Moomin

Do any of the adults do pointe work? I would love to try as my mum was not keen when I was younger and I only made it to grade 4 anyway! I have fairly high arches/ instep so can get my feet 'pointed' enough but what else should you look for? I worry about injuries when I see people 'en pointe' who clearly don't have the strength/ alignment, I don't want to end up breaking anything!

Thank you very much anjuli, I enjoyed reading that and will definitely have a go later! Pirouettes are definitely one of the things I struggle with most. For some reason I find it harder to hold the retire balance than others like attitude etc. I can do a quarter turn quite well so think it may be partly a strength issue? Also find it easier turning to the right. I have also been taught that it's easier to go from a small 4th position and a larger 4th by different teachers?? Perhaps it might be because one floor is much 'stickier' than the other?!

I would be very interested in all of the articles, I need all the help I can get!

My only real regret in life is not pursuing a career in ballet. My parents were very academically orientated and there is no way they would have done the running about that I do for my children. They're both still little but I try & give them the opportunity to try things even though it involves a lot of being 'mum's taxi' and I guess we could spend the money on ourselves. I think we all want for our children those things that we didnt have ourselves though. There would be a limit and I certainly wouldn't give up my house, pension.......adult ballet classes! at some stage you have to be realistic and perhaps think of other avenues but I believe the worst regrets are things you didn't do in life. If you're in a position to support their dreams it far better to fail trying than to fail to try

Forgot, I also have the intermediate one by David Howard which is more of a proper ballet class but the quality of the DVD is not very good (old film). It requires a barre or makeshift barre and would be easier with hard floors so depends on your facilities. I prefer the nycb as it doesn't need these, so easier to do in the living room!

New York city ballet workouts are good. I'm terrible with DVDs, have good intentions but always end up doing other things instead!

Haven't tried these personally as there are nearer options for me but I came across these & though they looked good http://www.dedikated.biz/classinfo.php

If you're in the car cherry Hinton is much easier than central Cambridge!

Sheila, I looked on your site for the freed aspire too as they do a narrow width. Do you have any plans to stock them or another child's narrow pink shoe? Thank you

I saw them reduced (think they were about a fiver!) in the ballet shop that supplies royal ballet uniforms. Didn't buy as it would look odd having one if you weren't a ja?! Wish I had now though lol!

If her teacher has said she can do any of them I guess she knows the work well enough to pass? Could she practice at home? I wouldn't be so worried about the mark but if she has missed lots of classes may be concerned that she hadn't mastered this stage before moving onto the next.

Many congratulations to all who have been succesful, what a fantastic achievement. Just wondering those who auditioned for year 7 places, how much ballet/ dance have they done? Thanks