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Elmhurst 2014 entry auditions


Karen

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I don't know about the five GCSE but then again most of them won't have known their exam results during auditions because they hadn't done them. I don't remember seeing anything about GCSE result in the information, so perhaps this is new out? I can imagine however that the student would have to require a good standard of English because the assignments that they have to do are not easy.

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Good luck to you all. Its a wonderful experience that you share with your dc. If they gain one of those converted places then their hard work begins! And as parents you need to be ready to let go a little. Prepare for the ride as they say.

This forum is such a massive support system..use us and ask any questions you may have...

Also remember before you start that schools have their own type of dancer that they are looking for. Just because you may get a no at one place doesn't mean anything. My dd got yes and nos but fate usually comes into place and she is flying, loving every minute of the place she is at now for sixth form dance.

I would do it again tomorrow ...call on me if you want any help or advice and most of all enjoy it!

There are many paths to achieve a dream...not only talent is needed ... drive and determination is a must. Its such a specialist field that we have to be so proud of our dc even going for it.

Look forward, always be positive and cherish the special moments you will have with your talented kids!

Keep us in touch!

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You do need 5 GCSEs to go to Central - its on one of the downloads about entry requirements but I was under the impression that 5 GCSEs is actually fairly standard for all of the schools.  When DD applied I did not take much notice and pretty much skipped over this requirement as she would have had to fail over half her exams to not meet it and predicted grades (that do go application forms) were favourable.  A friends DD is special needs however and the GCSE situation has been a real worry for them as she is only taking 5 GCSEs.  I wonder too if the new Government directive that all students need to pass GCSE Maths and English, retaking if they fail will have any impact on the vocational schools.

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I imagine some equivalent to GCSE would be acceptable.

 

I do feel for talented dancers who,may not be that academic though!

 

When I was applying for Uni(I am reasonably academic ) we had to have Maths or a science even if applying to study on an Arts course And thank goodness for that science rule....because if Maths had been an absolute requirement I wouldn't have got in as I failed the old O level Maths twice....inspite of extra tuition. I just couldn't do Geometry...complete mental block. Now you would think someone doing dance would find this easy....spatial awareness and all that...but for me I was lucky Biology could be a substitute for Maths!!

 

Good luck to all those with DC's applying for sixth form this year at any of the dance schools anyway.

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I have to say my daughter and a lot of her friends at vocational school are very academic funnily enough. My daughter favourite subjects were maths, physics and the other sciences. Alas and a little sadly she has no interest in these subjects , her heart and determination is purely in dance.

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I hear you about maths, Lin! I went to a grammar school and my lack of mathematical ability was not popular. They had the attitude that because I was very good at some things, then I just wasn't trying with maths, which was idiotic. I went to university too but the science substitution for maths only worked in some places when I went in 1976, so it meant that Oxbridge was out and a few other places. 

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For overseas students it is the equivalent of 5 GCSEs.  KathyG, my friend will be relieved to hear that.  I had told her that if her DD is successful at audition they would be unlikely to refuse the place if she fails her GCSEs so it is good to hear about your DS as it is certainly clearly written on Centrals entry requirements.

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Well I was never in the Oxbridge category! At that time you had to have Latin O level too to gain a place anywhere when studying Languages. This I managed to do in two years but after six years of Maths still no joy!

 

I can't believe some of these schools would turn away a really good dancer just because they don't have five GCSE!! But times do change.

It's a bit like when they tried to make nursing too academic(not to put down brainy nurses) but look at the situation now we're desperate for people who would really LOVE to do the job and have a passion for it....but another thread I feel.

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I understand why you say a bun but I think they can look a little 'sparse' with their hair scraped back - but as you say Spanner and Pony, at least they may be more recognisable.  Afterall the panel dont need to know what they look like on the weekends!

 

Afterthought - if its a more musical theatre / contemporary style school then perhaps it isnt appropriate to have hair tied up - oh this is getting trickier by the minute!

Edited by BankruptMum
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I used a hair down shot in school uniform for the little head and shoulders shot on the application form as it shows a different type of photo.  I based that on the fact that they've got all the ballet position photos in leo with hair in bun so they've got the aide memoire from those.

 

Don't know if I did the right thing now...but sent the form off last week  :unsure:

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I'm sure either is fine, they aren't going to take a child or not take a child based on whether her hair is up or not in a small photo. My mum's mantra is 'dont sweat the small stuff' - grammatically incorrect but the sentiment is right. 

It will be fine. X

 

Ha Ha...you're so right :)  Thanks Along for the Ride Mum :)

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Guest balletmum16

Could anyone tell me how often the children get a weekend off and parents are allowed to visit? Also, are they allowed their phones with them. Thank you

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Could anyone tell me how often the children get a weekend off and parents are allowed to visit? Also, are they allowed their phones with them. Thank you

Balletmum16, could you start a new thread asking about free weekends etc? It would be better to keep the audition date threads about auditions rather than life at school.

 

Edited to add: I've created a thread here: http://www.balletcoforum.com/index.php?/topic/4992-life-at-vocational-school-questions/

 

Many thanks,

 

Spanner

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Is it only a passport photo with the forms or do we need a portrait photo the same size with the poses?I know on the form there is a place for a passport photo but in the list for photos they say a portrait photo and ballet poses?

i am just sticking a small passport size photo to the application form.  The other photos I am attaching with paperclip - just the poses though.  I don't think it matters that much as long as they can identify the girl on the form to the girl in the poses.  I am going for hair down in passport size photo but pulled off her face.  It is funny how each one of the four vocational school have different pose requirements.  WHY?

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I think each school has a different style of training and looking at a variety of different features.

 

Pas de chat your lucky if your DD is only applying to four schools, I am trying to talk DD down from the nine ballet courses she has requested we apply to, but she is having none of it... It's going to be an expensive few months, but worth I'm sure.

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  • 2 weeks later...

Got our audition date and booked our hotel. Just waiting for the final details now! Will anyone else be there on the 19th November? Fingers crossed for all those auditioning.

We're there 12th - will also need to book hotel or get up at 4am!!!! Received an email today with details. Good luck to you and yours :)

Edited by Lifeafterballet?
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Oh the tension is mounting! Don't worry mad house.. It is a lovely day. I would recommend staying over if you can Lifeafterballet. The Ibis hotel is cheap but clean and modern. There are two in Brum and both are central and only a few bus stops from the school. Love this time on the forum and thankfully we have another year off auditions til it all kicks off again for us next year with upper and lower schools! Good luck with Elmhurst everyone.

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