TooTu

I can sympathise with this.

Annaliesey, soo true. I have read all of those statements at least once every festival season

Have definitely seen a few exaggerated results on social media that have made you stop & think that's not right

I was going to recommend the so danca bae11 but unfortunately they are split soles too. My dd has a narrow heel but is wider across the ball of the feet & these are a nice fit on her

I think it said by 1st March on the email

I'm sorry to hear this & hope you find an alternative route to achieving your end goal. an RAD teaching degree is definitely worth exploring if this is something that might be of interest to you

I'm not brave to fly on internal flights without a passport even though 9 times out of 10 I have never been asked for it. On my most recent flight last week everyone was asked to have passports ready for inspection before boarding. That was with easy jet though I'm sure they probably meant photographic ID rather than passport. Definitely double check with the airline first for peace of md if nothing else

I think there is an option of 1 or 2 weeks. I could be wrong though as I only read quickly through the information

Thanks Newdancermum & good luck to your dd too. It does feel very early to be thinking about Summer doesn't it. The first week of the Masters of Ballet might work for us as an alternative if I can find some reasonable accommodation either nearby or within commuting distance.. now off to look at the requirements for the video audition

That's great you got it sorted out & confirmed. I agree the chances are slim & we too are looking for alternatives for dd. I have read others on the forum recommending Ballet West & Opes before so we are looking at those. Also dd was looking at the masters of ballet summer intensive in London & liked the idea of it but finding affordable accommodation in London for a week might not be easy. I also prefer residential summer schools because you know what you are paying whereas the non residential if you are not local costs like accommodation, travel & eating out quickly add up too

I submitted dd's application last night & it all went through. Just double checked & I have received a confirmation email too. Hope you get sorted Newdancermum

Best to double check with the airport but I've travelled with a sewing kit (bunheads stitch kit) in my hand luggage several times though my flights have all been within the UK

Try eBay. I just got dd one for £8

My dd has a couple of these & they are beautiful. Very flattering & beautifully made as well as lots of different styles to choose from

Huge congratulations to your dd!!! I'm sure you were a super proud mum

Good luck to your dd balletbean. I just 'inform' the school of my dd's absence too. I don't think I have ever asked permission. The way I look at it is that if they said no I would be taking her anyway

Thanks for posting the link to that article Janet. It was very interesting & very sad the intense pressure these kids are under to win. It also makes you realise the importance of balance & whilst I do think dance festivals & competitions do have their place in terms of performance experience they really are not the be all & end all that they can so easily become. I do however relate to the mother who didn't want to think what she spent on dance but I personally would value good quality training over triumph. ScottishDancerMum I think you & your daughter will really enjoy taking part in competitions as it sounds like you are going into it with the right attitude. I think it is great fun for them & I know my dd's really look forward to them.

Definitely run any costume ideas past your teacher as teachers all seem to have their own preferences as to what their students wear on stage & it definitely differs from teacher to teacher. Personally I like tutus that are not too OTT. I do like a bit of sparkle so long as the design itself is quite classical but I don't like arm puffs or huge tiaras especially on younger dancers. I do think on younger dancers sometimes it's a case of less is more as there's nothing worse than a tiny dancer on stage being swamped by this huge glitzy extravagant tutu. Adjudicators too all have their own ideas as to what they like & you'll never get it right every time so just be guided by your teacher & go out & have fun. Be warned though one festival & one dance usually leads on to more festivals & several dances (& a larger costume bill) but I do think it's worth it for the performance experience my dd has gained from it

Soft blocks are like pointe shoes but without the shank. DD has had freed soft blocks but have no experience of any other makes to compare. In DDs school they wear them to strengthen the feet before moving on to pointe

I'm glad your DD had a great time & a positive festival experience. My DD loves going to festivals to meet up with all of the friends she has made over the years from different dance schools. Enjoy sorting out the aftermath of costumes etc.... That part is not so much fun

I have seen these advertised on one of the 2nd hand costume selling sites on Facebook. They called them body boards.

Thanks ladies. I suspected that might be the answer

Sorry to gate crash your post but can I ask is there a limit to the amount the travel bursary will cover? For example would it cover air fares within the UK or is it limited to road & rail? Im curious because I didn't know this was available

Thank you sarahw I will mention it to her teacher. She started pointe last Spring & does a non syllabus pointe class once a week at present

The school my dd is at does graded exams up to grade 8 but doesn't offer vocational grades. I suppose I am wondering if that could be a problem further down the line if she doesn't have any vocational grades. She is 11 & currently working on Grade 6