Neverdancedjustamum

I have 4 Bullet Pointe skirts in the colours Violet, Blue, Mint Green and like a deep wine colour (sorry, I can’t remember the actual colour names). All in pristine excellent condition, all size XXS. 
 

£22 each including first class postage or £80 for all 4 including postage already. 

30 minutes ago, HopelessMummy said:

Just wondering why these leotards are so sought after and why they hold their value so well? My DD had one but I didn't think it looked half as good as her grishko or wear moi ones

 

 

 

My DD started wearing them about 5 years ago when she was 7 and I liked them for their high cut leg line and general fit. Having said that, at the time, one of its unique selling points to me was that they were quite rare and not easily available here in the UK and were sold in limited quantities with the one stockist here. They are also made I believe by the same company that does the Paris Opera Ballet School uniform (for example, you can find one of the Degas styles in the exact style minus the Degas branding for almost £20 less online last time I checked) . Its popularity seemed to have exploded in the last 2-3 years and when I saw them on tiny kids (I’d say age 6/7) they actually looked a tad not age appropriate  because the chest area of the two most popular styles sit quite low and coupled with the high leg line and bare legs with socks, on some it looked more “grown up”. Although no one can dispute how it can make legs look longer! My DD was always a bit tall for her age and preferred tights so perhaps I didn’t notice it back then. Back when the lined version wasn’t easily available, my DD also found the stitching slightly itchy on her sensitive skin. So when she outgrew all her Degas a couple of years ago, I had a grand time selling them because as you said , they hold their value well. Having said all that, she absolutely loved them years ago and they were always noticed by teachers for their lovely fit and cut and the uniqueness of the style. I’d still rate the 2 most popular Degas styles as some of the best audition leotards on the market - in my opinion although I’m no expert -(appearance wise and also for the sheer amount of colour choices) but my DD personally finds for example, Grishko leotards much more comfortable.

Great condition. From smoke and pet-free home.

£25 including postage 

Number 4 now sold 

YUMIKO FOR SALE - all size adult XS, all excellent, near brand new condition. From smoke and pet free home. Please read descriptions carefully because I don’t do returns or exchanges. Prices quoted include first class postage already (with proof of postage). Additional £1.50 if you want item sent with a tracking number (first class, signed for).  Can do lower combined postage price for multiple purchases. For purchases over £100 I will send the parcel via special delivery. 
Happy to send further info and photos.
 

1. YUMIKO
Style: Larissa
Techni fabric
Size: XS
Not lined
£49 including postage 

2. YUMIKO
Style: Charlotte 
Techni fabric
Size: XS
Not lined
£49 including postage

3. YUMIKO
Style: Sasha Mesh
Size: XS
Not lined
£65 including postage

4. YUMIKO
Style: Alex
Techni fabric
Size: XS
Not lined
£48 including postage

14 hours ago, FlexyNexy said:

I use machine and when my DD is away, she uses sharp needles and metal thimble on fingers when pushing the needle through.  I could hear a lot of swearing coming out from her room when she gets new pairs while sewing them 🤣 

But they do last longer than when she used Griskho.

 

When she was at US, they used company seamstress and they did all sewing and shoe repairs for them.

 

When she started with Gaynors, the very first pair, I went to my local dry cleaner who we use regularly, and I begged him to sew it for me. 

I may have to resort to this if I can’t handle her second pair 🙂. I think there’s a dry cleaner in our town who does similar but perhaps not specifically pointe shoes.

14 hours ago, FlexyNexy said:

We had them done professionally by Amber Hunt.  For both upper and company auditions. She knows what to look at as ex dancer and I have budgeted for it throughout the year. 

 

I am a queen of spreadsheets and we had all positions summarised before the shoot. 

She included stunning profile photos and various formats. 

 

I had few quotes from other photographers that I can pass down, but my DD made final research and decided to go with Amber. We don't have regrets. 

 

I took some photos myself and some done by teacher but I have moved them to e-bin as they would not do any justice to my DD.

I strongly second this. Photography by Ash (Amber) are amazing and very reasonably priced. My DD hates having her photo taken and her nightmare would be photo shoots of any sort (probably best as it saves me money). And yet last year as a birthday treat she agreed to have a shoot with Ash and absolutely loved it because they are lovely and put her at ease. I was very pleased with the photos (Amber will send LOTS for you to choose from and is happy to suggest the ones she thinks are best). For someone who hates photos and shoots, my DD received a lot of offers from summer intensives overseas partly because of them. Ash’s headshots are also divine. 

7 hours ago, Meetmeatthebarre said:

 

I've just re-read and realised it might be clearer with pictures! I'll try and upload some in the coming days (I've been asked about my weirdly neat ribbons so it's been on the to-do list already)

That would be amazing, thank you x

Just now, Dancing unicorn said:

The only way I’ve found is to go right thru the satin instead of making it neat on outside! 
We’ve tried other shoes but honestly these are the only ones that work for our dd. She has wide feet but very narrow heels and she has no problem going thru the shoe to Demi and then full pointe 🩰

I could barely go through the satin, on her pair the material in general seemed very stiff, managed to a few times (accidentally admittedly), and had a hard time poking it back in. I’m a very inexperienced sewer though so I bet it’s easier than I found it. I’m just pretty useless at sewing and so when I was faced with these Gaynors I was quite shocked. Although this did remind me - what kind of thread do you use? I’m guessing it’s quite close in colour to the satin? The thread I had in my Bunheads Stitch kit is darker and more salmon-y. Thankfully I also have a Russian Pointe kit and the thread in that was much closer in colour. 

52 minutes ago, Meetmeatthebarre said:

I've only had one pair of GMs several years ago. I didn't find them much harder to sew but I do sew avidly as a hobby, and have developed a slightly different method for sewing ribbons to what I've seen before. It only takes a few minutes even on Gaynors, as it utilises existing "weak points" but still stays sturdy as it goes through the entire shoe. I've never had an issue with fraying, distortion, or ribbons coming loose. It also looks really neat both inside and outside the shoe.

 

1) If the ribbons are fraying as I cut them, I seal the ends with a flame. I normally skip this step these days as I use stretch ribbon that resists.

2) I lay the cut edge against the top edge of the drawstring casing - so the long end of the ribbon points INSIDE the shoe, not outside, and the cut end is flush with the top of the casing.

3) I stitch the ribbon using backstitch, going through the existing holes used to stitch the casing onto the main body of the shoe. I tie a knot to secure but don't cut the thread yet.

4) I fold the ribbon along the line I've just stitched so it points out of the shoe again.

5) I tie another knot to secure, fixing one edge of the ribbon to the very top of the drawstring casing.

6) I then sew the ribbon along the top end of the casing using small backstitch or occasionally whipstitch, before knotting and weaving in the thread. 

 

Hope this helps?

 

Thanks so so much for the detailed info above! I really appreciate it. I’ve literally copied and pasted it to my phone notes for me to refer to when the time comes for us to get her second pair (although I’m hoping this won’t be too soon!  My fingers are still getting over the trauma of sewing the first pair 🤣)

1 hour ago, DancingShoes said:

I sew my dd's on the machine. It looks neater and is so much kinder on the fingers. Does mean you have to get them in the right place first time though x

Alas I don’t have a sewing machine but know people who do so I may have to ask very nicely should it come to that x

1 hour ago, Kanangra said:

Sadly there is no easy way to sew ribbons onto Gaynor. I know some people have done it on a sewing machine but I'd be reluctant to try that or recommend.

 

My daughter wore GMs (she was actually a Gaynor Girl which was fantastic! free pointe shoes for a year!) and we found they were a fantastic shoe. Because of all the different customisable options they are terrific for hard to fit feet. DD had very narrow feet with bunions, so she had a wider box but narrow heel. The stuff about not being able to roll through is a nonsense though - if they are "springing up" on pointe it means the shank is too hard. A more supple shank will allow the feet to work through, and because they are not made of traditional materials they don't soften. As a parent I loved that they lasted a long time, usually a whole term. 

Wow! That’s amazing about the free pointe shoes! Especially given the price of Gaynors.  Fingers crossed my DD gets on well with them. I think it’s a good sign that she said they’re the ones that felt the best out of all the pointe shoes she’s ever tried (of which there have been MANY). 

2 hours ago, Jane said:

No tips other than use a metal thimble to push needle through, I found them an absolute nightmare to sew. Luckily they last longer than other brands so don’t have to fight to sew ribbons and elastics as frequently

I’ll try with a thimble again. My sewing kit did come with one so I thought I’d give it a go but since it was the first time I’ve ever used one, I was very clumsy and couldn’t quite get into grips with it. I also think I tried too late, I was already about half way through my sewing rage at that stage 😂

I know this is an old post but was the one most related to my question when I did a search. DD is a nightmare to buy pointe shoes for and whenever she goes to get fitted, the most suitable pair is always different! She’s tried Bloch, Grishko, Freeds (which looked horrific on her) and Capezio. During our most recent visit to Dancia and after trying on what seem to be dozens of pairs, the one that suited her the most were, surprisingly, Gaynor Mindens which we’ve never ever considered before. Anyway, my question is: has anyone found an easier way of sewing ribbons and elastics on to these? They’re unlike any of the shoes DD has had before, majority of which have some almost loose thin canvas-y fabric inside to sew on to. The Gaynors she has now has no such fabric, only like a thin fuzzy/felt layer and then the actual material which is very stiff. I’m not good at sewing at the best of times but the whole endeavour took me about double the amount of time to sew Blochs for example. A bigger needle was very hard to push through. I just about managed it with a smaller needle but I always felt like it was about to snap. Felt

like giving up many times during the process until I remembered how much the pair cost.  Any tips would be greatly appreciated. 

9 minutes ago, oncnp said:

 

This made me curious....looking at only the finals page of the YAGP since 2000, the RBS appears yearly from 2006-2010 and again in 2016 but nowhere else. 

2016    Grand Prix    Joonhyuk Jun

2010    Grand Prix    Wm Bracewell
                                  Claudia Dean
2009    Gold              Eliza Badenes Vazquex
                                  Jonathan Hanks
2008    Gold              V. Muntagirov
             Silver             Benjamin Ella 
2007                         Valentino Zucchetti
2006    Grand Prix    Sergei Polunin

Yes, it got me curious too as I don’t recall any candidates from RBS in recent memory. Can’t really just be their schedules as that’s like assuming other schools don’t have as busy a timetable.  And perhaps they aren’t looking to lose students but if I’m remembering correctly, prizes sometime come with job contracts/offers and not just scholarships to schools. The age is also from 15 which means it’s a good way to be seen by upper schools of partner schools especially if not all from WL get RBS US.

16 hours ago, Dance.Mum said:

Off the two privately trained one is ex WL and a Fonteyn finalist the other is privately trained by a number of coaches.

Does RBS permit their students to compete in PDL or YAGP? It seems to  recruit quite heavily from these competitions but I don’t seem to have seen any of their students participate unless they have a rule not allowing them to do so. I’ve seen candidates from Elmhurst and ENBS in the past, as well as from VBA, APG, TAZ etc.

Looks like 2 of the 3 are privately trained and not in full time vocational school here, and the other based in the US. Some candidates from Elmhurst and ENBS, although not British. Always love watching the candidates from APG. I just did a quick scan but can’t seem to find anyone from Conservatorio Annarella this time around. Two of their recent graduates did brilliantly well and went straight to soloist rank at Bayerisches Staatsballett.

12 minutes ago, Richard LH said:

I would suggest https://worldballetday.com/ is a fair launching point as it seems to include the relevant You Tube links to a whole list of Companies taking part in short bursts, in addition to the longer segments offed up by The  Australian Ballet, Bolshoi, and The Royal Ballet. 

 

 

Thanks so much! I will do. Very excited about it all. First time I’m actually on leave from work for WBD. 

Probably a silly question but where can I access the livestream? Is there a dedicated World Ballet Day YouTube channel or is it a matter of going to each company’s YouTube channels on their designated time according to the timetable? 

I have quite a lot of Yumiko leotards I am selling, mostly size XS, mostly not lined, but all of them in excellent condition, worn once or are brand new before daughter outgrew/didn't suit them anymore.  I have included the names of the styles, and you can easily check on the Yumiko website the usual prices for these leotards and realise the prices quoted below are absolute bargains. Size chart also available on the Yumiko website. I have also tried to attach some group photos to give an idea of what they look like (there are too many to do individually but happy to send further details and photos directly).  All came from a pet and smoke-free home.  I usually post Royal Mail first class with proof of postage (additional £1.50 to quoted price below if you want it sent signed for/trackable).  Please read descriptions carefully as I don't do swaps, refunds or exchanges, nor do I take responsibility for late or lost parcels once I have posted it and I have proof of postage/tracking number.

Please note I am not a shop, leotards purchased and collected over the last few years, Christmases, birthdays, treats, exam result bonuses, good marks in school bonuses or just surprises from a proud mum 😊

1. YUMIKO, Style: Larissa, Size: XS, Not lined, £45 including postage
2. YUMIKO, Style: Sofiane, Size: XS, Not lined, £38 including postage
3. YUMIKO, Style: Becky, Size: XS, Not lined, £42 including postage
4. YUMIKO, Style: Sofiane (half sleeve), Size: XS, Not lined, £40 including postage
5. YUMIKO, Style: Becky, Size: XS, Not lined, £43 including postage
6. YUMIKO, Style: Becky, Size: XS, Not lined, £42 including postage
7. YUMIKO, Style: Alex Mesh, Size: XS, Not lined , £42 including postage
8. YUMIKO, Style: Marieke (half sleeve), Size: XS, Not lined, £39 including postage
9. YUMIKO, Style: Masha Mesh (half sleeve), Size: XS, Not lined, £69 including postage
10. YUMIKO, Style: Anna Duo, Size: child 14, Front lined, £39 including postage
11. YUMIKO, Style: Erica, Size: XS, Not lined, £45 including postage
12. YUMIKO, Style: Meagan Mesh, Size: XS, Not lined, £55 including postage
13. YUMIKO, Style: Cora, Size: XS, Not lined, £49 including postage
14. YUMIKO, Style: Anna (3/4 sleeve), Size: XS, Not lined, £45 including postage
15. YUMIKO, Style: Alicia , Size: XS, Not lined, £49 including postage
16. YUMIKO, Style: Masha, Size: XS, Not lined, £65 including postage
17. YUMIKO, Style: Zoe, Size: XS, Not lined, £50 including postage
18. YUMIKO, Style: Kiki, Size: XS, Not lined, £40 including postage
19. YUMIKO, Style: Kiki , Size: XS, Not lined, £40 including postage
20. YUMIKO, Style: Heather , Size: XS, Not lined, £45 including postage
21. YUMIKO, Style: Gina Mesh (3/4 sleeve), Size: XS, £65 including postage

10 minutes ago, alison said:

Hmm, in that case perhaps you could encourage her to start learning an appropriate European language just in case?   From what I understand, not all the European schools use English, and it might potentially, so to speak, cushion the landing if she did go to one of them, rather than turn up in a new school and country where she doesn't speak the language.  And language skills are rarely wasted, should she need a career change. 

She’s on it, although purely by chance because of school! Two languages that might potentially help 🙂 Luckily she’s keen on learning languages so likes doing it for fun too x

33 minutes ago, Dancers Dad said:

This is a good counterpoint (and your following post) to some of the posts, like mine, that are perhaps more worried about the lower school experience. It really does depend on the child - and the parents. That the child always knows there is a way out, no matter how prestigious the school or how much money spent, is critical.

 

One other separate point: I don't know about the really big name schools but there are several schools who take not only 16 year olds but 17, 18 and even 19, 20 year olds, so your child can start at the right point for your them.

This is absolutely true and a fantastic point. My DD at the moment is not interested in going full time but at the moment still dances quite a lot of hours as she does love it even if she’s not preparing for anything as such. At the same time and while I know it’s unlikely and almost impossible, I’d like to keep her opportunities open should she change her mind 4 years down the line. Selfishly, a little part of me wishes she would as there are fantastic schools overseas for someone age 15/16. Depending on whether it’s right for the child and if they really want it, I think studying overseas opens up a whole world of opportunities (and fees I’ve seen in Europe are cheaper!) and I’d love for her to explore this having studied overseas myself (although not for dance). At 15/16 she can make an informed decision on her own and we will just be there to support her. At the moment, what she wants to be and where she wants to be changes from week to week but she does have the next few years to figure it out slowly.

On 01/10/2021 at 20:21, 3isthemagicnumber said:

I'm hoping for some impartial advice please? My daughter has been a JA since Year 4, and is currently in Year 6. We are working out what to do with regards to the auditions for next year. Realistically we cannot afford to send her to White Lodge, as we have two other children and a big mortgage! My question is this: if we only apply for the Mid Associates and not White Lodge - would her chances of getting a place in the MA be diminished because we haven't applied for WL? Or should we be applying for both?  I'm hoping someone might be able to shed some light on the process as this is all new to me! thanks in advance

 I don’t think it would matter if you just ticked MA. But to be honest, I think most (if not all) tick both when the form is right in front of them even if they’re one of the rare few whose DC isn’t wanting to get a WL place. Interestingly, my DD told me that as far as she can tell, all the DCs in her MA class were either JAs or were at WL finals (mostly both). 

19 minutes ago, SissonneDoublee said:

And this is it. For some it works, and the child thrives, and for others it doesn’t. But if your child is not thriving, you can bring them home. Children leave vocational school every year, and return to regular school. There is always lots of coming and going. And children in regular school are not exempt from bullying and mental health difficulties, sadly. We have always taken the attitude that DD is there for as long as it is working for her, and I monitor this carefully every time she is home. She is thriving at a school that other people upthread have been unhappy with because different children have different needs, and wherever your child is at school (vocational or not) you need to keep communication channels open to monitor how they are doing. It’s not a permanent decision, and for the vast majority of applicants not even a decision they will have to make. But it is important to be aware of bullying and mental health issues in teens whatever your child does for secondary school, and to bear in mind that competitive, perfectionist children are much more likely to have certain issues.

 
Yes, that is true. But I do think that if your child is one of those lucky ones who get in, and the child starts to perhaps show signs of not thriving, how soon after this would:

- the child admit to this without feeling guilty that he or she is giving up, especially since these DCs would have been told how fortunate, special, talented and privileged they are to be in that school?

- the parent/s notice it if the DC tried to put on a brave face. 

- the parent thinks it’s time to leave as things are beyond the usual feeling homesick, settling in issues etc

It’s true that all the bullying, eating and mental health issues also exist in normal schools but how many children (with the exception maybe of those who are primed to go to top ranked private or specialist schools) have been prepared to spend the next 5 years of their lives working towards a single goal almost? Most of these kids, and I believe that increasingly this is becoming to be the case, have had a lot of time and money invested in them to get to that stage where they get a full time offer. I would say these kids are more likely to think twice about admitting to struggling when they know full well that mum and dad has spent a lot of money on lessons, classes, privates, associates, petrol and a lot of time waiting for them and taking them places. Of course I could be wrong and this is only my opinion but I think leaving (for example) WL would take a lot more thinking and family decision than someone who’s moving from one comprehensive secondary school to another.
 

I remember going through a lot of these threads when my DD was in years 5/6 as I knew this question would come up and the possibility of her wanting to go “full time” at 11 was likely because a lot of peers at dance school were very intense and focused with a single goal in mind. Thankfully my DD was never that committed to going full time, and perhaps strangely, was never really interested in going to what I believe is the top school of choice for most at age 11. However, my point is that in speaking to a LOT of parents in the last few years, despite knowing full well of these concerns and being aware of threads such as this, if given the offer to a certain school, I’d say 99% would accept regardless of whether they think their child will cope. Even those who I spoke to who voiced concerns about 11 being too young to go away seem to forget this when they get the golden ticket, especially to a certain school where they know most people would think it nuts to turn down a full time offer from. Even when they read threads like this, I don’t think it will change their decision and they probably believe their child won’t go through the same and will get “used to it”. I know a lot of parents who are aware of these stories and many more but I also know these same parents won’t turn down an offer given the chance. They will then revert from “11 is too young to go away” to “it’s character building” or “it’s good for them to know the dance world is tough early on” or “it’s the opportunity of a lifetime”.  As someone quite removed from this, I actually don’t know what’s right or wrong but I guess for some it works and their child thrives (or would seem to).  Bottom line is that I have to admit I don’t envy those who have to make this decision soon.