Royal Ballet Associates

[ash1971]

Has anyone any info at all about these courses/lessons? DD's ballet teacher wants to put her forward for auditions (DD's 8)- I'm in two minds about the whole thing. Think it could be a great opportunity, but also aware it could turn a fun hobby into a not so fun 'job'. Any comments or experiences greatly appreciated!

It's a brilliant, but also very expensive opportunity.
Your dd must be at a high standard with good technique and natural ability for the teacher to put her forward.
Classes are only run in major cities, and trips to London are sometimes available, though not compulsory.

It is rather cut throat, and children are often asked to leave after a few terms if not making the grade, so to speak.
It can lead to auditions for White Lodge at 10 or 11 if the child shows promise.

Many years ago my ds spent a year as a RBS junior associate (JA). If your dd is passionate about her ballet, and is showing promise, then this really is the route she needs to consider going down. But beware , once you've have started this route it sucks you into the auditions for the Royal Ballet school proper (White Lodge), and also auditions for Elmhurst, Tring Park, and Hammond schools, where there are also government funded dance places. These other schools also run associate schemes.

You can learn alot about the associate schemes and the auditions on this website , by searching through old threads.

Thank you both! Sorry for the tardy reply - back at work now f/t teaching with 3dds and I just lose days! MoreCrack - it's the cut throat bit that I'm a bit concerned about as dd's a sensitive soul! Thanks for the link, Dunlurking - I'll have a good look at that now. Still slightly dithering - think we'll have a go at the auditions and see what happens . . . .

You're welcome ash1971. Good luck to her

There are some days next year that you can apply for, where she can try being a "JA for the day". see here

My son is a JA and it's not really competitive at all. He got in in year 5 and he'll stay on for year 6 as long as he is listening in classes etc. They don't bin anyone out unless for bad behaviour I think. Of course after year 6 he will have to audition for Mid associates, if he wants to do that.

when I say not competitive I should clarify. It's very competitive to get in (after a fun audition) but they don't chuck you out when you're in! So I wouldn't say it was "cut throat" at all.

May be different for a boy but they have yearly assessments once they're in. A girl from dds ballet school did a couple of years and was then assessed out.