BTUK at 16

[Rara127]

My DD has been offered a place at BTUk she is 16. Because of lockdown we haven’t ever visited. I feel torn. The degree looks good and I like the videos from the students who show a day in the life. Has anyone else got any experiences to share?

[catndogslife]

What's BTUK?

[MarchingFrogs]

Ballet Theatre?

www.btukschool.com/

[Comefromaway]

I know several people who have bad experiences in the past. Mostly to do with age inappropriate training where teachers don't have the knowledge about physiology & anatomy in young people. There were also issues with accommodation that maybe might not be an issue for 18/19 year olds but not for 16 year olds.

Discussion about them is not allowed on other forums due to the school threatening the forum owners with legal action if any adverse comments are published.

Not entirely an open and honest approach.

[MeltsAway]

You might find out more from parents on the BalletCoUK forum, where explicit discussion of BTUK is forbidden due to legal threats. You can message individual forum members/parents. One might wish to infer from banning of discussion ...

[helpmum2003]

Totally agree with the previous 2 posters.

There were clearly issues at the school in the past and they threatened legal action to a forum run by volunteers for the parents of dancing children. Not a good look.

Although I didn't know what the issues were I didn't allow my dc to apply there. All schools are criticised on there but no others have taken such action (I think Ballet West got a bit twitchy but that's an old story now.)

Sending your child to vocational dance school is a difficult decision, especially to an Upper School at 16 where they live out. I would suggest you join balletcoforumuk and start a thread posting about where you have applied/have offers asking for advice and say you are happy to receive PMs. Hopefully someone with recent knowledge may be able to advise.

Good luck.

[Comefromaway]

I think Ballet West threatened legal action too and we all know how that ended.

Schools the OP might like to consider (alongside the usual Royal, Elmhurst options) that I know have good pastoral reputations are Kings International, Moorland & Kate Simmons. Only the latter has funding however.

[Kartmumballetmum]

Hi, my daughter has been offered a place at this school and I was wondering if there is any more up to date information that is allowed to post from parents as all the posts I find on here are a couple of years old. Thanks

[Comefromaway]

As far as I am aware the situation has not changed.

[Kartmumballetmum]

Thanks for your reply. Do you have first hand experience of any of these alleged issues? Thanks

[Comefromaway]

A friend of mine does. Her advice would be to read the contracts very carefully, especially in regard to what happens/what are you liable for if your child were to get injured. And check who is actually teaching and running the acommodation.

[Kartmumballetmum]

Ok thank you. Is your friend on this forum so I could chat with her directly by any chance?

[Comefromaway]

I don't think so.

[Balletm]

Hi, just wondering if anyone has anymore up to date information or first hand experiences on this school? I also have a daughter who has been offered a place. The course looks great and she liked the feel when there. Im finding it impossible to research and would like to hear some positive opinions as well as negative to have a balanced view. Thank you

[Kartmumballetmum]

My daughter is coming to the end of her first year with the school and she is loving it. Happy to talk privately with you if you would like.

[Balletm]

That is good to know, yes please, I would like to hear of your daughters experience so far. Thanks so much, will message you.

[Suvis]

Hi my child has been offered a place at BTUK for September, along with a few others but we like this school best so far. Would anyone with first hand experience be able to pm with me please? ☺️ Thanks

[Kartmumballetmum]

Hi, my daughter is now coming to the end of her second year with the school and she loves it, happy to talk privately if you would like to.