Northern Ballet School audition

My third audition was last Monday, for Northern Ballet School. I decided to ask my mum not to accompany me to the audition, as I wanted to be more independent; although I'd travelled to London alone, I had never been to Manchester, which involved 2 changes of train! When I was booking the tickets, it all seemed like a great idea- but at 4am on the morning of the audition, I randomly woke up feeling very apprehensive! (Luckily, I managed to get back to sleep for a few more hours!) 

Having travelled for three hours, almost getting on the wrong train twice and, due to delays having a crazy 3 minute dash to get off one train and onto the next, I finally arrived at Northern Ballet School. 

The day began with a performance from the students at the school. The Jazz piece looked very exciting, dynamic and stylish- but when they started their ballet piece, that persuaded me; I want to study here for the next three years. Their technical skill was evident, they also had excellent artistry and musicality- most importantly, they all looked so happy!

Next, we had a very informative talk from the Principal, Patricia McDonald. Then, it was time for the ballet class- we went to a beautiful studio to warm up. 

I don't remember the name of the teacher who led the class, but he was really lovely, ensuring we all understood the enchainements, which definitely helped me to dance as well as I could! 

 The class was quite simple- I was very relieved that the pointework wasn't too complicated! I get the sense that the school were looking for certain qualities, as we were asked to individually demi plie in first and seconde, tendu each foot, then show first arabesque whilst the panel made notes. Also, there was a short jazz section, which thankfully wasn't too complicated! 

I really enjoyed the audition experience- regardless if I get a place, it has definitely helped me in preparation for the rest of my auditions! 

Hope everyone else's auditions are going well <3

Royal Ballet School audition

At last, audition season began! My first audition was for the Royal Ballet School. So, after a wonderful morning of exploring Covent Garden, I arrived in Floral Street. Next door, the Opera House was a hive of activity, as swarms of paparazzi prepared for the BAFTA's!

Stepping through those beautiful glass doors felt like stepping into another world- a land of Strength and Grace. There was a lovely De Valois quote on the wall display; "Respect the Past, Herald the Future, but Concentrate on the Present", which I think is very relevant, particularly during audition season!! 

Lining up to sign in, I chatted to a friend who had been in the previous audition. Suddenly, I gasped "OhMyGosh- is that... Daria Klimentova?" It was- and to my joy, she taught the audition class!!!! 

In the studio stretching before the audition felt completely surreal- to actually be at The Royal Ballet School. I reflected upon my previous Royal auditions; aged thirteen, having barely danced, I naively believed that getting a place at White Lodge would be the only way for me to succeed in ballet. Aged fourteen, I auditioned again- desperately emaciated, as anorexia tortured my mind and body. In auditioning this year, I proved to myself that I didn't need to be thin to be successful- and the definition of success was happiness, not a Royal place!!!! I knew before I even applied that I wasn't going to get a place, but just dancing at the Royal was a phenomenal experience.

In the audition, there was a panel of four judges, whose names I don't remember, except for Mark Annear, who seemed very kind and encouraging. I recognised another dancer who had attended the Focus on Creativity seminar that I went to in November- her name was Chiara, she was a beautiful Italian dancer.

The class was fairly easy in terms of technique; it has given me confidence for my other auditions, but has also helped me to identify which steps I need to refine and focus on (coupe brise en arierre and promenade in arabesque!). There was a lovely sissonne (or should that be sisonne? Sissone?!) enchainement, which felt as if I was flying! I think the grand allegro and adagio were my favourite parts of the class! 

After the audition, there was a stall selling RBS merchandise...... I spent more money than I intended to, on a lovely vivid pink t-shirt, and stationery set embossed with the Royal logo!

On the way home, I wrote some poems about the audition, although it's very hard to put so many emotions into words!!

The air hovered, still.

Her mind at peace.

Yet radiating joy.

For she was here

Where she belonged

Where she was in control

Of her destiny.

She had a dream to chase.

Her pursuit led her here

Everything came to this.

She knew she was not perfect

Her mission was not to get a place

But to make her teacher proud.

And there, she knew

She succeeded enough.

And her joy, her passion

The sparkle returned to her eyes

Lifted her wings,

Her perfectly imperfect flight

Gave her faith for the 

Next leap.

I am here today
Not desiring success
As you define success.
Even being here today
Is achievement enough for me.
You do not remember
Naive, passionate, young
Number Ninety-Two.
I remember her.
You shaped her future
You set alight a hope.
Her candle flickered
And now burns brighter
Than ever before.
See it in her eyes.
See it in every shape
Illuminated by Strength and Grace.
Tomorrow, you will not remember me.
Today, my sparkle shall
Caress your world
And shine light on mine forever.