amos73

My dd has just begun pointe this term. I would contact Emma through the website and ask.

Yes, Loulabelle My DD is also attending the Ballet Boost course at Pineapple. It looks fantastic and Emma is such a wonderful teacher. My DD loves her.

When DD auditioned for Tring CBA two years ago they definitely had to do splits. Good luck to everyone waiting on results.

I have to send 14 back now Sarahw!

Thanks everyone for advice - after ordering approximately 15 leotards from various online dance suppliers we have gone with a simple, yet elegant marine blue Degas Leotard which fits her like a glove (she actually said it feels like I'm not wearing anything Mummy) - so hopefully no strap fidgeting will ensue. Also found a belt from katz online that matches perfectly. First audition a week on Wednesday. Fingers crossed it will be a lucky leotard for her.

8 hours though, WaitingMum, whhaaaaa??!! Had no idea that finals would take so long. (And now I get why the name 'Waiting'). Oh well, who knows if we will get through to any finals, have to cross that bridge IF we come to it.

So many great suggestions thanks!! I just didn't realise it would be quite so long I think, and as DD has done CBA am acquainted with the 'charms' of the Costa on the high street but thought four hours in there might be a bit of a stretch!

Just wondering if anyone has any experience of trying lower school auditions and suggestions of what to do for four hours while DC are in audition. Just had email from registrar saying parents leave at 10 am and return at 2pm to collect them. Don't think I can face four hours sitting in Costa!

How did Hammond Auditions go for those who went yesterday?

We haven't applied to Hammond balletmum20 but good luck to your DD! Two down already. Our first is 2 December for Tring. Elmhurst isn't till Jan. Hope all goes well today.

Thanks, will definitely make sure she wears a belt then, but it doesn't just have to be a 'uniform' leotard with belt. She is a total 'strap fidgeter' too so I want something that will stay put and not cause her to wriggle and fidget. Any suggestions shape wise?

Just wanted to canvas opinion from those who have been through audition process, DD wants a special leotard for audition, but I did notice on the audition form for RBS it said to wear leotard with belt - is it important to wear a belt with a cotton leotard like they wear for grade lessons or does it not matter and she can choose something 'special' (her word!) Thanks

HI Sugarpumpkin I would agree with Aklf that nerves can really play a part in how a DC comes across in audition. After all they have an hour or so to stand out in a large group and if they feel nervous or shy then they may just not catch the auditioner's eye. I think Aklf has given you very wise advise, and good luck with the next lot.

Gosh, seems they have got the replies out quickly. Well done those who have yeses for finals! DD doesn't have Elmhurst audition for another 2 months, but you must be so pleased to have got one yes in the bag already. Sorry to hear about the nos. It is so competitive out there.

Hi Balletmum20 - phew! Well done. Which school was that? Did you manage to glean anything from your DD about what they were asked to do in the audition - and did they say how long till results? Here's hoping you get good news.

Have we got the first lot of audition dates today? Good luck to all and let us know how it went.

PS DD did the summer school and had a FABULOUS week.

Hi Primaballerina1 These classes are run by Emma Northmore, who is ex ENB soloist. She teaches my DD at YDA and she also covers for MAs at the Royal. She is a fantastic teacher, my DD loves her and has come on so much under her tutition! I can't recommend her highly enough.

Just wondering if anyone who has bought this in the past but their dc no longer use/need it would be interested in selling it? Message me if you can help. Happy to discuss price! Thanks

Yes, we always wrap the bun net twice round, (that's why I get the bun heads nets as they are bigger than average net).

Ah, now I know that what I used to do on DD was a 'cinnamon bun' (had no idea that was the technical term for it). I wonder if the way you have described for the flat bun is what my dd does, there seems to be a lot of attention given to making it flat is all I know. Time is definitely key, the longer you have the better. Nothing worse than a rushed bun.

Nutcracker-x I will try and get a description out of her, although I think she quite likes cultivating an air of mystery around the dark arts of bun making ...

If nothing else she is VERY good at buns, lol.

DD is ten now and has not let me near her hair for a year. She took control of the entire bun scenario, and now does all sorts of complicated variations, including front section with a 'twist' or 'french plait' worked round the bun. When she achieves one that meets her extremely high standards (the main reason she and I parted ways on the doing of the bun last year) her happiness is immeasurable. When I was still allowed near the hair I used to twist it once it was in a ponytail, pin with three pins to get the first section of hair round, then coil the rest of it round, pop the bun net over and pin around the net. She is often telling me she has come up with improved ways of doing the bun (her buns seem to be like 'Daz Ultra' always a new and better way of executing them) but it is a complete mystery to me how it is achieved these days. All I know is it can take up to an hour if time is no object , but can also be done in 25 mins in the car when she has class straight after school, if it doesn't meet her exacting standards (though to me it always looks fine and I honestly can't see why she is so upset about it) she goes into a major depression, when it is good she is on cloud nine. We buy Bun Heads nets in bulk (these are really large and strong so you can wrap them over twice) and have to have thick brown hair bands with no metal for the ponytail. A completely flat bun is the holy grail (Who knew?) and a perfect bun is a thing of ultimate pleasure to a budding ballerina. I'm just glad I have been relieved of all bun duties as she is far better at it than me and we argue less now I don't have to be involved, other than in a time-keeping capacity!

Sorry, agreeing with SarahW, that sounds so unpleasant for your DD, Jane!