balletbean

All I can add to this post is if you want a laugh, just make a cuppa and log onto YouTube for type in Classic Ballerina Bun. Hilarious, especially when the bun is created by a 'professional' hair stylist. They should leave it all to the professional dancers. The Americans use so much product and on wet hair, which is totally impractical when the girls are running from school to their ballet lessons. The best are where the older girls demonstrate on themselves.

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!

BlueLou, A* for you, you are so right this time next year I shall be on the trail. We may well meet up. For now, DD and I shall stick to Festivals (one more sleep) and SS application forms.

Hi Karen, I have one more year, this time next year I shall be in your shoes (Pointes obviously) and annoying the postman. But appreciate everything everyone shares this year, I have learnt do much already and still have a long way to go.......

I feel your pain and the absolute need to indulge in celebrations. It is pure team work, without us Mums to take our darlings all over the place and sew, repair and buy all their dancing bits and pieces they would never have had the chance to reach their full potential. And we wouldn't have it any other way. Because we do it for LOVE. Celebrate away and enjoy before reality kicks in for round 2

Side table in our living room is the go to place and especially the surrounding floor area ! And I thought we were alone on this, obviously not

Thank you for all your responses. Hammer it was, after the dress rehearsal I don't know why I was panicking over just my DD's shoes. The group ballet sounded more like a clog dance! At least I know I tried and her solo should be quieter!

I'm not too sure on geographic layout of London and it's surrounding area, but I do know of one student that completed work experience at PPA College this March. They did know a staff member at the college which may have helped, but you never know until you ask. Good Luck, fabulous idea. PS There are also different branches of Stage Coach Schools around the London/Brighton/Guilford area, obviously anything like these involving younger children a completed Police Check (DBS) would be an advantage when applying. Also a First Aid certificate (St Johns Ambulance run different courses) again shows any possible 'employer' that you are adopting a serious approach to any work experience.

Oh Gosh, how long does that school/ballet run take? I'm fortunate that my DD is on the same timetable as yours but if the traffic lights are kind to me I can do the ballet run in 4/6 minutes one way! And she can walk from school to the studio. I feel for you though, especially in the cold dark winter months. It must also be tiring for you having to complete the round trips.

I did see your first attempt though you were really enjoying the well earned celebrations. Congratulations, fantastic news

Thank you, I was lead to believe that the Pro was one of the quieter shoes after reading the Grishko website. Unfortunately this doesn't appear to be quite so accurate. I am normally the first to moan about the clonking of the pointe shoes, making some performances sound more like a clog dance. Hence the research. I shall know for next time. Now to find the hammer and old towel and have a go. And as far as steaming, great idea, I can multitask and have a cuppa at the same time. Perfect. Cheers to both of you for your reply

Oh, bless them both. Well done that nerves did not get the better of either of them and they still performed. Shows a real strength of character. A true performer in the making.

Interesting to read, and I have to agree with you. My DD is currently in yr 10 at an academic school. Leaving the house at 7.45am and returning home at approx 7.45pm. Finishing school at 3.30pm walking to her studio, balancing homework in the changing room along with the other like minded students and mothers waiting. Then taking her lessons before returning home for evening meal close to 8pm, shower and in bed by 9pm Total of approx 13 hours in the studio squeezed into just 5 days maybe 6 for extra coaching for exams and festivals. The advantage is that my teenager does not have the time energy or inclination to get involved in the usual teenagers life of boys, social media and clothes! So not all bad. PS Just to add, it is well recognised by many that those involved in dance or sport use their down time wisely and very focused on school work and down time is so precious.

"They will be 2 of the 5 Dancers selected from the whole of the UK" according to BW press release.

Morning all, A quick question. Tried, tested and successful methods for softening the blocks to Grishko Pro 2007. Teacher complaining that the block is too noisy, DD will be on stage next week in a festival but dress rehearsal tomorrow Heeeeeelp. Thank you

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

Fingers crossed for you. Sorry showing my ignorance KSD? Not familiar with the abbreviations. Thank you

Thank you Armydancer. My DD has applied for the SS so will just have to wait on that one. Then only time will tell. This waiting game is not one I really want to play!

I think the trick is trying to find a balance between singing first then dancing, breathing is notoriously challenging at the end of a routine to put in those final notes. That's the time that the stronger singers start to stand out from the rest. Good Luck

Totally agree, the technique must shine and not just the glitter on the tutu. Advice to other newbies, please double check with your DD ballet teacher before purchasing any costume especially tutu's. My DD ballet teacher likes all the younger students (i.e under 10/11) to wear a white tutu. The aggro by not consulting with the teachers first is not worth the hassle.

Totally agree, I bought a stunningly beautiful tutu off Ebay. Which was totally new to me. Fortunately a friend lived near the seller and was able to check condition before purchase was made. It still worked out cheaper even with postage to have the tutu shipped from Cairns in Oz than it was to buy one from a UK site 2nd Hand!! Biggest 'frisbee' type parcel that the postie had even seen.

Hi, Just a thought, if your DD is considering song and dance, double check with the organisers in advance. Some provide ear/face microphones, some don't. For warned is for armed. Also practice if possible with your DD wearing one. It can be quite daunting for the first time performer. Good Luck PS Also check the age groups as I believe no two comps are the same, one minute a child is top of an age group the next they are competing against dancers up to 3 years older. Challenging for the most confident of children let alone the complete festival beginner.

Hi, Would love to hear your views and comments regarding Elmhurst. From the school and the audition process. It is one of the schools under consideration and research for my DD at A level entry in Sept 2018. So auditions would be this time next year. Thank you PS Good Luck to you and your DS.

You can apply for a membership card to that chain of hotels as well as Holiday Express. Making a saving after ...... nights booked, upgrades etc. I can't remember the full details. Just ask at reception, next time

Cold wash, non bio powder/liquid on a quick wash. If only worn for one hour lesson then you could get away with not washing them every-time. They are a pain and I don't miss those days. Good Luck.