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I eat quickly because of meal times as a child with a large family, it was a race to get the first and usually the largest bit of pudding. And there were only so many second helpings to go round....

I whole heartedly agree with Angeline. Although I have heard of some students over the years choosing other establishments other than RBS for their training the fact of the matter is that they do attract the students who by virtue of physique as well as strong technique are most likely to get classical work. Having known students at all the vocational schools, many of them ex pupils, I can honestly say that I personally think that the strongest teachers are not necessarily at the RBS! The teaching at Central is excellent and quite rightly geared to bring out the best in the students, afterall they are all individuals. My ds chose Tring (and he had a big choice) and the ballet training and care he received from teachers such as Terri Wright and Jeremy Kerridge was some of the best we'd seen. Incidently one of their female graduates has just got a contract with ENB! Elmhurst has also had strong graduate success (sometimes wished my ds had chosen them) and Ive known students to be very happy there. I also agree that students should audition at several places and not be swayed by other peoples perceptions "oh thats not really a ballet school" for example or "they don't get many ballet jobs" etc. The best school is the one thats right for YOU and it is really advisable to look careully at what each has to offer. For example, if you only ever want to do ballet lessons don't go to places that are more geared to versatility! Also look at the training history of the teachers, are they actually qualified to teach? Its all too easy to get swayed by other peoples opinions, especially if they have personally experienced bad times at any of the vocational schools. Unfortunately I know of "horror" stories from all the establishments, equally I know very satisfied students. This is nothing new. I'm still in touch with many of my wonderful teachers but some of my friends have only bad memories of them, and vice versa! Good luck to everyone who is auditioning at whatever level.

Thats exactly what I did. In some cases I managed to avoid the registration fee as well but was prepared to pay and then lose it if necessary to ensure a place. The schools are very aware that many students are dependant on securing funds wherever they may come from. The key is open communication. But I certainly wouldn't pay a full deposit until absolutely certain that that was th right place!

Having now seen this excellent production I can highly recommend it to the residents of Bishops Stortford which is Ballet Theatre UKs next stop on Friday 2nd November 7.30pm. As is usual with this company there are beautiful costumes, dancers and clever use of set which can dress even the smallest venues. And the music is seasonal too. I do recommend a read of the programme prior to the show though, especially to children.

So, so sorry to hear this. Is there no chance of her taking a couple of weeks out just to be absolutely sure? But yes shes been brave- and so have you by the sound of it. Good luck.

Two performances at Solihull Arts Complex tomorrow Tuesday 30th November. I've got my facts right this time as there was only ever one show in Sutton Coldfield! I will be at the Matinee and if any ballet.coes go do say hi to the group of blubbing relatives. Very pleased to see that Bishops Stortford (Friday 2nd November) has sold really well so far.

ooo, my ds would still love a Dr Who scarf! Am taking a whole bunch of proud relatives to see him dance tomorrow afternoon in Solihull. Think I will do the whole embarrassing mum thing, including kisses and a bag of jelly babies.....

I too am finding half term very strange, and Ive actually finished my accounts,which is unheard of before November... thankfully I have only to wait til Tuesday to see ds perform. Perhaps us ballet.coers should all knit scarves for juliew to take with her.....

What a wonderful opportunity, shame I'm always working at those times!

And for those who can afford it there is the Legat school which is run in conjunction with St Bedes thus offering a really good choice of A levels. Always worth a look.

Long socks for men please, black and white!!

Sometimes being too flexible can actually work against a child. I remember this being discussed at a teachers day at Tring some years ago. There are individuals who are so hyper mobile in their joints that they are unlikely ever to get the required strength and co-ordination needed to bring such flexibility under control in order to dance. Any audition panel does need to assess students facility but this is purely to see ,by looking at the all round package,who will benefit most from their system of training . I think people are worrying too much about the flexibility issue, yes its a factor to be aware of but its not the be all and end all. Much better to be a dancer who has the facility to increase flexibility and maintain strength at the same time than have joints totally out of control. I recently observed lots of very talented WL students who weren't flat down in splits, this is true of a lot of vocational students at all the schools. They would have all undergone similar flexibility assessments during the audition process which shows that whilst its an integral part of the selection process its certainly not a deciding factor at all. I would say to any auditionee to not panic if you are not down in splits- just show that you understand how to work towards them and that you are willing if not yet able, showing that you are prepared to work/try hard and not give up is a big bonus.

My old ,sadly now departed nallet teacher was one of the very first RAD examiners. She used to say that she knew the moment a dancer entered the room if they were a likely "Honours" student!

Two performances today at Sutton Coldfield Town Hall for Ballet Theatre Uk. Tel 01217046962. Just in case anyone is in the area! I'm afraid I have absolutely no idea how many tickets there are so best to check before going. I'm looking forward to seeing the matinee in Solihull on Tuesday!

When ds was at White Lodge we spent many happy early Sunday mornings at London Wildfowl and Wetlands Centre in Barnes. Quite a few ballet steps were demonstrated to the geese... Tring reservoirs is also a good place to go, and its free to visitors. The cafe there make great hot chocolate!

People who brightly say ""oh like Billy Elliott then?" when you mention a dancing son!

Bravo! She sounds like a very sensible young lady.

I agree with all the above posters. Like Julie I too know people who have switched to Musical Theatre courses after more classical ones. Would it be an idea to talk to her SA teacher and main dance teacher to get their thoughts on whether she should audition now or not? I also know of people who audition at 16 to test the waters as it were but actually didn't go into vocational training until 18. (They had to re audition though!) I certainly think attending open days would be an excellent way of initiating discussions with her. Don't suppose you are near any vocational schools where she could be a day student? Just a thought! Ultimately though does she really want to be in the profession either as a ballet dancer or in musical theatre? If she is one of the successful few to get work it will definately involve being away from home, most probably abroad. If she does want this then she may want to consider being away at 16 to help get used to the idea of being away from home albeit in a more controlled environment. As many have said, many do wait until 18 and are subsequently successful (as I was) but it is harder at this age for those who want to do only ballet.

Can't answer the question about hostels but it would be extremely unlikely that you'd end up living alone,you are very likely to find yourself sharing with other dance students. Have to sympathise with your parents though as we felt the same about ds. Do as much research as you can and get your parents involved too so its not such a mystery to them!

Definately preferred it to associates. Would probably not have continued on after school lessons- its hard finding good training for boys. And peer pressure is greater too. Academic results are in annual report, sure this is on website somewhere. My ds left with 9 gcses (all grades B-A*) and one As. But this is unusual in that he was allowed to study for an extra subject in his spare time. (That was his A*! )

Gosh there must be a thousand threads on this subject! Maybe someone more able that I can find some links! "Over my dead body" were my sentiments on sending my child to WL based on horror stories I'd heard whilst I was in training (back in the 80s!) , my personal experiences with some students who'd been at boarding school since 11, the infamous assessing out system at White Lodge and the fact that at the time I thought 11 was too young for a child to be "hothoused" in anything particular activity. Thank goodness for a head mistress friend who gently pointed asked well what happens if he really wants to go? Would he regret it when older? I also met a lovely lady at the time whose son had turned down White Lodge for year 7, and when he decided afterall he'd like to go, was never successful at subsequent auditions. My DH and I were saying only the other day that notwithstanding the ballet training, we really would not have found a better place for our son's education anywhere else. The academic staff genuinely care about the students and my son thrived even in the subjects he struggled with at primary school because the class sizes are so small. No hiding at the back! Obviously they are there because of a talent for ballet and it was wonderful for my ds to be with like minded children with whom he made friends for life. He was very happy at White Lodge despite its ups and down (you get that anywhere) and even three years after he has left both academic and vocational staff show a genuine interest in his progress whenever I attend teachers day. But everyone is different, My son really needed that training from an early age whereas others may well be better off waiting, if they can as some students are better off going in later years. I had a pupil attend from year 10 onwards thus missing the stress of annual appraisals (once in year 10 you are guaranteed year 11 too). He caught up very quickly and got into Upper School. It really depends (assuming the child is gifted enough for a place) on the individual . But don't be too influenced by other peoples experiences, either good or bad.Its always best to make up ones own mind based on ones own experience/knowledge. Had I listened to others my ds would have missed out on an enriching journey that has ended up in worthwhile employment.

It really isn't important to actually do tap and modern exams, in fact musical theatre and jazz sound just fine. At this stage its all about her experiencing different genres. The trouble with going to syllabus led classes is that it can sometimes restrict the students to only learning the steps required at that particular level depending on the teacher. Now there is nothing wrong with following a syllabus (I follow several!) but there is no need to be worried about having passed exams in certain grades of certain syllabi. All that proves is that you are good at that one particular style!

Why don't you see this school for yourself? You may not feel the same way about it as your friends and it would give your dd a taster of different genres even if she doesn't stay there long term. Do they have a trial period whereby you are not committing to anything? I always think its a shame if people are put off a school that could potentially be the best one for them because of the negative views of others. There are very few teachers /schools out there who please everyone.

I I agree Julie,our dss were never that kind of movers! Learning how to cartwheel was in itself a major achievement for ds!

British RBS students at Upper School are on MDS too. (Royal Ballet School)