Contretemps

Ah that’s good to know, thanks for this - I’ll make some enquiries x

Hi all, Ive been trying to compile a list of summer schools for this summer that are in person rather than online. This may be somewhat optimistic - but I’m aware that some deadlines are looming so wanted to do some information gathering sooner rather than later! My dancer will soon be thinking about whether she wants to apply to vocational school and if so, which ones. I’ve therefore been restricting my searches to summer schools that have post 16 courses. I think this might give her a taster of the school generally. She’s not yet sure whether she wants to go down the classical route or aim for a more varied dance education. Just to restrict things further, I haven’t gone for any London locations - we’re not ruling them out but thinking that maybe next summer we will have a closer look at those as options. So far, our list for summer schools consists of: Elmhurst, Northern Ballet School (couldn’t find this on their website as the page link states it doesn’t exist, however when using google I came across the application form for this year), Tring, KS Dance Moorland (missed the deadline for this one). I can’t seem to find any info on whether Hammond is going ahead. Maybe someone has some info on this? I haven’t included RBS as I’m sure the deadline for that has passed. I was desperately hoping that RCS would go ahead this summer, but I received an email today that suggests it is online only, which is frustrating. This one was at the top of our list! Have I missed any others that are worth considering? I know there are a few amazing summer schools that aren’t attached to vocational courses - but we wanted to kill two birds with one stone really, and try and get a taste of a school whilst attending a summer course. Also if anyone does recommend any London based summer schools, please do suggest them. Any guidance or suggestions gratefully received!

I haven't heard of this store - I'll definitely check it out. I'm sure she would love an excuse to go to the Trafford centre!

Ah I was just looking at That's Entertainment! I noticed it mentioned on a thread on here, but it was from 2016. I think that might be where we will go. It's so hard to know where is best, and even harder now some are unable to open at the moment. Thanks for the recommendation xx

HI everyone, I'm posting to ask for some advice and recommendations My DD needs some new pointe shoes asap as her's are completely dead. We are North West based, but she bought her previous pairs when we have been away elsewhere in the UK. I've heard that The Dance Shop in Prescot is good, as well as Barnum's in Warrington - but I've just seen that Barnum's has closed for good. I also heard that there was a good store in Blackpool (possibly Showstoppers - but I'm not 100% sure!), although it looks like they are currently closed. If anyone has any recommendations, I would really appreciate it!

Looking for IDTA Ballet Intermediate grade on DVD I didn't get round to filming my daughter doing this grade in class, and without knowing how long we will be without classes for, she is keen to keep going at home.

I can highly recommend Cecchetti Northern Associates which is held at KS Dance in Warrington. Classes are monthly on a Sunday and involve a ballet class and a class in another subject, such as Jazz or contemporary. Auditions are in June for Septembers intake (you audition for each yearly intake). The fees are really reasonable too. Yes a member of KS Dance Faculty runs the programme, and sometimes faculty do teach on it, but teaching staff for the Associates come from the Hammond and Tring amongst others. The session with Shannon and Peter Parker is always a highlight.

Thanks everyone

Great ideas - thanks so much! xx

Hi everyone My daughter has managed to snag the satin on one of her pointe shoes, which has caused a tear. It's on top of the shoe (so not underneath the box) - I think this happened during a group dance where she had to slide her leg behind her to finish in a kneeling position (apologies - not a very technical description!). I'm wondering if anyone knows how to reduce the damage a little, or stop it from getting any worse? I know the dancers like their pointes to appear very well worn etc, but as this isn't underneath the box it does make this one shoe look rather tatty, and they are actually very new shoes. This group dance will be performed again, so the damage could get worse. I'm thinking maybe hairspray? My daughter suggested clear nail polish, but I was bit concerned that would leave a rather shiny splodgy mess! The tear has resulted in the satin lifting a little around it, so I just want to protect that area a little I suppose. Any advice gratefully appreciated!

Have you tried a pomade? 'Black and White Hairdressing Pomade' is a very good one. It's like a wax, but much better. I think it's about a fiver (you can find it in most supermarkets and major brand chemists - it might be with the men's styling products though), but you only need a tiny amount (just rub a bit between your fingers, before smoothing it onto the areas that need it). It really tames frizz and fixes hair well, so you wouldn't need as much hairspray. No crispyness to contend with afterwards! I use it often as I also have Hermione hair (thick, wiry and frizzy) and I only use pomade and hair spray. I also avoid getting it wet, as this just makes it worse (but obviously everyone is different!). I'm a ballet mum, but I do often wear a bun and the pomade works a treat for me.

Thanks @Tatasmum - I assumed it must have gone as it was quite a while ago. But I'll message her as I might be lucky 😀

Thank you Jan - I've been a long time lurker, but have never properly joined/posted

Hi all - I'm seeking an English Youth Ballet T-shirt(s) in a size small if anyone has one/any they are looking to sell? Black or Blue preferably, but would accept Pink. Their stock seems to be low and it was mentioned that it would be a few weeks off before they have any more in, and my dancer would like one desperately! Thank you! x