Huddsballetmum

Fantastic news and what a fabulous opportunity for your DS.

We would love a dog too meadowblythe but are in the same boat working all the time. My DD nags for a dog but with work, college and dancing it would be far too cruel.

My DD has competed for 12 years and we avoided Greek and National like the plague for 2 reasons 1. In my opinion they are like watching paint dry (though I have sat through some nice Irish Jigs) 2. The costumes tend to end up costing a fortune - particularly for National. 3. My DD ended up doing Ballet, Tap, Song & Dance, Character and Modern Solo's, plus duets and trios and 9 dances per festival was enough. We started festival with one dance aged 5 and ended up the with the above 9 dances aged 13. When she started on the CAT scheme this reduced dramatically and she now does 2 group dances only at age nearly 17. Just enjoy the experience and be very aware there are some very nice dance mums and some not so nice ones. Festival is to be enjoyed but not taken too seriously unless you are competing in Genee or suchlike. BTW I have never researched an adjudicator ever. They have their own opinions of what should get placed and all you can do is your best.

My dd has high arches and found demi pointe very easy and she has freed professionals - absolutely loves them as they suit her foot shape and she finds that they support her feet really well. We have tried Bloch, GM's and Freed but she won't have anything other than the Freed now. However, that said, each dancer will have their own preference even if they have similar shaped feet. A good fitter with a wide range of choice is the best bet. If you are in the North of England then I can recommend Planet Dance in Batley. They have lots of makes in stock and they take the time to ensure the shoes are right before you leave the shop, each fitting is booked for at least an hour. We can highly recommend them.

I thought you might all like the latest government info on DADA awards. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/dance-and-drama-awards-income-scales/aaaaa

So glad for your DD and what fantastic news. It's wonderful to have so much choice.

Fab news! Hope he get's to go exactly where he wants. Laine is a fab school and I know a number of students who left in the last 3 years who have all been working non stop.

I've always used superglue without any issues. No particular brand of superglue required.

I remember falling asleep in B section ballet ( 7-8 year olds). There were 26 in the section and my dd was number 23. Missed her performance completely which was a shame as she was placed 1st! I love ballet but at that age it's pretty boring to watch.

Done by my DD with my permission

I used to assist backstage at our local dancing school annual show and have mistaken another child for my daughter on a number of occassions when they were in the same room. They looked similar and in costume with hair & makeup identical they were impossible to tell apart from behind. Oh well - the kids found it funny!

I have had glandular fever and it is a horrid illness so my heart goes out to your daughter. Recovery is very slow and any exertion can allow the symptoms to reoccur. I was ill with symptoms for about a month, but it was three months after that before I was fit enough to do any strenuous activity. I would say recovery is between 2 and 6 months for most people, however some people develop longer term health problems from it. I do have to say that 30 years on and my glands swell every time I get a cold or any viral infection.

Premier Inn at Covent Garden is only £69 for a double room. I've stayed there before and it is well worth the money.

I know that this might sound a little harsh but I do think you need a healthy dose of realism injected into your dreams. There are very few who get into RBS and many of them have been training since a young age. It's also very tough to get into the other vocational schools as I am sure you will see if you look at other threads on this site. It's very hard to get a dance contract, whatever dance type, but especially classical ballet. That's the tough bit .... Your parents love you and want the best for you, and probably see the challenges you will face in becoming a dancer. However it is your dream and we should encourage our children's dreams. Maybe the best thing is to look at all forms of dance, not just classical ballet as you may be surprised in what you discover. My dd was set on being a classical ballerina until she was introduced to contemporary whilst studying at York Scholars (a classical associate programme). She fell in love with the style and the freedom, at about your age, and is now in her 3rd Year on the CAT programme at NSCD. Admittedly she had been training in ballet from the age of 3 and she had also come to the realisation that classical ballet careers are few and far between. Whatever happens I wish you all the best of luck in whatever you choose to do.

Such a shame. My dd loved her time there and has friends that still attend.

I remember the first time I saw Elephant Man. I cried practically all the way through. He gave such a fabulous portrayal of a very brave and lonely man. The acting world will definitely miss John Hurt.

HNC, HND and Degree courses are all funded by Student Finance England provided they are a recognised qualification with either an awarding body or and awarding institution. HE funding does give the opportunity for a maintenance loan, however dependent on you income it could be as little as £2800 and all has to be paid back once the student is earning £25k or more, though the interests rates are good.

Hello Sarah and welcome to the forum.

This horrid cold virus that is doing the rounds at the minute. I am on my second bout this winter and I don't normally get ill. Currently wrapped up in bed coughing & spluttering and thinking about all the stuff piling up at work that I really need to do but am not fit enough to go. Dosed up to the eyeballs with my favourite ecinachea and flu remedies. I never get ill so I am not a patient patient!!

I used to go to Uni with a girl who could only eat things if they were burned as her mother had burnt everything all her life. It was strange but she seemed happy if we left her food in the over until it became charcoal. I suppose it's what you are used to.

I watched this last night Jacqueline and thought much the same. I had been looking forward to the programme but by the end of part one was very disappointed. The book is much better and the characters are much more likeable in the book.

It looks nice, but I don't understand why anyone would pay to complete an Extended diploma in either performing arts or dance when they can get it from their local FE college for free if they are 16-18 or 19-23 and it's their first level 3 qual, plus there is the option of an advanced learning loan for all learners aged 19+ which you don't pay back until you are earning more than £21k. I wish them good luck, but think that they will struggle to recruit sufficient numbers for a comprehensive course.

Laughter - definitely the best medicine! Yesterday was officially "blue Monday" and boy did it feel like it until last night. Driving home from dance class (where else would I be going) with my DD we got a fit of the giggles over something silly and ended up laughing all the way home from Leeds (40 min drive). It was such a pick me up after a tough day and reminded me that the simple things in life, spending fun time with a loved one, are absolutely the best. Therefore I wish you all a day of laughter and happiness

Congratulations to your DD Katymac, and thank you for sharing the performance. I watched it live at move it 2 years ago and it was lovely to see it again.

I agree completely. We have often had differences of opinion but the tone of this thread is very concerning and I think it should be closed too.