NeverTooOld

Hi, my daughter prefers to wear a pair of plain black hot pants over her black leotard for additional modesty when needed. They are thin fabric, tight fitting and similar fabric to her leotard so don't obstruct her lines in any way but just give a little more coverage when needed. It depends on the uniform requirements of the class but might be an option.

I'm also working towards that exam so happy to share the experience. I've hit a bit of a stumbling block as my back went into spasm a few weeks ago and it is taking ages to sort itself out - getting better but slowly! I had been building up quite nicely and was feeling stronger but now hoping this hasn't set me back too much. I'm not too far off most of it but just struggling a bit with the pointe centre exercise - I can do echappes and releves at the barre but am having a really mental block in terms of bravery in trying it in the centre. Once my back is better though, I'll hopefully be back on the way. I am also working towards grade 7 having done grade 6 in 2018. Well done on your progress. From reading your other posts, you have done incredibly well so far.

My children are now 13 and 15 (daughter is the 15 year old) and I agree it is a total minefield! My daughter's first Instagram account didn't have her real name on and she only used it for posting photos of cakes that she had baked and decorated. She then changed it to sharing scenic photos that she had taken. She only accepted friend requests from people she knew well and we made sure the privacy settings were all locked down properly. Now she is older, she still doesn't really share anything on it and also has a Facebook account but again, doesn't share any photos of herself or friends. She mainly uses Instagram to follow her friends and Facebook to keep in touch with her Nan and overseas family. I've found that they have both had a huge amount of information etc shared from school (we are in the UK) but we have also talked a lot about it at home including watch points, dangers, pitfalls etc so they have all of the information they need. We have also made it clear that it is a privilege based on trust and if the trust is broken, the privilege is taken away. They have both always been very open about sharing any concerns etc with us, even if it doesn't directly involve them. You know your own children the best so know what they will cope with etc but I think there comes a point where you have to trust that you have taught them all that they need to know to stay safe etc and then just keep the lines of communication open. Year 5 is still very young, mine were probably year 8 before they had their own accounts, but if it is your account on your phone then you can keep a close eye on it. Hope this helps and good luck.

Congratulations Angela - I've replied on the other post you commented on as I saw that one first!

Congratulations and how exciting! My advice is definitely to go to a qualified fitter and expect to try a lot of shoes before you find the right ones. For a first pair, the ones you end up with might not be so perfect once you've danced in them for a little while so I think it is a bit 'trial and error' to start with as you will have no idea what a 'good fit' or indeed going onto pointe is meant to feel like! I got my second ones fitted earlier this year and they are a million miles better than my first ones (should have been sooner but delayed because of lockdowns!). I was in there for about an hour and a half, had tried pretty much everything they had in the shop and then ended up having some others ordered in for me which turned out to be the right ones! My teacher is a qualified fitter and fits from a shop in Stonham Barns near Stowmarket so just over the border into Suffolk. They don't restrict to one brand in that shop so there is the chance to try various ones. Other than that, I believe there are a lot of shops around Covent Garden if that is easier to get to. I've not been to them but I think they mostly do a brand in each shop so it is worth trying a few different ones. Most places need an appointment for fittings so check that before you go. Good luck and let us know how you get on!

I love your metaphors here!

Fantastic, thanks Jan.

Congratulations on your results and huge well done. I am working towards Intermediate Foundation - almost there, just struggling with the pointe exercise in the centre but I think that could be more a mental issue than anything else as I lack bravery to just go for it! I have also started grade 7 this year and am loving it. It is a huge syllabus but so pretty and fun to do!

As I have an F cup, I need a sports bra and really struggled to find a high impact one that didn't have a racer back but eventually found this https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B06XSTF7KQ/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o04_s01?ie=UTF8&th=1&psc=1. It is really comfy, stops any bounce and doesn't show under a tank type leotard as long as it isn't too low cut at the front. Just wanted to drop this in here in case anyone else has the same struggle!

When I did an adult class, I wore leggings and a vest/tank top. When I joined a class with teens, my teacher said I could still wear that but as the younger girls were expected to wear leotard and tights, it didn't seem right for me to have a different rule. Being 47 and not as skinny as them, I am not brave enough for just a leotard and tights so I also wear a short, chiffon wrap skirt over my leotard. I am also fairly busty so I wear a sports bra under my tank type leotard and finally found a combination that worked without it showing! Comfort is the most important thing as if you are not comfortable, you will be self conscious and it will affect how you move and how you enjoy the class.

I was just going to make the same suggestion that LinMM just made i.e. speak to your teacher about some private lessons to supplement what you are doing in the intermediate class and help you get to grips with the basics. That might be a really good option to help you if your teacher will do it. As others have said though, RAD intermediate is difficult so I agree that if you are keeping up at all, you are doing amazingly well. Keep at it and keep enjoying it, you will see improvements as you go along but don't ever compare yourself to others, just enjoy your own journey.

Thank you, that's really kind I've just replaced my shoes so have a new pair to do now and my daughter has just had new shoes too so that will keep me busy for a while!

This is how my teacher taught me to do mine. Some people just do around the ends but she prefers all over as shown (sorry about the grubbiness!). I used a chain stitch which was a bit tricky at first but I got used to it and there were some helpful videos on YouTube. I tried both needles and definitely a curved one is the way to go - the straight one was almost impossible to use.

I've been doing these classes for a while now and highly recommend them. Laetitia is a fantastic teacher, really breaking down each movement to help you add the little extra touches that help make it a performance rather than just steps and the classes are very enjoyable.

I've been doing Laetitia's Thursday morning zoom classes learning this piece and highly recommend it if any of the other adults here fancy it. Laetitia is a fantastic teacher and I've learned a lot of useful tips etc that don't necessarily crop up in a normal syllabus class.

I did ballet until I was around 14 (my teacher retired and I lived in a village with no other option) and then started back up when I was 40. I am now 46 and am absolutely hooked! I am currently working towards my Intermediate Foundation exam, passed my RAD grade 6 in 2018 and should be starting grade 7 soon too as we had to wait for there to be enough people to make up a class! By the way, exams are in no way compulsary but I love having something to work towards and I like the structure of a syllabus. Many adults just do general classes though and love that so it really is personal choice. The beauty of doing ballet as an adult is that it really is just for you so you can go at your own pace and choose what you want to do - there is no pressure or expectations apart from what you give yourself. In terms of clothes, when we had an adult class, it was very much leggings and t-shirts but I am now in a class with teens so I wear leotard, tights and skirt as they are expected to wear proper attire so it only seems fair that I do the same. During lockdown I did an online class that is too far away to attend in person but there were many dancers 10 or even 20 years older than me so age really isn't a barrier. I have also recently started an online repertoire class where we have been learning a piece from Swan Lake which has been amazing. Sorry for rambling on but the main point is that there is no such thing as too old (especially at 29) and you have the ballet world at your feet so go for it and enjoy every second.

I had my first class back last night and it was amazing to be back! I am 46 but in a class of teens so they all went back after 12th April and the teacher put her device at the back of the room so I could see them all and join in from my kitchen. I have been really grateful for zoom classes but nothing beats being there in person! It isn't a huge class so plenty of room for distancing. Also, I am now fully vaccinated and did a negative test yesterday morning. The teacher is also regularly testing and school age youngsters should be testing twice per week too so I'm guessing it is as safe as it can be now.

I did the BBO ballet and tap syllabus when I was little - very fond memories!

Fantastic class this morning, thank you. Really enjoyed it

My back has been bad for the last couple of weeks but is improving so I really hope to be able to join you soon. The class sounds amazing

I completely agree with Sally-Anne here. I would encourage body positivity instead and just make sure she understands that what is happening to her body is normal and the other girls will go through exactly the same thing. I'm quite shocked that her teachers would suggest moving her just because of a changing body shape due to puberty. I think if you move her just because of this, it will send the message that her changing body is a bad thing and could well lead to lots of issues around this.

Hello and welcome. I don't have any experience of vocational schools etc but in respect of the above bit, I agree with what others have said in that it is right to let them try. As a parent you have a responsibility to protect and guide your children but if you stop them following a dream it could lead to regret, resentment and blame later on. I think the best option is to make sure they understand the realities and that it is a hard path with disappointment for many along the way but at the end of the day, they will never know if they don't try. Also, I strongly believe that rejection is part of life and sometimes learning to deal with that early on can really help. Those that get everything handed to them on a plate can then end up getting floored the first time they have an unsuccessful job interview or miss out on a promotion for example. Just be there to encourage and support, giving them the strength and courage to work towards their dreams, celebrate their successes but be there to pick them back up at the low points.

I read it - I didn't see an option to listen! Will have a look though, thanks.

Wow - that made me feel quite emotional! Thanks for sharing x

On the plus side, we now have some clear dates albeit pending the numbers continuing to go in the right direction. However, as the only adult in a class of teens, the plan means that the rest of my class can start back in April but I won't be able to join them until May! Haven't heard from the dance school yet so not sure what their plans are but looks like I'll be practising at home with the DVD for a while as I'm guessing that means Zoom classes will stop if most can be back at the studio. Might see if the teacher can do a live feed from the class so I can join at home but camera angles will have to be careful as none of the under 18s will be able to be filmed. Guessing this will be OK if only the teacher appears. Interested to hear from any teachers on here with a similar situation to see how they will handle it.