Ja Sm

Isnt it interesting watching our children growing? My elder dter, 14,is a mini me physically. Same build, almost the same proportions. I can watch her grow and know what she will look like. My 11 year old is physically nothing like me, more like her dad and then it's difficult to make comparisons isn't it? This recent change in shape.....I can't say, that's ok I did the same anther age. Mind you,I think even at their age I never had such flat abs...and certainly to now!

This is not an expression I have heard of, what is a winged foot?

What dear friends....most dear friends....

Having not really grown much for ages (she used to be tall next to her friends), she has probably grown 3 or 4 cm this year, but is still one of the smaller ones. Maybe there is more growing on the way and her body needs more food to help it? This seems to be the theory that I keep telling myself but don't have anything real to support it. She is very receptive about eating more/differently so at least I am not facing any battles.

Reassuring. They have such an active lifestyle don't they? And so important for our growing children to stay fit and healthy, whatever their passions and hobbies

The GP did recommend that so we are adding in extra dairy, yoghurts etc. we are only a couple of weeks in and ihe did suggest we gave it a couple of months before reweighing, so as not to get too preoccupied I suppose.

I think about half stone since the beginning of the year...we don't have scales so I am going back to last application form...

Thank you. I too am finding that a lot of people are commenting on her weight loss. Maybe it's something that some girls are prone to?

I know that this is similar to the puberty topic, but I wanted to ask something a bit more specific. I am hoping that someone may have some thoughts or some experience of this. My dd, who is a few months off twelve has rapidly changed body shape. She has gone from being a more muscular build to being very slight. She has grown a little but lost weight too. I think she looks a little too slim, particularly compared with 6 months ago She is fit and healthy in all other respects and has a positive approach to her health and nutrition. I do not fear that she has any food issues. On the child growth charts (useful or not) , she is 25th percentile for both weight and height. We have taken advice from GP and ballet teacher, and are currently increasing her portions, encouraging more healthy snacks etc, thinking that maybe she doesn't get enough calories for the amount of exercise she does. No real signs of the onset of puberty.....at the risk of embarrassing her if she reads this! Have any of you had similar experiences with your daughters? Thank you.

Good luck to you, and I look forward to some shopping...

The examiner was taken ill during a dance exam at my dds school. Not during dds exam though. The exam had to be stopped whils she took a break then rstarted. It was obviuosly unsettling for those involved.The children got special consideration marks but certainly not as many as 10. Almost worth asking for them every time, eh? Lol

We heard last Thursday, but it was a no. Dd very disappointed and I was very upset, I have to admit. It's certainly a tough world out their. So much talent, so many better dancers, so few places. Heigh ho! Edited for dodgy spelling

Had several already!

Argggg, the wait is killing me!! The audition letter did say results in 4 weeks, and I know it's only been 2 weeks......and I am trying not to show my dd that I am on edge each morning till the post has been....but...but... Knew you would understand....

Just had a look. Current standard tights are debut 3. She did have some convertibles but I foolishly got rid of them when they laddered so don't know what size they were.

Can anyone advise me on colour and size. Is theatrical pink the standard RAD pale pink colour? Also my dd is a smallish 11 year old. will the small/intermediate size be ok?

An inspirational story little ballerina

Great news little ballerina and mariejen. Lovely to hear.

My dd, who does not have the classical proportions, was asked in a restaurant recently by the waiter if she was a ballerina "because you do everything as if you you are dancing". Her swimming teacher smiles because she points her toes with every jump and every stroke!

This one from my dters...when you're the only mum at the dance exam armed with a camera.......

What an amazing sounding film, with much to think about.

...when you realise that you quite like the smell of hairspray and find yourself fussing over the wispy bits as much as dd...

Like so many topics on this forum, I have found this thread extremely interesting. I love watching ballet, but I have never danced. I therefore love reading about the physicality of dance and the steps and positions required in it. I often get my own dd to explain your discussions to me! There are so many knowledgeable people on this forum. I may not agree with everything, but it's fascinating to read. On a personal note, i know when I enjoy watching something, though I don't always know why. Generally, it's because it affects me emotionally, makes the hair on the back of my neck stand up, brings tears to my eyes. Some of the very flexible positions make me squirm to look at, but to be honest I have not yet seen a ballet where the emphasis has been on them. So, do I like them in a ballet? I don't know. Dance, like all art to me, needs to mean something to me in the sense that I feel an emotional connection to it. Thanks again for your discussions and insight. You do make me smile!

Just to let you know that my dd took on all your advice yesterday. They went into the audition room 20 mins early to warm up. She saw others going into splits and lifting their legs up to their ears. She said she smiled to herself, turned to face the barre and spent her time doing gentle plies, and rises to warm up her feet and legs. A few glissards, I think thats it, and some shoulder rolls. So you/we are listened to, and your advice taken....how long will this last I wonder.... But best of all, she had a great time..

I have been very relieved that we are not alone in the feelings we have. Thanks all.