Anon2

I would suggest when going for the fitting take convertible tights and the padding you normally wear plus any shoes that you have issues with. Avoid lots of walking before the fittings so plan to get across London and straight into first fitting, expect to take at least an hour in each shop. Expect the fitter to give you 100% attention and not to be distracted by other customers. Also expect them to fully examine your naked foot before suggesting styles. Although you have had problems with certain styles go with a totally open mind, tell them honestly how each shoe feels on your foot but don't go in listing what you think you need to be adapted at this stage. The senior fitters know their stuff and I've been amused when they have picked the first pair off the shelf for dd that she has felt were perfect but then have suggested trying other sizes just incase for her to settle on the first tried on whilst a huge pile of pointe shoes have built up around us. Alison the shops don't hold every style in every size, width and hardness combination but they generally hold enough so they can between different shoes work out what combination will work for you even if they have to order in a shoe. Don't sew ribbons or elastics onto the shoe until your teacher has checked they are correct for your foot. And ask the fitter how you should break the shoes in. Bloch have a couple of different methods depending on shoe. In the past dd used to wear slipper socks over new pointe shoes and wear them around the house, walking on Demi pointe when they were warm enough until she could rise up satisfactorily. Don't buy anything not sure about. If you feel you find perfect shoe in first shop ask them to put them aside for you until you have had other fittings.

Just been rereading through this thread and the advice you have been and one thing that occurs to me is you say you are studying IF but have you got an exam date yet? When my dd was studying IF her teacher was of the opinion that if she had built up the strength in her feet and knew the pointe exercises securely in Demi pointes she could safely leave getting her first pair of shoes until she was entered for the exam. Have you been given strengthening exercises by your teacher or a physio? Have you read The Pointe Shoe book for advice? Maybe this term would be well spent learning the exercises in Demi pointes, strengthening foot exercises and then planning a day in London at half term to have a fitting in every shop. Would also give time for any bruised toe nails to heal as everything will feel uncomfortable if you have the slightest bruise.

What auditions would you be paying for?

Are your feet compressible across the forefoot? if so to get proper support in your pointe shoe you won't need wide shoes. Dd had a problem with some fitters not realising this and once it was identified she felt more secure en pointe plus the end of bruised toe nails for her.

Beckyl I don't think the Freed or Grishko fitters would put you in a shoe that was 'Ok'. I don't dance and never have but have spent many an hour sitting patiently beside my dd as she has tried endless pairs. We left her last Bloch appointment empty handed as they were not interested enough to listen to her needs and look at her feet in the shoes. My experience of Freed shop, Grishko fitter and more recently Dancia have been positive. Can also recommend Dancique in Birmingham who have Merlet and Russian Pointe. Just Ballet get good reviews for their fittings and I believe owner is an adult dancer. Do you think the heel slips off your foot as you are not getting the shank pliable enough to mound to your foot?

If you have a fitting in the Freed shop the fitters will tell you which makers shoes will suit you best in the style most suited to you. There are slight variations in the shoes of same style depending on maker. They will also work out if you need bespoke adjustments to a pair. My dd wore ?pro a few years ago, we had to give a lead time of 4-6 weeks for the recommended maker to get the shoes best suited to her. The Grishko fitter in Brighton is very good, fittings in her house by appointment so no distractions. Edited to add just read Anna post and we are both saying the same really about Freed fittings.

I think we should feel free to post our experiences and make this a balanced forum. I totally agree, the posts haven't been offensive but have pointed out that some of the goings on meant it wasn't right for the posters dc. If we only read positive feedback about workshops and intensives it can be concerning when your own dd then doesn't enjoy the experience for whatever reason. Opes wasn't for my dd either, over the years she has had mixed experiences of summer schools but we accept that what suits some won't others.

I think those are American shoe sizes. Like Pictures I can't see school liking them.

I think if you want dd to wear orthotics inside flatties you need to take them with you to try the shoes on. It isn't going to be easy and I can't imagine comfortable to dance in, how will she manage to go through Demi pointe or fully point her foot? Both my kids wore bespoke orthotics but never wore them in ballet shoes. Instead ballet teacher was aware of their hyper mobility and would explain how they should be using their feet and how to stand, constantly correcting any rolling. As they got older between dance teacher and physio they were given exercises and knowledge to strengthen feet. Both now have strong feet and good arches but older one finds it uncomfortable to walk any distance without orthotics but is very hyper mobile in many joints. The Bloch shoes with the mesh insert have a diamond shaped elastic mesh fabric under the arch, they hug the foot.

Can't offer any advice on the pointe shoes other than take dead shoes with you to next fitting and explain the problems. But it is interesting reading the comments regarding Bloch shop. Few months ago made dd an appointment for a fitting as she wanted to see what they could offer since she last wore Bloch shoes a few years ago. Service was appalling. Despite appointment the assistant started fitting two other girls for pointe shoes at same time as trying to fit dd, only offering dd the styles she had used before and they didn't last more than a couple of hours even though she had explained this to them. We got so frustrated told them it was a waste of time and left. Our recent experiences of Dancia have been positive with an ordered queuing system and undivided attention during the fitting. It wasn't always so in the past. Where are you based? Other members might be able to advise you on good fitters in your area who will take time to assess you.

Are you awaiting results SP? If so good luck too and to all others nervously waiting.

Yes the London one is at Rambert studio not the school. The info I gave is from the Rambert company newsletter email that has details of performances, tour dates, workshops and competitions.

I think this year it was London or Salford for 14 - 17 year olds. Also something at Clwyd theatre earlier in summer. If you join their mailing list you will get up to date info about future courses.

I would be tempted to have a dance Physio assessment. If she is building bulk she is possibly using some muscles more than others so is becoming unbalanced. She is possibly not engaging some muscles correctly and the others are compensating.

Private immunisations are generally around £65 each so it isn't out of kilter. You could cross fingers and hope for herd immunity to protect dd. I'm not going to rely on it though.

Katymac, what about private GP services in Chelmsford?

Birmingham Hippodrome 8th/9th September?

I feel like I'm unique in never having had a problem with Planet Dance. Sometimes Wear Moi leotards have been out of stock but informed and delivery within time limit given.

It is a lovely story. Dance East have long established children's and adult classes for those with additional needs and a performance group (by invitation only from classes) which perform at their shows and other public events.

Phone Dancing Boutique and give them the make and size of a leotard that fits your dd well and they will advise on size. If between sizes order both, keep best fit and return other.

Is your son registered with a GP at university? Can he email them for advice?

I suspect the 3 hours of ballet will have a break in, can't imagine anyone doing a class that long without a break! Why not ask if you can build up to the full day over a number of weeks, sitting and watching some of the classes until you build up stamina?

Especially as one of the stories is about a second year who contracted it. I've a GP appointment next week to ask about this but suspect if out of target group it might be a private immunisation.

I couldn't post the link but the whole article is worth a read.

Public health England's press release yesterday might help you with your chat with GP especially the paragraph below ' if you are planning to go to university or college, you should be vaccinated before the start of the academic term or before leaving home for university or college (ideally 2 weeks in advance). Please make an appointment with your GP as soon as possible when the vaccine is offered' The article is on the home page of Public Health England.