Ellie

As I said, I only had chance to see the first part, but dtadmin has summed it up for me ! I loved watching the ladies and the men getting excited and giving their all at the audition - and from what I saw of that, well I'd say most of the ladies still do the odd class - most of them knew what they were doing. x

I only managed to watch the 1st half, but I enjoyed it.x

Yes, to teach dance in a state schoo I think you would need a PGCE, although I do know someone who 'only' has a BA Hons from the RAD, but she's been at the school for years. If it's teaching dance in schools your DD is interested in then the PGCE route is probably more sensible (although much will probably have changed by the time she gets there !!) For private dance schools I'd say a qualification from a recognised dance organisation is more important.x

I remember handing over a substantial sum to a GP (who I'd known for years) for signing my passport renewal form and photo....What ? I was in and out within 2 minutes !!! Of course if extensive checks are involved it's different. Recently took my DS to the opthamologist (??) (eye doc) who said he'd originally studied at a music conservatoire and sometimes regretted not following a career in music...(I told him not to worry - as I was reaching into my wallet.... ) x

Some of these prices are shocking !!! Can anyone explain what the doctors actually 'check out' and how long it would take them. (For over a hundred quid, I'd expect a massage and a manicure thrown in ) x

No need for GCSE dance for dance teaching qualifications or even a degree. IDTA and ISTD have the widest range of genres for teaching (as far as I know) but obviously if your DD is with a school that follows the IDTA syllabus then the IDTA teaching qualification would make more sense, (but I thought you had to have passed the Intermediate exam in at least one of the genres....? - could be wrong). x

Thanks everyone. There weren't any specialist dance staff when I was at primary school in the 70's. I think it must've been our class teacher who did music and movement and the country dancing too (used to love it - apart from having to hold hands with 'a boy' !!!!!)

Could anyone tell me if any form of dance is included in the curriculum in UK primary schools ? (or other countries) I have noticed that over the last few years young childrens' motor skills are not generally as advanced as they used to be, and I put this down to 'more tv, more technology, less climbing, running and generally playing out'. But then I also remembered our Music and Movement classes (pants and vest in the school hall - anyone else remember this ?!) and Country Dancing lessons - Do any schools still do this ?

How long has she noticed this for (and how big is the class?) 1. It could be that she is executing the exercises well, but there is ALWAYS something which can be improved. 2. Again, how big is the class and is the teacher giving more time to children who are struggling ? 3. Hope not. (see point 1 ) 4. Could be, as I said how long has she noticed this for ? It may be worth, at some point having a chat with her teacher to clarify any queries...x

That's good to know balletqs, thanks for sharing. x

I know that RBS asked for a 'postcard size' photo last year, which I think is 6x4 (but ask in your local Kodak (or other)photo shop. ) Re passport, I don't think it matters, it's just for ID. x

What a beautiful statement, it made me go all teary eyed...!

Re the post '18' courses (LSC, Rambert etc) could it also be that some people graduating from a vocational school where they have perhaps been for many years and have not received job offers do not want to 'throw the towel in' so to speak, may feel that learning in a different environment with different teachers and of course the opportunity to gain a BA (providing finance is not an issue) is a wise move. I know of a couple of people who have gained jobs in classical and contemporary companies this way, but as stated, they had been in full time vocational training from an early age....

Good point Wish22. I don't think that, providing they have places, a vocational school would 'balk' at the idea of taking on a 17yr old who met their standards. Regarding the age which one enters a ballet company...It is such a short career and even for the very special graduates, the difference in their dance quality between leaving school and their first year in a company is substantial. I think that it's the need to maximise these talents and opportunities that necessitate the early entry into a classical career in dance. Not saying that you 'get in at 18 - or that's it'....but yes, it's the norm...In the past it was even younger of course, students with great potential would be snapped up incredibly young. x

4th Dancing Child ??!! Wow, Brave Lady !

Do you know why Pas de Quatre ?

kiwimum...Are you living in Aylesbury ?! I was born and raised in Wendover....It's been a good 14 years or so since I've been back, but it used to be a lovely place. (Sorry for digressing)

LSC used to be known (I'm going back to the early '90's) for a really thorough all round dance education (post 16) with good graduate success . Do they not accept students at 16 anymore ? I think my niece (then 17) auditioned last year, but opted for Rambert instead. The LSC teaching staff look excellent though, so I'd say it's certainly one to consider.

I hope that nowadays teachers are more knowledgeable about the effects of puberty and growth spurts on boys and girls. My DS is currently experiencing knee problems which we have been told by osteos/physios/teachers are down to a growth spurt. And for girls especially regarding body shape, it is quite a shock to be staring at yourself in a leotard and tights in the mirror every day and noticing lumps and bumps that aren't supposed (ballet wise !) to be there. I think that only the really skinny lizzies avoid this, but with correct work and a good diet it all sorts itself out eventually...but it's tough at the time !

Ribbons, I understand your point, but have to say that even the best young ballet graduates gain a massive maturity and edge once they are out of the school environment and have the opportunity to join company class, perform with the pro's etc. It is a very different world and one that I think would be extremely difficult to try and recreate at school. I think that these Junior Companies are a good idea, a bridge between school and work and a great opportunity for those not offered full time contracts with a professional company straight out of school. The wages (in the cases that I am aware of, although of course may not be the same for all) are not bad at all for an 18 year old.

Whoa, that sounds tough ! We were obviously very lucky, as I said it's a club which trains the national gymnastic team and indeed most people who attend are very, very serious about what they do and even the young children train every day, but they also offer other classes once or twice a week which are also serious (no messing about and the children work hard) but 'for fun' so to speak. DD would quite like to go back, but it doesn't fit in with her other activities at the moment.

Hmmmm...Just a thought regarding lack of flexibility. My non dancing DD used to go to once a week classes at our (very well respected) gymnastics club. The trainers were very professional, even towards the girls who were just there for enjoyment and had no plans to compete. Her flexibility after about 6 months (she was about 10 yrs old then) improved incredibly....as you all probably know gymnasts stretch differently to dancers. When I was at school, gymnastics were a massive no/no for ballet students, but now it seems that certain aspects of the training for flexibility are encouraged. DS has quite a few girls in his year who were (and are still allowed to train - which I was really surprised about) very dedicated young rhythmic gymnasts...So, all of this just to say to anyone with a younger DC who is concerned about lack of flexibility to maybe enquire about any reputable classes in your area....I personally don't like to see overdone extensions in ballet, I want to see ballet, not gymnastics, but, if it's flexibility that the schools want at vocational level and if that is what your child is aiming for it may be worth a thought.

My apologies for getting Precious Adams name wrong in my last post... (I was trying to hang out the washing and make the dinner and post at the same time....:/ )

I can imagine that it's heartbreaking to get the 'no's', but don't let your DC's get disillusioned (please !). I believe that nowadays there is enough excellent non vocational (or full time) training available to enable them to prepare for a career in dance or drama. Hang on and don't lose hope, X

Bless him, he was so touched ! I really do think that the 'taking part' part of the Prix is a prize in itself, winning is maybe the icing on the cake. I don't know of any semi finalists, or finalists who didn't get 'awards' who weren't just completely thrilled with the whole experience. I love watching them all. Oh and mimi, I understand what you mean about the variations, for example I would have liked to see Pearl Adams doing something 'zappier' in the classical section and slower in the contemporary....(to really show off those lovely long limbs of hers...) but I guess that's down to personal taste.