balletbean

At my DD dance studio all girls have had to have taken their RAD G4 before even starting IF. They then have to have taken IF lessons for at least 9 months if not longer as each student is assessed for ankle and feet strength over time BEFORE being given permission to buy their first pointes, it certainly makes them all work harder knowing it's not an automatic right of passage. To other local schools they appear behind but on closer inspection the girls technique and feet/ankles are stronger.

Previously I would have agreed however this summer the Dance World Cup was held at home. Over 3000 dancers from across the world were competing and possibly a few on this forum. Local dancers struggled to be given permission for time off from school. Even though it was a week before the end of the summer term. But hey let a child win a medal against the rest of the world and we will quite happily promote the achievement and run big articles in the local newspaper and covered by all the media! Grrrrrr

Lovely idea mnemo but my DD school expect her to accompany me to these tutorial meetings. For the sake of a 10 mins meeting my DD won't miss any of her dancing lessons. And personally I don't blame her.

I read that earlier today. There is a video circulating FB by one of the many ballet sites. Stunning stage performance en pointe by an 8 year old!!! My comment was that I didn't even know anyone could buy pointe shoes that small. And concerns for the childs feet development (bones/Ligaments) My other concern is that if a child was of that standard at 8 when did they actually start en pointe! Needless to say this did not happen in the UK Our local ballet supply store won't fit young children with their pointes. Being a smallish dancing community the owner knows most of them. Found the video, hopefully the link works: https://www.facebook.com/293184324068780/videos/611735992213610/

Thanks everyone. I didn't actually let her Mentor know that my DD spends 13 hours a week in the studio AND volunteers for 2 hours early on a Sat morning to help the 'baby' modern/tap class. Giving something back, whilst maintaining her studies. And not lying in bed like so many other teenagers. A visit to her school a few years back by the Community Bobby actually endorsed sports/dance or other activity as they so "very rarely came into contact with these teenagers for getting into trouble for 'hanging out'. They use their precious spare time wisely" Supported by another teacher who stated that they very rarely had to chase homework from dancers, very organised and focused. Obvious the Mentor yesterday hadn't got that memo!!

I read this post when first published, then yesterday I attended a Mentor meeting at my DD academic school without my DD because as usual she was at the studio. First comment by her Mentor after the usual pleasant greetings and introductions. "Ballet Grades are not going to get your DD into a Uni, she's going to have to cut down on her dancing lessons" Grrrrrrr She's in the top set for all subjects and working hard towards vocational auditions, currently in yr 10. #noidea

betterankles, Yikes, Not sure that would even be possible at the DD school. 9 hours of ballet pw. With other students to take into account. (Grades and ages and genres) there is only so many teachers available and studio space. Nice idea though

Meadowblythe, My DD July birthday is the day before mine!. I know exactly how she feels. Fortunately this has never affected her academic studies. So at least I didn't fail completely.

Thank you taxi4ballet. My DD birthday is beginning to be a bane of her life (I blame her mum, lol). Even last years SS posed some issues of knowing which group to apply for. All the schools ask the students age but don't specify whether it's the students age when attending the SS or at a particular date. Not always clear. Unlike academic/vocational schools which is very straight forward as they appear to match regular school years. PS: I have replied

That's great to here, ENBS SS entrance states ADV1. For my DD age. She is right on the cusp due to her July birthday. The lower age group was Int Fou, A missing grade between the two age groups! We felt that she could not even submit an application form for the SS.

Confuddled, Have you also considered how you will remove the makeup? Wet wipes are popular and convenient, but all are drying on the skin and the cheaper you go the more harsh the chemicals are used more likely to cause a skin reaction. The shake and mix type like Nivea Micllear (sorry for the spelling) but any brand is good and used with cotton wool pads. One pad soaked in the liquid held for a second or two over the eye tends to dissolve the makeup with very little wipe action. Thus reducing any risk of damaging the fragile skin underneath. Just ensure you have buy a remover before you get home after a performance and then discover its the one item you forgot to buy at 11pm!!! We've probably all been there.

Thank you, that's rather reassuring. I have read several posts that DD are Adv1 or even 2 at my daughters age. I'm worried that she will run out of time to take the exams before the auditions come around. Due to commitments by her dance school and other students to consider. Without knowing the mark that some of these students are receiving (presumably very high) just studying a grade is no guarantee. Realistically it is only an indication of where the student is in their training and their knowledge but not their actual ability. If that makes sense.

Thank you Anna C, Without a definite topic title it can be a challenge to find what I am looking for.

Morning all, Sorry could not think of an appropriate Topic title. I am interested to know how many hours other children are spending in the studio for those that attend a regular academic school. Especially teenagers around and about 14/15 years. With SS applications looming and then future Vocational school consideration I just wasn't too sure if there was such thing as an average. Either pure ballet or other genres. Not sure If my DD is 'up to speed' with her counterparts as we live in a very small community and get wrapped up within that close bubble of her friends either from her school or studio to compare with. Hope that all makes some kind of sense. Would love to hear from anyone either of that age and those that were successful at their auditions for vocational upper school. Schools appear to request certain RAD grades but no reference to the hours of training per week preferred Thank you

What so many outside the ballet circle don't understand is that those that pursue Ballet vocational training are highly intelligent often balancing A levels AND dance training. Spending hours upon hours in the classrooms and studios then maintain their training throughout their working life, unlike Uni students who quite often spend hours and hours in the bar interrupted by a few lectures a week. Makes me so mad that so many people treat the performing ARTS as a cop out for those that failed at school!!!

PS. Boots and other similar stores have 3 for 2 offers on some makeup ranges. Be a savvy shopper to keep the price down. I do

My suggestion is to work from the outside in. There are dietary supplements for hair and nails. Maybe worth a try. Or even a regular vitamin and mineral supplement. Dancers are known to have a fickle diet. Also is this a puberty issue or since she was little, I've known girls with dead straight hair until mother nature kicked in, now they have a full head of curly unruly hair where others have greasy hair! There doesn't appear to be a hard and fast rule. The type of hair as described sounds like the type that coloured ladies experience. Maybe sourcing a hairdresser experienced with this community might be able to suggest more suitable products and techniques unlike a regular hair stylist. Even down to the type of brushes and combs to use. Also check the fabric of bedding (pillowcases) and clothing that comes into contact, as friction from these may aggravate the frizzy situation. Even fabric conditioner on towels!! Air conditioning/central heating all are known causes of dry atmosphere. May struggle to treat the symptoms if still exposed to the reason. Wish you good luck

I agree with picturesinthe firelight. Is the show ballet focused or modern more Musical theatre. The latter tends to be stronger ballet is more muted. Either way for just 3 shows but maybe the start of things to come. Pop into your local chemist, don't go mad. A powder or liquid foundation in similar skin tone, a small rose coloured blush, subtle blue tends to be used for the younger age then browns and a tad of mascara, eye liner at a push but good luck on application! A small compact powder just to 'set' and hide the shine of the makeup. Some makeup no matter how subtle is better than none due to the stage lights. Have a chat with other mums in the class if there are to be group dancers. It is really best that all the performers in a group have similar if not the same makeup. Ps Foundation can be shared if liquid and applied with fingers (easier for hygiene) or small sponges that can be washed. This spreads the cost. Good Luck, your DD will be so excited, if you take care of these products you will have them for next time.

Harwel, I totally agree, when my daughter was in her 1st year the college housed her with other 1st yr students. Which we all thought was a great idea. All in it together type thing. However they all went home at the weekend, not coming from the UK and having that facility my DD was left home alone at the weekends. 2nd yr she organised her own accommodation and ensured she shared with mixed years but with a few foreign students, who also couldn't go home. Tiredness just exaggerated the feelings and being away from home, family and friends. She spoke to all the right people and received the support she needed and made it. As you said speaking to family may just actually make things even more emotional Just graduated from MT college back in July. It's hard and totally felt for Ana last night. So pleased a new day has shed light and focus on her situation for her.

Anaballerina, there is absolutely nothing to apologise for. Just so pleased that our simple words have brought you some comfort at this time. Take care and try and get some sleep. Here if you ever need another chat. (Mum to a DD who has been through it and just graduated this July)

Oh Anaballerina, I am so sorry to read your very sad post. I don't know which school you are at but may I suggest in the morning contacting a staff member that you trust and like to talk to about your concerns and sadness. You will not be alone and please don't think that you have to do this all by yourself. The school should have the resources and training to help you through this time. Do you have a housemate that you know and trust to talk to tonight? If not, make yourself a warm drink, plug in some music you like and try to sleep. until you can speak to someone in the morning. Really there is nothing too bad that can't be sorted by talking to someone. Wish you well take care

Those words are so reassuring. My DD took part in Ballet West SS and can't wait to return next summer and then possibly applying for a full time place next autumn. Such a lovely place and stunning location.

And she is only 4 yrs old! Heaven help her class teacher and Head Teacher at her Academic school!

I understand your point of view but as a fee paying parent I would also like to know the probability of my child's success. Allowing them to continue would be unfair for all those concerned. Being open and honest even if its not what you really want to hear is still the best way forward.

Sounds wonderful, Considering the amount of potential students in the Channel Islands that enter MT colleges mainly but also Ballet schools each year it would wonderful to have these audition days a bit closer to home. Funding for auditions can be challenging at the best of times, incl ex time required, means many of these fab classes are just out of our reach. Emma Northmore do you fancy hopping on a flight I'm sure you would be made very welcome?