anondancer_15

Hey guys! I just made a dance insta account and wondered if any of you have a pure dance account too? 

If you do then please follow my account so I can follow you back and start to build a lil community over there 💕

My username is laurenashdance 

Hope this is allowed 💜

3 hours ago, Sheila Beelam said:

This is a CL-7.5W4SDH

Classic shape (Original) 7.5 wide, box 4, supple (pink bag) Deep vamp, high heel  

thank you so much!! this is why i love this forum hahah

Hi, is anyone able to convert this into the new coding please?? 

Thanks!!

6 minutes ago, taxi4ballet said:

Might I suggest that you go to the Move It exhibition at the ExCel in London in a few weeks' time, it is on from Fri 8 Mar - Sun 10 Mar and there will be loads of college courses and funding you can find out about there. There will also be heaps of classes and workshops to take.

I'm actually away that weekend but I've been loads of times before, so may be just a case of traipsing through everything I've picked up from there over the years!

38 minutes ago, Anna C said:

Yes, SFE tuition fee loans for undergrad degrees are for the duration of the course plus 1 year (a “gift year”).  So if you decided to go back to uni having only done a year previously, you’d get a loan for the duration of your new degree (but not the gift year).  I think that’s how it works.  

 

Advanced Learner Loans seem to be for FE courses so shouldn’t affect your eligibility for an undergraduate degree or Level 6 Diploma. 

 

I’m inclined to agree with Pictures about not spending another 3 years at a private college.  I’m sure there are funded colleges who offer the DDE teaching qualification.  

I just called SFE (wasn't that bad after all) and I would be able to get funding for another 3 year course which gives me hope! But also fills me with panic as I haven't even considered applying for anywhere until now! I think going somewhere funded is the better option and gaining a degree I feel would be more beneficial in the long run?

Also funding wise. I've obviously only had one year of degree course funding, but I also have an advanced learner loan for the course I'm doing right now, so I don't know if that affects anything. I'll probably have to call SFE to find out but I HATE calling them with a passion hahah

I've also just been recommended Momentum Performing Arts Academy? They have a dance teacher training course running alongside a musical theatre course so my understanding is you can do both at the same time, or focus on one depending on what you want to go into. Does anyone have any experience of them?

2 hours ago, Anna C said:

I agree, Kate.  Every dancer needs a Plan B because at any point, it may become clear that a career as a professional dancer is just not going to happen (or is cut short).  

 

This can be for many reasons; there are way more dancers than dance jobs, injury can occur at any time, sometimes bodies are just not designed for the rigours of full-time dance; either aesthetically or physiologically, or both.  Not everyone wants to teach dance but if you do, something like the ISTD DDI/DDE courses or the RAD’s BA in Dance Education are worth looking at.  

 

Changing path from a long held dream can be so hard.  So many dancers and dance students cannot imagine anything else.  Fortunately, there are always ways to continue dancing even if your career is completely different.  Adult classes, amateur ballet groups who put on performances, adult summer schools, adult rep workshops, classes at RAD HQ (in my daughter’s Advanced 2 classes there she was one of the youngest at 18).  

 

Even if you ended up back at Uni studying something completely different, lots of universities have brilliant dance societies and competition teams.  There are so many opportunities to continue your dancing should a performing career not be on the cards.  

 

I’m not saying this will happen, Anondancer, but the stark reality is that every dancer and every dance student could one day be told that a performing career just isn’t an option.  As much as you love dance, for many people it can only ever be a wonderful hobby.  So while you’re looking at next steps, it would be well worth thinking about what else you’d like to do - just in case - and how you could make a Plan B happen.  

 

Lots and lots of luck. 

Thank you! It is cropping into my mind more and more that I need to decide on a Plan B or C just in case! I have a background in fitness too, so I have that as back up! I would like to go into teaching dance I just wanted to have a bit of a performance career beforehand. But teaching is always a back up. My other teacher suggested doing a distance learning CBTS with her, which I'm also looking into at the moment! 

2 hours ago, Kate_N said:

 

They could be right, or they may not be. The only way to find out is to start auditioning. What about cruise ship work, for example? 

 

Or auditioning for other colleges? You need to find out what "the market" thinks of you as a dancer now. And yes, if you need a bit more training, it's sensible to seek that out: could you combine working a part-time job with doing open classes, with a studio where -once you become a regular - you'll get care & attention just as you might at college? I've seen this happen - if you go regularly enough (ie 5-6 days a week) to the same teachers, they will start to get to know you and coach you.

 

But given that your current college has not offered you a place to progress, I think you need to get a couple more opinions on the open market. Then - you may get work, and one job leads to another, and there's a career! Or, they may give you similar feedback to your current college. Then you know it's time for Plan B, or C, or D (good to have several parachutes!)

 

Edited to add: Apologies - I see you're already looking at cruise/entertainment auditions. My sense would be that that's a good way to go - a combination of auditioning & attending open/drop in classes, + part-time work. I really think you have to test yourself in the market - go for it! Toi toi toi & merde !

Thank you for this! When I went to see my old teacher, he suggested I just go straight for looking for work and auditioning and just seeing what happens, and continuing to take class as often as I can. I'd love to be able to go and take more classes at Pineapple, Base etc but it's so expensive to get there and everything, though I suppose if I worked more once I'm done with college it could work! Definitely an option if I can't get another loan for another course.

16 hours ago, valentina said:

Have you thought about auditioning for cabaret  /entertainment acts at holiday destinations both UK and abroad? Not sure how you go about it but know someone who was 2nd year at a small theatre school who did this last year, in Greece, and found it valuable experience as well as having an amazing time. Easier to get into than the big cruise auditions and once you’re there you may meet people with other contacts. If you don’t have a whole load of finance, then more training is possibly not an option, and you feel physically able then why not get out there and give it a go!  You may need to find a one off coach to give you direction for the auditions though.

I think this is the kind of work I'd like to go into! I've been looking at some auditions, there's quite a few with height restrictions (I'm only 5"2) but this is something I'm considering

16 hours ago, Picturesinthefirelight said:

 

Would your family income entitle you to feel support under the DADA scheme?  Certainly when we were looking living and accommodation costs were a lot less in Leeds & Chester than further south. 

I'm not sure really, it's difficult because I live with my mum and her partner, and her partner has a higher income but obviously doesn't pay for me because I'm not his child so it makes it a bit harder! Is there an age limit on the DADA scheme? I will check out the link someone posted earlier on this

15 hours ago, Clarkd3 said:

It may be worth you talking to Andrew Hindley at PCD, Preston College Dance as they have a full BA dance degree plus pro dance training. I believe AH is very accommodating to different people’s circumstances and may be able to help you access more training plus you’d be eligible for further student loans if you only did one year of your previous degree. Most of the students leave with either teaching jobs or contracts on cruise ships/ hotel chains if that helps! 

Oooh I've not heard of that one I'll take a look thank you!

9 minutes ago, Anna C said:

I assume repeating a year due to injury wasn’t an option? That’s a shame, if so.  

 

I know a couple of dancers who have worked on cruise ships; both had very solid ballet training and both had Level 6 Diplomas from very good schools.  Unless you can get a good Agent because you sing as well as dance, open auditions at places like Pineapple are literally like cattle calls and attract crazy numbers of very good dancers.  

 

Age in itself isn’t a problem (I saw a recent audition call for cruise ship dancers aged 19 - 35) but fitness, physique and technical standard is possibly an issue.  If you’ve only really had just over a full year of training due to shin splints then you’re very probably going to need more training to compete with the other hundred or so dancers after these sorts of jobs.

 

Have you had a look at places like Bird, Urdang, Performers, SLP and so on? 

No, repeating the year isn't an option. 

I would like to do cruise ships but like you say the auditions are crazy I don't know how I'd get on with just one year of proper training. 

I don't think I can afford to go to those kinds of colleges, I'm also not a confident singer (I had a few lessons last year but my teacher left unfortunately) and I can't afford more lessons at the moment either.

55 minutes ago, Lisa O`Brien said:

If your shin splints are mostly gone, why don't you just buy The Stage every week, see what auditions are out there and turn up to some of them? You'll soon know if you are of the required standard or not. Good luck.

I've set up email alerts for some casting websites so I can start to see and hear about what's out there and that is my other option I guess!

12 minutes ago, Picturesinthefirelight said:

Ini which case you need to push for the dance clinic.  Print out the information from the website and ask for a referral to  Dr Roger Wolman's Dance Injury clinic.  If its anything like Birmingham the initial assessment should be done by Dr Wolman and he would then pass you on to one of his team of physiotherapists etc for treatment (depending on what is decided)

I had an initial assessment by someone on Dr Wolman's team, and then I just got passed onto a regular physio who didn't do anything and then discharged me.

23 minutes ago, Picturesinthefirelight said:

Are you able to get to one of the NIDMS clinics (London I think would be easiest for you but there is also Bath and Birmingham).  I can't reccomend them enough. Am i remembering correctly that you current college does not have sprung floors?

 

The colleges you originally applied to are quite specific and pretty elite in their field.  There are other dance colleges offering Level 6 courses where students are sometimes older.  Graduates from these colleges tend to have portfolio type careers in the commercial, jazz, cruise ships areas etc. 

 

Your age will go against you at some places at certanly to be eligible for a Dada you have to be 23 or under when you start. Have you had honest feedback from any teachers about your potential for a career as a dancer?

RNOH Stanmore is one of the NIDMS clinics, I explained this to my GP and yet somehow still managed to get referred there as a regular outpatient. I do have a follow up there soon though so will see if they can pass me onto someone dance related. Yep, my college is converted office blocks so the floors are not the greatest.

I think I'd prefer a portfolio type career like you mention! Do you have any specific college recommendations i could look into for that sort of route?

The only thing that's really been said to me is that injury could be a concern, and my weight (but that's something I'm working on) and other teachers have said I should be pushing for it so there's been mixed opinions!

I had that problem too but it's absolutely fine now

20 minutes ago, sarahw said:

This sounds very stressful for you.

 

What about getting a dance science or dance physio assessment? My understanding is that much shin splints is caused by inadequate strength in particular muscle groups.

 

You will be at a disadvantage due to your age I would think

I did get referred to RNOH Stanmore but I ended up with a regular physio instead of a dance specialist like I requested, and then I was discharged after two sessions. I'd love to know if it was something I'm doing in my technique or something that caused the whole ordeal though! 

And yes, I don't think there's many 21 year olds auditioning for that kind of thing 😕 

25 minutes ago, Picturesinthefirelight said:

Let me get this straight

 

You spent a year at university (presumably after A levels) but realised it wsn;t what you wanted so you went back to college to do a Level 3 course (presumably Btec or similar?

 

So you are 21?

 

You could apply for a Level 6 course.  Your year on the degree should not preclude you from this but most colleges do have some kind of physio assessment as part of th audition process.  Is the shin splints problem still ongoing?  Do you think you are fit enough to withstand the rigours of a professional career?

Yes, I did Dance at A Level, then did Dance for 1 year at university, then went back to the Level 3 (it was BTEC last year but now it's a UAL course, basically the same) after having not got into any other dance schools (I did London Contemporary, Northern Contemporary, Laban and London Studio Centre. At the time I only wanted to do contemporary however now I really enjoy jazz and commercial as well) I'm 21 in April

I would consider a Level 6 course as that's what I wanted to do originally, but I'm not sure I feel about an extra 3 years of training, and being much older than everyone else on the course? (presuming most people start at 18)

Shin splints for the most part are gone, my legs swell slightly but there's no pain so I'm pushing through! I'd like to think that I'm fit enough for a professional career, but my current college obviously doesn't think so. 

Added: I personally think I could do with a bit more training to back me up but I'm not sure of what the options are, since I can't afford to pay outright and don't think I can get any more funding. It's also now very late to think about applications. 

Hi all, long time no speak! 

I'm finishing my Level 3 course at college in July, and was hoping to move onto Level 4 at the same place but haven't been offered a place to do so. I already did a year at DMU (Dance) and it wasn't intense training enough so I moved onto the course I'm doing right now, which is ballet, jazz, contemporary, commercial, modern and tap, heavily focusing on jazz but doing ballet every day. 

I was relying on the third year to help me decide which area of dance I wanted to go into, and didn't really have a back up. Part of the reason why I was relying on that third year and also the supposed reason I'm not allowed to stay for it, is because I spent a lot of my first year with severe shin splints, so am only in the last term or so starting to make real progress. 

I have been told to maybe think about going into teaching or dance management, but I really want a performance career first. 

I have been told by my previous teacher that I should just get a showreel and headshots done and start sending it out for work. 

To summarise, I'm basically stuck and don't know what to do with my life now haha. Any advice would be greatly appreciated

I’m selling Michaela DePrince’s book Hope in a Ballet Shoe for £5 if anyone wants it  

I have 2 brand new (one with tags) capezio leotards size M for sale as I don’t wear them and have no need for them! 

£15 each or £25 if you want both  

it wont let me upload the photos so if you private message me I’ll attempt to send them that way! 

One is dark red camisole with Criss cross back 

the other is long sleeve black mesh with floral pattern

On 17/05/2018 at 06:49, Pointetoes said:

Kate Barnard (katebarnard.com) is a Physio in Bedford who specialises in sports injuries. She is lovely and I am sure she could help you, if not she will certainly know who you should be seeing. 

Thank you I will look into that! 

On 13/05/2018 at 13:07, RachelC said:

I danced pain free for years but then got shin splints in my 2nd month of full time training. It took 7 years to get to the bottom of the issue and it turns out I had a very weak ankle on that side so my foot rolled in every time I landed from, or took off for, a jump. This caused tendonitis and shin splints. I had no idea my ankle was weak as I hadn't had a problem with pointework, my teacher nearly had a heart attack when I said I'd been doing hops en pointe with the ankle strength of an average 7 year old! 

Basically I'd always had the weakness but it didn't cause a problem until my training hours increased. It's worth trying to see a GOOD dance physio. Unfortunately there are some rubbish ones out there. Which part of the country are you in?

Gosh I hope it doesn't take me 7 years i definitely would have given up by then! my teacher asked me if there's going to be a point where i'd have to leave the course because obviously i'm not getting a lot out of it right now and am falling behind rapidly, doesn't help that my peers are all 16/17 and i'm 20. 

i'm in bedfordshire, not too far from london so i've just tried to get referred to the NHS dance injury clinic in stanmore, which i'm hoping won't take too long and might actually be beneficial. 

i had my appointment with the vascular surgeon on monday and he had no idea why i was there as he's used to dealing with older patients with varicose veins, so i've now been referred for a vein scan but i'm almost certain it's a muscular problem but we'll see. 

thanks for all your thoughts! 

10 hours ago, Bluebird22 said:

Have you tried KT tape? 

 

I must admit I was quite surprised to read that you are dancing on unsprung floors, the owners of your college certainly know better, although after a bit of digging I’ve been led to believe the whole building is a bit of a building site 😕 

The building was a bit of a building site for the first term as we moved buildings but it’s all finished now and it looks fantastic 👍🏼

9 minutes ago, Yorkshire Pud said:

Hi. We’re about 15 months down the line with my dd who has had ‘shin splints’ almost since she started at full time upper school. 

My dd has seen various dance physios, tried sports massage, taping her shins, acupuncture, corrected her landing technique, but still has pain in her lower shins. 

I asked her physio to refer her for an x-ray to rule out any hair- line fractures as it has been going on for so long. She had this at Easter and her doctor suspected that a  hair- line fracture was starting on one shin. She was then referred to see a specialist Musculoskeletal doctor on the NHS. We are now waiting for an MRI so he can confirm exactly what is going on with her shins but thankfully he is very positive that he can help with more appropriate physio exercises for her, better taping technique and most importantly a proper period of rest over the summer. 

I would definitely ask for an X-ray and MRI if physio hasn’t helped you to see exactly what is happening with your shins. I know dancers hate to stop training but I’m afraid resting for only a day is definitely not going to be of any help whatsoever !! Good luck with your appointment. 

 

Hi, hope your dd gets better soon! I had an MRI in January and it came back clear so luckily there’s no stress fracture. However doesn’t help me figuring out what is wrong. I also use rock tape but have to keep taking breaks from it because I’ve been using it so long I keep getting a rash/spots from it 😕