Quest

Hi, the practice tutu on the RAD website is absolutely find for both Advanced 1 and 2, and is actually referred to in the vocational exam guidance notes. No need for a more expensive professional tutu skirt ????????????

I believe some do, if nothing else it is a good learning experience for those serious about pursuing dance as a vocation. My dd's were certainly planning to re-audition if they had failed to secure a place.

Thank you Pictures, yes I think they'd prefer lined, but I really appreciate the thought

_{I agree with Pictures, the ability to pick up unset work quickly and effectively is a crucial skill in the professional world and I wish more local schools would put increased emphasis on this, and make unset classes the norm.  Not sure why RAD have removed the unset element from the New Advanced grades, but they must have their justification.}  

Hi quest I have two that my daughter has outgrown size 2

Thank you Dancing2003, I have managed to get some size 2a which will be a better fit I think.  Thanks again for your help   

Anyone have any Hammond Year 7-9 Blue ballet leotards they are finished with, any size considered?

My 12 year old DD has some Bunheads Gel knee pads (size small) that she uses on occasion for lyrical & street.  They're not cheap but very streamlined and effective

HI, I have some dead Freed's and Wear Moi shoes if they are of any use?  If they are, could you send my your address and i'll post them to you.

I received the following information by email last month from RYB regarding the Whitley Bay Auditions / Performance, hope this helps:

Auditions will take place on Wednesday 1^st July  2015 at the Playhouse Theatre, Whitley Bay

               Ages 8-11yrs  4.30 - 6.00pm      Ages 12-18yrs   6.30 - 8.00pm

PERFORMANCE AND REHEARSAL DATES

The performance will take place on 13^th and 14^th November 2015 (3 performances). There is an on stage tech rehearsal on Monday 9^th November.  Rehearsals are scheduled on weekends in Oct/Nov 2015.  These dates will be issued in full to those who are offered places. We will try to help any students involved in Associate programmes, as authorised absence is at the discretion of the Director.

Interesting to read a comment on the Wear Moi shoes.  How does your DD find them for comfort and fit Quest?

 

DD has had many problems with her feet over the years - so finding pointe shoes that suit has been a bit of a problem.  Not as much as many others but as we don't have a great selection of fitters near us it's had it's own challenges.

 

DD started with Freed Studio Professionals, then Bloch Triomphe, then Grishko 2007 and back to Bloch's again.  At her latest fitting it was suggested that she try a Wear Moi shoe as the customisation elements might allow her to get something that is more suited to her feet.  We have a pair on order at the moment and she's really looking forward to trying them. 

 

Sorry to jump in on your question ballemum, but it's rare to spot someone commenting on Wear Moi's.

They have found the Wear Moi shoe to be the best fit for their feet, and very comfortable!  They both tried Freed's, and whilst they loved the look of the shoe, they just didn't offer sufficient support and only lasted them a few weeks  .  My DD's did try several brands at a recent fitting and just couldn't get the same 'feel' as they have with the Wear Moi's, hope your DD likes them

I'm not sure whether anyone else has mentioned Wear Moi shoes, but my DD's used to also go through Hard Shank shoes very quickly and were suggested the Reinforced Extra Hard professional shoe from Wear Moi by a fitter at Planet Dance in Leeds.  They have found these to be very hard wearing, so far...........

Picturesinthefirelight, I would be very interested in the Year 9 timetable for Hammond if you would be willing to share this?

What year will your dd be looking at entering ballet balletqueen as the timetable changes at Hammond as children progress through the school. I have coped of last years yr 7 & this year's yr 8 timetable but I have seen timetables for all years & could obtain a copy if I wished.

 

My general observation is that in yr 7 & 8 there is 1 day where the children 'only' have an hour of ballet, the focus on this day is academics. On all other days they have between 90 mins -2.5 hrs.

 

From yr 9 onwards I believe drama is dropped & in yrs 10-11 during gcse years there is less dance during the academic day but more between 4-6 pm. Ballet classes increase & other forms decrease.

Wonderful to hear of more talented DC getting places, congratulations to all!

It's wonderful to hear of all the lovely MA success, especially for the talented DC who missed out on full time places! Well done to all ????

DD offered an SA place, delighted.

Huge congratulations to your DD, an amazing achievement

DD has an MDS award!!! One very happy girl tonight!

Fantastic news, well done to you DD Mae989

Good luck to all awaiting results!   Anyone know how many MDS awards they have this year?

Reading the above with disappointment, having been impressed with the school at auditions I feel quite disgusted with this news.

I understand that the school has to create income to ensure their continued success, but surely they should 'reserve' sufficient boarding spaces for the amount of MDS awards available, to ensure that those talented, but not lucky enough to have the backing of rich parents still have the opportunity to pursue their dreams.  Not fair at all!    

Hi Mae989,

Unfortunately I don't have the answers to your questions as pretty new to all this myself, but your DD must have displayed sufficient potential in all components in her first audition for them to consider her for a scholarship or bursary. I believe MDS awards are based on suitability / potential in classical ballet, so in short she has a good a chance as any other invited to finals.  I am unsure of the criteria for a bursary though, sorry.

Good luck to you DD, she has done brilliantly to get this far . 

Hi Twiggy, my DD has worn Wear Moi pointes for last year and half, loved them but found that they 'die' too quickly, even with the hard shank.  They were also pretty hard to get in the UK as there are very few stockists and we regularly had to wait several weeks for new stock which has encouraged us to try another brand.  Would still recommend these though as you can get reinforced extra hard backs,  which we may try should my DD go back to this brand .   

Lovely to hear your fabulous news Lema, hope to hear of more in the next few weeks

Amazing news, and lovely to hear that another talented dancer is on her way to her dream

Hi Anneeliz,

Elmhurst Associates (up to age 11) also have weekly classes in Sunderland  .

Still have it, just sent you a PM