Peanut68

I expect you are not alone & wish you every luck as you are clearly very fair & proactive

I’d love to find a large or XL size that isn’t then over long in torso length...swimwear & dance wear assumes if you are large you are also tall.....I’m not🙁. We’re talking classic Apple shape....and post lockdown with zero exercise now more of a Toffee Apple!!! Maybe the clothes ranges that do petite could add more fitness too to take into account the vertically challenged who want to get fit!

Yes, absolutely agree! A voice of total sense both philosophically & frankly sound business looking at both the short, mid & long term.... I really hope she is in whatever steering committees there are looking st culture & the arts & frankly I’d hand over the reins of running the country to her if I could as she seems to really be an action taker & clear communicator....2 key features sadly lacking in most of our politicisns at present....

Smart idea Alison! Thinking suss out first choice school & country & it’s language then find back up plan schools with same language & definitely start learning to speak/read it to get a head start!

I do wonder also that a studio can be assessed as operating as Covid safe.... but often when individual teachers rent these spaces are they they then checked? Could well just be pack ‘em in as pay per class relies on high numbers for a teacher to gain viable income....and therein lies a huge industry issue. My adult class was operating with around 12 but it still did feel risky (we are not spring chickens) so now reduced to 6 per week on a Rota so quite likely most will only get to dance 1 in 3 classes... but rather that than a full lockdown & no class or anyone getting ill..... Is their actual financial help to keep dance teachers & studios ‘afloat’? I do worry for all 🙁

Well that’s a worry especially as many young people at these sort of classes are high level dancers who are in effect adding an unnesseary risk element when they go back to their regular vocational schools/colleges/unis.

How indeed!!!

Amazing how many opportunities are out there...& intriguing how most in Europe are so much cheaper than the U.K. as far as tuition fees???

You are relatively close to getting to Tring too....either for their Associate Classes (not sure if these are by audition) or their equivalent to Royal JA’s; Tring CBA (Classical Ballet Academy) which is entry by audition. It was the first ‘extra’ thing my DD ever did (local school only offered one ballet class a week but we’re supportive of auditioning for & attending this & others did RBS JA’s/MA’s) It’s a good way to gauge your child’s potential & also their dedication & help make future choices. And I’d always recommend first talking to current teacher; she may have god advice & courtesy goes a long way in life! good luck!

Also check with BBO.... I think there is a BBO teacher/school in Horncastle in N.Lincolnshire so might be close depending on where you are?

Oh no.... my edit button seems no longer to exist & ive seen a typo in line 1 which I bet is first of many....sorry for my erratic one finger typing! 🙄

I think where video isvinly way to select candidates (overseas/short courses etc) then the institution ought provide s generic class to follow so all using same music same exercises & even filmed in same frame so same angles etc as surely that would be a fairer way to compare students? Also if all doing the same then candidates with that extra musicality or artistry will stand out & thus judging may move beyond just leg length (& we all can manipulate the look of that let’s face it....as you say, filming from floor!) & body shape & look at the ‘complete dancer’. I do also think some (eg RBS) are missing out on actually seeing candidates & making money or at least giving value for money.... If they (& others) toured the country (even overseas) holding live auditions for their short courses then I’m sure people would feel they get something out if the let’s face it extortionate fees to merely have photos looked at (again an unlevel playing field) It would provide work for teachers/panel members/pianists & boost studio rentals - pumping some much needed money into the sector that has suffered greatly. Or even hold live auditions over Zoom.... the more apply, the more auditions they will need to run & thus more employment work will be created to help the industry....& candidates will feel they got a fair & equal chance & a class to remember & we parents will feel we gained some value for money.... hoping this makes sense?

No idea how that odd word came about but am sure all get the gist! 🤣

No compulsory video is a step forward as akwstscthink that it can be so unfair....with some having opportunity of more studio time/teacher input/edit assistance etc than others.... Only way to feel you’ve had a fair chance is to have danced in front of a panel I think

Yes nit comb (blast autocorrect text!!)

Another tip to comb back hair to get slick to head with minimal comb lines...use the narrow teeth of a not comb! Works well on DD’s (admittedly quite thin & straight hair) when she needs that exam/audition perfectly smioitg look. Think she uses water spray first then the sane VO5 gel spray others mention

Worth buying for name alone!! Is this stocked in usual type of stores please?

The Dancers Room in Lichfield is excellent! Really good for mail order too once you find ‘your shoe’

Also needs to take into account people’s circumstances.... often healthy eating ambitions can be difficult within a family setting (Finances might be limited, also the main household shopper often dictates what’s eaten/cooked or parents ‘ as eating habits’ are transferred. Also many dancers are eating in boarding school/college canteens - again may not have opportunity to put into practise meal plans etc unless others take it on too.... needs parent/family/schools to all join forces perhaps?

Actually, good point dancefanatic....you are absolutely right about the vulnerable age range.... I guess carefully prepared & age appropriate material for all age groups would be beneficial.... For us parents too....though I could imagine that if our youngsters think we are reading same stuff it will be less of interest to them....basing this on my own teens who basically think (know?) Mum is so uncool & so out of date!!!

I could see this being a good add on service vocational schools could offer.... might be worth approaching them to offer subscription terms....a good business model for you too perhaps? A fully independent (must not be reportable back to the schools to maintain student confidentiality & thus encourage take up of use) service whereby they pay you for X number of users... then offer as standard to their - I would suggest only Upper School age 16+ - pupils an opportunity for free access. Added benefit to schools that they offer this free to use service.... added benefit to parents & pupils that there is another additional element of care....can never be too many.

Really good point to raise Pas de Quatre! And personally I think you are right re: little ones changing into clothes by themselves & time taken for toilet visits etc.....I think the sports shorts & fitted T shirt is a really sensible way to assist your pupils & parents.... Good luck to all returning to teaching & I’m sure you all & your staff & pupils will so enjoy being back in their studios!

Can you clarify if this will be a pay for course/service? I personally would be very wary of anything ‘sponsored by’ or with banner advertisements etc if ‘healthy foods/lifestyle things/celebrity endorsements’ etc. But a genuine nutrition educating course....yes, interesting!

Just a bystander here really, but have many (even if they’ve not felt personally ‘affected’) decided to leave a certain institution recently making headlines? Has not an ‘emergency’ interim team been put in place to run it? I can only imagine how I would feel as a parent & likely would pull my young person regardless of financial penalties/education & qualification worries but my heart goes out to those in this awful position not of their making. I truly hope relevant places (& funding) can be found for any seeking to continue their degrees/training etc. Good luck to all & stay strong!

Lovely good news story & wise words within it for all! I do hope though that any similarity talented stand out female dancer would also gain an opportunity like this!