tomuchtallent

Beanie-bean, My dd is very naturally flexible, but if she does a very long and big stretch in class she is always stiff the next day, I think this is normal.I would suggest you ask her teacher to make a special programme for her.

My dd started to think she was fat from the age of 9! She is 10 now and still goes on about it but does not have a eating disorder,in fact eats more than me..She is tiny boned and lots of people comment to her about how lovely her ballet body is. In my house weight or diets are never spoken about and none of my family weigh themselves.I can only think that ballet might of had a part to play in this.

I've met quite a few very successful ballet dancers and they have all been just a bit taller than me,I'm only 5,1

Until you have seen it, don't wish for it as the grass always looks greener!

My dd has had many old school Russian teachers and I am fortunate to be able to watch the classes.Some of the teachers do get great results with the harsh approach.I have seen many kids crying in class and sometimes the teacher has gone over the top.But those teachers are very passionate and really want the students to do well.Getting lots of corrections is another thing,that's great.I don't think in the Uk you will ever have have those type of teachers,they would be sacked, believe me!

How difficult ballet is!

Good luck to your dd and I hope she has a great day, will keep my fingers crossed! Xxx

I believe everybody has a special talent in something.The problem is whether you find it! The one thing I can't do is cook! Lucky my hubby loves it with a passion!

Try some of the London commercial dance vocational schools or maybe dance works or pineapple

Butties and bevy, haha, I'm originally from London and we use to say them as well.

I could kill for a butty but no English style fish and chip shop here!!

I think your dd should chose whatever will make her happier.

I know everyone goes on about how good associate classes are but for me,its much more fun and a great buzz to be performing.

Everyone seems to take ballet so serious instead of enjoying it and having fun.

Even though i say this i think it also depends on the age and level of technique.

İ want one please!!

Where I live you have to have a medical every year for school,any clubs or hobbies schools, any sports clubs and dance schools.When you have 3 kids that do lots of different hobbies ect at lots of different schools it costs a fortune!And the Medicals are not the same for each school!!!

Definitely works! Thanks drdance!!

I must say that we did go to a dance school once and the owner who was not the ballet teacher was like this.The children were so scared of her.One day they were rehearsing for the show when she stormed in and started screaming a one girl and told her she was rubbish in front of everybody, the poor girl was in tears.We left because of her behavior but we had to leave the best ballet teacher behind.Funny though,the ballet teacher left soon after and we are back with her at a new school.

Another ballet teacher we had for a short while told my dd to only eat a apple for dinner!and told the rest not to eat at all!

Where I live there is a very big international community unfortunately there are teachers and mums the same, not just dance but everything!!!and the children are all in competition with eachother even though they are friends.

Sorry but the teacher and the moms are crazy!!!!

You can watch some of the episodes on YouTube.

I bet it's really common in ballet students.Nearly everyone I know worries and compares their bodies and they don't have to wear a leotard everyday.But I have to say I have never even thought about it and have always been happy with my body.My dd on the other hand and she is very young does worry about having a perfect ballet body and its because of all the talk about the right physique for ballet.

Nothing wrong with childrens books!i started at 31 with a childs book and have gone on to teach my 3 kids from the same books!

I think we have been over this before but ballet is getting more gymnasticy! Could this be a factor that alot of overseas student get into 6 form, I don't think in the Uk they do so much stretching, and it is so in fashion to be mega flexible.

Sorry but you only get in if your the most talented at the time no matter where your from, I'm sure the schools would love more British students but if the international students are better you can't drop the international standard, these schools have a reputation.

Not a 100% sure but I think in the Uk some teachers prefer not to.My dds current teacher pushes and pulls and really gets stuck in and I don't think they do that at weekend and local dance schools in the Uk, maybe at vocational school?

I do think that the younger students are pushed more overseas.The defiantly do more stretching and strenthening,and are expected to push their turnout as much as they can.The teachers can be very strict.They can touch the students without any problems.They can shout at the students and also give lots of love and kisses!they expect the parents to push them and help with exercises at home.

Not saying this is right or wrong only what I have seen from abroad from my dds classes, (most of her teachers have been Russian).

Spax, do you know how long it takes to get from central to YDA by public transport? My dad lives next to central and YDA is very appealing, thanks xxx

Just for anyone that might be interested,you can buy some nice books that are called "auditions songs for children"' that are from musicals that come with the cd.

Smallbythesea- sorry to hear your news, big hugs and I hope things work out in the end xxxx