BankruptMum

I have used basic clear wood varnish painted inside the box. Worked well and no staining!

My DD uses the basic wide pointe shoe ribbon and a firelighter - never had an issue with fraying.

I did think requesting a teachers report etc was a little over the top for an initial application form. Shall await the new form with interest.

Do they have to take A levels at Tring or is it optional? Glad to hear they are all settling in well xx

I have used both two and one thread of the crochet yarn depending on how thick it is - the one I have at the moment is a little 'softer' but thicker so only using one. I would normally use two and chain stitch the whole platform - in rows though, I cant manage the circles!! To be honest it doesnt matter how neat it is - best just to get on and have a go. I usually do the running stictch around the outside and start her off with the first row but then my DD can manage the rest. There is no wrong way to be honest, its all about grip not neatness!

Im definitely not ready! JulieW, I can't believe you would go through it again !!

Be interesting to see how the form is updated.

Just to add to the above, I remember Mr Kelly at Elmhust saying that he knew many a 'famous' dancer who didnt have 180 degree turnout etc., many other attributes form the package of a professional dancer. You dont know until you try. Will send you a PM mum in a spin x

My DD is also looking ahead to sixth form auditions - I dont think there is an answer which is why nobody can give you one. Hyper-mobility / ultra flexi is can also be viewed as a weakness as these dancers need so much more strength/control to support their bodies so I dont think being flexible or not can be a completely deciding factor. I am taking the approach of you will never know until you try - good luck, sounds like we will be meeting sometime soon!!

I think the key to a getting the most from an Eisteddfod competition is having a 'well grounded' dancer and parent combination. It depends completely on how the competition is approached. If the importance is placed only on the win then this not only makes failure inevitable for a large percentage of each dance section but they also fail to benefit from the other positive factors which are there to be experienced. A win is fantastic but if errors were still made and perhaps the level of the age group is a little lower than at other competition then is it something to be overly proud of? Sometimes another placing or even a mention on stage can mean even more if its a dance style which is found more difficult or a new dance with choreography which is out of a comfort zone. There are so many other areas which are a great learning experiences and the friendships my daughter has made with dancers across the UK are very important to her. It is lovely to see a group of girls compete on stage very competitively and then sit in the dressing room laughing and chatting together. Children have so few opportunities to be competitive nowadays - its a very realistic approach to dance - not every audience member will appreciate the same dancers qualities - we all walk away from a performance with a difference of opinion. Nobody is wrong just being individuals - adjudicators are just the same. Often they will say "another day it would be a different placing as the standard is very high, its my personal preference". Enjoy the glory whilst it lasts :-) I think the article makes a good point in that having experience performance is vital in promoting confidence, its very different from dancing exceptionally well at the barre. Yes some of these festivals are badly run, have poor facilities, adjudicators have strong 'favorites' and/or a group of 'overly enthusiastic Dance Moms'! Surviving these is part of the challenge ;-)

Checked my DD's and I can hardly get a needle through the satin, not sure what I'm going to do with them :-(

Oh dear, I have a pair of Studios waiting to be darned - she may have to go back to Bloch!!!

Agree completely with the above - its only a social toy rather than an academic tool. My DD survived quite happily with an iPod Touch which she used for skype as well. They are limited to prep in their rooms and have no access to resources after school hours so prep is set allowing for this restriction, lap tops not a requirement. Internet access is also very limited. In fact when she first started laptops weren't even allowed for years for younger years, this is a new items they are now allowing.

I wld recommend john lewis especially for trousers - always done well there for my DD.

My DD has just taken her advanced 1 exam and is 15, I cant believe your poor DD is being held back in this way. Whilst its no bad thing to be in a class with 'beginners' there is always time to thing about posture, strengthening exercises etc., but if she is standing at the side then she isnt taking part in the class you are paying for. Is this the only class she has at this level? Personally I think its time to change schools as it seems your current school isn't meeting your DD's needs.

Well I guess its a positive response. Perhaps your teacher feels if it is different syllabus then your DD would be less likely to think of taking ballet at the other school in future. Don't mention to her that my DD attends two schools deliberately to do ISTD at one and RAD at the other - with consent from both though! Hope your DD enjoys her new classes.

From my recent research on dance training from 16+ if its a degree course or HND style then you can receive the usual Student Finance which 18 year olds are able to claim to cover course costs.

Remember Vocational schools won't care if she doesnt have anything higher than her grade 3 result in her application forms.

Thank you Hairbelles, much appreciated

Is there a standard time across the schools with regards to the length of a solo when it is required in auditions Some I have read say 1 minute, others dont mention it - does anyone remember from past experience? Many thanks,

Yes definitely, not only is it polite its also helps to have all these teachers working together! My DD dances ballet with two different school, has occasional lessons with a third - they all know of each other, all offer a fresh pair of eyes and work towards the same goal. If its because your current teacher doesn't offer that style of dance then I can see no reason why she wouldn't agree to you going to another dance school for extra lessons.

There are so many additional costs related to vocational training, to sustain it for five years is a huge task, wish you the very best of luck.

I did wonder what was going on - thank you for the explanation!

My daughter has never used toe tape but instead I order a real of 'hyper-flex' tape (available in various sizes from Boots which can be cut to fit). Its breathable and soft but provides a barrier against sore patches. It last a long time and useful for general first aid purposes too!

Oh dear, doesnt sound great. I always thought the changing facilities at the Peacock were very cramped and a little unfriendly - good luck to everyone there this week!