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What inspiring stories! Good luck Fiz and enjoy. I never danced as child, often wish I had though. However, I am completely in coordinated, so i would be something of a challenge to teach! The gym keeps me fit instead.

You are welcome!

Thank you so much Anjuli, your paintings are really beautiful. Do you sell? My dd already views you as something of a gospel,and when we are discussing anything ballet, she asks "I wonder what Anjuli would say...?" perhaps an art mentor as well now?

Happymum I have sent you a pm (personal message). Just click the envelope next to your sign in to access.

My dd took about 18 months. She also attended the five day RAD intensive course in London,which she found really useful. Her normal classes are twice a week, one and a quarter hours each.

Just wanted to say what a fascinating discussion this has been. I do get concerned for our young people today, when images of beauty, talent and artistry show such extreme thinness. It's been encouraging to read that it is an issue that those looking after our young people, in whatever capacity, are aware of. But it still makes me edgy, if you know what I mean...

Thank you Janicee and Ellen, that's very helpful. Hoping it's a positive experience for her.

My dd has an audition for a place on Central's prep course. It looks great. Does anyone have any experience of it? What was the audition like? She is auditioning for a year 7 place.

That's wonderful amethyst, so exciting for you all

Thank you

Another no for Bristol MA, but dd quite relaxed about it.

What age is the summer course for, can't see to spot that on the web site?

That's great news Karen. No post here yet, but this is dds fourth year of auditioniing, so sadly more used to the no letters! Your dd must be thrilled, celebrate.

Lovely!

Hi Karen we are waiting for Bristol MA too. Post just arrived,still no news!

Yes loved this. And the children really throw themselves into it. Great fun.

Congratulations to all those with a yes so far. So sorry to hear about your dd's news,Fran. She sounds like such a talented dancer so I am sure that many opportunities and joys lie ahead. We await another no, I am fairly certain.... Love and hugs to all, it's such a difficult period for all our dancing children.

Good luck everyone! Does anyone know if the MA letters all come out at once or in audition centre clusters like the JAs did? Xx

Very helpful.Thank you.

Thank you,that's really helpful. My dd does 2 intermediate classes a week, 2 grade 5 and 1 modern. Not every class ends with a regular stretching session,so she might go some times a whole week or more without a stretch session within the class. She is VERY close to the splits and has had to work really hard. She is strong but not naturally flexible. In the past I have suggested she stretches when she comes home from class to take advantage of her muscles being warm, but I know ideally she should stretch every night. Your advice really makes sense though as in the past her flexibility has been hampered by sore muscles, which have may have been over stretched when not warmed I am now wondering? Blut how do we balance the need to perhaps stretch more that she is doing? She 11,not on any associate scheme, but with a really supportive local school.

I always find it difficult to advise my dd when to stretch. What sort of warm up would you recommend at home Anjuli, and how long for.

My dd is auditioning for MA year 7 place in Bristol on Sunday. She has, as some of you know, auditioned unsuccessfully for JAs for the last three years. We supect that acceptance is still unlikely, but she finds the experience invaluable and is not yet ready to give up! Good luck to every one who has forthcoming auditions- looking forward to hearing all the good news! J

This has certainly sparked a lot of discussion! My daughter turned 11 in December and RAD were therefore happy for her to do the exam as the syllabus was changing in January. I am not qualified to judge whether she should or shouldn't have started on pointe. However, what I do know is that I trust our local teacher completely. Shas been very careful with my daughter, and she in turn has had no difficulties or periods of dicomfort related to her pointe work. Was she too young? Gosh thats a difficult one and if I say yes it sounds like I have been neglectful. If I say no, then it sounds like I am ignoring many professional opinions. When all is said and done, it has worked well for her. She started IF when she was in grade 4, but her teacher normally takes them grade 5/6 onwards, when they are in years 8 and above at secondary school. Thank you all for your messages of congratulation. J

Hi all, I have just managed to rejoin and its lovely to be back! I wanted to share my own dd's great news. She took her inter foundation exam at HQ in November, just a month before her 11th birthday and passed wth 70 % and a merit. She was so excited and I am so proud of her!