Ellie

Thoroughly enjoyed the final (and loved Goyo Monteros piece for the Nuremberg Ballet) I liked all of the contemporary pieces too, but (and here I'm aware I'm in the minority) I preferred some of the other female candidates over Precious Adams, (she is lovely, of course). Also liked the Brazilian girls and the Japanese....thought the boys were stronger overall than the girls though....Will have to re watch when the videos are available online, it could be I change my mind !

Thank you Arky ! Just had a very quick look and it seems that the Brazilians and Japanese are out in force ! Haven't had chance to see any of the video blogs, but will try and catch the live stream of the finals !

Yes, as everyone has said, a dance physio is a good idea to be sure that she isn't damaging herself. I also agree wholeheartedly with JulieW, many people are very hung up on the perfect aesthetic of the 'ballet foot'...which of course is very pleasing to look at and generally easier to work with (getting up en pointe properly etc..of course there are cases, as with Pictures DD that it can go too far the other way and is also jolly hard to work with) But as long as she has enough flexibility to ensure she is achieving correct placement I for one would encourage her not to get paranoid about it (many do). Work to the best of her ability with her feet,do flexibility exercises and really concentrate on the articulation of the foot through tendu etc..There are many dancers who do not have mega insteps or high arches (some pro dancers used to 'cheat it' with lambswool and tape although nowadays I believe some use silicone instep enhancers) Unfortunately injury for someone who has had a long career in ballet is not at all unusual even for the most physically facilitated....hip op's, knee op's and a couple of cases of neck op's (to insert metal screws...ouch) to name a few I've heard about over the last few days ! x

Oooo ! I like it Anjuli ! What sort of costume do you envisage for the woolies ?! x

When I was at ballet school in the '80's rumour had it that the Vaganova girls were given the option to just do the barre in class when they were at that time of the month. I have no idea if it was true (I'd be surprised if it were) but as students we'd all have a good moan (to eachother) that if it was good enough for the Vaganova girls, we should be allowed to as well !!!

Derek Deane ? After seeing him in action in Agony and Ecstacy (ENB), I hope not !!!

250 admin fee ??!! Wow, what is it they do ? x

Aileen, I can only speak from 'summer school' experience where they do email the results to overseas people.....of course it's probably different for full time...All the best everyone, I'm feeling your pain ! xx

I must echo all of the wonderful comments above ! I had never seen Osipova dance and was completely blown away (as was DH who usually has to be dragged along to watch ballet!) She is sublime, dancing, acting, musicality...I could go on and on (and her elevation !!!!!!) Acosta was charming, moving in his performance and partnered beautifully, loved the pas de six and the corps were outstanding.......I am still floating on a lovely cloud of Giselle-ness ! The whole company certainly did a very, very fine job last night

Your original post read perfectly ! I just like to tread carefully so to speak as I'm aware that there are a multitude of viewpoints when it comes to technique. Also, having read through your thread again specifically regarding the 'correct' RAD technique, I doubt that any of these little tips and tricks we've mentioned would be deemed acceptable in an exam setting...x

Thank you all so much. x

Thanks Moomin, that's the sort of thing I was also interested in...How many schools in the 'provinces' get the chance to see ballet ? Even if it's a pas de deux and a couple of solos in the local hall...I think it would make an impression.

And thanks for the info thebunhead....Can you tell me how old your friend is ?

I saw his 'Raoul' a few months ago. I really didn't think it would be my cup of tea, but am very happy to say I thoroughly enjoyed the performance.

Thank you alymer, I'd not heard of the Society (I don't think) Will get in touch tomorrow. x

It is LinMM (not sure if they offer scholarships...) but the course seems to be quite different to others,very specialised with small groups, one to one coaching, gyrotonics, nutrition advice etc...Which is, to be honest why I think it may be more beneficial to more advanced students rather than younger ones...Watch this space and maybe we'll find out ! x

Jane S, thank you and yes I'm familiar with the book as well as some articles written for Dancing Times. I really enjoy his writing and have done a bit of searching and found a journal called Dance Research online, which I believe he also contributed to. Now it's just a matter of trying to get hold of it.....!x

Thank you all for the info. x

Thank you cornishprincess. Can you give me an idea of the age/level of Dd's friend ? My Ds is almost 14 and in vocational training. He did WL last year and enjoyed it ( I think the whole residential camaraderie was his favourite bit !!) I think the Doreen Wells course looks great, but don't know if we should hold off applying until he's a bit older ....x

Ooops ! Will delet mine then (if I figure out how to !)

Does anybody have any experience of the Doreen Wells Summer School ? I've been having the odd look at the website since last year, but wondered if any of you had DC's who've attended. http://www.doreenwells.com/#!services2/cnge

Will do Spanner, thanks.

It was the UK Doreen Wells one I was wondering about. Does anyone have any experience of it ? x

taxi4ballet http://www.doreenwells.com/#!services2/cnge

Many thanks Janet, I feel that outreach is so important and I'm sure if financial resources were not an issue many dancers and companies would be very willing to visit schools and show children and staff 'up close and personally' (so to speak) what the art form entails....Maybe one day “The arts open your heart and mind to possibilities that are limitless. They are pathways that touch upon our brains and emotions and bring sustenance to imagination. Human beings’ greatest form of communication, they walk in tandem with science and play, and best describe what it is to be human.” -Jacques d’Amboise