hfbrew

I agree but I am coming more from the view point of the lower grades, not vocational ones such as Advanced 1 which students and students know will be tough to pass. Many teachers of the lower grades will not enter students if they feel that they will fall below merit and some will only enter pupils of distinction standard. They do not want lowly passes on their records so children who struggle are not given the opportunity to try for an award which quite possibly mean more to them than those more able.

I am always sad that borderline students are often not entered because teachers are more concerned about their records. I had a number of straight passes last session as well as the usual merits and distinctions. And I can honestly say that for some students the pass mark is a tremendous achievement and I am very proud of them, probably more so than of those who find Ballet easier. I fear that such statistics can stop people from recognising and being proud of their own personal achievements.

If it's Ballet that your dd is serious about,definitely JAs. The opportunity to work at RBS JA level is given to very few , I wouldn't waste it. If your dd doesn't like it she can leave and of course she may not progress to MA so plenty of opportunity to go back to competition in the future if this turns out to be the case.

My students have the pianists that normally accompany them in class for their RAD exams. If they have to attend an exam at another venue I arrange for the pianist to play and this is what teachers had to do before the RAD permitted recorded music. However for vocational exams at a regional centre the candidates are unlikely to have previously met the pianist. Candidates are often examined with students from other schools so it is fairer if none of them are familiar with the pianist!

Serious errors by a pianist should be reported but an examiner would make allowances for this anyway. All vocational students however should be able to cope with whatever the pianist produces as this indeed is showing the level of musicality,sensitivity and response of the candidate. The trouble with always dancing to the same recording means that the dancer may well stop actually really responding to the music. If a candidate responds well to variants in the music then this will be reflected in the marks. Dancers who are going to make it all the way to dancing professionally with live orchestras must be musical!

Yes. The RAD recommended learning hours for Grade 3 is 90. So if a child is attending Ballet only once a week for a 30 week year they could conceivably be doing it for 3 years. However the average gap I find is two years. But your dd is clearly talented and is probably able to do the exam very much sooner. I have had students do well after only two terms but they are those who come several times a week.

Varies from year to year. And don't forget that there are other options such as Elmhurst, Hammond, Tring and Central. All of my ds year at WL who wished to continue vocational training did so and a fair few who went to places other than RBS or ENBS ended up being employed in classical companies first. This was a year that relatively few went to RBS or ENBs. Years either side of DS year had greater numbers. And there are many who decide enough is enough at 16. There is no set number. This has been discussed before . I wish the new director of ENBS good luck!

Nothing ventured nothing gained. Years ago I was reluctant to allow my ds to reaudition for an associate scheme after he had been on a waiting list. Was scared of the repercussions of the ,in my eyes, the probable no. Good job I let him because he has since trained full time and had a career dancing. And learning to cope with a no (if it happens!) is a very important life skill.

REST! NOW! Stay hydrated, talk to a sympathetic person and if no better seek medical advice. Better to forego a Festival than risk being unwell all summer.

I agree with the posters above about asking first if there are other classes your son could join and if not can she recommend a school in additional to her own that he could try. As she has cancelled two of his classes I think that this is a perfectly reasonable request. Also be mindful of any notice that has to be given if you decide to leave. As a teacher myself I really hate it when students disappear without warning and I have to chase up notice fees. I don't mind if keen students attend lessons elsewhere but I do mind if my advice hasn't been sought first,especially as there are schools I'd recommend over and above others. I hope that your son gets the classes he desires!

The trouble is at this level consistently good attendance is required all the time, not just when you think that an exam is imminent. So whatever your age a teacher is not going to enter a student who is absent often and will prioritize those who do attend. I personally would apologize and explain your reasons for being absent often first and foremost. Then ask whether in the long term you would be considered for the exam should attendance improve. The teacher may not realize that you may like to do this.

I wonder if she wanted to be outside to be with Midnight? I am so sad for you Lisa but so glad that you were able to be there for her right at the end rather than that horrible feeling when she disappeared for days. You have lost a member of the family so you have every right to cry whilst also remembering all the good times. Big hugs.

Training doesn't stop once you are in a company!

So sad that I can't go and celebrate with this wonderful school where I received my teacher training. Happy Birthday Hammond, I am so proud to say that I'm an ex Hammond student!

My son retired aged 23 having trained full time from 11-18 and then danced professionally. He now teaches but ex Ballet dancers can be found in all walks of life. My son has not ruled out returning to the stage but knows it is highly unlikely to be the Royal Ballet even though he is an ex pupil! Many adults enjoy Ballet as an fulfilling extension of their lives, you don't have to have a contract in order to enjoy it! In fact I think that many amateur dancers get far more enjoyment than those trying to make a living.

Having been in education for over 30 years (not just Ballet) I am well aware of the issues hence my advice to all teachers which I stated in my original post. Current safeguarding policies apply to all regardless of gender. Discussions about "second wave feminists" and "differential supervision" should be moved to not dance. And yes, we do know that all genders are capable of abuse, again a different topic. The OP asked about the particular challenges that male Ballet teachers face. So let's get back to that question having covered the rather obvious issues over safeguarding. I would agree with others that Pointe work could be challenging for a male teacher just as I, as a female teacher find virtuosity challenging! It's great that there is this initiative to encourage more male teachers. Certainly I have found it a great way to encourage brothers of my pupils when they have seen ds in action.

I frequently had to pay ds fees in half termly chunks and found that as long as I communicated openly when there were problems (for example ill health) it was fine. I was also careful to pay up on the dates that I said I would!

My ds has had absolutely no problem when teaching in "typical urban/sub urban" situations and is very popular with parents and students alike. He also works in a school (not dance!) and is one of several male members of staff. All teachers have to be mindful of how to handle students and yes, a male Ballet teacher does need to be careful about physical corrections especially if teaching solo with no pianist or assistance. When training teachers of either sex I have always advised against avoiding being alone with any young students.

I completely agree with Dr Dance's post. And yes the reports are extremely detailed and thorough. I dread to think how much the exams would cost if these were provided for every single candidate at a matter of course. In any case the exams are just a snapshot of what the examiner sees on the day, an examiner will not know that a certain candidate has improved enormously,or would not normally forget stuff, or under/ over perform etc. The criteria and specifications are on the RAD website exam page for anyone to see. I do miss the old written comments but in actual fact they were not that helpful especially if you were unsuccessful. The new marking system with numbers is a much more transparent way of seeing strengths and weaknesses.

Yes, RAD teacher training is about teaching classical Ballet. And quite rightly is neither quick or easy. Knowing the syllabus is only a small part. For example when teaching in front of the practical teaching supervisor the candidate has produce free classes appropriate to the age and abilities of the students in the class. And again this is just a small part of the work required.

This is not too dissimilar to us (10 years ago would you believe it.) My ds had tough time in year 8 with Ballet teacher, was very up and down with his moods but well supported by staff. He never actually wanted to leave but then he knew that our local schools left a lot to be desired. Got through it, was absolutely fine in year 9 and eventually had professional career. He is currently putting his experiences to good use working with post 16 vulnerable adults. I definitely think your ds should plan ahead for another year to make sure and whilst doing this look at other options.

Well for a start I'd like to know where such young boys got their stupid facts from and I sincerely hope that someone will have a word about their unacceptable behaviour. Then see if you can get her to visit a class of older students of vocational level so that they can talk to her and debunk the myths (maybe her Ballet teacher has a suitable young lady that can act as mentor?) And has your daughter ever seen a live performance of Ballet? If there are any forthcoming productions maybe you could ask to meet a dancer afterwards? Am actually really upset about these kids, what happened to Pictures dd makes me angry too. Good luck Edit to add that if you do everything properly and receive safe training then feet will be fine! You just have to look after them carefully, and hopefully your dd will do that anyway.

And whole tins of biscuits vanish within minutes,...

Well done to your son CeliB. My reaction was WOW! I do think though that you yourself deserves a round of applause from all of us here on this forum ! Bravo!

I once watched ds run for a train, just catching it by launching into grand jete through the closing doors...