TheMightyTwiglet

Thanks for the exercises Harwel, I'll be trying them this afternoon

Hi All, I've recently got a Pilates ring for Christmas and was wondering if anyone could give me some exercises. I know a few already and I've seen some on Youtube but I'm worried that I might end up strengthening the wrong muscles (ie: "non-ballet muscles"). Anyone know any?

Thank you for your help. Will do some research and see what suits us best. If anyone knows any other ways, please post

Natalia Kremen Ballet School provides excellent training and the students are very well disciplined. A lot can be learnt in just one class and there are different classes throughout the week including ballet, character, stretching, plates. Hope this helps

Does anyone know of ways of getting to the RAD headquarters (Battersea) from King's Cross Station which preferably avoids Victoria Station?

Naked bars are good (like others mentioned), nuts, cereal bars, crackers, yoghurt, breadsticks etc. Also recently discovered dried goji berries (I think that's how its spelt) you can get them from Tesco and probably some other stores....

Natalia Kremen Ballet School in Kensington, London is very good. All the teachers have trained in vocational schools and danced on stage proffesionally. Each gives a lot of advice and encouragement and the classes concentrate heavily on technique. I'm not sure if this will be in the time that you'll be there but there will be a summer school from 28th July - 2 August. the deadline for the application is 25th May. The school has both a website and a facebook page for more information. Hope this helps.

I can't say I know many exercises to help with splits other than the ones previously mentioned however one thing id say is that I find it easier to stretch while reading or watching TV. It distracts you from what you're doing but obviously you're still doing it. Another thing is playing a short piece of music while you're siting in the splits or other not-so-comfy stretches. This helps as you know that once the music is over then you can relax so it encourages you to stay in that position at least till then. Hope this helps and good luck with your stretches!

Like others say physio is best to help with this However I know a girl who has the same problem and was given an exercise where you sit on the floor with your feet up on a sofa or a chair or even better something smaller(closer to the ground) and using your muscles pushing your legs down. But this has to be done very gently without pressing on your knees (this is very dangerous). Remember that it will take time to Improve your legs so don't loose hope or try too hard or too much straight away.

'Pilates for Young Dancers' by Monique richards It's really well explained and there are good exercises for 'ballet muscles' and core strength

It's a good idea if you need more classes and are unable to do that with just one school but from my experience it can sometimes get a bit confusing if you're taught differently in either place but the best thing is to try and see how it works for you

Not sure if this has been mentioned earlier or not but the NKBS summer school will be held at Rambert dance studio in London. Still haven't figured out how to attatch a link but if you'd like more information please ask on the forum or go on the Natalia Kremen Ballet School facebook page where you can find more about the summer school

Just remembered listening to an interview with Tamara Rojo where she said that when she was a child she too didn't like the idea of the performing side of ballet, yet see where she is now... If she doesn't feel comfortable yet then that's ok and she should develop that confidence in her own time

I've never actually tried darning (never had time) so can't give much advice on that but I use suede tips on my Grishkos instead and find that they're really good.

Good luck with the audition and with choices regarding her dancing!

Very funny!

I used to play piano up till just recently unfortunately I don't have time for it now

Well done fore a* - that's great! Hope you do as well in the exam and I'm sure you will! Glad that things seem better for you- sorry I didn't manage to post earlier

multi-vitamins are good and lots of fruit and veg too for energy it would be a good idea talk to your dd and see how she feels and what she might be stressed about and how she's feeling maybe you could arrange some mother-daughter activities or see if she can go out with her friends and let her relax as dancing can be stressful and exams even more so and she needs to find time to just chill out and sometimes just feel like a 'normal' person

Well done to your Ds and I'd say go with what you're comfortable and also ask your son what he thinks. Or like amber21 said it's a good idea to just use his first name

Hi, I was going to post a link to a video on AQA GCSE Dance page but can't figure out how to post a link!? Can anyone help? Anyway if you type GCSE dance into the search bar there's a few sites which will give you info about the course. I found the video under 'Why choose this course?' or something along those lines. Sorry I couldn't help much, good luck making decisions!

Thank Janet. I can think of a few people who would benefit from that link. I've sent it to a few people I know

Thanks for the welcomes!

I'd say Grishkos, they work well for me and I have similar feet to what you've described.

Just want to say that the teachers of the school are very good, great at giving corrections and really supportive. The classes are hard work but well worthwhile.