from anyone’s experience about the school please? It’s really difficult to make a decision about where to go from here. It will mean that she needs to give up RCS and Young Ballet company, as well as possibly Scottish Ballet, all of which she loves. Any input would be greatly appreciated! Thanks 🙏🏻 

commercial dance styles.

 

For clarity, The Dance School of Scotland has its dance course routed in classical ballet.

there is also a musical theatre pathway available where dance is part of the curriculum so perhaps this explains the confusion as commercial dance is more appropriate to their training. 
 

If in doubt call the school and ask for an example timetable or similar. 

[BisforBallet]

I can’t answer your question about the training but several do associates alongside. 

[Pups_mum]

My daughter has a pupil who started there last year. I will see if I can find out more, but from seeing the young dancer perform when they're home it certainly looks like there's a strong classical foundation.

[Dancingpotato]

On 02/06/2022 at 09:31, Kez51 said:

Hi all

I am hoping someone can be of assistance please. We have recently moved to Scotland and my daughter, 12, has been accepted into the Dance School of Scotland. However we have been told recently that the emphasis is no longer on classical training and more on commercial dance styles. I would really love some input from anyone’s experience about the school please? It’s really difficult to make a decision about where to go from here. It will mean that she needs to give up RCS and Young Ballet company, as well as possibly Scottish Ballet, all of which she loves. Any input would be greatly appreciated! Thanks 🙏🏻 

The training is still classically focussed and students do RAD etc, however a lot of the alumni go into a more commercial or MT route. Attending SB, RCS, YBC and local training is definitely going to keep up with the training at DSS

[Dancing goats]

My daughter has just finished her 5th year at DSS. They do classical every day and a mix of other dance styles during the week ( modern, jazz, contemporary, tap etc..)Exams RAD ballet and ISTD modern. She’s really enjoyed her time there and is going on to Central School of Ballet in September. Everyone from the graduating class that auditioned was successful gaining a place for further study in a variety of schools- classical, contemporary, jazz, performing arts etc…I would say- strong classical base but they all come out with a good grounding of all styles. 

[Kez51]

Thanks so much everyone for the advice. We have heard such good things about it but just wanted to do our due diligence!

[alison]

There's also an older thread on the subject here which may still be of use: