ScottishDancerMum

See, that's what I had been thinking! Let them grow up a bit and mature as dancers and then get their pancake tutus, but I don't want my kid to be the one standing out. I've already emailed the organisers of the festival that we're hoping to take part in, to see if there's any express rules about it. I just don't want her to feel out of place, or "less than", and let her dancing do the talking... but what if it hits her confidence? We had been looking at this one - my daughter loved the colour: http://www.turnoutdancewear.co.uk/store/p1714/Dulcet_Sequin_Tutu_-_COTU0020.html Or this navy one: https://www.weissmanscostumes.com/tap_and_jazz/pants_and_shorts/10029-clearance.aspx Neither are pancakes. My sewing skills aren't great (I can hem, tuck, and embellish the heck out of something, but I'm not good with changing structure ) and I didn't know if perhaps a pancake layer could be added under these. Also, I didn't know if they needed to have that boning look (seems a bit OTT for 7 - 9 year olds, but what do I know?)

I just wanted to check back now that we've seen a festival! We watched for the afternoon session - senior song and dance, junior tap, juvenile ballet (but unfortunately couldn't stay for the end presentation). I thought the dancers were lovely and so talented! I had a few conversations with mums and a few of the girls - they really enjoy this and some had been competing since they were very small. I understand this was a championship festival, so the level was higher than what my daughter would be expected to reach at her first few times out, but I felt in exception to one or two skills she needs to work on, she was at the same level as the Juvenile group (ages 7-9) and she's still keen to try it. A few observations and questions... - are there rules in regards to content and skills? I mean, if a 5 year old can do a triple pirouette, can they include it in their program? (not my little girl... just asking in general!) - one of the mums told me that some of the dancers use the same program for years, in every festival they do. She said they just keep improving it - the programs were limited to 1 min 30 seconds for Juveniles, 2 min for Junior and Senior, plus extra time allowed for the Song and Dance category. Is this typical? (If we work on a number this winter for 90 seconds, will we need to change it?) - All the girls in the juvenile ballet group wore pancake tutus. I asked one of the mums if this was usual, and she said they all wear them - no one wants to stand out not wearing one. I guess I better start saving then! (She really liked a non-pancake tutu, but we have the winter to look for a second hand one) We thought it was a great experience, and we're looking forward to diving in!

I agree, but the school is so involved in Highland that often the ballet and tap students are simply in it to strengthen their Highland skills. But I adore her teacher and my daughter does very well with her - she'd like to send her to an Associate program audition when she's about 9 or 10. I would change schools but for now my daughter is learning and is happy, so I'll do what I can to supplement this part of her experience. It would be easier if she liked Highland, but she just loves ballet

I'd love her to participate in a group - she's only done group work so far (for recitals), but I think it would take some of the pressure off. But her school doesn't participate in any competition except for Highland, so maybe if I can find a few other girls in her ballet classes that might be able to organise a group number. But I feel like I need more information and experience myself before I bring it up to any of the other dancers and their parents (and our teacher).

I wanted to thank everyone for the fantastic warm welcome, and for all the advice! I feel like I've landed in a safe place to discuss dance and have learned a lot already from your forum We are going to watch a competition in Glasgow in November, and go from there. She's looking at song choice options and wavers from being really excited to being worried about stage fright. We'll see what happens. She's so young, yet when she's in class she's super focussed and really competitive... she was intent on becoming the youngest person to do splits in her group, and when she sees the older girls she watches everything they do. It's beautiful to watch her develop this skill. Thank you all again!

I wanted to thank you all so much for your input! We have plans to go watch a competition in November, and we'll go from there

My daughter is 7, and has been in ballet classes for 4 years. She's very keen, and has started asking about doing competitions. Her dance school specialises in another style of dance, and those students often compete, but not the ballet students. She adores her teacher, works hard, and has been in two recitals. So is there any harm at giving her a turn at competing? It's something I have no experience in. Her teacher said she'd help with choreography and extra training, and she'd be competing under our school's name. Part of me says it could be fun, and give her a bit of a chance to push herself a bit. Another part worries that it's just part of a huge money-making industry and it won't really help her in the long run. I'd really appreciate some guidance, thank you.