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Sandsfoot

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Everything posted by Sandsfoot

  1. 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!
  2. I have sent you a direct message, I would also recommend this.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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 !
  6. 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.
  7. 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
  8. 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.
  9. 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.
  10. 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.
  11. 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.
  12. 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
  13. Sandsfoot

    Shellac

    I purchased some from an art shop. Quite a small bottle though.
  14. Does anyone have any experience of this - my DD was thinking of applying.
  15. I saw this programme in Poole. I actually really enjoyed the Monotones; I have seen it on Youtube and found it a bit dull (and with slightly weird costumes), however seeing it live, accompanied by beautiful piano playing and lovely clean lines from the 3 young artists of the company who appeared to be completely in tune with the the music it was actually very moving and probably got the loudest applause of the night. The Four Scottish Dances were very well executed and great fun. I personally found the Solitaire not so much to my taste and it appeared a bit messy at times but Yaoqian Shang as the girl displayed a lovely quality. The 5 Tangos was very enjoyable and very tight, Yasuo Atsuji looked like he was enjoying every minute. A very enjoyable evening from a splendid company and an absolute bargain at £20 - it is a shame that it was not sold out - people just don't know what they are missing.
  16. I would certainly agree with the others that this is assault and a safeguarding issue and should be reported. I am so sorry that this has happened to you and it must be very traumatic. I think having a chat with NSPCC or other professional, social services will have helpline as well. If she was found guilty of this I am afraid this would probably be the end of her career but as some stated above you have to also think of the other children in her care.
  17. While my DD was at a dance day once I went for walk in what was once the park for the house - got a leaflet from information centre. Lovely views from the top of the hill and much cheaper than shopping. It was the summer so might be less appealing in the winter and I had all day to fill. Having said that there are some lovely little shops and cafes as mentioned above.
  18. I was thinking of my DD auditioning this year but she could not attend the casting audition because of a school dance show. I emailed them to ask and they said that you had to be able to do all the auditions and rehearsals so it was a no. I suspect they are more lenient if you get in and can work around you.
  19. Hi - this is always a struggle finding the best music. Try www.dancfestivalmusic.co.uk. You can choose the right length and it is reasonably priced. The guidance states the dance should include allegro and adage so you have to find music that will include that although I have seen someone dance and win to quite a slow piece of music. I listened to Spotify (I am also on the lookout for music when listening to classic FM) and then downloaded a few and let the teacher have a listen. We cut a piece of music and it appeared to work, it does need to be classical and I think piano music is very suitable for a younger dancer, although sometimes it can sound a bit plinky plonky - if you know what I mean. You don't want anything too grand either otherwise they look at bit lost. The Shostakovich ballet and jazz suites are lovely, my dd has done a duet to one. You will notice that most symphony pieces are broken down into smaller parts, rondos, minuets, allegro etc and some of these are the right length. I really liked the glow worm idyll but my dd teacher thought it a bit old fashioned so you have to find something your dd and her teacher like as they will be the one dancing and choreographing it. Good luck
  20. Melody "It's a shame that Darcey Bussell's popularity hasn't translated more into popularity for ballet as a whole, but the Strictly Come Dancing fans aren't going to make the leap to going to see a ballet triple bill without more incentive than Darcey's personal fame. It is a bit of a shame that youngsters doing weekly ballet classes don't seem to be motivated to go to the cinema to see the Royal Ballet or the Bolshoi performing even their full-length classics. Not sure if that's because they're usually timed for late evening midweek during the school year or if it's just lack of interest. I think given that Darcey Bussell is a judge on strictly they have hardly ever had a ballet piece in the "my new album is coming out this week" slot - I think that this would go a long way to promoting ballet especially if you chose some of the newer more contemporary pieces. With regard to the cinema, I have taken my children to many of these both ballet and theatre but they are on a week night which is just not ideal for school although they do occasionally have encore screenings of the recordings at weekends. We are often the youngest there (I am also including myself) by a mile! I am also surprised that our local cinema do not market directly to dance schools in the area, perhaps offering discounted tickets for groups. Interestingly our local theatre have the Moscow city ballet touring company which is quite popular but they are the traditional Russian ballets. I wish the RB would form a small touring company that would reach out to really small provincial theatres.
  21. I think about 20 is about right from what I can remember.
  22. Hi, my DD does the Cecchetti associates in London and she is studying the ISTD (Imperial). You can audition even if you are not doing the Cecchetti syllabus, but from what I have seen a lot of the children appear to come from schools that teach Cecchetti. I think it would be fair to say that it is not as competitive to get in as the MA's or other associate classes although I don't know exactly how many they take in relation to those auditioning. The audition is a straightforward and you just get a letter saying whether you have been successful or not, you have to re-audition each year. I have observed one of the classes and the teaching was excellent. They appear to have a group of well established teachers from what I have seen and there are other classes such as classical Spanish and Irish dancing. She is in seniors but they don't appear to do any pointe work. The cost is about £180 - can't remember the exact figure and that is for 9 sessions over the year. The whole thing seems to be very well organised. With regard to the train - My DD attends the London based one which is based at the Rambert School , St Margarets is the closest train station - about a 15 min walk and it links to Waterloo I think. We drive and there is plenty of free on-road parking.
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