JulieW

Interested to hear from anyone with at least 2 weekend matinee tickets for sale please.

I'll be at the matinee today. Can't wait - haven't been the the ROH for ages!

Please do share with friends and dance teachers. It was very moving wasn't it

Wendy mentions some in her interview

There's also a video of her interviewing Wendy Whelan on Arthur Pita's Instagram: @balloarthurpita

Hello friends - I know it's been a very long time since I posted but I really want to share this with you. My son's girlfriend has made a fantastic short dance film about scoliosis - it was released yesterday for International Scoliosis Awareness Day after raising money herself to fund the making of the film. It's only 8 minutes long, but it's an emotional insight into the condition and how she feels about it. It's followed by a "behind the scenes" film that's a bit longer but well worth listening to. She particularly mentions Wendy Whelan who inspired her to not be scared of showing her spine on stage. Please do share with others who might be interested. Corey wasn't aware of her scoliosis until she was having photos taken for a summer school in her mid teens, but went on to train at Elmhurst Upper School, and dance professionally both abroad and in the UK. Some of you might have seen her at "The Little Matchgirl" by Arthur Pita. You're more than welcome to share it with friends on any social media platforms. https://www.coreyclaireannand.com/works

That's very sad news. Sorry to hear about Shirley. I never met her but know what wonderful work she did for friends' children

Sad news. Thinking of his family and friends

Dear ballet friends Some of you might remember me - I used to be a moderator on this forum and have been a member for nearly 20 years, from back when my son was auditioning for JAs. I'm here today to ask for your help. His girlfriend is an amazing dancer (you might've seen her in The Little Matchgiirl or Metamorphosis) and also suffers from scoliosis. Being such a strong dancer (and Pilates instructor) has helped to keep her back strong but she only really learnt to accept her condition in her early 20s. She wants to develop her idea of making a short film to raise awareness and encourage talking about the condition amongst young dancers, dancer teachers, or just any young person affected. Please see her GoFundMe page for more information (and a short YouTube clip which shows her back - could be useful for any of your out there with children with scoliosis) and I'm just asking that you please spread the word to anyone who might be able to donate. We know that times are hard financially for everyone at the moment, but the cliché is true - every little helps. Of course, if you know any companies who would like to sponsor her, that would be great too 😉 Thankyou x https://www.gofundme.com/f/scoliosis-short-dance-film

Dear ballet friends Some of you might remember me - I used to be a moderator on this forum and have been a member for nearly 20 years, from back when my son was auditioning for JAs. I'm here today to ask for your help. His girlfriend is an amazing dancer (you might've seen her in The Little Matchgiirl or Metamorphosis) and also suffers from scoliosis. Being such a strong dancer (and Pilates instructor) has helped to keep her back strong but she only really learnt to accept her condition in her early 20s. She wants to develop her idea of making a short film to raise awareness and encourage talking about the condition amongst young dancers, dancer teachers, or just any young person affected. Please see her GoFundMe page for more information (and a short YouTube clip which shows her back - could be useful for any of your out there with children with scoliosis) and I'm just asking that you please spread the word to anyone who might be able to donate. We know that times are hard financially for everyone at the moment, but the cliché is true - every little helps. Of course, if you know any companies who would like to sponsor her, that would be great too 😉 Thankyou x https://www.gofundme.com/f/scoliosis-short-dance-film

Just seeing if there's any interest here before I start on eBay! Various men's white leotards - mostly thong style, a couple of unitards - Wear Moi and Capezio Also have some leather character and tap shoes in size 10. I'll add detail of anyone's interested 😉

Hope someone can help me.... We're going to Cuba with a free days in Havana in mid-February. Feel like it's like a dose of ballet whole I'm there. Any advice gratefully received. My Spanish isn't up to much 😉

Lovely message Sim. I miss being part of the moderating team but am happy to see the forum thriving - about 15 years since I first joined the original one and had so much support over the years! I know how hard you all work to keep it going - it's much appreciated by so many people. Still can't believe John's gone - thinking of all his family and friends x

I don't wish to put a "downer" on things, but new full-time vocational parents, be prepared for homesickness. No matter how excited they are about going, and whether they have been away from home before, it can hit like a brick. My son (now 26) was so homesick it was awful (he was known as one of the worst they'd had for years at the time). The staff at WL were fantastic - his house-parents and the nurse got him (and us) through it. He was really bad until well into the second term of year 7, but it continued after every return to school until into year 9. He loved it there and loved doing ballet, but just really missed home. He did however go on to help other children with their homesickness, and became head boy at Elmhurst sixth form where he continued to support the youngsters. Very proud of him. Good luck with the year ahead. Make the most of every moment and every opportunity but be prepared for both ups and downs on the way. Even with benefit of hindsight we'd do it all again in a heartbeat and miss it all now!

Oh gosh - this had taken me aback - not having been on the forum recently. Such sad news and my condolences to his family and friends. As Sim says, he was a wonderful behind-the-scenes moderator and I'm pleased to have served as one with him. RIP John x