Thecatsmother

Your feet are relaxed even when they look pointed to a non dancer. I see a specialist pain physio but he just does not get this and keeps telling me to relax my feet when his idea of relaxed is a position that would make them tense. He is threatening to add to his blog on this issue so I need help to defend dancers' (excuse the pun) 'position'. I did not tell him I also sleep with leg in passé position as more comfortable. He gets hyper mobility but not the relaxed/pointed feet issue. Anyone else got examples of what seems so normal in one world but alien to a non dancer?

I would say get Piccadilly line to south kensington and then get on 14, 211, or 414 bus which stop at end of hortensia rd. Alternatively it is a short cab ride from south ken and there is a taxi rank near tube.

Fiz, where do you get cramp when in attitude?

That's really tough and not conducive to helping you with either school or dancing. A meeting with a member of your family and school sounds like an excellent idea. Is there anything non essential at school that they would let you convert into a study period?

My understanding is that this has been an issue debated by certain dancers according to social media.

Beautiful pictures which really capture the spirit of ballet.

Maybe start by asking your DC what they think about themselves as a dancer. If they are able to catch some of the thoughts that feed the self doubt this is a good starting point which might help you and your DC to understand what might feed this. For some there may be an event or incident which triggered the sense of lack of confidence but for others it can come on more subtly. It is useful if your daughter is working on this and feels she trusts the teacher who sees her most to give them a sense of what is going through their head as they may also be able to help with the process. Ultimately we can be the best possible personal mentor or worst enemy according to what we tell ourselves. It takes practice but developing an inner voice which has wisdom and tells us what we need to hear can make a huge difference in the tough world of dance. So oftern dancers think that by constantly being critical about themselves it will drive them to work harder. It does not always work that way. Another thing you can ask is 'if you were a confident dancer, what would be different?'. The answer will also be helpful.

I am not sure how old your daughter is but wondered if she could get into choreography? There are also dance therapists who would work with her if she wanted. Learning things like notation would also keep her linked into dance.

I think Alina and Johan plus Daria and Vadim chose wisely in terms of what they performed. There were a few cringe moments like hands on floor after landing from jumps, lack of turnout in one dancer and lack of turns for another. I think there is the potential for this to be a great event but was surprised to come away disappointed overall by technical standard of some of the dancers.

Was lovely to see Vadim and Daria plus Alina and Johan. Just shows what good dancers we have in UK. An interesting mixed program but in my opinion 'mixed' also encapsulated the standard of performers.

I do hope that any dancers assessed out can hold on to their dream and love of dance. It does not have to be the end; more the beginning of a new chapter. My heart goes out to anyone finding themselves in this position. You can come back stronger!

Thought it might be interesting to start a thread on things that dancers, parents, teachers etc have discovered which has been positive. It could be a new style of dance wear, a technical tip that has helped with a step, a good piece of advice, a new class you enjoyed or even a conditioning exercise which really enhanced your performance. I will start with one by saying that I have discovered that a foam roller has radically increased my upper back mobility. Basically lying as if doing sit ups but placing roller under upper back at a point where your upper body can stretch so head and arms reach the floor behind. You can try it supporting neck and gradually build this up to half sit ups from this position. Be interesting to share new insights as there are so many. You never stop discovering or learning.

I would say to wear whatever makes you feel comfortable. There are lots of warm ups available to wear over the top if you are cold as it is important to stay warm to prevent injury if the studio is cold. Most importantly. Enjoy dancing:)

Do you enjoy ballet when you get to class Fiz?

Interesting article. I think it is hard to compare two eras which have both similar and different challenges.

Could you steam them before class and put them on immediately. A small hammer post steaming might also help. Door hinges and banging them out on concrete. Sounds like you are going to have to do multiple times.

This is also a useful resource to those new to pointe but a dance teacher will also be able to advise. I always recommend that you get your dance teacher to check that first pair of pointe shoes are a good fit before wearing or sewing on ribbons. http://www.theballetblog.com/article/breaking-in-pointe-shoes/

I would agree with sewing at a slight angle in the direction of the arch as described by others. If you also see them deeper into the shoe so they come right down to near the sole of the shoe it helps to ensure that the ribbon gives optimum support in terms of helping to keep the shoes snug again re the foot.

I was pleased to see the adults enjoying themselves but also interested in the choice of words by the professionals in the audience.

As a teacher I would be concerned sending a young person to any school where the parent was not aware of what measures were put in place around safeguarding. I think young dancers are particularly vulnerable to potential abuse of power as they can fear being asked to leave a school if they speak out. I should make it clear that my comments are not directed at any school in particular but I would advise any parent to ask whether teachers have been CRB checked, what health and safety regulations are in place and whom to approach if as a parent you have concerns re your child's well-being. I think it's great that places like the RAD etc now have a code of conduct which is accessible to all on their website. I am not talking about the "my daughter did not get the lead in the school show politics" I am talking on behalf of the students whom I have spent hours coaching to try and undo emotional damage caused by abusive teaching practices. Sadly sometimes it is too late as they become too shut down. My only wish is that all parents should know where to go if they have concerns that cannot be resolved with the teacher and that all schools should have a child protection policy. There are some wonderful schools out there who engage and challenge students in a fruitful way but it is also important there are mechanisms in place should something go wrong because sadly sometimes it does.

I have not really been reading this thread but wondered who oversees London Russian Ballet School. OFSTED?

This might be of interest http://www.pointemagazine.com/issues/augustseptember-2011/your-best-body-defy-your-dna

Have you tried dance direct website?

I have taken to buying crystal buttons online etc and dressing up cardigans etc. It can be simple but quite fun.

Oh dear. Being on crutches is exhausting on top of everything else. Hang in there.