debbie Posted November 21, 2013 Share Posted November 21, 2013 Taking this exam in a couple of weeks. Does anyone know how many of the set exercises are seen in the exam? How many from the barre? Also, are the adages seen on both sides? Are all centre practise exercises seen - same for allegro?? 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hfbrew Posted November 21, 2013 Share Posted November 21, 2013 I am sure that others can give you a fuller reply but do prepare both sides for adage as the examiner can ask for either. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
debbie Posted November 21, 2013 Author Share Posted November 21, 2013 I am sure that others can give you a fuller reply but do prepare both sides for adage as the examiner can ask for either. Thanks for that. I 've prepared both sides for everything but I am worried I will be shattered by the time the pointe section is seen! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anna C Posted November 21, 2013 Share Posted November 21, 2013 Welcome to the forum, debbie. :-) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aurora Posted November 22, 2013 Share Posted November 22, 2013 Taking this exam in a couple of weeks. Does anyone know how many of the set exercises are seen in the exam? How many from the barre? Also, are the adages seen on both sides? Are all centre practise exercises seen - same for allegro?? You'll probably find that the examiner will miss just 2 or 3 barre exercises and a similar number or a couple more maybe in the centre. You need to prepare both sides of everything but she will only see one version of each exercise. You can choose which side you do fouettes and turns en manège, the examiner chooses sides for everything else. You'll probably get plenty of short breaks unless maybe there's only 2 of you in the exam in which case it will be a bit more intense but you will still get a short break after each section (ie barre, adage, allegro etc) 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
debbie Posted November 22, 2013 Author Share Posted November 22, 2013 Thanks- it sounds long and tiring! Anyone any other insight into exam? I'm worried!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thecatsmother Posted November 22, 2013 Share Posted November 22, 2013 I always said I would not be someone who was of the 'we had it harder' mentality but have you seen the old advanced syllabus book for back when it was not advanced 1 and 2. I will stop there but I remember my advanced exam so well. I think regardless of how tired you are, the adrenaline gets you through and then you come out on a high, convince yourself you failed by the time you get to the station and crash then about an hour later when the adrenaline stops surging through your system. One thing that does help with stamina if you struggle with a particular exercise is to do it a second time whilst still tired in class practice. If you can get through it twice then once under pressure should be fine. A small amount of cardio can also help as an adjunct to build stamina. In reference to my first comment. I do not think it is easier for the dancers of this generation. The pressures are just different and with so many additional facets which can be added to training regime this in itself increases pressure placed upon young dancers in addition to helping them to fulfil their potential. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
debbie Posted November 23, 2013 Author Share Posted November 23, 2013 Thanks for that. What I think I need to do is to do all the pointe work... Twice! I can manage but I am so tired by then???? I can't do all the barre in one go - too much. I always do the 2 port de bras and 3 of the centre practise and both adages but only on one side. Usually miss out a couple of the allegros. Does anyone know how complex the free enchainments are? I'm quite good at picking up , as I have trained in istd. Also, is it true London is not the place to take the exam as you get royal and elmhurst students ???????? Really appreciate this communication- thank you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Billyelliott Posted November 23, 2013 Share Posted November 23, 2013 As far as I know the royal ballet students are no longer doing RAD an the Elmhurst ones do their exams in Birmingham - but perhap a few go down to London for the higher exams .... 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
debbie Posted November 23, 2013 Author Share Posted November 23, 2013 Hope that's right! I need normal people in with me!! Thanks. Any idea about free work?? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thecatsmother Posted November 23, 2013 Share Posted November 23, 2013 What is it specifically that makes the pointe work section difficult? If it is a strength issue then it might be worth doing some separate strengthening issues and some work with a theraband? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hfbrew Posted November 23, 2013 Share Posted November 23, 2013 Thanks for that. What I think I need to do is to do all the pointe work... Twice! I can manage but I am so tired by then I can't do all the barre in one go - too much. I always do the 2 port de bras and 3 of the centre practise and both adages but only on one side. Usually miss out a couple of the allegros. Does anyone know how complex the free enchainments are? I'm quite good at picking up , as I have trained in istd. Also, is it true London is not the place to take the exam as you get royal and elmhurst students Really appreciate this communication- thank you. Yes, as I understand it Royal dont do RAD now. But in my experience students at vocational schools are not always that well prepared due to timetable constraints. They may be technically proficient but if they have not been made aware of all the settings then this can be a disadvantage. They will not necessarily been doing RAD syllabus classes, for example my ds had just 6 before his advanced 2! So hold your own if you get vocational students examining with you are theres a good chance you will have a better idea of whats needed. Where I teach we do suggest stamina training though, its a tough exam. Good luck x Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Regattah Posted November 23, 2013 Share Posted November 23, 2013 Just wondering if stamina can be an issue at Adv 1 too? I presume it's a shorter exam and obviously far less demanding... My DD has her exam in January I think so I'm wondering if she should do some running over Christmas. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Balletmumfor2 Posted November 23, 2013 Share Posted November 23, 2013 My daughter has been told to work on her strength/stamina for her auditions in the new year. Her teacher suggested running (which she hates with a passion!) or maybe skipping. Not sure when she's going to fit it into her week so it will probably be over the Christmas holidays. Has anyone got any alternative ideas which may appeal to a non sporty dancer with very little time? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hfbrew Posted November 23, 2013 Share Posted November 23, 2013 My daughter has been told to work on her strength/stamina for her auditions in the new year. Her teacher suggested running (which she hates with a passion!) or maybe skipping. Not sure when she's going to fit it into her week so it will probably be over the Christmas holidays. Has anyone got any alternative ideas which may appeal to a non sporty dancer with very little time? Swimming! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dramascientist Posted November 23, 2013 Share Posted November 23, 2013 I was going to reccomend swimming too! It definitely builds stamina, I swim a lot and can out dance much younger students! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lildancer96 Posted November 23, 2013 Share Posted November 23, 2013 My dd takes her adv 2 in London in 2 weeks too - feel free to pm me Debbie 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thecatsmother Posted November 23, 2013 Share Posted November 23, 2013 Exercise bikes and the cross training machines are used within some companies. There is also some research into whether those newish vibrating exercise machines help with elevation. Not sure what the findings were around this. I think Lisa Howell has some advice on her ballet blog website re stamina building if this is helpful. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mimi66 Posted November 23, 2013 Share Posted November 23, 2013 (edited) re stamina building. This may sound silly but I find Zumba classes could be an alternative to running or skipping. Of course you must be picky about the instructors. I found an instructor who is a vocational school trained professional jazz dancer, and her class is 45 min nearly non-stop high intensity areobic execise. may be worth a try? Edited November 23, 2013 by mimi66 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Balletmumfor2 Posted November 23, 2013 Share Posted November 23, 2013 Great ideas. Thankyou all! Unfortunately she won't be able to try any of these until the holidays and then not sure whether swimming baths/zumba classes will be available although they do appeal to her more. Typically, skipping would be cheap, quick and require nobody to transport her anywhere. I think the mere thought of going out in the cold is filling her with dread at present!!! Have sent her off to look up the blog website recommended. Many thanks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
munchkin16 Posted November 23, 2013 Share Posted November 23, 2013 This isn't for stamina necessarily but certainly an easy way to gain core strength I've found is hula hooping! If you get one of the proper fitness ones which are slightly weighted it is really good and I prefer it to sit ups or the plank as it is much less painful and I can watch tv at the same time. core strength is always good for pointe work. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aurora Posted November 23, 2013 Share Posted November 23, 2013 Running isn't the best exercise for dancers. Cross training or occasional swimming is much better for them Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aurora Posted November 23, 2013 Share Posted November 23, 2013 (edited) If she does decide to run make sure she wears supportive trainers, only runs on even ground (preferably grass rather than concrete as its slightly soft) and warms up thoroughly beforehand. Even then I wouldn't do it more than a couple of times a week, especially if she's not used to it. Edited November 23, 2013 by Aurora Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Balletmumfor2 Posted November 23, 2013 Share Posted November 23, 2013 Hi Aurora. She will love you for that post! She really hates running and is absolutely useless at it. Her Royal teacher suggested it to improve her stamina but she will love that there is a good reason to avoid it. I did wonder whether it might be stressful on her legs. She dances 5 days a week but obviously needs something more intense. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Balletmumfor2 Posted November 23, 2013 Share Posted November 23, 2013 A great tip munchkin16. She needs to improve core strength too and anything she can do whilst having a few minutes down time watching tv will go down well. Off to check out the price of a weighted hoop. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
munchkin16 Posted November 23, 2013 Share Posted November 23, 2013 What about a cross trainer? Builds stamina but less stress on legs than running. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
munchkin16 Posted November 23, 2013 Share Posted November 23, 2013 Must have been writing at the same time balletmum! Your welcome think argos sell one which isn't too expensive but is relatively heavy, depends on how hard you want to make it! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Balletmumfor2 Posted November 23, 2013 Share Posted November 23, 2013 Not worried about how heavy it is on her, more worried about the drain on my pocket with all these audition costs! Thanks again, I'll have a look at Argos. It will be cheaper than a cross trainer!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
debbie Posted November 23, 2013 Author Share Posted November 23, 2013 My dd takes her adv 2 in London in 2 weeks too - feel free to pm me Debbie 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
debbie Posted November 23, 2013 Author Share Posted November 23, 2013 My dd takes her adv 2 in London in 2 weeks too - feel free to pm me Debbie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
debbie Posted November 23, 2013 Author Share Posted November 23, 2013 Well exam in 3 weeks!! Hope all goes ok for your daughter. Is she a vocational student full time?? How is she feeling about it?? Hope it goes well- would love to hear ! As for stamina to everyone- thanks for your help- it's fitting it all in- college practise and life in general! If I had some idea of how the exam is constructed and how complex the free enchainments are, I might get some sleep!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
debbie Posted November 23, 2013 Author Share Posted November 23, 2013 Well exam in 3 weeks! How is your daughter feeling? Is she a full time student?? Hope it goes well for her - do let me know. Thank you all for tips on stamina- it's just fitting it in with college, practise and life! If I had a but more info on free enchainments - how complex are they? And how long does one spend at the barre?? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lildancer96 Posted November 23, 2013 Share Posted November 23, 2013 Will pm you Debbie . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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