Happymum

Thank you all for your reply. I wonder how come they have an audition in the middle of the school year? Do they start a whole new class in January or do they have just a couple of places in existing class? Do they asses out or some children just drop out?

Oh! It all makes sense now! Thank you. If I may ask- are the CBA classes good? Do their students get to a vocational schools? are the CBA auditions difficult? Any info would be great.

I'm not sure if I understood correctly, but is Tring training based on RAD syllabus? Do their Sunday classes look like a "normal" local RAD ballet classes? Or is it more than that? I thought that Tring has his own training " system" like RBS does but I just read that Tring wants their students to take RAD exams with them and not with the local ballet schools. I hope that someone can tell me more about Tring classical ballet academy. Thank you

There is a whole separate course for advanced fitness instructors and personal trainers called "fall prevention". Mostly it's focused on balance, mobility, core strength and coordination.

And do you know how many points out of 9 in Beighton scale is too much for them? I have no idea how this physio test looks like. Are children in a group or is it individual test? Can parents be there with a child? Do you get a feedback?

Thank you for your reply. At the moment I'm working with a boy who is working very hard but his flexibility is improving very very slowly ( but it IS improving). So there is no chance for him to be able to do any splits for this year auditions but it's good to know that it doesn't mean that he won't be accepted. And yes, I agree that very flexible children need to work on their strength and it is harder and takes longer then improving flexibility.

Do you know if boys trying to get to RBS, Elmhurst or Tring Year7 have to be able to do front splits and box split? I know that girls do, but wandered if they sometimes accept less flexible boys?

My DD is 8. She will be with Year 5 children in Bristol.

Thank you! I hope they received my DD's forms and will send the invoice soon.

Yes, it's true that Pilates instructors don't teach children. It's because there is no such thing as "Pilates for children" course/qualifications. So also no insurance. You may get lucky and find former ballet dancer/teacher who can teach Pilates as well. Or a Pilates instructor who has interest in ballet and did workshops etc ( like me :-) ).

I have sent the JA forms confirming/accepting my DD's place in Bristol with all the papers etc and haven't heard from RBS since. I sent it as a normal 1st class letter and for my peace of mind I just wanted to ask if anybody receive anything? I remember that the payment is needed some time in August? Will send recorded letter next time...

In my opinion there is no question that Pilates is a very important part of ballet dancer training. In the past it might have been design to help with injury but modern Pilates is design to strengthen core, improve turn out, balance, flexibility, strengthen feet etc. It's very important to do the exercises correctly so it's better to do it with an instructor.

And what about doing Pilates/conditioning exercise as a part of everyday class? As you say no one will miss a class so everyone will exercise at least a little bit. But a teacher/ company brave enough to change "traditional regime" is needed.

Re: stretching - it has been known in professional fitness circles for years. It's Surprising that ballet teachers/ballet dancers didn't change their routine.

It's all very true. Thank you Tulte.

Well done to your DD BankruptMum! Is there a RYB website? I coudn't find any information online. How did you find out about it?

My DD took part in Primo Balletto show couple of years ago. She loved it and the show was very professional. Great atmosphere. I agree that they took almost everybody who auditioned and it was bit expensive (in my opinion) but still I would take my DD there again. Any questions please ask. Wow - for the first time on this forum I may be able to help :-)

Elly, is your DD starting y4 JA? I'm waiting for timetable as well to be able to plan next academic year. Didn't receive anything today but hope that we all should get it soon?

And what about girls? How many in y4 class?

I agree Primrose. I would love to buy one of these pre-loved skirts.

Excellent news Grumpybearzuk!!! So pleased for your DD! We may see each other in Sept :-). I need to check with Elmhurst if they let my DD miss some classes on days when she has her JAs.

Elmhurst letters are out! It's another "yes" for my DD! She did very well :-)

Thank you Taxi4ballet - my DD's toes are curling under not because she lernt to do it - she was just born like that. I have same toes and my mum and others as well. To all of you - thank you for your ideas and thoughts. I just worry to much sometimes. It's great to know that JA children have possibility to see RBS physio. I'll try to book an appointment in September. And of course I'll ask JA teacher for her opinion and for some extra exercises for my DD.