MAK

I wouldn't be surprised if London results came out towards the end of this week or beginning of next judging by previous years, then again who knows?

We have been very pleased with DD's progress. Teaching and dancing appears to be of a very high standard.

So sorry csmith263

Oh no, Petalviolet, hope she is ok! :-)

Last year DD auditioned for Prep 1 and received her result by post a week after the audition.

Just spoke to DD2 and she didn't even hear seaweed - she just heard sea!!

What a fantastic attitude Living2dance and SWL is brilliant, your DD clearly has something

Hey AuntieNora, lovely forum name! Glad you both enjoyed it, how did your DD find the audition? I was in the waiting area as DD2 was in the first audition and have to say there were some gorgeous looking dancers getting ready to go in for the 11am. Such a lovely experience for them all :-)

I think the deadline was in May but some schemes do allow late applications. Good luck!

Recently bought a (first) pair in Freed and had very friendly, helpful service.

Have sent you a message TUCO 123

No we are seasoned triers! Twice for each DD, mostly just for the fun of it!

Katia05 what time were you in? We were in the first one not enjoying the rain!! I did wonder how many ballet coers might be there!

Interesting, at what age would that be Mnemo? Is that for company auditions?

Am looking for the same for small child and no luck at all so far

Our dance acro teaching is all done on padded mats although obviously not as supportive as a fully sprung floor but then the moves they are doing are much lower impact (in general) than gymnastics.

When DD had just finished doing squad level gymnastics I made a comment on a photograph posted on social media by her club where nearly all the girls pictured had knee braces or other supports etc. I was firmly put in my place by one of the coaches for even mentioning it and was told that in elite sport this was par for the course. Since then we have witnessed more serious (not life threatening) injuries but the children concerned are desperate to get back to their sport and parents are supportive of this. Also, where DD participates in Associates we have on occasion witnessed a small number of students sitting out lessons with ice packs on their ankles. On a positive note, the extensive core conditioning DD used to have to do for gymnastics does obviously benefit them and Pilates is also used to help with support for the back. I have only done a small amount of research admittedly, given that both DDs now do a range of activities and I think it ties in with what some of the others have said about trying to limit the amount of repetitive exercises which might weaken one area or another, and countering these with safe postures when required, making sure the child is fully warmed up and learning from an experienced teacher. Anyway, it's certainly a good idea to take note of all the evidence as if injuries can be prevented then that can only be a good thing

I guress almost all sports and dance, ballet included, do carry the risk of short and long term injury.

Good point, Cirque du Soleil not doing too badly though

Just to slightly balance things, appreciating that this a ballet focused forum, both of our DDs have cut doen on gymnastics in order to focus on dance and have found dance acro to be a fun discipline which helps them maintain their skills. They are fortunate to have a teacher who is very skilled in choreography and has incorporate the odd move into their (Modern only) festival routines whilst ensuring that the focus remains dance and musicality. DD1 is currently at an Associate scheme where during additional events it has been emphasised that most dancers have to demonstrate ability across a range of disciplines these days to increase their prospects if employment further down the line. I am sure Acro is not right for everyone and don't disagree with the gist of the article nor the other posts outright, I just thought it might be worth putting forward an additional view!! I guess for those that already know they want to have a career in ballet then this won't be a route they will take, but for others keeping their options open it can be a positive thing, if taught well of course.

Very dedicated !

PV how have I completely missed that your DD is at YDA? Was she previously at Tring CBA? Does YDA still only take Associates to the age of 13?

London JA audition dates were sent out around 6th May last year.

We loved it and were so moved by the tears at the end of the final performance. Brilliant choreography and stunning performance.

By way of update, we had a lovely experience at Freed yesterday. I have to confess, I'm not sure who we were served by, but she was friendly, knowledgeable and very patient with dd, who was so excited that she was finding it difficult to differentiate between what felt good and what felt great! She has declared they are the best things she has ever been bought. I should have taken more heed of Anna's post as I must have looked completely blank when it was explained to me that different makers' shoes in the same "size" varied enormously, especially in width. DD tried on one pair a size larger than the first and couldn't even get them on. So, first pair now bought. Now to the art of breaking them, for which I am grateful to this forum as I have seen lots of suggestions on this topic!