Does anyone know anything about 'The Centre' in Rochester

[Katymac]

Please?

Anything at all

[Flosmom]

Sorry, Katymac, this isn't my thing.

But since you're here can I say that I follow your posts with great interest. I don't often comment or reply because your DDs world of dance is a long way away from my girls' experience.

But I wanted to say how much I admire you for your obvious devotion and support for your talented daughter. Your hard work on her behalf, and her dedication to her art, are incredibly heartwarming and inspirational to me. I am cheering you on from the sidelines and really hope that your DD gets to follow her dreams and her talent. She deserves it and, in my opinion, you deserve the very best too.

There...I've said it.

Deb x

[Katymac]

Aw thanks

If she were going to be an accountant or a teacher I'd know this stuff; but dance =steep learning curve

& at least I leave traces/records so the people after us can see what we found out

But I am a bit one track; I dislike the 'unknown'

[DanceDiva]

I'm the person 'after you' Katymac, as you well know, as our paths are so similar but 12 months apart.

I also thank you for all your hard work and research on behalf of me and my DD, it really is invaluable info.

[FelixGirl]

Hi Katymac

I don't know a lot, but one of DD's previous dance teachers did some of her teacher training with Karen King and was hugely complimentary about her! Dd did consider it initially based on her teacher's opinion, but decided not to audition there in the end!!

I don't know if that's really any help at all?

[Katymac]

Do you know why she decided not to?

At this stage any info is good info; you know I'm struggling with a 'plan B' so to speak but tbh my 'plan A' is also in turmoil

[riverdancefan]

I don't know about the courses Katymac - but I do know the building and it's situation as DS used to attend irish dance lessons there up until a couple of years ago..

I know aesthetics are not everything and if a course content is just right, then thats the vital thing..

what I will say is it is a nightmare to get to if you don't drive, Rochester and Chatham stations are a fair distance and would involve a bus ride - if indeed a bus even goes via the Borstal road. It is situated on an industrial estate and built in an industrial unit, freezing in winter, boiling in summer, no really comfortable areas to sit and relax.. no proper catering facilities and nowhere local you can walk to.

The plus is it is affiliated with a gym across the way which is really nice - giving lots of opportunities to exercise and work out.

I personally would not even consider it for DS. Maybe there have been structural improvements since we were there I guess, but it's a constant flow of performing arts schools, kids holiday clubs, loads of kids dance classes, zumba and old people's tea dances there...hardly conducive to study! and the WIFI connection terrible!

[Katymac]

Thanks Riverdancefan - the transport would be the big issue for DD. She will be depending on public transport totally

[FelixGirl]

Problems for us were:

a) Funding....we couldn't consider anything unless DD had a DaDA award, and although The Centre do offer some scholarships, it wouldn't have been enough for us!!

b) Transport...it wasn't very accessible.

c) We were told that they did have a stronger reputation for teacher training....and DD really wants to perform. (Plan B is to do teacher training as well....but not initially!!). I don't know whether that's still true...but it did affect our decision at the time.

d) Finally, DD's teacher told us just to go for her first choices......she asked whether DD would be happy if she didn't get into one of those few colleges (actually there were only two that she really wanted to go for....we added three others as back-up), and because of the cost she said it really wasn't worth auditioning elsewhere.

In terms of decisions......we tried to just go on what we saw in performance and the feel of the college. DD made her decision after she'd seen the performances at Move It, and the visits to the colleges didn't change that!

[Katymac]

I wonder how many people get in the first year they apply?

Move it was great but we didn't see everyone we wanted to and some colleges weren't there. I also feel being a dancer that wants to do musical theatre puts DD in a vulnerable position - if she were going for 'Dance' then a 16 start is normal but for MT 18 or even older is more common (I understand)

But then I am a natural worrier

[FelixGirl]

DD is also a dancer that wanted to do Musical Theatre....in fact the majority of her friends were exactly that too!! Yes, most of the auditionees were 18 or older....and there are more over 18 year olds at her college but there are still plenty who did get in at 16!

Inevitably, some did not, but those that DD knows have gone to college to do BTEC Level 3/A levels whilst continuing with dance classes outside college and will audition again at 18.....

[Katymac]

It's all too complicated & in a language I don't really understand - I mean 2 years ago I talked about 'musicals' now it's all 'shows' & 'musical theatre'

In a years time it will all be over I guess or we will be frantically looking for a level 3 (Plan B needs work)

[fartoomuchtodo]

Sorry Katymac, just seen this thread. One of my best friend's son goes to The Center. She herself is a trained ballet teacher and really rates the training her DS has had at the school. She's not on NAPM (doesn't really 'do' computers) but I'm sure she would be happy to chat with you if you'd like me to try and set something up by 'phone? Let me know (maybe PM me?)

[Katymac]

Thanks fartoomuchtodo - that has really helped

[katkit]

Katymac, I know you posted this question back in July, but if it helps I thought I would let you know that DD auditioned at The Centre on the recommendation from her pre-voc course leader (who happens to have studied there) herself.

The reason I wanted to update this thread was to say DD was very impressed with the college and in particular the Head of MT who up until 2 years ago was the Head of MT at Urdang. That to me, says alot.

We are awaiting a funding audition at the Centre and will update any news.

Hope that helps anyone considering The Centre for next year.