sarahw

There is a really good book on this called Bounce by Matthew Syed- a British table tennis international. Fascinating.

She is delightful to watch and the maturity to even make a stab at the performance is amazing. I guess these kids are like other geniuses (for want of a better word) and they often have socialising issues.... I also think the child has to love it to be trainable in this way. Good luck to her, my dd would die to be like this!

https://www.danceandleisurewear.co.uk/seamless-undergarment-innovative-3-d-shape-control-technology-adults-childrens-sizes.html This is the one although seems expensive at £20. Have had ours for years though- lasts well and stretches- has clear and nude detachable straps. Dd is skinny age 11and is in childs large and had it for 3 years now. She usually wears size 2 leo.

My dd wore a capezio flesh coloured body stocking leo under the rbs white leo which at the time was not lined. I did find it very strange that they chose a leo with such a problem. It wasnt a flattering cut either- quite an achievement in a room of Bambis!! There were various other issues which varied between centres such as whether you HAD to have crossed plaits or whether bun ok. The capezio flesh leo is handy for under festival costumes as well. Dries quickly overnight, nice and soft and not sweaty.

Hi Michelle, I often read this thread and am amazed by the huge mileage you cover to dance. How many hours do you dance a week and how many miles do you cover to do it? The commitment is stunning. .....

I have been pleasantly surprised by the range of body shapes while watching international gymnastics in recent years. I think it has changed from 30 years ago. I agree the eastern bloc girls tend to be tiny but European and USA girls vary. The Americans are often power houses of all heights and look at the British girls who have just won European silver. I guess the fact they don't need to be lifted allows more freedom. The girls at the top of the pairs in acrobatic gym are still tiny.

That is very impressive 2dancersmum, she must've been thrilled!

And the gym coaches probably think the same when the vocational dance schools pass weight comments on already very slim children! !

One advantage of tap is that it really gets timing into their heads. But way off ballet technique otherwise.

Hi all I find the lack of info from auditions worse than the rejection! ! I feel these schools are all on to a good thing as we keep on paying up audition fees!! My personal policy is to let dc carry on auditioning as long as the time and financial commitment doesn't go above the level I can tolerate. .... If it reached the stage where I felt it was damaging in the long run to them I would also stop them. I guess it is a personal decision as we all have such different circumstances. The bottom line is that very few of our DC will make an adequate living from it...

I wonder if maybe a truce could be declared? This thread is potentially very useful especially with the experience of BD19 and others who have been there. I think we are all genuinely trying to help others just sometimes it is hard to see from the other point of view..

Oh dear. My dc is young for the academic year and festivals is one place where that issue didn't occur......

Also should add please stay Dancermum!

Spannerandpony I agree. I find it embarrassing that a new member has been put in this position

Hi all, I think it must vary by area. In the NW all classes cover 2 ages (actual age ) up to F which is 17/18. Big and medium festivals have a separate lyrical section usually up here.

Dramascientist I would be mad as well..... Have a good scream and shout. ....... Your dd is clearly a fab dancer from the other comments made which is a plus point to concentrate on..... She also seems to be strong and sensible enough to see the build comment for what it is- our dc are judged against 'freaks' in terms of build not 'normal'. (My dd is currently a freak so I can say that but it may/will change. ) Enjoy BW....

Yes, the in between sizes is a nightmare. Dc is about to grow out of the sansha and it doesn't come in half sizes as such..... another strange sizing system. I think the canvas look bigger than the satin so may alternate in that way. ... I have become so obsessed with getting the right fit.... looks great when you get it but bloomin hard to get there!!

Hi Snape, I sympathise - dc also has very slim feet with high arch. I have found 2 styles that fit well: Bloch prolite full sole satin ballet in the narrow 'A' fitting. Sheila at Just Ballet has these and supplied quickly. A classic style. Sansha (style 4 tutu) full sole ballet shoe in satin or canvas. Medium fit. They also do split sole I think. I got these from Planet Dance (they are slow at getting stock in). This style fits further onto/up the foot than the Bloch. I think this shows off the high arch best -It's my favourite at the moment- also pretty cheap at under £7. I get both in same size as normal shoe. Hope may be of use to you.

Hi DC has exactly the same issues. They do Pilates and also this dvd from roh shop. http://www.roh.org.uk/products/the-boris-kniaseff-floor-barre-method-dvd-beginnere Hope this helps. Edited to add not sure if link works. Its the Boris Knaiseff floor barre method.

Hi Nutcracker, My observation of my dc and splits is that progress seems to come in fits and starts. There have definitely been stages of no apparent progress - this is in a child, who is naturally very flexible.... DC did find it helpful to stretch after a warm bath or shower. I think it is important to hold each stretch at least 15-30secs rather than doing short bounces. I don't think we know any miraculous stretches I'm afraid. For right/left splits dc does lunges and also lying on back pulling straight leg in towards body. For box splits sitting with legs apart against a wall and pushing in towards the wall. Also, sitting in straddle and bending forwards to get chest on floor. I think you do have to be patient. It can take months....years.... Lastly, flexibility is only one aspect of dancing. DC has a friend who is much less flexible but has made much better progress overall than DC in dancing. .... Good luck!

Hi Pictures, Have sent a PM to you. Sarahw

Hi lovetodance, The Hammond course covered all sorts of dancing- dc very ballet orientated. Last year they did Hammond and Elmhurst- can only do one this year so dc chose Elmhurst. Hammond is much longer though so better in that respect I think. ....

Hi lovetodance My dc did residential last summer when same age as your dd. Loved it- kept very busy dancing and evenings- great care in houses. I would recommend it.

That is fab news- you and dd deserve a happy and injury/illness free decade or two. All the best for the future. My dc is currently recovering from a stress fracture which hopefully is a relatively short recovery period (fingers crossed. ) How you have got through what you've been through I do not know.

Sorry if this is a dumb question but why do they wear socks for contemporary? Thanks