Thecatsmother

So sorry to hear that. She may want to look into Liza Howell's new injury program as it gives lots of info of what you can do even when a foot is immobilised to get you back to dancing stronger post injury. I have it and have started to use it whilst on crutches.

Sometimes what can appear less to an untrained eye is in fact more. Basic classes are of value to all dancers at different points in their dance career. If we are talking at adult level, there is no need for it to be a competition with others. It is more about enjoyment and achievable personal goals plus those magic moments where it is almost like time stops and you become one with the music/movement. It's almost like an altered state of consciousness but once experienced it is never forgotten.

I guess this is a tricky question to answer and I do agree that it is something which it is hard to make a hard and fast judgement upon. All teachers have different styles and thoughts around the issue. I do agree that if there is limited class availability then it is usually the case that a teacher will adapt exercises to meet the needs of the class members. Perhaps in the absence of more concrete descriptions, which I do agree could be improved, it is useful to ask the question- how do I know if I am doing a class that most meets my learning needs. Some things that come to mind when I think about it from a dancer and teacher perspective are:- -Do I feel I have a good grounding in the basic building blocks of ballet such as arm positions, feet positions, use of turnout, awareness around the importance of use of feet. -if so, can I begin to critique my own strengths and weaknesses? -Am I finding I get lost with more complex combinations? -Am I ensuring I get a balance of good basic technique and sense of movement within classes? I guess different people need different things at different times as well such as when returning after a break, injury, prior to performances etc. This is perhaps where part of the problem lies as some may be in a class which to some looks too easy for them but they may be working harder than it appears if trying to focus and strengthen specific aspects of their technique. Perhaps it is useful to turn the question around and reflect upon how you would know if you were in a class which was not meeting your needs. I shall only answer for myself here based upon my experience of attending open classes. I must reiterate this is only my opinion. I guess I would not have any difficulty attending a basic level class at any stage in my dance career as some can be invaluable for development of technique. I would realise a class was not for me if I felt I was feeling lost and the complexity of the exercises compromised my ability to focus on technique. This did happen a while back when I attended a class of a different style to what I was used to with v lengthy highly choreographed exercises. I felt it was not what I needed so looked into other classes. I would know it would be unwise for me to attend advanced classes when I am injured. I guess I would also find a class unsuitable for me if I or my teacher felt this was the case. For now I would only hope a teacher would turn me away from one of my regular classes if I tried to go back to one I attended pre injury. If I attend a class regularly I would expect that my teacher could give me good advice as to what I needed and guide me if I was going off course. I say this as a teacher myself but when in class as a student the dynamics are totally different as I am there to learn and be instructed. Be interested to hear the thoughts of others. Perhaps the issue of more accurate class descriptors would work better if say the teacher at Danceworks, Pineapple etc wrote their own for website. Provided this did not come from the perspective of filling classes I think it may provide further illumination on the issue but I appreciate that this might be too labour intensive. Failing that maybe speak to teacher direct?

I am so delighted to hear that you are taking 'baby steps' in the right direction xxx

Thank you tulip. I just need to get back to my home even if for a few days. I expected to be able to be back home the day after but have ended up being stuck with relatives since Monday. I miss my friends, my clothes and my own bed so am hoping I can get home today and see how I go. There are also v real money worries as my injury at present is impacting my ability to earn from both careers. I think what Anjuli says is right in that people need an advocate. Since my attempts have not worked too well to date I plan to try and get back to see a Physio so that I can get some sense of what I should and should not do to help aid recovery. I can cope if I have this in place. This had been the problem since I fell in July 2012 as nobody has given me specific advice. It is in part due to it being such a rare injury but now I finally have a diagnosis I am hoping someone can give me some more concrete professional advice. Living with the unknown is in itself frustrating and exhausting. I have had to just try and keep things in the day and totally separate out any emotions about the cause of my injury and how this could have been prevented if the store where I fell had put measures in place.

Good for you Sheila. It's great you are enjoying your ballet. Grade 8 is an interesting grade as I think it had much to offer in terms of learning about performance, musicality and developing a fluidity of movement in addition to the typical things in syllabus work. It used to be my favourite grade to teach and each dancer in a way made the solos their own which is lovely to see.

6 days post cortisone injections and can finally manage with one crutch. Makes me appreciate things in life I take for granted. Getting back to full fitness seems a long way off but at least I can now put weight on my heel again. Sure it was a nerve that got bruised as for last few days been totally non weight bearing as felt like I was standing on pins if I put my foot on the floor. Hopefully will be able to get some advice on Monday and get back to full weight bearing soon. I will have so much more compassion for people on crutches after this.

Exercise bikes and the cross training machines are used within some companies. There is also some research into whether those newish vibrating exercise machines help with elevation. Not sure what the findings were around this. I think Lisa Howell has some advice on her ballet blog website re stamina building if this is helpful.

What is it specifically that makes the pointe work section difficult? If it is a strength issue then it might be worth doing some separate strengthening issues and some work with a theraband?

I always said I would not be someone who was of the 'we had it harder' mentality but have you seen the old advanced syllabus book for back when it was not advanced 1 and 2. I will stop there but I remember my advanced exam so well. I think regardless of how tired you are, the adrenaline gets you through and then you come out on a high, convince yourself you failed by the time you get to the station and crash then about an hour later when the adrenaline stops surging through your system. One thing that does help with stamina if you struggle with a particular exercise is to do it a second time whilst still tired in class practice. If you can get through it twice then once under pressure should be fine. A small amount of cardio can also help as an adjunct to build stamina. In reference to my first comment. I do not think it is easier for the dancers of this generation. The pressures are just different and with so many additional facets which can be added to training regime this in itself increases pressure placed upon young dancers in addition to helping them to fulfil their potential.

I think a lot can be done with conditioning exercises at home interspersed with social and festive activities. It's important for young people who have so many other pressures on them to unwind and have fun. It also in my opinion develops a more resilient dancer as having meaningful relationships away from ballet is important through the ups and downs of a dance career.

I wish you all the best Anjuli and as I have said before, your courage inspires me. I am still struggling to get the information I need to help myself and Google seems to have been my most loyal companion. I know some would frown on this but it has actually been quite reassuring in terms of understanding symptoms etc. I just wondered if anyone had experienced cortisone flare post a cortisone injection. It is definitely not infected so I can only assume that this is what I am experiencing. Still cannot stand on my foot or sit with it not elevated for more than 5 mins. I think my question is how long is this normal and when does it need to be checked. I not near my GP as currently staying with family until I can walk. The surgeon has been v nice and I feel I am in good hands but it is just hard to communicate with him. Physio does not want to see me until instructed by surgeon so I am stuck somewhat.

How interesting. Does this mean that foot size is a key factor in the equation and if so does the theory apply to tall teachers with small feet? Just curious

Yes it does.

I am glad you have got professional support. I agree with some of the comments of other forum members. It's far easier on every level to try and heal injury from an early intervention perspective. I too relate to looking back at early injury signs with benefit of hindsight. I unfortunately got the wrong diagnosis but the diagnosis suggests you Achilles' tendons are inflamed so act now. Use your planning skills to direct determination to healing injury even if it is sadly less entertaining. http://www.patient.co.uk/health/achilles-tendinopathy Hope this helps

The syllabus book will be cheaper and have the counts clearly marked. Maybe this could be introduced from the keen perspective in terms of buying the book to practice at home and then asking questions coming from this perspective in class. You should be able to order online and having it written may help aid discussion in class more than a DVD?

So sorry to hear that. I do hope frightening as it is that it will reduce the pain for you. Take care x

That does seem a little unusual and I guess my question is how well does teacher know syllabus? I can see how it can and does happen when choreographing as things can change and evolve but the timing for most exercises is very clearly written in syllabus books (am assuming it is RAD). Maybe try saying you are confused re timing and asking if the whole class can go through specific exercises to ensure they have more clarity. Does this teacher teach syllabus classes often as it does sound like vagueness may be due to uncertainty. Just my thoughts based on teaching RAD but this might not fit with your experience.

Is there no SENCO in school you could speak to if it is causing psychological distress. She should not be suffering so go over head of year's head or copy someone else into email or letter. This should not be happening? Is there a head of pastoral support or school counsellor? Often in schools it is a case of finding the right contact who can 'hear you'.

Did Physio give you an idea what was causing pain michelle? Glad you got it looked at.

???? great news

Thank you for the kind wishes. I am driving my family mad as not good at sitting still but at the same time it hurts if it's not elevated. I am a bit like a bluebottle around a light-bouncing off the walls. I can totally understand your worries Anjuli having slept about 1 hour last night. I guess it's one day at a time but I 'get' the feeling of being trapped as the only way out is through what you fear.

Home safely. Injection done. Official diagnosis of lisfranc injury caused by ligament tear when I fell. There is a remote chance that I might be able to go a non surgical route but will depend on how it responds. Keeping my toes crossed and resting for day as pretty sore and all I want to do is sit with it elevated. At least something is happening now.

It sounds like a referral from GP to a specialist sleep clinic might help with both issues. Re the night terrors, if it happens at a similar time each night then set an alarm to wake yourself a bit before as this will alter the sleep cycle. You only remember dreams if you wake in the middle of a phase of rapid eye movement sleep.

If it's the same leg I will have yours done on Monday Spanner. They might do a two for one offer????