Ja Sm

Now I am getting really excited and can't wait. We go at the end on November. Sounds as if it is going to be a real treat.

What a bizarrely beautiful story, Anjuli. Thank you for sharing with us. It made me go a bit goosebumpy!

Hi balletmummy. From our own experience, I would also add that associate schemes (particularly RBS,perhaps) seem particularly interested also in body shape and type, so this might be worth chatting to your ballet teacher about. I am not sure how important, if at all,exam results or levels are at this stage. Encourage your dd to embrace any audition experience she goes for, to enjoy it, and not to be too upset if not selected. The JA experience days are definitely worth it and a lot of fun in a non threatening atmosphere. I have found that there are lots of wonderfully knowledgable and experienced people on this forum and its a great place to pick brains!

I wonder when they announce the matinee castings....

I know so few of the names to look out for in the different companies, as I am a fairly new ballet watching fan. How will I find out which cast I will see?

Tickets booked for November. Very excited.

Okay ENB it is. Thanks.

Not sure really. We haven't seen a great deal relatively. a couple of Mattew Bournes, a traditional Cinderella, Romeo and Juliet. That kind of thing. Both are keen to watch different styles, although youngest is more of a classical girl, pointe shoes and tutus. I like exciting, physical choreography. I think I might lean towards English National. The programme particularly mentions the male parts. Are there some good female dances as well? I can always rely on ballet co-ers to help me out xx

I am trying to decide which to see, I can'tmanage both sadly. English National's "le Corsaire" or Rambert's programme of Ashley Page, Barak Marshall, Nijinsky and Mark Baldwin. I will be taking my daughters aged 13 and 15. The only piece I am familiar with is Nijinsky's L'apres Midi d'un faune. Any advice or views would be appreciated.

I was going to do a similar post myself! Last years school skirts came from M&S as they had adjustable waists, the shirts came from the uniform shop and are fitted by collar size.I think trutex. Generally though, we are having great problems at the moment getting any clothes at all. My dd is small, slight and 13 nearly. She is not tall enough for an adult 6 and most still drown her in the body. New Look occasionally fits but seems to have a limited choice locally. And then the clothes that might fit are too young in style. it seems to me that the choice for the young teen years seems limited unless you are already adult height and build.I was going to ask if anyone had any suggestions but it sounds as if we are all struggling. Where do your dds shop for those occasional hours when they are not in leotards?

I would definitely say something to the existing teacher, as I would hope they had their pupil's best interests at heart too. Though I have heard of ballet school's that ask parents to sign a contract which promises exclusivity.

I contacted Elmhurst and they told me that all the places had gone for juniors.

What lovely news Billyelliot! As they say, if you want something done then ask a busy person! I guess it's the same for busy children;they have to be organised and focused in all they do. I wish I had a fraction of their energies....

Just got tickets to go and see this next May with my two daughters. I know it's ages off but we are so very excited. We have loved Nutcracker and Sleeping Beauty and have heard so much about this production. Hoping it meets our expectations.

Good luck to your daughter spanner.

Balletmum20, you have had some lovely supportive comments. I totally agree, your dd has every right to be there. You are not the one who pushed or asked for her to be included. She was invited, and that's very important. Stick with it. I personally hate bad feeling so really sympathise with you but it will ease in time. I would be tempted to carefully mention it to your teacher if the aggression or nastiness persists. I know our ballet teacher would want to know about something like this. I really hope the situation gets easier for you. Try imagining yourself in a glass bubble. You can be seen, but you are protected. Nothing can harm you or touch you. Works for me. My dd dances with girls older than herself. It was a bit strange at first, but they soon saw that she was there because of her own merit. That was by invitation too. Always trust your teachers judgement. And continue to enjoy watching your lovely dter dance.

At primary school, we had a reminder to "always poof read completed work"...

This is a topic I would feel a little cautious about. It's sad if favouritism is so strong it puts the less talented at the forefront. However, sometimes we can perceive a situation in a certain way because we want to protect our children from disappointment or because we have strong personal feelings about individuals. That's not healthy either, for us or our dc. I agree with Anjuli, sometimes we just get on better with certain people. is that such a problem if the opportunities continue to be fairly shared?

Just caught up with this thread. Wonder if I am too late for my dd to apply for juniors? website doesn't say that it's full yet.

When my dd did Wimbledon 3years ago, rehearsal were at a school in Raynes Park.

Oops...unsprung...auto correct gone mad!

On the few occasions when my dd has danced on an unstrung floor, they have been advised to take extra care when jumping and to stretch out afterwards. She says the floor makes a big difference.

Katycustard, Wonderful! I too read this out loud and we had a lovey giggle remembering the many (unsuccessful) auditions we have been too. But there is definitely a comedy sketch (or stretch!) waiting to be written here. It's tactical warfare !!! Thanks for sharing and I really do wish your dd lots of luck. X

Congratulations to your daughter taxi4ballet!

We saw this last night and absolutely loved it. Feeling quite jealous, Janet, of your opportunity to see the man himself at a Q andA. Loved the way he has developed the story line and the choreography was so exciting. The scene between the two on the love seat in the first act was beautiful. We all agreed that there was so much humour and passion in the dancing, and how wonderful was the scene when aurora is cursed! My mum has seen many of the greats of the ballet world and stood at many a stage door in her youth, but this was her first Michael Bourne ballet. She was captivated. Another thumbs up from us girls here!