Well we started looking last Oct so missed some open days - dd could have done with doing a couple of summer schools last summer at the colleges she wanted to go to plus I should have gone to Move it to look last year I think.
The Brit school open day is Sept for 6th form & there were a lot of open days which were on the same days
I just constantly feel I am playing catch up & out of my depth - which blame on not starting soon enough ( but it might be the perennial state of a stage/dance mum)
Auditions for next year
Moderator: busybusybusy
Re: Auditions for next year
Oh you are so very right! Trouble is, there's no road map for our kids to follow, so every time something comes up it seems someone cleverer has got there first, or is several steps ahead. It can be very daunting - especially trying to separate the reality from the fantasyKatymac wrote: I just constantly feel I am playing catch up & out of my depth - which blame on not starting soon enough ( but it might be the perennial state of a stage/dance mum)
But isn't it great that we can pop in here and find out what has and hasn't worked for those who have genuinely taken the road ahead? There's never a guarantee of success, but knowing when to set out, in what direction and what to put in the packed lunch is very reassuring. And the signposting of the bear traps along the way is incredibly valuable.
We're several years behind, and who knows whether my girls will take this route or even whether it will be available when they are older. But thanks to everyone who posts on here, it's great to share your journeys and I am in awe if your stamina and resilience.
Deb x
Re: Auditions for next year
Hope to reassure - I think you're fine in terms of preparation.
DS didn't definitely decide to apply all out for MT/ dance until middle/ end year 12. Until then still talking of Uni as well ( non related degrees). He attended a summer school last year which really helped but only at the beginning of year 13 did he decide to go for it completely. Saying that he has been very dedicated, attends a lot of classes and has had tremendous support from his theatre / dance school in terms of preparation - who are experienced at getting a small number into colleges each year. He also attended classes outside.
He went to Move It for the first time this year.
He went to 3/4 open days - I accompanied on 2 - but you find out the most about the feel of the different colleges on the audition days so personally I don't think you need to attend all the open days (plus consider the time and expense involved). Oh - he did go to a few of the end of year shows as well. It's amazing how much is also available on YouTube in terms of show cases as a back up. Being lucky enough to go the WestEnd/ fringe shows when he can and researching who trained where has helped his thought process.
He used his Head of Dance to advise on where to apply. Sent applications just before Christmas to plan for auditions from beginning of Feb ( not great timing for multiple cheque writing just before Christmas ...). He went for 8 in total - seems a lot but we had absolutely no idea what the response would be. Being realistic is important - at one stage he was going to apply for Arts Ed but dance is his strength and relatively new to singing - this would not have been the right approach.
I do hope that helps. Feel free to ask more - as this has been a total learning curve for us both..... and continuing .....
DS 2 going to go to Uni - the bliss of one application form to look forward to!!
DS didn't definitely decide to apply all out for MT/ dance until middle/ end year 12. Until then still talking of Uni as well ( non related degrees). He attended a summer school last year which really helped but only at the beginning of year 13 did he decide to go for it completely. Saying that he has been very dedicated, attends a lot of classes and has had tremendous support from his theatre / dance school in terms of preparation - who are experienced at getting a small number into colleges each year. He also attended classes outside.
He went to Move It for the first time this year.
He went to 3/4 open days - I accompanied on 2 - but you find out the most about the feel of the different colleges on the audition days so personally I don't think you need to attend all the open days (plus consider the time and expense involved). Oh - he did go to a few of the end of year shows as well. It's amazing how much is also available on YouTube in terms of show cases as a back up. Being lucky enough to go the WestEnd/ fringe shows when he can and researching who trained where has helped his thought process.
He used his Head of Dance to advise on where to apply. Sent applications just before Christmas to plan for auditions from beginning of Feb ( not great timing for multiple cheque writing just before Christmas ...). He went for 8 in total - seems a lot but we had absolutely no idea what the response would be. Being realistic is important - at one stage he was going to apply for Arts Ed but dance is his strength and relatively new to singing - this would not have been the right approach.
I do hope that helps. Feel free to ask more - as this has been a total learning curve for us both..... and continuing .....
DS 2 going to go to Uni - the bliss of one application form to look forward to!!
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riverdancefan
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Re: Auditions for next year
I have to say I am dreading all this, it will be my turn soon - and following your stories with all the ups, downs and roller-coasters; like I know you all personally...I so want you all to get just what you are hoping for
- and following your stories with all the ups, downs and roller-coasters; like I know you all personally...I so want you all to get just what you are hoping for "Tall and proud my mother taught me, this is how we dance" - RIVERDANCE
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Kitschqueen
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Re: Auditions for next year
Is it possible to visit too many places and confuse and complicate the issue further?
My dd is in year 11 and her choice would be a contemporary dance route where thankfully there are fewer choices for full time education. She can stay on in 6th form and take her A levels; continue on her CAT scheme, as there is no pressure to go at 16 and tbh she is torn between Rambert and a French and History degree at Kings! How amazing to potentially have the choice.
I know her friends who are wanting to pursue the MT/ dance degree route have their short list of places and it appears to be on name and reputation first. I guess the open days will decide which is most suited to the individual young person. They are going onto a Btec course at a specialist 6th form college then auditioning at 18.
We went to Move It this year and tbh I could have eliminated several colleges on what they presented there!!
As Jessnat22 said most end of year showcases are on the Internet now so decisions about what your dd likes and doesn't like can be made from the comfort of your living room.
There are no clear cut answers and what suits one young person won't suit another.
Good luck to Katymacs Dd and every-one else in your decisions.
My dd is in year 11 and her choice would be a contemporary dance route where thankfully there are fewer choices for full time education. She can stay on in 6th form and take her A levels; continue on her CAT scheme, as there is no pressure to go at 16 and tbh she is torn between Rambert and a French and History degree at Kings! How amazing to potentially have the choice.
I know her friends who are wanting to pursue the MT/ dance degree route have their short list of places and it appears to be on name and reputation first. I guess the open days will decide which is most suited to the individual young person. They are going onto a Btec course at a specialist 6th form college then auditioning at 18.
We went to Move It this year and tbh I could have eliminated several colleges on what they presented there!!
As Jessnat22 said most end of year showcases are on the Internet now so decisions about what your dd likes and doesn't like can be made from the comfort of your living room.
There are no clear cut answers and what suits one young person won't suit another.
Good luck to Katymacs Dd and every-one else in your decisions.
Re: Auditions for next year
dd has been really inspired going to see the end of term shows at Laine and Urdang - going to Bird College on Thursday this week - has really given her something to aim for Shows have been great but very different to each other Well done to anyone who has a dd or ds in either show some very talented students
Shows have been great but very different to each other Well done to anyone who has a dd or ds in either show some very talented students Re: Auditions for next year
We saw Tring's show last weekend - it was mind blowing!
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cupcakephoebz
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Re: Auditions for next year
Although I am still one or two years away, I know I will not be going to dance/musical/drama 6th form or university. Tbh, I love my dance and drama school which is known for being very good and goes on till over 18 plus I am extremely academic and I managed to get a place in a v. Prestigious academic school which amazingly also supports performing arts! So I know that if I change my mind the option is still open xx
One day everyone will make it, but for now I'm still waiting http://www.starnow.co.uk/phoebespence1