Ellie

Bunhead99....I'm also interested in the summer course they run in the UK. Any thoughts ?

I am interested to know, especially having read in the forum 'Doing Dance' about the lack of knowledge on 'normal' schools part regarding dance and dancing students how the outreach programmes in the UK work. Do the companies get in contact with and visit the schools, or vice versa ? I remember in the late '70's or early '80's members of either the RB or London Festival Ballet (sorry can't remember which one) visited our local town hall performed a couple of excerpts of Coppelia and Fille and gave a Q&A session. It was open (and free) to all, many local schools attended and it gave a valuable glimpse (especially to the young boys !) into the rigors and skill involved in ballet. Does this sort of event still happen ? Although it was before my time I know that Peter Brinson did tremendous work with 'Ballet for All' in the '60's and early '70's and, as an aside, if anyone is aware if his written articles are available as a volume I'd be very keen to find out. x

"The Royal Ballet confirmed that Trzensimiech was leaving the company. A spokesman said: “We understand he has been offered a contract as a principal dancer in Romania. He is a soloist here so that is a considerable elevation in position.” Is it just me, or was that comment, slightly, erm......barbed...?

Well said LinMM. x

Thanks for posting Amelia. Am hoping to get to the cinema screening on Monday. x

Dancer Sugar Plum, I was a bit reluctant to comment for fear of offending anyone or to be seen as contradicting correct technique, but.... In my experience, pre professional students are 'allowed' to 'cheat' (a bit) in certain classes. Leaning slightly backward for example when extending the leg devant does improve the look of the extension for most people. Winging (fishing) the foot is also fairly commonplace, as is (when on stage in a static pose a terre en arriere) the extension is actually much more a la seconde than derriere - giving the impression of beautiful turnout- Regarding the rise in glisse devant - this sounds very much like Vaganova technique where the upper back is always engaged and used differently than in for example RAD. I hasten to add that these are 'techniques' (tricks ?) which in my experience are allowed to students who already have a very solid understanding of correct technique.....( I have no idea about the sickling, but maybe the teacher is correcting you more because they see potential ? It does happen) x I apologise for the lack of accents for ballet terms in my post - my PC won't let me !

Katymac and kiwimum6. Just wishing you all the very best. X

Aileen...In Marcelino's case (the only one I can comment on ) all I can say is that he absolutely shone from a very young age, technique, facility and a pure love of dance that shot through every pore... and I am thrilled that he is doing so well because he also works very, very hard. Of course being in the right place at the right time and having the right person recognise your talent is key, (along with available contracts)...I'm sure that there are many who are deserving, but overlooked.x

I think that this year for 14 year olds 2 weeks is compulsory at WL. (last year you could choose between 1 or 2) Go for it ! I think that the standard was very good at WL last year, I was just wondering about alternatives. x

My DS (nearly 14, Vocational School) did WL (on a scholarship - which for us is key) last year. He enjoyed it and would like to try out again this year, but I was wondering if any of you had any opinions on other summer courses for his age and ability. Yorkshire Ballet Seminars were the popular choice when I was a student, but that was a looong time ago !!!

Brilliant news ! Well done and all the very best of luck with the funding. Fingers and toes firmly crossed for you. xxx

In my opinion the 'photograph of perfection'- as illustrated in the above preferences is of a beautiful (but not necessarily perfect ) line, co-ordination and feeling of abandon, with the spirit, and not just a leg or foot, reaching to infinity. But that's just what I think. x

There is a wonderful (in my opinion) photograph of Makarova as Juliet which I believe was used as the cover of a book called Ballerina...Whilst searching for it now I also found a beautiful one of Osipova at ABT (also Juliet) I've tried to post the link, but it's not working....x

LinMM, I hope you don't mind me butting in...! The fouette motion probably throws you off centre when your turning en dedans, which is possibly why you found it easier without. Did you open your arm into the turn, or keep it in 3rd and then join the other arm ? (again the opening of the arm to 2nd can throw you off) I was taught both ways and almost always use the non fouette option. Think 'up' not 'around' when you turn, imagine your shoulders being completely over your hips, back wide and give an extra deep plie for impetus before take off, bring your 2nd side 'in' (don't leave it behind) and a strong spotting motion...and see if it helps....! I think that everyone finds their own way of turning, the clue is not to panic !x

(Posting at the same time as Julie)

My children went back today, it's good to have a routine, I didn't miss the early starts, but I was just about getting used to constantly picking up their 'stuff' all day. Anjuli is right, my eldest should be going off to uni next year....and I already miss him....xxx

Silicone 'heel lifts /wedges' in his day shoes helped my DS (vocational school) loads last year when he was having problems with his achilles...Not expensive and once you get up and running again Michelle, definitely worth a try. x

ENBS ?

I was having a look through the RBS website a couple of days ago and I believe the course is open again. In fact I think there are two, one for ex pro ballet dancers and another geared towards teaching dance in the community (I didn't read it thoroughly, but that's my impression) x

Yes, the 'didn't do' variety can be the worst...And yes, wait until after Christmas, wait for all the results, post your diagrams and decide with a cool-'er' head. Until then, go and have a glass of wine and try to forget about dance ! x

Katymac, are any of these courses funded, or would you have to pay full whack ? I think that (especially due to the precarious nature of a career in the performing arts) it's a very important point to consider. I have no personal experience of pre voc or foundation dance courses, but I do wonder if it's a money making exercise. Could you find out who the teachers are for each course and what the graduates go on to do ? Your head must be about to explode with all this audition stuff, but remember that your DD is still young and if she really does have the drive, talent and passion it is not the end of the world if she doesn't get a 6th form place right now. I know a lovely young man whose parents couldn't afford any dance lessons...he finished school, got a job to pay for classes himself (managed to get a couple of seasons at Disneyland Paris as a character performer) and after 2 years (and a LOT of hard work) at the age of about 19, he got offered a full scholarship to Laines (he didn't get accepted to Performers or Millenium so it just goes to show...). He will be graduating this year and has had to work in pubs, cinemas etc to pay his rent etc...I'm very proud of him. I know this is not the usual route, but just to say that it is possible. I hope this helps, although I can imagine if you have a young lady desperate to get to vocational college asap - it may not ! XXX

SBallerina, the website is a very good place to start http://en.john-cranko-schule.de/schooling/. A daughter of a friend of mine attended the school. As far as I know training is excellent and like most vocational schools very competitive. x

And you could also contact Dance UK. I'm sure that they would give you good advice.

How about studying business/administration/management ? You would then keep your options more open, but still eventually aspire to work in the arts.

Musician ? What does he play ? x