Shimmer

Update on the pointe shoe situation: I haven't started using my new Z makers as I'm trying to squeeze as much use out of my faulty V makers as possible. However, I have just had a phone call from Freed saying the two pairs of key makers I ordered are in already despite the estimated delivery being January! I've got pointe shoes coming out of my ears now! Spannerandpony - I hope your DD is getting on ok with her V makers, did you end up ordering any key makers? They may end up appearing earlier than expected!

I went to Freed today and mentioned that my new V maker shoes seem to be going soft on the platforms already. Apparently they are having a problem with that maker and lots of people have complained about their platforms going soft in a matter of days, so maybe they are not a good idea after all! I ordered a couple of pairs of key maker and they gave me some Z maker's to tide me over which seem quite similar. The shop assistant did warn me that the key maker is "getting on a bit" so it will only get harder to get hold of his shoes. Dancing in them seems the easy bit after all this hassle! Edited to mention that the expected delivery date for key maker shoes ordered now is the end of January.

I've had a look at my new shoes and they are by the 'V' maker. They have done well so far and feel very similar to my key maker ones. I'm a 4 XXX so when I go into Freed's tomorrow I might see if they have found any key makers in my size. I hope you manage to get some shoes sorted out

I had the same issue a couple of weeks ago, my key maker Classic Pros were absolutely perfect and when they died I took them to Freed's and asked for the exact same pair only to be told they didn't have any. The pair I got instead seem pretty good so far (been wearing them for a week) but I have left them in my locker and don't remember which maker they were by. I will check in the morning and let you know! What size are your DD's feet? I want to get hold of another key maker pair but if they don't have my size I will get another pair the same as my new ones, I also like to have two on the go.

I understand how you feel, I'm quite a shy and retiring person and I'm learning a solo from Mats Ek's Giselle at the moment. In this version Giselle is a very confident and sexual person and spends a lot of time throwing herself at Albrecht so I'm really struggling with the character. All I can say is don't worry about looking stupid, the classmates I enjoy watching the most are the ones that really throw themselves into the acting side of dance and the ones that are embarrased and look at the floor are actually the ones that look silly. Everyone has given really good advice so don't be afraid and just go for it!

Sansha pink canvas ballet shoes size 8W. I bought these at the weekend, sewed the elastics on then decided that they actually don't fit! They have not been worn and are in the original bag. Will fit UK size 4.5 or so as I'm a 4 and they are too big. Please note that they are a wide fitting. £10 and I will post or can arrange a pick up in London.

Now that my Advanced 1 ballet result has sunk in (I got a merit - no idea how!) I'm getting ready for starting RAD Advanced 2 in September. I don't mind buying things new but as the syllabus is changing soon I thought I would see if anyone has a second-hand syllabus book or DVD floating around that they don't need any more. Thanks Shimmer

I stayed in Halls of Residence belonging to the University of London when I did a summer school a few years ago. It was £35 per night which included breakfast and a cooked dinner and was minutes away from Kings Cross station. They have a few halls in different places across north London, here's the link to their site: http://www.halls.london.ac.uk/visitor/Default.aspx

I've just seen this thread and it's so helpful! I've been struggling with finding decent summer shoes for years so I usually stay in my Victorian-style leather boots plus orthotics for as long as possible then limp around in flat pumps or flip flops which are really uncomfortable. However, I stumbled across these http://www.shoezone.com/Womens-Flat-Heeled-Casual-Shoes/Earth-Spirit-Sporty-Leather-Womens-Shoe-in-Grey/L1905?utm_source=Google-Shopping&utm_medium=Google-Shopping&utm_campaign=Google-Shopping a while ago and they are fantastic. They fit my orthotics and are nice and cool in the hot weather, besides they look much better with summer dresses than boots do! Next step - find a way of stopping the crippling tendonitis that comes from full-time dancing with over-pronation... If anyone invents orthotics that fit in soft blocks I will be eternally grateful!

Hi Pointytoes22 There isn't really an average age, I took Grade Five when I was 14 but was almost 20 when I passed my RAD Intermediate. You might be older than the other girls in your class at your school but may be younger than others at the same level at a different school so don't worry too much A couple of years ago Central School of Ballet had a document on their website detailing 'essential' and 'desirable' criteria for auditionees and they asked for a knowledge of vocabulary at Advanced Foundation level. I have a feeling that when I looked recently they had changed this to Advanced 1. Of course, at the end of the day, vocational schools are looking for potential and talent so exam are to a certain extent completely irrelevant.

I have used both 'proper' soft blocks and de-shanked pointe shoes and they both soften up nicely after lots of wear. The only thing I have discovered is once you have taken away toe pads and removed the shank, pointe shoes are a bit too big, whereas with soft blocks you can buy them just the right size. I find soft blocks much nicer than than soft shoes which is fortunate as my teacher looked at me in my old satin split soles and banned me from ever wearing them again!

A friend of mine lives at a hostel in Victoria called Holland House and there are a large number of Central students living there too. It's very basic and a lot of the rooms are for two or three people sharing but it includes meals and is not too expensive. When I moved to London last year I found a flat through www.spareroom.co.uk and was fortunate enough to end up sharing with a 40-something trader who was absolutely lovely and looked after me. Unfortunately London is a very expensive place to live!