Anna C

I agree Anjuli, but honestly, she became so distressed at the thought of not dancing, and had worked so hard, I didn't have the heart to stop her. I know her nature, and believe me, although every instinct as a Mother told me to keep her in bed, I know she would have beat herself up for months afterwards about it. To let her dance was to me the lesser of two evils. It didn't really "work out" because she only got a Merit in her Inter Foundation, but because of the change in syllabus, if she had missed the exam there was no opportunity to take it at a later date. In her eyes, that would have been two years hard work wasted. Lesson learned though because both times it was Winter, in the run up to Christmas - so teacher and I have agreed no more Winter exams!

I think illness and injury are two different issues and should be treated as such. If my dd had an injury and had been told not to dance - especially by the dance physio - I would ensure that she didn't dance. However, she has danced twice while really being too ill to do so - 2 days before EYB last time she came down with tonsilitis so I kept having to meet her at the stage door to dose her with painkillers and antibiotics. At Christmas she was due to take her Inter Foundation and was on course for a Distinction. Five days before the exam she became very ill with a raging temperature but nothing was showing up so we thought it was viral. Turned out she had an ear and chest infection and had perforated her eardrum! Both times I said that she should really stay in bed - no chance. I'd literally have had to tie her to the bed to stop dancing. In the end I decided she'd be less distressed if I just let her dance. So injured and ordered off dance by the physio - it's a no-no. But I think sometimes if an ill child insists on dancing, it's very difficult to stop them!

If I may add my tuppence worth, the issue of Julianne - who is an adult and a professional dancer - choosing for herself to dance with an injury, is entirely her perogative. She is old and experienced enough to know her own body, so that is entirely up to her. With regards to "the girl at Dartford" being made to dance whilst in pain, we don't know the circumstances so shouldn't discuss it. At EYB, you audition; if accepted you pay your fee (and they give you the option to pay in instalments, thank goodness!) and then - usually around 2 months AFTER you've paid in full, you have casting day. So we can probably safely say that whatever reason the girls had for pulling out after casting day, it wouldn't have been financial.

Aha - yes. When you click "multiquote" on the posts you wish to quote, a little button appears (bottom right for me) which reads "Reply to X quoted posts". You have to click there to get the multi quotes. Hope that makes sense!

Should do!

I love reading Dominic's newsletters; thanks for posting Julie. :-)

Goodness me; I agree - IMO those costumes are HIDEOUS!

Mine was Swan Lake in 1974 or 75. I'm pretty sure it was at the Royal Festival Hall, so it could have been London Festival Ballet. My only recollection of it is the foyer, and a very dark stage with a lot of swans. I remember loving the music though. Dd's first one was the Gerald Scarfe designed ENB Nutcracker when she was 3. We had front row dress circle seats but she sat on my lap and didn't move a muscle for the whole ballet. The only time she fidgeted was in the interval (which was "boring"). I know a lot of people disliked that production but she absolutely loved it! :-)

Tell her not to be. :-) if the auditions are anything like they were when my dd auditioned, it's a lovely experience. That was a few years ago now though! However, I do know Mary Schon who runs the scheme, and she's absolutely lovely. If she is running auditions she makes everyone feel very welcome and at ease.

My dd always used to have to be lifted up to put the fairy on the Christmas tree. Obviously she's a bit long legged to be lifted up at 13 so last Christmas she put her pointe shoes on and went up en pointe to do it. :-)

Now, is this for the actual Tring Park Associates - i.e. the mostly syllabus classes, or the CBA?

JaSm, when you press "quote", in the reply box you'll see what the other person typed, followed by square brackets with "/quote" in. if you make sure you do your typing AFTER those brackets, you should be fine. :-)

No, I think you're right. :-(

Personally, who I see in title roles is often an accident, given that I have to book for dates that fit in with: My husband's shifts My dd's dancing My ability to get seats suitable for my disability So often, it's pot luck who will be dancing! That said, we were particularly lucky to get seats for Nunez and Acosta dancing in La Fille - but as that was the only night we could do, it was a real bonus to get Marianela, who, for me, is the definitive Lise. With ENB I often have to book before casting is announced, but I'm happy to see any ENB dancers. :-)

I agree Regattah! I wish they'd do these broadcasts on a Saturday evening or Sunday afternoon. My dd dances 5 days a week and would be too late in bed on a Thursday. :-(

Thanks Dave. If anyone finds them, could you post a link? Yuhui's one of my favourite dancers. :-)

Really difficult for children at Vocational schools, thinking about it. We weren't allowed to have PDAs in school when I was at school, but we still managed to do so in quiet corners of the field, or walking home! And then obviously we could go out on Friday nights when we were older. Dd goes to an all-girls school, so apparently the older girls meet up with boys on the walk home. Not an opportunity that children at Vocational school get though! :-( Loving your "Victorian Dad" issue, Pups_Mum! I predict exactly the same behaviour from my husband in a couple of years' time. He's already mentioned that he'll be taking fingerprints at the front door (and I don't think he was joking!!). :-)

Not something that has arisen with my dd - yet! - but when it happens I don't think it will be something that we would want to put a stop to completely. It's surely a natural progression for teenagers to start having boyfriends/girlfriends. I agree that focussing on studies and dance is very important, but at the same time, IMO, learning how to form and deal with relationships is also an important part of growing up. Perhaps we should look at it in terms of juggling and prioritising? :-)

Lemongirl, both my dd's ribbons slant upwards from the heel. I leave the inside ribbons longer. I'd suggest pinning them and getting your dd to try the shoes on and do the ribbons up before you sew them if you're unsure.

Is it an open day?

Oh Gawd, yes. I can't bear those nude vests and knickers that Wayne McGregor loves so much. :-/. Even a normal ballet leotard worn in class looks nicer and is more feminine! Ugh. :-/

My dh gets awful mouth ulcers when he's run down. The best remedy he's found is a Boots' own mouth ulcer treatment which you dab on and it creates a seal over the ulcer. Works wonders, apparently. :-)

Very glad that there are no underlying health problems. :-)) My dd has "proper" porridge (as opposed to Ready Brek) for breakfast on "dancing days" and cereal on non-dancing days, but her cereal is now Jordans strawberry or raspberry crunch instead of Weetos, which she used to eat. As the Jordans is oat based it gives her a nice steady release of energy. So for non egg eating dks, there are still cereals that are fine for dancers. :-)

Due to your correct English use of the word "bum", I'm guessing you know why it makes me snigger when Americans use the word "Fanny Pack" within earshot of an English person? :-))

Oooh yes, I forgot WearMoi (.com as opposed to .co.uk); their leotards are gorgeous!