Thecatsmother

You could have a look on the Dance UK website as they should list professionals with experience in working with dancers

I could have watched 4T's several times over and agree that more Balanchine would look lovely on the company. Untouchables failed to touch me in any way but I appreciate that dance is a subjective art form. I think my main question would be-in what way did this piece 'showcase' a company with so many talented dancers?

Classes are taught by Daniela Cardim- ex Dutch National Ballet at ENB studios with a pianist. There is the opportunity to go on to audition for the ENB youth company so well worth considering for students with dance experience or those who were unsuccessful with vocational school auditions this year.

No temperature I hope?

Floor barre can be helpful too provided it's not after slipping off the plastic bags????

I think it is common courtesy to ensure that if you are teaching or coaching a student from another school that their main teacher is aware. Going back a long time-I had a teacher who banned us from going to parties when we were v young and this was not due to clashes with ballet commitments. Doing PE at school was also frowned upon.

Here is the article I referred to http://www.theballetblog.com/article/how-old-is-too-old-to-start-pointe-work/

I think this is a tricky one to answer generally as in my opinion it really is on a case by case basis and finding a teacher who is willing to teach adult pointe work. There is a basic anatomical factor of whether an individual's feet and ankles are flexible and strong enough to physically be able to reach the correct alignment upon pointe. By that I mean there needs to be enough mobility and strength to be able to get fully over the block of the shoe. It may well be that this is why people respond with the ask the teacher comment as they will be able to tell you from looking at your feet and ankles. That would be my first question to any teacher- If I was considering trying pointe work when my feet are strong enough, do I have feet and ankles which would allow me to reach the correct position en pointe? If the answer is no, which it can be for adolescents as well, then you probably risk injury as you are forcing your body to do something which it anatomically cannot do. If the answer is that you could get the correct position en pointe then it is a case of strengthening the feet and legs and getting to a stage technically where you are ready and then with the right guidance you may well be able to do pointework. Perhaps have a look at the Lisa Howell-perfect pointe material on the ballet blog. I believe she has some free articles which also discuss this. Hope this helps.

Sadly I think some teachers get a little too possessive of their students rather than viewing the bigger picture. You must do what is right for your child at the end of the day.

There is a remarkable woman at a class I attend with a terminal illness who still does 3 classes a week at the age of 89. Her consultant has told her not to stop and she sees it as part of her 'therapy'. So inspirational????

I think there is another factor here in that it is often the case that the dancers who have the long legged mobile physique can often take much longer to strengthen so this is something that parents of such DC should take into account. It's important that they do not become discouraged by shorter more powerful physiques who can often do more at a younger age but will also peak earlier than a long limbed physique. I think it's important to discuss this with dancers in order for festivals to be kept in perspective. They are only a 2/2.5 min snapshot of that dancer on that day and is a population v removed from vocational students etc some of whom will never have done a dance festival.

This is good beckyl if you want something to do at home. http://youtu.be/qL5pKpXtB5I

Yes, core stability and working to ensure your weight is correctly positioned over the supporting leg will help with balance. Holding turnout is also vital but pilates should help with both. V basic exercises you can do without the need or sometimes risk of a wobble board in some cases is just to pick up one leg by bending the knee almost like you would during running. Then practice balancing on the leg you are standing on which is in parallel and straight not bent. When you can hold this for a while with ease you can make it more difficult by doing with your eyes shut.

Took about 4 weeks to get Bloch online sale order.

Thank you. That's helpful. Shall have a look.

Slightly off topic but was nice to see Osipova in the audience at ENB Swan Lake on Friday eve. No sign of any limping so let's hope things are progressing.

Bravo ENB. The company is on great form especially at the end of a long Christmas season. Alina gave a mature and captivating performance although the black swan solo and fouettés were not so secure this evening. Despite this, as always she is a joy to watch and the change of company seems to suit her well as she has blossomed. The pairing was technically strong but perhaps Alina would benefit from a partner who was a little taller. He came into his own in the black act with some impressive turns and jumps. Credit must go to the corps whose technique was very sound and footwork vastly improved. The energy and attack was uplifting to watch. Cast members who stood out to me were Corrales in the pas de trois-he seems one to watch for the future. Lauretta and Alison were also well matched in the pas de trois but my sense was that in time with greater strength turnout in the final section of the pas de trois will improve for Lauretta. That being said it was danced at quite a speed. Amber Hunt was also vibrant in the Spanish. I am not sure if it was purely the hairstyling but the her hair looked considerably darker in the Spanish than in Act 1 and these seemed to give her more definition on stage in a positive way. The Neapolitan was also excellent as were the big swans. Seems like it will be an exciting year for ENB!

I am trying to help out a young person just finishing A-levels. Wants to take a gap year and maybe use this to do a drama foundation course. She is a strong singer and drama ok but no dance experience. Can anyone recommend a course preferably near London or commuting distance from there? She has thought about auditioning for National Youth Theatre. Any thoughts? Not my area of expertise.

What I would recommend given her age is that any form of stretching is overseen by a qualified teacher or maybe a dance physio. With young growing bodies and different needs this is v important as a one size fits all approach is unlikely to be useful unless students have been assessed and monitored. Better to have own personal goals tailored to needs.

Have you tried Freed Chacott?

You can put them toes down over a warm radiator. Lots of dancers do that overnight. Klear floor polish works well but not sure if they still sell it in supermarkets.

I would have to agree that it is also not my favourite production. The company look in strong form though. Alina beautiful as ever but perhaps not a great pairing with her partner. They danced beautifully apart but not so great together. Perhaps height was the issue. I would also say that Alina's tutu did little to show off her beautiful physique as skirt looked terribly long. I think it is nice that children are used in productions but I do wish their footwork was improved with the exception of young Clara who could not be faulted on that front.

This tape is also good and was recommended by my physio. It's more for something like supporting a knee/foot etc but the advantage is the bandage sticks to itself so no need for tape underneath and no sore skin from tape.

I am so sorry. My advice for what it's worth is to get the degree of the tear assessed by a physio and follow their treatment recommendations. Rest, ice and elevation will help but also consider when you start to walk again wearing shoes with a small heal to take the pressure off the calf muscle. The other recommendation I would have is taking arnica tablets to help with any associated bruising. Another family member of mine had a major hamstring tear as a result of a fall. The physio treating her said she had never seen such a rapid recovery and they put this down to the arnica tablets along with regular treatment. It was so profound that the physio discussed it at a conference. Certainly worth a try and will do no harm. All the best ????

That's exactly what I thought Ribbons. The line of the foot would not look like that even with the most mobile of feet. You can see it through tights too on other foot. This is going to become like the balletic version of plastic surgery????