EverHopeful

Two technical questions here in relation to pirouettes and pose turns: 1. At what height do you spot? I’ve always tried to go for high up, near the ceiling of whatever room I’m in. But I’ve recently realised maybe it’s supposed to be closer to the natural eye level? 2. In a single en dedans pirouette (as in grade 5 RAD centre practice with 1 and a quarter turn) do you spot to the centre or to the corner you plan to end up facing? This has been taught to me differently by different teachers and I’m unsure of the correct technique for exam purposes. Any opinions? Thank you 😊

I fully expect I’ll need several more years of intensive training, and more impressive exam certificates than my RAD grade 4 merit - however proud I am of it, I do realise in the grand scheme of things it potentially might not be as much of an achievement as I first thought. When I said I’d like to join an amateur company, I meant in 5 or 10 years time - I didn’t mean to imply I believe I’d be ready anytime soon. But maybe one day 🤣

Joining an amateur company one day is definitely on my ambition list - I have such a long way still to go with only a few years experience under my belt. But I’m now en pointe and have a good grade 4 (would like to think now nearing a decent grade 5 standard also). I wish i could go back and find my passion much earlier in life. But I’m determined to do everything I can to catch up - better late than never

Wow, that makes me definitely want to see the film when it comes out! I saw her as Juliet the first time I ever went to a ballet, absolutely blew me away. I was just mesmerised by her.

It is brilliant. I just wish I’d found it (and my passion for ballet) much sooner!

Wow, I had no idea there were so many opportunities available! Thank you for all this information. I will need to start planning.

I once had a pair of pointe shoes that I hated with a passion. They felt so perfect in the shop and in my first class in them. But I quickly realised they were completely wrong for me. I tried various padding, varing tightness of the drawstring but I just could not dance in them. I soon gave up and reverted to my previous brand and what a difference it made. I wouldn’t have thought to go back to the fitter about the ones I was struggling with. Maybe that’s a consideration for future.

I had considered trying a few classes in another exam board style but I’m unsure if it would maybe interfere with my RAD technique. Do you find it massively different?

Thank you very much - I have a lot of reading to do. What a wonderful website this is. I can’t believe I didn’t find it and join earlier

Hello all, I recently took my first ever ballet exam and was very pleased to achieve a merit at grade 4. Having never danced as a child, I didn’t know what to expect with regards to exam marking standards so it was a pleasant surprise. I have now moved on to grade 5 and I absolutely love it - I find it a much nicer syllabus than 4. I’m in Intermediate as well but obviously a very long way off exam standard. It’s so nice to hear of so many other adults interested in the exams!

Hi everyone, I’m new to the forum! This ballet retreat looks great, I hadn’t realised such a thing existed. I will definitely attend one at some point. Are there any other adult intensive courses you know about?