Legseleven

Absolutely agree with you again, Cara. Maybe the issue would never have been an issue if Babyballerina's DD wasn't on the RBS and Elmhurst associate schemes - and she wouldn't be on those associate schemes if she wasn't very talented and in need of dancing with similarly able children as well as with her peer group at her own dance school. I'm surprised in a way that a school which insists that everyone must stay with their peer group and take exams only when the rest of the group is also ready would support one of its students in applying to these extremely prestigious associate schemes, which have shown her at what level she could and should be working. And, unfortunately, are causing her to lose confidence as she is realising how far behind she is in training. I think a new 'home' dance studio is needed if your DD's teacher remains of her view, Babyballerina. I hope that her associate teachers can recommend somewhere, especially as they themselves have pointed out that there is a problem with your DD's current situation affecting her adversely. Wishing you and your DD lots of luck!

I couldn't agree more, Cara. DD skipped a grade and went from grade 4 to IF and thrived on it. The problem for Babyballerina's DD seems to be that she is being told that she can never go at her own pace but must stay with her peers.

Yes! I couldn't agree more. This is very common, unfortunately.

We had this, in particular in relation to one grade where everyone was told (in the older grades system) that at least 18 months or more likely 2 years plus was required for ANYONE wanting to take the exam, regardless of age/previous training/number of classes taken/ability etc. It turned out that the teacher for said grade didn't teach any higher grades and was basically maximising her income from teaching this last grade.... Your DD is obviously talented and keen - RBS and Elmhurst JAs, wow! - and I can't believe that she should be kept with her peer group at all times. Yes, it is sometimes difficult if students are dancing with older ones (although DD loved it ;)) but most able and enthusiastic students can manage and need to be given more of a challenge. I second the advice to chat to her teacher and would also ask advice from her RBS and Elmhurst JA teachers re alternative dance schools they would recommend (maybe after asking other JA parents for any suggestions?) Better to have the JA teachers' backing for any new school - or you may even find that they have no problem with the slow progress your DD will be making at her current school if her teacher/s there are respected. However, even if they are happy for your DD to stay where she is, I would suggest you see what other classes she may be able to take because she will certainly become bored and possibly even fall out of love with dancing if she feels she is being held back (which she does seem to be). At her age she could be starting a pre-IF class (in flat shoes) and as a talented dancer she should certainly be capable of achieving at grade 4/5 level even if she isn't ready to take the exams. If she remains in her current grade until she is 11 she will definitely be overwhelmed and quite possibly lose confidence in classes/auditions when she is with her JA peers.

Much as I would like the U.K. vocational schools to train a majority of U.K. students, I would rather they continue to accept the best candidates for training rather than require a certain proportion to be 'home' students. That is the only way they can maintain their worldwide reputation.

Some students won't learn according to an exam system so won't have a 'last exam taken/grade achieved' to confirm. Others may not take exams or every exam, for various reasons e.g. exam fees or inability to attend an exam session. I'm sure your DD's teacher can confirm at what level she is working and this can be entered on the application form. A friend of DD's had been unable to take exams after grade 4 because of financial difficulties in her family - they prioritised classes over exam fees - but her teacher advised that she was working at an Advanced 1 level for her application forms and this was no problem.

FB seems to operate on a 'do as it pleases' basis. I have reported vile racist comments before and always receive a bland response clearly generated by a computer saying they don't consider it breaches their standards. Heaven only knows what WOULD breach their 'standards', as I replied.

How amazing! Congratulations to your DD - and to her supportive family

If tap isn't your DC's favourite then I would also suggest dropping it if necessary in favour of another ballet class or jazz/contemporary/modern. If that would also assist in the wish to be involved in youth ballet, all the better. - However, it will depend on the timetabling and available classes/parent taxi service! Tap can definitely be picked up again at a later date if needed and except for 42nd Street or a solo tap specialist number, I usually don't think the tap numbers in MT are particularly difficult - just showy, which is what is needed. I think at 9 DD was doing 2/3 hours of ballet classes per week with a youth ballet scheme on top of that. From grade 3 there were at least 2 graded classes timetables per week for each grade, along with unset classes for those students of grade 3 and above who were considered ready. She took her grade 4 ballet at just 10 and had started IF classes alongside it (not en pointe) from c 9.5, so would have had the option to take 2 grade 4 and 2 IF classes plus an unset class per week; however, being a busy child with sports and music etc she didn't go to all of those classes (nor would I have wanted her to do so). BUT that was at a school which offers mainly ballet, with contemporary for older students c 12 years and up plus Pilates classes and guest jazz teachers often giving classes. I would work out which classes are available and when they take place, then sit down with your dancer and explain the options. At 9 no decision - even if it turns out to be the wrong one - is irreversible and as long as they are enjoying their dancing then they are doing the right thing. If ballet was the only passion in terms of dance, then that should be prioritised as far as possible as high quality training from an early age is required - but as it is more generally dance which is the passion, follow the heart as far as possible re cost, timetabling and practicalities of travel etc.

Dans-Ez D911 is a very flattering camisole leotard with high cut legs and an adjustable neckline so it can be plain or gathered. Not sure if it is available in colours other than black or purple though? It has served DD well as an exam leotard and audition leotard as it isn't too low at the back and the high cut is at the hip bones so it doesn't look overly high-cut in a 1980s Jamie Lee Curtis fashion....

DD agrees that at every summer school or course the students help each other with their buns. Don't worry jenesaisquoi, even if Balletmum1704's DD isn't around there will be other willing helpers for your DD. I hope she enjoys every minute!

Drives me mad, Alison, so I'm glad I missed it!

I agree Colman. Actually it irritates me that I too would plead ignorance - if you aren't actually there on the seat/lounger then your towel/bag, whatever, is not in need of its own seat/lounger whereas I am - but sadly it's best not to antagonise strangers, as we know...

I agree that it is a lovely and I think overdue way to be more inclusive for those who may not be able to behave as most theatregoers do. And dare I say that it may be less distracting in a ballet performance (well done BRB!) than it would be in a spoken or sung performance.

If money is a factor, then perhaps what appears to be an overly excessive salary for Ms Rojo should be pruned. Yes, she is still dancing but not as far as I know choreographing - and yet her salary, as AD of a company apparently known not to pay its dancers well, is huge. I don't believe that the disparity between her salary and that of Kevin O'Hare at the RB, where there seems to be a conspicuous contrast with the mass exodus at ENB, can be reasonably explained.

Rhys Yeomans has just graduated from ENBS and has a contract with ENB.

Sheila at Just Ballet will probably be able to advise you re an alternative source?

This sounds wonderful! What are the dates please?

Centrepointe in Manchester might be worth a look too.

We were told that pain in the heels during a growth spurt was caused by Severs disease - but as usual it's because of the disparity in length of muscles/bones due to the sudden growth. Wishing your son not many more episodes of heel pain along with the Bambi look!

It may have been ok if you had asked your son to wear the shoes around the house while still slightly damp with thick socks over the top - that seems to stretch them back to the original size (or did with satin shoes anyway). I washed a couple of pairs of DD's satin shoes and they were ok fit-wise when she did this. You sometimes need to roughen the suede soles after washing.

This is terribly sad news. He touched so many people during his short life. Rest in peace, Bradley.

Just Ballet! Their online service is amazing and the shop itself is in Wisbech.

Dancingmummy, do the school know what an achievement this is? I know that DD's primary school was accustomed to girls winning medals and trophies at dance festivals and never made too much of their achievements, especially as they seemed to be bringing in medals after every weekend. If they don't appreciate the competition for JA places and just what an honour it is to be selected for RBS training, they won't realise how amazingly well your DD has done. It is akin to being selected for county sports teams or youth orchestras etc. If if I were you I would write a short paragraph detailing the competition for JA places and take it in to give to the headteacher for inclusion in the end of term newsletter and ask that your DD is also congratulated in assembly if that is what happens with sporting or musical achievements.

How lovely to have the Ninette de Valois Choreography award-winning work on show! Is Skya Powney a relative of Christopher Powney?