InvitationtoDance

Anna does a wonderful class and she has a very good eye. Zina, I feel that I recommend avoiding her classes - particularly younger dancers.

It may be slightly different as I am male, but I joined Central first year as a 24 year old. I had barely any training but they obviously saw something in me, which goes some way to show that it's more about what they think they can achieve with an individual over the course of three years.

Hi. For those of you who may be interested, here's a full list of teachers for Invitation to Dance summer school 2012: Ballet - Christopher Hinton-Lewis (Northern Ballet), Bethany Elliott (New Adventures, teacher on Laban CAT), Diarmaid O'Meara (National Ballet of Ireland, teacher on Laban CAT) Contemporary - Jack Jones (New Adventures) Creative - Jo Meredith (choreographer for National Youth Ballet) For further information please visit www.invitationtodance.org.uk

Hi! Yes, it's the first week of the Olympics - what can I say, we (and the dancers and parents who've applied) have faith in TFL. The two closest stations, Old Street and Shoreditch High St haven't been earmarked as busy stations so we reckon all will be well. Plus for those with little interest in sport it will be some welcome escapism :-)

Thanks Aileen, we'll be letting everyone know how this years course goes and we're already planning next years!

On the website it does say that it is aimed at dancers 13-18. We decided against having rigid minimum entry requirements as the classes will be streamed and we both know talented young dancers who work outside of recognised syllabus. Applications are encouraged from dancers of all backgrounds and experience levels and classes will be tailored so all dancers can be pushed at a rate appropriate to them.

I think such a small age discrepancy would be overlooked. You can get an application form by emailing invitationtodancelondon@gmail.com or pm me on here with your details.

Bloch definitely do them in large sizes. Gaynor Minden do them also, but they're not the best choice if you're doing pointe exercises for strengthening.

Launching this July/August at ISTD2 studios London, Invitation to Dance is an exciting new venture, aimed at dancers aged 13-18. Find out more at www.invitationtodance.org.uk

Our website is finally live. Both organisers are ballet teachers on the Laban CAT scheme! Visit www.invitationtodance.org.uk to find out more.

I would say if your dd doesn't normally do a warm-up, there's no reason to do one on audition day - adding something new could throw her off her stride. Dancers, like athletes, have a tendency to use the warm-up area to mark their territory and it can be intimidating at all levels.

This summer (30 July - 3 August) Invitation to Dance Summer school will run at the ISTD2 studios in Old Street. The focus will be classical ballet with additional classes in repertoire (solo and group), contemporary and creative workshops - taught by working professionals Bethany Elliott (ex-Matthew Bourne), Christopher Hinton-Lewis (Northern Ballet, ex-Royal New Zealand Ballet), Diarmaid O'Meara (National Ballet of Ireland). The focus of the week long intensive course will be dancing and will culminate in an informal performance for freinds and family. For more information, ask us questions here, or check out www.invitationtodance.org.uk in the next few days (it is currently under construction).