Peony

I haven’t studied advanced 2 so not sure of the first exercise you describe but the turns are similar to a flic flac (which I think is an RAD term?). The Toe makes contact with the floor when going devant and derriere- so 2 contacts per turn. It’s introduced without the turn, in intermediate, I think. It’s well worth practising it like that first as it is a very quick movement. as far as the traditional and additional exercises, what that means is that the exercises originally taught by cecchetti are termed traditional and the modern exercises additional. Some of the traditional exercises are in 5th en bas as that was the original method but they also tend to use quite a bit of epaulement and inclined head etc which doesn’t work with an arm in second. It also keeps your centre of balance in the right place. The additional exercises use more arms as is the modern thing! The style is also different e.g. height of leg is lower for traditional. If you were to do the exam you have to know both versions and the examiner asks for which they want- it’s a huge syllabus!

https://shop.roh.org.uk/products/the-enrico-cecchetti-diploma-dvd-bluray

Have you seen the dvd of the final cecchetti diploma Michelle? This is the definitive cecchetti work and may help you with style as advanced 2 is building up to this. The cecchetti work follows a style rather than being random exercises so you’ll recognise a lot of the style and work from advanced 2 (it’s just harder!).

The audition isn’t easy (I know there were pirouettes and grand plies in the junior audition) but they take a few younger ones so I think they must judge according to age and grade (they certainly ask for this on the application form). Tbh they are very keen to take boys as there are so few apply so he would probably stand a good chance!

if it meets the spec I’m sure they can wear it, all I’m saying is that all of the children I’ve seen at the comp have been wearing the shiney nylon so it’s up to you

Does it say cecchetti or enricco style? They are definitely all in shiney leotards the same as the syllabus one. Usually the teachers sort them/ lend them!

The first picture in the article with the girl with forced turnout, rolling feet made me wince! I must admit when a teacher says they want inventive, thinking, interesting etc dancers and you look at the classes and the pupils are all the same height, weight, build, look, is this really the most important thing they look for? Perhaps there is a large enough pool of people in the US to get all of these attributes.

I think they have to buy a specific leotard from the competition (or included in entry??) but not totally sure!

I took grade 6 in my late 30s. Yes some teachers will write you off, mainly due to their own inexperience I think. A good teacher should be able to teach any enthusiastic student! Maybe start working on your flexibility now as I think that can be one of the issues with starting a bit later

Yes lots of adults do exams. The challenge will be to find a syllabus class that you can go to. Are you near London? The other syllabi (istd, idta, cecchetti etc) also allow adults to take exams although I have a feeling that the RAD may be a little bit more set up for adults and make more allowances. You’re only 39 though so shouldn’t need that!

Was it a standard exam she did? I thought the grades all required the shiny tank Leo. The little ones all wear bright colours so I wouldn’t go for black, or white, unless it’s got a good lining! But otherwise anything that is the style of the gandolfi one will be fine

It’s a plain shiny nylon tank with belt- any colour. The same one that she’ll wear for cecchetti exams. Any colour. Might Hager away with a ruche on the front but definitely no camisoles! https://gandolfi.co.uk/product/all-leotards/gandolfi-navy-official-enrico-sleeveless-leotard-plain-front-with-belt-928/