TooTu

We're at an 'embroider or else' dance school - so I am slightly envious of the suede toe cap option rather than the endless loops of chain stitch!

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

When did they say we would hear about SS? can not remember!! Many Thanks

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 might have miss read but I thought Masters was two weeks without a one week option.

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 TooTu.  The last week of Ballet West four weeks of SS is the same as RBS second week and would work as alternative but we couldn't make any of the earlier weeks.  Thanks for suggesting OPES - their middle week might work for us.  I agree that residential is best if you can afford it and for me I would need some type of holiday activity anyway so might as well be dance as DD has outgrown most other holiday clubs she used to attend.  Masters of Ballet looks good - slight class of dates but worth looking at - just hope the video audition doesn't put is off and also although DD is doing G6 she is not yet on pointe.  Deep breath - it is only January - I don't have time to think summer!  Good luck with whatever your DD does.

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

Thanks TooTu - all sorted and confirmation received - I have just been back to check e-mail!

 

We have been looking at alternatives as the chances of an offer are so slim.  I was surprise to see that many summer schools are so early - before DD has finished.  Are they aimed at those at vocational school who have already broken up for the summer?  I am looking for something to give DD something different but those I have seen that fit our dates only ask for a few years ballet experience and I am worried that they wont "challenge" - I don't like using that word but can't think how else to describe what we are looking for.

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

These are lovely & come in different fits. http://www.lovelilydanceandleisurewear.com

As they are handmade they can make adjustments to your requirements.

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

Morning all, I just had to share my proudest mummy moment with you all. 

 

Local Dance Festival has just taken place over the past 4 days. Covering all Genres

 

DD entered the Ballet class, one of the youngest in her age group of 13 to 16 yrs.

 

First time performing En Pointe and my DD WINS, then performs all over again in the Gala in front of a packed theatre, 

 

Craziest most emotional happiest mummy moment ever.    

 

PS Then is awarded 2nd place in the tap class, only girl to be placed. Amongst the boys! 

 

Now to sort the house out and hoover up all the sequins! 

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

6 more sleeps in this household until my DD takes part in the local dance festival, spread over 4 days. Eek.

 

School kindly/politely 'informed' of her absence. Given up with asking.

 

Excited, apprehensive, nervous and that's just me!

 

Good Luck to anyone with upcoming exams, auditions and festivals

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

If she wants to enter vocational education at, say 16, she would need to be doing vocational exam level training but could be in a free not syllabus class. Certainly vocational grades in BBO do pointe work and G6-8 don't. Maybe discuss with your teacher?

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