Sandsfoot

It as a no for my daughter too. She was not surprised as she felt they didn’t really look at her on the day so perhaps just not right for this project. Looking forward to finding out what they are actually doing!

Congratulations x

Great news, good luck.

My DD has audition for Southampton.

I have sent you a direct message, I would also recommend this.

I also went to see Ballet Central at my local theatre in Bridport - lovely varied programme of classical and contemporary. Some very impressive individual performances as well as a being a great ensemble. I loved the Romeo and Juliet, really nice story telling and creative choreography but I think it would benefit from being on a bigger stage (the stage was tiny). Indigo was equally impressive and danced with great conviction and lovely live piano music accompaniment. I think the Mya piece was quite a revelation - I wasn't sure how they were going to be able to dance in, as you say pillow cases, but in fact they used them to great effect and overall I found the piece very moving, they had great expressions on their faces and really connected with each other. Such a joy to see young talent and although it was a small audience we were very appreciative. P.S I loved the male pas-de-deux in Dracula - such energy and very dynamic.

It is my understanding from the rules that being at vocational school is not a bar to competing in All England regional or national finals. Many qualifying festivals do not allow vocational students to perform but I suspect that some may have qualified before they went to school as the qualifying festivals start about 18 months before finals.

I think the marks are bit random anyway in my humble opinion -and hair style and overall presentation is also taken into account so I think you can take some of the credit too !

My DD has entered before and been the only one from her dance school. I would agree with Miracle, it is well organised and good fun and great to see some other dancers, very inspiring. I wouldn't worry about her marks, if she got the qualifying mark then she has just a good a chance as anyone else, 89 is pretty amazing though so she must be of a very high standard. Good luck.

I have copied the description from the all-england dance festival if this helps. I would agree contemporary is more suited to older dancers and is a genre in it's own right but in the real world of professional dance there is a lot of overlap as dance it is an ever-evolving art form. Commercial again is more suited to older dancers. A lyrical modern can suit someone with a classical background. If you are studying modern syllabus for exams then there is also a definite technique associated with this. Character A dramatic, artistic or sometimes humorous presentation of : A story /character from any book, poem, play, film, history, cartoon, original created theme, etc. The mannerisms and essential features of animals, birds, insects, reptiles, virus, and topical interpretations of abstract themes. Appropriate technique for the character should be used. Modern An all-inclusive term applied to an ever-evolving performing art. It includes lyrical modern, Jazz, Stage Contemporary, Hip Hop and all styles of Modern Theatre Dance. Acrobatic, Gymnastic, and Street Dance are also acceptable when combined with a recognisable dance technique and a theatrical quality. All routines should observe safe dance practice. Lyrical Modern Based on Modern technique, lyrical modern should show flowing movements that express the emotion of the music. Gymnastic and acrobatic work is not allowed. Floor work should be kept to a minimum. Contemporary Technically the work may reference Limon / Horton / Graham / Cunningham / Release / Flying Low / GaGa or any other recognised Contemporary technique and should be underpinned with a strong classical base. The work should show an understanding of choreographic content and a clear reference to the defined principles of contraction and release, fall and rebound, use of breath and gravity and successive or initiated movement. Whilst there is an athletic strength to the work, acrobatic work should be minimal and used only to enhance the choreographic work

I agree with all of these comments. The marks are a bit random at times and seem to vary widely but I think they reflect personal preferences which we all have. I often disagree with my friend on what I like and don't like and I have my personal pet hates (feet not stretched, inappropriate for age choreography or song choice etc). I also think sometimes the children dance slightly differently or bring something additional to their performance which ups their mark. Adjudicators have their own expertise and are stronger in some areas than others but they do a great job on the whole and as long as I feel they have given the performance their whole attention (not always the case) and they seem genuinely pleased and interested in helping the children develop, whether they are looking for a professional career or just doing if for fun, then I am happy. I don't like it if they are openly critical of the children on the stage as this I feel is unnecessary with children and can be demoralising and upsetting. There are ways of giving constructive criticism. I have seen some amazing performers and performances at festivals and been very entertained at times. I also really love watching different children develop over the years and we have also met some lovely people along the way. Although I have never been to a festival where anyone has got 94! that is amazing. Top mark I have witnessed is 91. The regional finals have 3 adjudicators which helps with the variation in personal taste but they only put people through who are pretty much perfect - you have to get a high mark (honours) and be placed. My tip would be practice makes perfect - numerous studies in many fields (sport, medicine, learning an instrument) show that success and how good you get at it is often down to the amount of time you spend practicing it and not necessarily innate ability. But she is still so young so don't sweat it too much, if she loves performing and you love watching her then that is the most important thing.

I saw this at Southampton - I have not much more to add to what has already been said but I thought it was incredible. The contemporary movements appeared to be mimicking machinery, the energy and pace of the dancers adding to the atmosphere. I thought the character of Hilarion was very well played by Yonah Acosta and Fernanda Oliviera as Giselle was amazing. I think the Wilis were very sinister, and the sticks were used to great effect. The set is very impressive and the wall was used well - I have no idea what it was made of but it looked like concrete. I was worried it was going to drop on someone at one point. It was quite dark -in terms of lighting - but I did not find that this distracted from the performance as the story seems to be told in the body movements rather than facial features. Interestingly the Landlords all looked taller than the outcasts. I don't know if this was deliberate but it gave them an arrogance and superiority as they towered over the outcasts. And that white dress - it became part of the set. Very different from the usual classical ballet but I am a fan of contemporary dance so I thoroughly enjoyed it and so did the rest of my family.

My daughter just completed the Cecchetti Summer School at Tring. Really enjoyed making new friends after some initial wobbles. Lovely atmosphere and excellent pastoral care. I think aimed more at the recreational dancer than serious vocational one however everyone got an equal chance to shine in the choreography competition at the end, which was lovely to watch and I was totally amazed what could be achieved in one week. Did lots of different styles jazz, greek, modern contemporary and daily ballet class. Only downside (from my DD's perspective) is that phones were only allowed for one hour in the evening - digital detox.

I went to see the Northern Ballet production of Wuthering Heights - sat towards the front of the stalls - great view. I agree it is is quite large, I think sitting directly in front of the orchestra pit looked like a great place as you are the same height as the stage. I have also sat further back to see something else but it is quite a long way away. I have not sat in the balcony or circle. It is close to the train station (links to London Waterloo and the New Forest) and West Quay shopping centre (with a John Lewis), Ikea (lovely meatballs), a large retail park and the main shopping street. I You can marvel (or not) at the massive cruise ships in the do. I have attended a meeting in the Holiday Inn which is nearby (walking distance) - seemed nice and has a swimming pool. There are ferries to the Isle of Wight as mentioned above as well. I am also hoping to go and see Giselle.

Is anyone going to this or has been in the past? My daughter is going, she is 14 and we would welcome any tips or info. Thanks