Thecatsmother

It would have to be Serenade or Symphony in C.

I think that recording can be a useful learning aid but one which can be used for a range of purposes so therefore has to be used in moderation and wisely by any dancer. When I choreograph for younger students, often they will record the piece at the end of the rehearsal so that it acts as a memory aid which they can go away and practice with between rehearsals if they forget parts. I often record it to include spoken corrections which they can integrate into their practice. There are many issues for dancers which arise when watching their own dancing as a recording. For some, their is a complete aversive reaction and everything seems "rubbish". In these cases, it can often be about looking at it with them and teaching them to critique the good as well as the areas for improvement. The other issue I come across less frequently is dancers who watch the recording but don't really see the key issues which need to be corrected. I am not entirely sure why this occurs but I tend to have to provide prompts to encourage them to help themselves see rather than just look. I guess it is probably akin to learning to begin to self correct in class as this takes time and experience. You can't be expected after all to be able too see faults and correct them until you fully get a sense of what you are aiming for. As for recording adults. I think this needs to be handled sensitively. Some might find it helpful whilst others might not or may feel uncomfortable with the idea. As a teacher I would certainly respect this decision and no dancer would be seen in my eyes to be less committed due to not wishing to be recorded. Different learning styles, levels of confidence and as mentioned above fears as to where recordings might end up are all relevant. It is always important to try and think wisely about the purpose of recording and how you can ensure it will enhance technique rather than reinforce bad habits. It can be a brilliant way of picking up technical faults but first we must teach ourselves to really analyse what we see in order to make changes.

You might also want to look at some of Lisa Howell's conditioning program's. She is pretty good at responding to questions posted online. It's via the ballet blog online. I echo what has been said re seeing a dance physio. In addition, if you can get any pilates classes taught using a reformer by someone who knows about dance this should help encourage the use of the inner thighs and hamstrings as opposed to relying upon the quadriceps too much. Making sure that the quadriceps are regularly stretched is also important. Some dancers naturally have more developed muscles than others which can in part be genetic or down to other activities in addition to dance.

I guess ballet for me came into my life at the age of 2 and a half. I do not really know what it meant to me then. I guess it has meant different things at different times in my life and even on different days of my life. It is a source of fascination. A way to harness my inner determination. A constant striving for something which is always just out of reach. There are moments when I think "why do I bother" but then there are other moments which are so magical that all the "why bother" moments become insignificant. There are times when it feels like I can lose myself in the music and it's like we become one. I think this is one of the things that draws me back again and again. I like that I can dance and express the way I feel without having to utter a word. I like the creativity, the music, the artistry, the beauty and the way I feel after a good class. Although it can be a source of stress, it can also be a source of de-stress. I think the multiplicity of elements pleasurable aspects of dance is hard to replicate and once sampled difficult to let go.

Found this TED recording and thought it raised an interesting question for debate. What is ballet for you? Link below

Have you had a bone density scan Swanprincess. Also Omega 3 & 6 would be important for you even if taken as a supplement.

Here is a poem that inspires me through the tough times. Though you might like it Swanprincess. I do not know the author but am a collector of poems. DREAM by anonymous If there ever was a time to dare, to make a difference, to embark on something worth doing, It is now. Not for any grand cause necessarily… but for something that tugs at your heart, something that’s your inspiration, something that’s your dream. You owe it to yourself to make your days here count. Have fun, dig deep, stretch, dream big. Know, though, that things worth doing seldom come easy. There will be good days. And there will be bad days. There will be times when you want to turn around, pack it up, and call it quits. Those times tell you that you are pushing yourself, that you are not afraid to learn by trying. Persist. Because with an idea, determination and the right tools, you can do great things. Let your instincts, your intellect, and your heart, guide you. Trust. Believe in the incredible power of the human mind. Of doing something that makes a difference. Of working hard, of laughing and hoping. Of lazy afternoons. Of lasting friends. Of all the things that will cross your path this year. The start of something new brings the hope of something great, Anything is possible

Driving to work the other day when I went past a small van advertising a slimming product-the headline was 'Stink Yourself Slim'. It did cause my mind generate a few creative ideas as to what this might mean...?

The students on the beginners level Floor Barre DVD are approx 12-13. It is slightly slower paced than the intermediate but although when you start watching it you might think it looks simple the exercises are deceptively tricky to do correctly utilising the correct muscle groups. I would say it would be particularly good for dancers trying to develop a stronger core and ability to hold turn out. Just a note that the students on the DVD have a fairly good range of turnout so if a student does not have this degree of mobility they should not be trying to force their feet onto the floor in the exercises lying on their stomach other than as a brief stretch. It has about a 40 minute instructed version where all the exercises are taught and done to music and then a shorter version which is just the exercises. The other DVD which I have used for floor barre is the Lisa Howell Injury Recovery DVD which teaches you how to do most barre exercises lying against a wall for resistance and then has specific strengthening exercises. This is something which could be more tailored if you wanted to work on specific areas and exercises. The Darcey Bussell Pilates DVD is also useful but sometimes it's good to have a bit of variety if you can afford it:) Hope this helps.

I have only done mid level one thus far but now have beginners too as thought it might be more beneficial to work through the levels. Will look at beginners tomorrow and report back. The intermediate one is quite full on and uses vocational students so will see what beginners is like before I comment as always think it's better to start something and do it properly then build up as opposed to take on something too hard and not get the full benefit.

Hello The floor barre series available to buy online from the royal opera house shop is also good if it is of interest. It is the one that comes in three levels and uses students from Stuttgart Ballet School. My advice would be go for an easier level rather than a harder one as there is a lot in these DVD's so they could be worked through in sequence.

All I would say is in the current economic climate if you are going to do a degree pick something with reasonable chances of employment post completion.

I think if a teacher has an issue with additional classes then there should always be a rationale provided and an alternative suggested if the issue is insufficient classes at the right level particularly for a student who is aiming for vocational school.

I would say to any adult wanting to try ballet to wear what they feel comfortable in initially until they are sure they want to invest in additional clothing. It is a good idea to buy a pair of ballet shoes just for safety purposes but you can get these on many dance websites like dance direct, just ballet, porselli etc. I would say go for a split sole canvas pair of shoes which should be a snug fit. Some come with pre sewn elastics which makes it easier if you are unsure where to sew them. Speak to the teacher or contact them in advance of the class and I am sure they will be supportive of you starting. Sometimes you have to go to the same class a few times or try a few different classes until you find one which feels right for you. Hope you enjoy:)

Turnout is primarily determined by the degree of range from the hip which is then supported by the muscles described by other posters. If you force your feet and have limited range in the hip you are likely to end up putting excessive strain on your knees. Sadly as another poster has said, I have seen torn cruciate ligaments occur in a few dancers who were not taught how to hold their turnout to the best of their ability. Do address it with your teacher and ask her to explain how you should be working if you have more limited range from the hips.

Lin. Have you tried the tape you can get to wear under support tape or my physio has give me tape that sticks to itself as opposed to the skin which helps a lot. Can I add cyclists who cycle with headphones on main roads in London..it's so dangerous!!

I have also heard the training is good at Millenium. Initially when it was set up most of the staff came from London Studio Centre. That will probably have changed now but it does have a good name for itself.

If you can still buy spray starch this helps. In the past I have also added a new top layer and sewn this to the rest to extend it's life.

I shall look into it Anjuli. Thank you

Anyone recommend a bit of light escapism read. Something with a reasonable storyline but more humour than horror or heartbreak? I liked the concept of 'the woman who went to bed for a year' but the ending was weak IMO.

Oh dear Fiz, have they diagnosed the virus or is it one of those ones they never name. Does sound like something active in your system. Glad to hear you are sticking with the classes when you can:)

I think you are right Anjuli. I am seeing him for a specialism which makes it so great that there are an increasing number of physios who know more specifically about dancers than there used to be. Let's hope this continues. In the meantime I think I need to give him a ballet DVD or link him in with some dance physios for his own CPD.

If you are getting cramp in hamstrings it sounds like you might want to do some gentle strengthening exercises in that area and to make sure you warm up and stretch after class Fiz. Does that mean you have stuck with the going to classes option? I do hope so x

If audition is early morning and you are there at least two hours before kick off (match) you should be fine. If you leave before match started or when it ends the tubes will be cosy and the bus route between Enb and Fulham Broadway diverted. I would recommend avoiding Fulham Broadway during plus an hour before and after match.

He seems to see that there is range of movement way beyond my relaxed position but just does not get that bit. I think he is v good otherwise but would love to find something written about this to prove I am not just a random specimen:)