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drdance

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  1. drdance
    Scary world indeed. Many times we have all agreed in discussions here that a good dancer does not make a good teacher, however in the current world of social media celebrity there are people out there promoting poor (and indeed dangerous) practice to young dancers who put these people on pedestals. This makes me incredibly angry and frustrated. Having said that, sometimes a young and enthusiastic teacher just needs a bit of guidance into how to direct their enthusiasm into a class for impressionable young people. This teacher may be trying to build resilience in the students; they may have felt like the students weren't dancing full out, or giving 100% and their (naive, IMHO) way of trying to get them to dance full out when tired is to say something like "you have to work hard as a dancer, the industry is tough, I had to dance with an injury once". The plank competition has good intentions, again this is something I do with students to develop strength and mental toughness, but 2 minutes is plenty.
  2. drdance
    I heard a doctor say something (albeit on a tv programme regarding a different condition) recently which resonated with me - "if this worked, doctors would be prescribing it on the NHS in droves". I know we are all looking for solutions to help our young dancers especially those with injuries but conditions such as Osgoodschlatters and Severs need time, and the right combination of good physiotherapy and modified activity.
  3. drdance
    I haven’t heard from my young lad either - Birmingham boys audition.
  4. drdance
    Me too!! One boy sent - with feet to DIE for!!
  5. drdance
    Thank you both for your courage in sharing, and please give your daughter a big hug from me. The current statistics are that 1 in 4 people will suffer a mental health issue but I fear that it is more like 1 in 3 or even 1 in 2 in today’s young people. The dance healthcare world is still years behind sports healthcare but I believe that in the area of mental health, it needs to catch up even more, and it needs to do so quickly. The psychological demands on young dancers are unnecessarily vast with many teachers, directors etc still favouring an unsupportive, highly critical approach based around some archaic idea that “it’s preparation for the industry”... add to this the pressures that today’s young people face from things like social media blasting them with constant images of “perfection” and it must be a tough time to be a young dancer. I believe that Dance teachers, choreographers, directors etc have a responsibility to keep those in their classes, rehearsals etc safe and healthy and it saddens me to hear of situations where this doesn’t occur. Anyway, I shall get off my soapbox for now! I hope your beautiful daughter gets the long term help and treatment that she needs, and I wish you both well xxxxx
  6. drdance
    Thank you so much for your feedback! You were a pleasure to teach - I know you will work hard on all the exercises etc and I look forward to seeing how much you’ve improved! Make sure you take some “before” photos/videos so you can compare your progress over the next few weeks!
  7. drdance
    Correct - although only one free enchainement, in the allegro section. ISTD (imperial) has more free enchainements dotted throughout although less than in the grades of my memory serves me correctly!
  8. drdance
    Slightly fewer exercises in RAD but the exercises themselves are longer. Difficulty is similar I think although it’s been a long time since I did taught the ISTD. Regular flats might be worn in class but for the RAD exam it’s soft blocks.
  9. drdance
    It could boost her confidence if she repeats, as she could be someone the other (new) students look up to or go to for advice.
  10. drdance
    Hi Hoglett, These days meniscus injuries, especially in young and fit people, do heal themselves although quadriceps and glute strengthening exercises will most likely be in order to help to offload the joint. Surgery used to be the go-to treatment for these, and still is in urgent cases, but it's considered better to take time to strengthen the affected area and let the body do it's own thing. Surgery may be discussed if the knee is locking.
  11. drdance
    Hi, it’s usually the first Sunday. Hope that helps!
  12. drdance
    Thanks! He seemed to enjoy it from what I’ve heard!
  13. drdance
    I have a young lad from my Warwick school attending tomorrow’s JA audition and I’m nervous / excited for him! He’s got a great physique but is perhaps a little tall. He’s very nervous so I hope his personality shines as he’s great when he’s comfortable!
  14. drdance
    To me alignment is also about having the body facing the right direction. So if a dancer is facing the front doing a tendu to the front/side/back, their shoulders and hips should be facing the front not twisting at all. If a dancer is doing any kind of arabesque, both their shoulders and hips should face the same direction. Children struggle with alignment especially facing off-centre, or 'the corner' as they can't rely on the walls of the room as points of reference.
  15. drdance
    Hi everyone, I hope the mods don't mind me posting this but having had quite a few requests for private coaching/'physio' assessments etc I am doing two days of sessions in May half term, in Warwick. Sessions can be used to work on specific movements (eg pirouettes or leaps), to work on ballet technique, for strength & conditioning or for injury rehabilitation. I can also offer pre-audition assessments with some take-home help on how to work on weaknesses. Sessions can be shared by up to 3 students but can only be booked by 1 person. Sessions are booked on a first-come, first-served basis but if the session you want is booked you can add your name to a waiting list. To book go to https://goteamup.com/p/1110966-warwick-school-of-dance/ Select “private coaching sessions” or go to the calendar/schedule and select your preferred date.
  16. drdance
    Something to remember regarding floors and injury - lots of research has been done in this area and the general concensus is that it is not the type of the floor that causes injury, nor is it necessarily technique (heels on/off) although knee alignment on landing is something to consider. It is the change of floor that is the most frequent cause of injury. Consider Indian dancers who repeatedly do flat footed steps/stamps, in bare feet, on very solid floors but suffer fewer injuries. Also a floor that is too sprung can be challenging in terms of energy recoil (or lack of it).
  17. drdance
    I'm glad the surgery went well. Wishing your DD all the best for her recovery and rehab.
  18. drdance
    What I meant with this (about other dancers seeing this) was more to do with the other children at that dance school - if their teacher heaps praise and rewards onto those who attend the most classes, or they win prizes etc then the other children at the school will think that they too must do the maximum number of classes
  19. drdance
    This topic makes my blood boil a little! However, yes, do exercise caution especially with social media! If you know the child in question that is different. I am not surprised by this though. Some teachers are incredibly competitive and will 'hot house' children. A lot of these children seem to love every minute of it, especially if their parents and teachers reward this commitment with praise, and then they get external validation with competition wins, "ambassador" roles (the latest fashion, it seems) and more. Other students see this and think that they too must do all this to win, or to be successful. In a large school, only the best, most committed dancers will get chosen for competition groups, performance opportunities etc so kids and parents do feel backed into a corner. I do also fear these types of schools may well be the type of school where kids must work through injury, pain or illness for fear of being sidelined. It goes against all safe dance practice guidance and is a sure-fire route to injury or burnout. It's tantamount to abuse - either physical or emotional - but who is to police it?
  20. drdance
    Where abouts in Essex? Graham School of Dance is on the Herts/Essex border and is excellent
  21. drdance
    For what it's worth (if anything!) I teach students to put their heels together in 1st. Dealing with swaybacks is a lot more complicated than just having bent or straight knees. Weight placement is affected, and having a gap between the heels encourages dancers to have their weight back, not only in their heels but potentially behind their heels. Personally I teach dancers to have their weight towards the ball of the foot - dancers who do this find it physically impossible to 'lock back' or 'sit' in their swaybacks so it doesn't really even need mentioning. The teaching cues I use, especially with younger students, are more about weight placement.
  22. drdance
    The performance marks in RAD exams are examined under factors such as "communication, expression, interpretation and projection". The tip of an imaginary audience is one I use with my students, but don't forget to include the examiner in that audience from time to time. Also, things like having 'an important face' for certain exercises, not just a big smile. Ask your DD to think about what the music/movements make her feel like, try to come up with imaginary stories or situations for each exercise which may help with interpretation and expression.
  23. drdance
    I believe that EVERYONE should be able to do a ballet pirouette with the right teaching. There are lots of fantastic teachers out there who aren't quite so prolific in their commercialism and social media presence! Having studied with several teachers who 'claim' to be experts in pirouettes, I was surprised to see that I use a lot of the tips and tricks with my own students, including those at MIDAS (and have done for many years). I'm not saying don't go to those workshops, but you might be better off spending the same amount of money on a private lesson with a less famous, but equally expert teacher (such as a teacher at DD's school if that's possible).
  24. drdance
    Hi everyone, A reminder for those of you still looking for additional training for young dancers - the closing date for MIDAS applications is April 30th. There are no photo requirements, just complete the online application form. For those parents that don't know - MIDAS is a supplementary training programme (these types of programmes are commonly known as 'associates') which has an equal emphasis on technique, artistry and fitness-for-dance. Successful applicants attend classes every month in Birmingham. The programme is especially suitable for those that are all-round dancers, that may not fit the traditional 'classical ballet' type but who work 'smart' and want to pursue a career in dance. The training that students receive in class is founded upon scientific and pedagogic research, and by the principles of safe dance practice - students often encounter class structures and teaching methods that are new to them. A large number of the teachers and coaches have recent education or training in Dance Medicine and Science. There are parents of current students on this forum, so you may be able to get a parent's perspective from them. If you have any other questions please do not hesitate to email director@midas-dance.org.uk, comment below or visit the website.
  25. drdance
    Oh taxi4ballet that is awful - I’m so sorry to hear that. It must be so hard to be a parent some times, and much harder when those who we are supposed to trust fail us. I hope your DD is doing well xxx
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