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Associate Programmes

Posted: Tue Jan 03, 2012 7:48 pm
by mumstheword
Hi everyone I wonder if anyone could give me some advice about associate programmes? My DD is 8 and loves her dancing. At present she does ballet, tap and has been doing really well and is now on grade 3 ballet and tap. She loves her current school but would love to do a bit more- ballet seems to the most important so I guess that's what I should be looking at - I know Royal Ballet and Elmhurst have Junior Associate programmes- does anyone have any advice? We live in the NorthWest. My DD does very well at her school and in local festivals but I don't want to put her into a situation where she would be out of her depth and her teacher has not had any experience of students going for this before. Any words of wisdom much appreciated!! xxxx

Re: Associate Programmes

Posted: Tue Jan 03, 2012 9:59 pm
by LiveandLaugh
Welldone to your DD! She sounds really good for her age! Both the Royal Ballet School and Elmhurst are very good. One good thing about the Royal Ballet is that they look for potential which means they will not definately look for how good a child is and aim to build up on any weaknesses. Your DD could also try going for programmes such as the National Youth Ballet, LBC etc to build up on proffessional experience and see if thats what she really wants xxx Hope I helped and good luck to your DD!!! :D xxxxxx

Re: Associate Programmes

Posted: Tue Jan 03, 2012 11:22 pm
by Pups_Mum
You might also want to look at the Hammond. They have an associate scheme and it would be pretty convenient for you. I don't know much about it, but I'm sure someone will be along soon who has personal experience.
There's also the Cecchetti Northern Associates which I believe is in Warrington, so also fairly local to you. http://www.cecchetti.co.uk/youngdancers ... /index.php

Re: Associate Programmes

Posted: Wed Jan 04, 2012 6:05 pm
by mumstheword
thank you! I'm going to have a good look around and see what's around and just give it a go - I guess all audition experience is good experience :D

Re: Associate Programmes

Posted: Fri Jan 06, 2012 2:48 pm
by Hecouldshine
Hi mumstheword. My ds does the Hammond Associates program. They have changed it slightly so it is not all classical ballet. They also do pilates, jazz, contemporary, singing, drama, sometimes Spanish/Irish etc (but not tap). The audition takes the form of a ballet class though. The closing date for audition applications is usually April I think, audition in May.

I would look at Northern Ballet associates as well, if Leeds isn't too far. Can't remember what ages it starts at though :roll: but there's a thread somewhere in this dance section with all the info. Closing date for Junior Associates of the RBS has gone already I think, but worth trying next year maybe? The closest classes are in Manchester. I also know of someone from Cumbria who went to the Scottish Ballet Associates in Glasgow...

amum/Cathy

Re: Associate Programmes

Posted: Fri Jan 06, 2012 8:24 pm
by Nana Lily
Hello! Elmhurst also now have regional associate programmes in Manchester, Sunderland and Plymouth from age 8 to 11 as well as their Pre Vocational Programme in Birmingham. See their website for details. http://www.elmhurstdance.co.uk/Saturday.html

My girls were RBS JA's in Manchester, Hammond Associates and also Elmhurst PVP's.....we were very busy for 3 to 4 years, but dont regret a single moment or mile! They are now both at vocational school and loving every minute.

Good luck and enjoy the journey!

NL

Re: Associate Programmes

Posted: Fri Jan 06, 2012 11:01 pm
by mumstheword
Thank you everyone! have had a good look round and Elmhurst associate audition dates now out (are in April) and RBS JA dates out tomorrow so going to give it a go and apply for Manchester. Also had a look at English Youth Ballet and they are doing a production of Coppelia in Southport in November , with auditions in June so plenty of opportunities and all auditions would be a good experience for my DD even if they don't come to anything just yet!

Re: Associate Programmes

Posted: Sat Jan 07, 2012 1:01 pm
by Hecouldshine
Good luck to your dd mumstheword. Glad you haven't missed the deadline for RBS JA auditions - think I must have been thinking of the MA/SA and White Lodge application dates :roll: Also pleased to hear there is the Elmhurst Manchester class to try for as well :D

EYB is a fantastic experience. Coppelia is a lovely production :D

Keep us posted.

Re: Associate Programmes

Posted: Sat Feb 18, 2012 8:52 pm
by MIDAS
Hi, it depends on how far your want to travel, but Midlands Independent Dance Associate Scheme offers monthly classes in Birmingham - have a look at www.midas-dance.org.uk or www.facebook.com/midasdance :-)

Re: Associate Programmes

Posted: Thu Jun 14, 2012 8:50 am
by leader1
Just thought you would like to know of Midland theatre Ballet, a fantastic 1 year course based at BRB studios.
Students age 8 - 18 have a weekly 21/2 hour class taught by proffessional teachers and ex dancers where they
have ballet class and rehearsals building towards a performance at the crescent theatre Birmingham. This year was
Sleeping Beauty, next year Beauty and the Beast. My DD loves it and has gained a lot from it.

Re: Associate Programmes

Posted: Thu Jun 14, 2012 1:35 pm
by Kitschqueen
Hecouldshine wrote:I would look at Northern Ballet associates as well, if Leeds isn't too far. Can't remember what ages it starts at though :roll: amum/Cathy
Northern Ballet associates start at 10 so another to think about in a couple of years :)

Ooops just seen how old the original thread is!! :oops: