Lisa O`Brien

Oh, and "break a leg" for your exam. ( Not literally though, obviously).

Have you tried dampening the soles of your shoes with some water beforehand? This should make them grip the floor better. Also, if you tie your shoes accordingly then hairspray them to death in place ( the ribbons, that is), that should hold them. You might have to cut the ribbons off afterwards to get your shoes off, but at least they will stay in place while you need them to.

Many, many congratulations to your daughter, Julie. x

I'm sorry but is your huge, in-your-face logo really necessary on this Forum ?

I agree with Dr. Dance. She doesn't want to just have a fixed smile throughout the whole thing, as this would just look silly. In quieter, slower adage, a look of thoughtfullness and expression should come across. Think of Giselle in Act two. How mad would she look if she were grinning?!!

Has your daughter looked at any of Katherine Morgan's videos on You Tube? I recently watched one of hers which was specifically about multiple pirouettes. She said it really helps if you count them backwards. For example, if you want to do three, say to yourself, "three, two, one". She said psychologically this is much easier than starting off at number one and then striving to get round another two times. I know what she means and it makes sense to me, so it will probably make sense to your daughter too. She might have developed a bit of a mental block about them, so needs to approach them with a different mindset.

Just hearing that TV presenter Dale Winton has died. He was 62. RIP.

Sorry to bore you all. I keep seeing job adverts saying ECDL, the European Computer Driving Licence is needed. Our local college offers this course. It is listed as a Level 2 course, which is what I am currently doing ( We've moved on to Microsoft Outlook now). Is the ECDL the main qualification people have nowadays? ( I think it used to be CLAIT, didn't it). Thanks. The course I am currently doing is 1 evening a week for 16 weeks, but the ECDL is 1 evening a week for 30 weeks.

What does VMO mean?

I understand where you're coming from in wanting to get Distinctions, but in the great scheme of things, they are not any massive indicator of talent. They merely "examine" your teacher; if she has taught you well, or not. I achieved Honours in every RAD exam i took ( Back then it was Pass, Pass Plus, Commended, Highly Commended , Honours). So did most others who entered the exam. Which is exactly why they were entered when they were by our school. The Principal knew full well more or less what grade (mark) we were all going to get months before taking it. No company; be they classical, contemporary, musical theatre or music hall, is going to ask anyone auditioning what grades they achieved for their exams. Try not to worry about it and just let your love of dance shine through; together with a solid, clean technique and a lovely sense of performance.

Just read via an online Daily Mail post that the Italia Conti School is in deep financial trouble. They are having to sell their property, and staff , who apparently don't exist, have none the less still been "paid". Others , who have been hired to do work, have been paid cash in hand. It's the oldest stage school in the country, and has been in operation for over a hundred years. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/Mystery-missing -millions-vicious-family-feud-breaks-Italia-Conti.

God, I love this Forum. So many wonderful people. Once again, thank you all for your advice and help. xx

Many thanks, Yorkshire x

Thank you for saying so, Vonrothbart.x

I don't have a child who dances, but my son at his normal High School went through a bad time around Year 8. It passed, thankfully, but I think whether boarding or not, a huge part of it is just the age. As others have said, your son's happiness and well- being is more important than anything else. As for the stage fright; tell him it is perfectly normal to be nervous about performing in front of people, or even the thought of performing even when it is weeks ahead. He needs to assess for himself which is the stronger; the love of dance or the fear of being on stage. If he HAS to dance, as if his life depended on it and cannot imagine wanting to do anything else with his life, then he will find a way to overcome the stage fright. It might take some time, but he will get there, with yours and his school's support.

Many, many thanks to you all. Some lovely, kind comments too.x

No I didn't. I wouldn't have a clue !!

Many thanks. I suppose. I just don't think of myself like that I guess. I've just remembered that I was an LEA-appointed School Governor at both a Primary and Secondary School for around 10 months too. That might impress someone; although tbh I hated it !!

Welcome to the Forum, ParentalDanceTaxi.

Sounds lovely. I wonder how many little ones come out and want to become dancers when they grow up after seeing it? Perhaps there should have been flyers around the foyers advertising the Balletco Forum for any future stressed and bewildered mums and dads out there !!

Thank you 2dancers. That's just it though. Many jobs I see advertised tell you to upload your cv. But I would be like, what cv? Mine would be none-existent. I thought if I had completed some sort of admin/office course it would be at least something recent to write about. I literally have nothing. I last worked in Nursing Homes in the early 2000's. EDIT to add: Going back to that sort of work nowadays is impossible. Every home ( not that there are many here) and every Domicilliary care job state it is essential you have a car and a full driving licence. I don't drive, and i'm sure as heck not going to try and learn at the age of 50 just so I can work with the elderly.

Thanks for your help, Jan and Invisiblecircus. Much appreciated.

Hi. I've been looking online to see what if any, particular qualification one needs to work in a office. I was thinking of Receptionist work. I assume you must be computer literate, and have at least a GCSE in English and Maths. I was looking at online courses offered by Reed, and there are plenty. Are they a waste of money? Would doing an 80 hour one be beneficial? I volunteered in an office decades ago, but all I had to do was answer the telephone. There was no other work involved, so my experience is practically zilch. Any suggestions? Thanks. ( I might one day become the world's oldest office junior) !!!

Bless your heart, Dramascientist. I wish you and your whole family the very best of luck and happiness for your futures x

I don't understand how a person can CHOOSE such and such a school or apprenticeship. What if that particular school or whoever doesn't want to take that person?