Nana Lily

Same here Regattah! All the youtube clips come up with the same variation, but not sure its the correct one 'Theme Slave Varie 3rd Variation'? Did find one of Osipova with different music.

Thanks Lildancer 96, so good to hear your DD enjoyed it.

The opportunity to dance a variation and or own solo with an audience, so performance experience, and the opportunity to take an on open class. The lucky winner will have an award of £1000 towards further training. If we lived in London or had a relatively easy commute it would be a much easier decision.

Does anyone have any experience of either a DC taking part or have any of you folks out there been to watch this RAD event. DD gained a distinction in Adv1 and we are considering entering her (she and I). Hesitant for two reasons;First pressure of time with GCSE's, sixth form auditions and the preparation time, travel etc involved and second, the cost; its £72 to enter, plus you have to join the RAD, then for us there would be train, hotels and food while away, so it will cost several hundred pounds. This year they have added in an additional solo; the 'dancers own'. I am unclear if this replaces the set variation, its an additional option or they have to do both, its not too clear on the information so I have emailed the RAD. Any insights appreciated. NL

Oh and arrive as early as possible as the queues are long to get in. They also do a warm up class early on the morning which last year you didn't have to book, but we didn't find put Bput it until too late.

Take ear plugs celb . See sonata leotards will be there again wit the same offer. My DD's love theirs, they have been a favourite for SS, workshops and auditions. Cotton Lycra ones are lovely, beautifully cut. Your DD would be the petite. Enjoy it's got to be done once x

Congratulations to your DD!

My younger DD tried Gaynor Mindens during the summer term last year. They looked beautiful and she was fine with them for a few weeks. She had two pairs as she had her summer show at vocational school and a summer school immediately after the end of term. The shanks were fine, but the box broke down completely, and she lost all support in the box and feet 'fished' out of them. So sort of opposite to what happens in traditional pointe shoes. have nor accepted that if you are doing a lot of pointe work you get through a lot of shoes, so find a shoe that does what you need for your feet and be prepared to spend money

"I'm interested to know what a female student at a UK vocational school can do by the end of Year 11. For example, would she be expected to be able to perform full variations from the big classics? " At Elmhurst each November they do a Solo's competition for years 11, 6.1 and 6.2, 6.3. So yes year 11's are expected to perform a classical variation. At the old YBDY year 10's were eligible to enter and several friends with children at White Lodge did get to semi finals and finals performing the classical variations My eldest DD at Hammond also learns the classical variations and we were treated to a lovely demonstration of her class in groups of three wearing tutu skirts doing the Blue bird variation when she was in year 10, it was work in progress, but really enjoyable to watch. I can't comment on Tring, but I am sure one of the other posters with a child there will be able to confirm.

At my daughters vocational school they do learn Italian fouettés and the girls really enjoy having a go and trying to perfect then. We were recently privileged to see a showcase of all the school years, year 7 to 6.3 in upper school where each year group gave a short class display. One of the ladies classes did demonstrate Italian fouettes I think they were an upper school class and they were splendid. They do learn to do them at a younger age though in this vocational school. Edited for typos as usual

Does anyone know the name of the contemporary or neo Classical variation the gold group did, my DDs missed the name snd didn't like to ask! Thanks

Sorry not to be seeing you there tomorrow celb. Maybe they are going an Easter course? That may fit better with your DD's schedule?

See some of you tomorrow. Hoping those on the wait list had some good news x

How lovely Tulip, my younger DD's class learnt a variation from Birthday Offering (though not en pointe) last year and it was delightful. I looked on YouTube but wasn't able to find it, though there is a clip using the music to some photos. Looks like your DD's mission to find a variation which isn't so well known has been accomplished! Good luck to her.

Merry Christmas to all! Wonderfully happy holidays with your dancing children and best wishes for 2015 x

My DD's Grishko Novas are breaking down on the shank behind the box. The last 3 pairs have done this. She has two pairs which she alternates, but is at vocation and school and doing a lot en pointe so realise her shoes won't last as long, but haven't experienced this previously. The the amount of pointe work has risen considerably. When this happens she loses support in the box, toes curl and bruised big toe nails result, any insights welcomed, though probably need to budget for more shoes. She is going to have a session with her fitter to look at alternatives. NL

Going back to the original question though .... Do festival results and/or exam results have any bearing on the original question? Physicality, facility and performance together with hard work and determination surely ido as well a jolly big dose of good luck, a positive outlook and supportive patents/guardians. Festivals and exams whilst indicative are a snapshot in time on the day, as are some of the auditions.

Balletmum20 you may need to add in cost of accommodation unless your DD can be a day pupil. Some children stay with host families others in their boarding if there is room. Others on the forum will be able to advise. NL

Two students from Elmhurst. A male and female announced in our newsletter. Edited for typo on my phone!

That's fab news Mrs G! Well done to your DS. X

Sugarplumsmum, have you spoken to Tring about your situation, no one can expect you to pay this amount out of your income, the money just isn't there. Do they have a hardship fund? Can they move your DD to an MDS? Do speak to them and keep persevering. As other posters have advised with the cost of boarding at Tring, look at staying with a host family, this will work out much less expensive. Good luck

Best wishes for tomorrow x

Congratulations to your DD Regattah! Good luck for those with no's for future auditions x

Well done to your DD Miracle x

Do let us know how she gets on Miracle. Best wishes to your DD