Pointe-less

Hehehe invisiblecircus yes my name is proving quite relevant looking at the answers everyone has given ???? This has been very interesting reading, thank you everyone for your replies!!

Thank you both for your replies, Theodore you must have a very talented DS and be extremely proud!!. Tulip if you did want to become a teacher at a later stage could you not just take a teaching exam? Or do it need to have moved through all the lower exams first?

I was just wondering if anyone can shed a little light on the importance of exams for a DC wishing to go to vocational school? I've been scouring the forum and can see that it's often commented that it doesn't matter what grade you are on, but that left me wondering if it mattered at all about exams if you have a very good teacher and are getting the right kind of training, could you leave out exams? I know of people who train with very good teachers who are ex RB principles and then send their dc to another school for their RAD exams, so from this I would assume the exams are important else surly they would just drop the exam class being as they are training with such good teachers? But what if financially you couldn't afford both? Would it be detrimental to the dc if the RAD class was dropped?? Thank you

*stiff not stuff, bloomin auto type!!

Tulip I have only ever seen her in festivals but her mother told me she is always like it, even in class, she loves to dance she is just a stuff dancer.

I was wondering if anyone can shed any light on this question for me...can musicality and expression be taught? My child is very new to ballet and to be honest only does it as a hobby, but I have a number of friends with fairly advanced dd's and most of which seem blessed with a natural poise and gracefulness in their movement, however one friend has a dd who really looks the part, tiny, slim, flexible, beautiful feet etc. and her mother tells me how her daughter is loved by her teachers for her perfect turnout and beautiful technique and her perfectionism shines through in all her movements but that she is often told she lacks musicality and doesn't express herself. I have had the pleasure of watching said child at festivals and I think she is a beautiful dancer but does seem a little stuff and not as fluid as other dancers her age (13) Her head doesn't have the graceful lines and sometimes she looks like she isn't enjoying herself. I know some have said that it comes with age but for me watching others her age manage it made me wonder if this is something one is born with, a natural gracefulness and ability to move fluidly to music, Or it is something that is taught and a better teacher may be able to bring a stiff student to life or is it a little of each?? Just idol wondering but am very keen to hear others opinions

Yes Harwel she is year 7 and thanks for the replies everyone, you have opened my eyes!! So much to consider.....rather scary when you are on the outside looking in!! Thanks again

Wow ok thank you I had never heard of it?!

Thank you spannerandpony and picturesinthefirelight and as I said I was not saying that these children shouldn't take the places it was just my wondering (and obvious lack of knowledge) as to why they would!! I suppose if you want to be purely classical you would go more for Elmhurst or The Royal Ballet School then? I see I have much to learn! Thank you for your replies!!

Sorry but please could someone tell me what CAT's is?? Sorry if daft question but complete novis here!! Thank you!

Hi this is my first post and I hope nobody takes offence or takes this the wrong way but Reading this thread made me feel a little worried for dc who are just 100% dance and aren't very good at singing and acting. As we all know there are so few places at these top schools as it is but surely it's even harder for the children who only dance if there are places being taken up by all rounders who are not sure what they want to do yet? Now I'm not saying these children shouldn't take the dance course places as they obviously have a lot of talent and have worked hard to get the offer, but surely if you don't want to be a dancer then you would be better off on the MT course and leaving the dance course spaces open to those whom do wish to pursue a career within the dance industry and haven't got the singing/acting ability? I don't have a dc at this level myself but a close friend has a daughter with offers to finals and she has told me that at Tring if they do MT then the course is 90% MT and 10% dance anyway....surely that would be enough dance training for a child who is unsure but wanting to keep a foot in the door of dance?? Please correct me if I am wrong as this is a question I ask purely because I don't understand and my friends dd is an all rounder but thinking of taking the dance course and I just don't understand why or believe that it's a very fair thing to do being as said child loves to act and would love to be in broadway shows, she loves to dance also but does NOT want to be a ballerina.....why take dance then?? I read someone's post saying it's harder to get back into dance at a later stage but it's not like they are completely out of it if 10% of the course is dance anyway? My mind boggles?? Just to note my dd is only just starting out in the dance world and teacher says she shows potential, hence friend suggesting I use this site to give me an insight into what I'm letting myself in for