Anon2

That is why we have to hope Elena Baltacha academy has an impact. Her death at such a young age was tragic but her husband continues to work so hard to promote tennis through the academy.

First raspberries from garden!

My thoughts exactly and surprised she didn't check you had the strength through your feet before letting you en pointe. Strengthening before starting will avoid injury and becoming disillusioned.

Once your toes have healed, after seeing the podiatrist, I would plan a visit to a number of fitters armed with your current shoes and padding. There are so many brands, makes and styles available that you should find something that is right for you. Of course the GM might be perfect when toes are pain free.

Were your shoes fitted with both big toe protectors and ouch pouches? You say you can't manage 10 minutes en pointe without padding but if you can get same shoes on with padding I'm thinking your foot is moving in box without padding which will be painful. Try to find a podiatrist with an interest in ballet. They will be able to advice you on foot care too.

2 weeks ago we booked Ibis London City for less than £75 per night for the last weekend this July. No breakfast and know it will be basic but easy walk from Liverpool Street station which is few tube stops from Holborn. Tune hotels at both Kings Cross and Spitalfields, basic and clean. Both stayed in recently for less than £80/night for two. Both of these often have promotions as do other chains. London like all the European cities is expensive but often pay less here than on mainland Europe for a similar hotel. As mentioned during the summer university halls are available and quality varies. Imperial College has been good. Might be that the prices are high to catch the very early bookers. Nearer the time rooms may be more reasonable.

For July 2916?

Sorry can't help with a name but have you tried the search function on Dance UK? Might then be able to cross reference those that are listed.

I think I've only seen reverse frog with raised upper body - will pay more attention in future. Body flat to floor to roll through on box splits ie. with straight legs. I would just get her to work on exercises given by teacher once warmed up. If she thinks it isn't exciting maybe point out to her that stretching is a routine part of ballet lessons at vocational school and the girls tend to be very flexible to start with! At dd school it comes after barre before they move onto centre work.

Please would you pm me your address as I've some you could have.

Mine certainly did grade 4 on a Saturday and grade 5 the next day with the same examiner. She got nearly the same mark for each exam.

Or like most of these things - very uncomfortable!

Any idea what it is called then when you lie on front, raised on elbows, with same leg position? During stretching in class a lot adopt this position and my dd will often lie like this to watch TV or read.

If you can't get diorolyte or similar to rebalance your salts there are some recipes in Nutrition for the Dancer by Zerlina Mastin for hypotonic and isotonic drinks that will help and will be healthier than shop bought sports drinks. Just done a quick Google search and there are recipes online - BBC sport has same recipe but can't post links! Just measure the salt carefully, don't be tempted to put in extra.

Does your local theatre hire out costumes? I know locally to me the Coop Juniors and theatre both rent out costumes.

Did things settle down for your dd Pictures? Hope she is feeling happier.

Anna my thought too. Sounds like the teacher needs to be correcting your daughters position especially if you can see there is a problem with her plié. I can't remember when things are introduced in the grades but thought plies was early? It will be one of first exercises at the barre in the audition. If her pelvis is tilted or tucked this will automatically limit her turn out. Her hips won't be able to go through their full range in the socket. Why not consider a couple of dance physio sessions to assess her range and give advice if she wants to audition for next year.

A few years ago Anjuli did a brilliant post on turn out, explaining it well to a non dancer mother! Might come up if you search the forums. Strength is a big part of maintaining turnout. My dd often loses the strength to hold it on one side if she grows. She then needs to work on it to regain the strength to hold it. Watching a proffesional company class you often see the dancers being prodded by the teacher in the buttock area to 'remind' them to hold their turnout.

Summer schools etc always take publicity shots and you can guarantee your child will be right in the middle if you didn't gain permission! We've always asked, never been refused but normally get reminded about importance of rest and other activities. Hard returning back after a holiday with a dance related injury when you haven't sought permission - doesn't go down well with the dance staff.

At my dd school academics slow down for every school year and they concentrate on rehearsals for summer shows. They usually have a year outing as a treat too. Edited to add year 11 and graduates have their prom to look forward too as well.

Has you dd been offered places on Tring and Elmhurst associates? I agree with being held back with class is frustrating and to get around it we asked if dd could join the grade above to push her. Teacher agreed and dd worked hard to prove herself with older girls. You don't say which area of Cambridgeshire? I understand not wanting to go into Cambridge for lessons but how far would you travel?

On BBC news website there seems to be a major problem with RBS that they are not expecting to sort quickly. Lisa do you need to get to a branch and explain your dilemma?

Lycra clad cyclist with builders bum!

A question aimed at Hfbrew! I saw this yesterday having read about the dancers on the BTUK site beforehand. There were certainly more dancers in the performance than listed - are they BTUK school students or do they take on dancers for specific runs?