Angela Essex

3 hours ago, JennyTaylor said:

Much more interesting to see how many ex RB dancers I can spot here tonight 

 

Ooh who did you spot? I saw Dame Monica and Lesley Collier in the Grand Tier from my balcony seat.

I’ve only started watching ballet in recent years but I really enjoyed Untitled 2023. I found Anna Thirvaldsdottir’s score dramatic, unpredictable and exciting. The dancers were amazing - I’ve never seen dancers move like that before it was stunning. The piece really evoked a lot of emotions and I got lost in it making up my own narrative to it in my head. I hadn’t expected to like the minimalist costumes and set but I did - they were visually very striking.

Of the three pieces Corybantic games was my least favourite. I did love the costumes though. Really showed off the beautiful physiques of the dancers .

It was such a privilege to be there for Laura Morera’s final performance. I’ve never seen Anastasia before and it was was very hard going what with the stillborn baby and little boy being executed but Laura’s performance was visceral - acting on another level - like I’ve never seen before. 
 

The flower toss and retirement speech by KOH were very touching too - I had a tear in my eye. The crowd literally erupted afterwards and it was lovely to see so many fellow dancers including Vadim, Stephen McRae and Alex Campbell present Laura with flowers. A memorable evening indeed.

Too tired after class to go into town tonight.

7.30pm 

£33

55 minutes ago, Viv said:

 

Just remember that for Intermediate Foundation, the three allegros are all assessed together as part of "technique 4". This means that if you do a good enough job on allegro 1 and 3, allegro 2 might not bring you down as much as you fear. Even if if you don't get all of your beats, if you manage a 6 for both the other allegros and only a 3 for allegro 2, you will probably still average a 5 for technique 4. One way you can think of it is that allegro 2 as an exercise on its own is worth about 3% of the overall exam. There's no point getting stressed about 3% (something I conveniently ignore every time I have to learn a new allegro 2 - they are always beastly!)

 

 

I got one of those evaporative cooling towels that you can buy from sports stores (https://www.amazon.com/Ergodyne-Chill-Its-6602-Evaporative-Cooling/dp/B001B5I57I?th=1). I wet one half of the towel and used that to cool my face and chest in between exercises. I didn't wet the entire towel so that I would have one more absorbent side if things got to the very drippy stage (the joys of dancing in Australian summer). 

Aww thanks heaps Viv yes that’s a really good way of looking at it. Problem is my allegros 1 and 3 aren’t great either. Anyway, as long as I pass overall it’ll be a major win. 
 

That cooling towel looks amazing - definitely going to get one of those thank you for that. 

4 hours ago, The_Red_Shoes said:

I'm kind of kicking myself for not taking the DR level 2 exam last term when I could, but I was feeling that I had a lot of family stuff that I should be doing so I backed out and now I regret it! And now no exams are on the horizon for me as I shall probably be moving house in the next few months and then will have to start again in a new school. When I eventually do get settled I'll do DR and possibly return to Grade 7 which I missed out during COVID. Very occasionally I have thoughts of IF which I have never done as I went straight to Inter and I did learn it at home during lockdown.

 

Re sweating: baby powder on body, lots and lots of loose powder on face. 

Thanks for the tip does the baby powder leave dusty marks on your leotard though? - good luck with the house move and with finding a new studio @The_Red_Shoes

22 hours ago, EverHopeful said:

Is anyone doing any exams this session? I don’t think I’ll be doing any more until the winter session, unless I decide to record some video exams over summer (teacher approval dependent). I’m also still waiting on my result enquiry report from my last exam so I should probably wait to read the comments on that before tackling another one haha. 

I’m sitting my intermediate foundation exam by video on 15th July - allegro 2 is causing me so much frustration at the moment - the beats are proving hard to get consistently, if at all.
 

The rest of the exam is passable but I just can’t seem to get that petit allegro exercise done tidily.

I’m doing 2 intermediate foundation classes a week (one of which is a private lesson) plus another 1-2 open adult classes a week and I hire a hall for 1.5hours once a week to practice. If I get any extra time I do yoga and weights once a week too.

I’m feeling like I am physically doing all I can with the time I’ve got available outside of work and family commitments. I’ll be super happy with a pass, but a merit would be a dream come true. 
 

I had a kind of mock exam this week - My teacher has said in comments over the last few weeks that I should get 7 for barre, 6 for adage and decent marks for port de bras, pointe and musicality/presentation. I think the centre, allegros 1 and 3 and variation 1 are passable too as far as I can tell. It’s just the allegro 2 - I’ll be lucky to get any marks for it at all in my estimation.
 

Anyway, since I’d not danced at all in my life and I only started going to class once lockdown lifted, I’ll consider any form of pass a massive achievement. I wish I was a better dancer, but it’s a work in progress and I have loved every minute of the preparation even if it has been a little gruelling of late. 

On a practical note what foundation would anyone recommend that will not sweat off please? Mine came off on the towel whilst drying my face in between exercises (it’s a beauty pie one). Also any tips to minimise sweating? It literally looked like someone had thrown a glass of water on me during the mock exam. Any advice would be very gratefully received. 

Every time I see Joonhyuk Jun he is amazing so I really hope he gets promoted. To my inexpert eye he certainly stands out. Ditto Joseph Sissens. I love to watch Olivia Cowley too. I saw her doing the Arabian dance in nutcracker and it was stunning. I know she’s just back from mat leave but I hope she gets a promotion too. Lastly Melissa Hamilton to principal to replace Laura Morera. 

Definitely ask to get your video re assessed. It sounds like you got a really mean examiner my teacher says that most examiners know you’re not a teenager looking to be a professional dancer and have respect for the fact that you’re really trying hard and enjoying yourself and tend to be kind with the marking. I think she is an examiner herself and she always said she would err on the side of giving marks where she can within reason so I’m thinking your examiner may have been an outlier in terms of harsh marking@Workhard_Dreambig

On 12/05/2023 at 18:02, Workhard_Dreambig said:

So I failed my adv1. I’m absolutely gutted. I scored mostly 6s, a few 5s and a 4 for my allegro (I messed up on the day so was  pleased with that one) but for some reason that neither me or my teachers can understand, I was scored only a 3 for my variation technique so failed! Overall my score was a couple of marks away from a merit but I still failed. 
 

I’m absolutely gutted! 
 

Edited to add I scored 6 for variation performance which is extremely baffling that I can perform well in a dance that I am not deemed to have the required technical ability to dance! 

@Workhard_Dreambig gosh that must be so frustrating after all the work you’ve undoubtedly put in to gain enough marks for a merit too - it seems so harsh to give a 3 for the variation. I’m glad your teacher is asking the rad to reconsider. I know my teacher has done this before and had her students awarded more marks. Sending prayers that they reconsider your marks and sending hugs too. ❤️

Second Hannah Frost - she is amazing and has a great sense of humour too. She’s at pineapple and central school of ballet. 

Sounds like you both have a very busy time ahead. Hope the result of the scan is all good and best of luck for upcoming appointments 😊❤️

3 minutes ago, LinMM said:

I think hops on pointe if that’s what you mean are a little advanced for people fairly newish to pointe work to be honest!!! 

Yes agree - I think I’ve maybe got my terminology mixed up? They weren’t proper hops as in on one leg. They were little bounces/jumps on 2 feet. Hopefully my teacher won’t be even thinking about anything on one leg any time soon. We don’t do much en pointe just rises and releves at barre and echappes & releves in centre. Thinking she just had an ambitious moment with the jumps today 🤣

12 minutes ago, Emeralds said:

I think I have bought that seat before. From what I remember, you could get a nearly full view by leaning slightly forward and “peering” around the pillar, but that only works if you are sitting next to a friend/companion who is attending with you and doesn’t mind you wriggling around and leaning forward. It might not be possible to do it if you’re attending on your own, in which case either pick a different seat or accept that it’s a restricted view (half obstructed) like the Slips seats. 

Thanks @Emeraldsthat’s really helpful thank you. I was entertaining going to see The Sleeping Beauty tonight but I’ve crashed on the sofa after ballet class now and it’s proving near impossible for me to get any motivation to go out (big toe dying - teacher taught me how to do bounces/hops en pointe which was so much fun but sadly my toe didn’t think so 🤣). Thanks again 🙏

7 minutes ago, Balletbloke said:

Have you clicked on the seat picture on the ROH website? It will give you the view of the stage.

Yes - it shows a pillar blocking part of the view so was just hoping that someone might have first hand experience of how much the pillar practically interferes with the view. 

Hello forum members I’m thinking of buying seat C48 in the stalls circle it’s view is restricted by a pillar and it’s £70. Does anyone know how bad the view is from C48 and is it worth the £70 or should I avoid?

Other options are row S or T of amphi which are £51 and £34 respectively, but I think these are too far back?

Hoping some kind person can provide some information. Thank you. 

Unlikely I know, but if anyone can’t make it this evening I’d love to buy a ticket (prefer not standing). Thank you. 

On 29/04/2023 at 18:28, EverHopeful said:

I’ve received my grade 7 results - I got a merit! 

Congratulations fabulous result 🙌🙌🙌🙌💪❤️🩰

Hope the CT goes well - keeping my fingers crossed for you both ❤️

5 hours ago, Stephenwolf said:

I simply cannot wait for Don Quixote. I watched the 2013 version recently. It is stunning.

Same - I’m quite new to watching ballet, but am so excited about the prospect of being able to watch Marianela Nunez as Kitri. Thank you ROH! 

7 minutes ago, cavycapers said:

Hiya, we persuaded our teacher to let us do RAD grades as an adult.  She started us at Grade 3 as being most appropriate for adults.  I started ballet about eight years ago and didn't do it as a child, but always wished I had.  I got my Garde 3 before lockdown and my Grade 4 in January this year.  We're now on to Grade 6 (missing Grade 5, as there are beginner adults in the class who would find it too difficult). The examiners have been fantastic about it.  I did Grade 4 exam with another lady, and the examiner, who had seen children and teens all day, said it was a lovely way to end the day 🥳. My jumps are low, my extensions are rubbish, but she scored me highly on performance and musicality.  I guess that there are some gains as you get older. 😁

I’m the same - jumps underwhelming and extensions less than 90 degrees but teacher has said I should get good marks for musicality and performance. Good luck with your grade 6 - do let us know how you’re getting on 😊

5 hours ago, The_Red_Shoes said:

I was in my 60s while taking Inter and Higher Grades, up to last December when I passed Grade 8. I'm 70 now and not actively preparing for anything although Discovering Repertoire will probably be the next thing. I do really like the structure and pressure of exam preparation.

 

Like others, I've found teens pleasant and supportive and those parents who were aware of me were admiring if anything. Teachers have always been very supportive and said that adults are very motivated and seem to be better at applying correction than the teens. I'm aware that I will never get the marks I dream of but I have got a few marks higher with each exam I've taken.

 

I have done the larger part of exam prep in private or semi-private lessons which gave me more individual attention. I'm fully aware that technical improvement is slow and painful (literally - I take quite a lot of ibuprofen) but it is still happening - I know that hard work is paying off. Jumps are decidedly unspectacular, I don't get on well with forward bends or kneeling down and extensions very, very low but it's generally agreed that I have very good posture, beautiful arms, good musicality and expression. I have some arthritis, often painful feet and when I've had injuries they have been slow and stubborn to recover from. I've found stamina pretty hard to regain after the COVID hiatus. Grade 8 took a heck of a lot of puff! My teacher requested longer than usual rests as a reasonable adjustment.

@The_Red_Shoes I think it’s such a fabulous achievement to have done grade 8 in your 60s - you’re an inspiration. I can identify with being out of puff though - I’m 47 and good lord intermediate foundation is taking a lot of stamina - I’m sweating by the end of the plies, tired by the end of barre, a little jelly legged for centre practice and then literally dead after allegro 1, with allegros 2 & 3 finishing me off. By the time I put my pointe shoes on it’s a miracle I manage to hold myself up in the centre 🤣

In other news I’ve got a trial class at RAD HQ in Battersea tomorrow evening to hopefully be allowed to join their intermediate foundation adult class so keeping my fingers crossed it goes okay and they allow me to join. I’m very nervous about it. 

Outstanding Creative Contribution: Joby Talbot, Composer LWFC 🎯💯

1 hour ago, Sim said:

What an absolutely delightful return to the stage from Akane today.  I am thrilled to see her back and to see her in such fine fettle.  She in turn looked thrilled to be back!  

Yes she was beautiful wasn’t she? I was there for the matinee today. Agree with @JohnS that the overall performance didn’t have the sparkle of some others, but it must be so hard on the dancers to do a cast change with the short notice involved. I thought Isabella Gasparini was a wonderful Autumn fairy. I really enjoy watching her and Mica Bradbury danced beautifully as the fairy Summer. 

2 hours ago, balletfanatic said:

Be really careful with the tendinitis. I had that last summer and could barely walk for several weeks. It only healed with a lot of rest and ice and exercises. I know people on crutches or having ops because of it. 

Thanks for the heads up @balletfanatic it’s not too bad at the moment and I’ve seen a physio about it who said it’s due to me overusing my calves as my core, thighs and glutes are weak. I was doing weights to strengthen core, glutes and legs but I’ve not done my exercises for a few weeks now - time for me to stop being lazy and get my weight training happening again I think. 
 

What exercises did you have to do for it? 

On 19/04/2023 at 15:32, NeverTooOld said:

I am 48 and doing RAD grade 7 and intermediate foundation. I love hearing about all of your experiences as it is very inspiring. I would love to get to advanced 2 one day but I realise that I am racing against the clock as it looks incredibly difficult but I like to aim high! Also, I have had a history of back problems and recently diagnosed heart conditions so I do get out of breath a bit quicker than I used to but still going to see how far I can get!

 I learn with teens as there were not enough adults to keep the adult class going and also, not many adults seem to want to do exams. The teens have all been great though and just accept me as another member of the class so don't right it off as an idea straight away!

@NeverTooOld how’s your exam prep going? I’m 47 and doing int foundation on 15th July. It’d be great to hear how you’re getting on.

I’ve managed to find a hall that I can use at the local arts centre to practice one morning a week as I was getting annoyed always having to dodge the furniture practicing at home.
 

How does everyone get their practice done? I only have 1 syllabus lesson a week plus 2 adult ballet classes (non syllabus at beginner/intermediate level). I did get invited to do a try out to join the RAD adult int foundation class sadly but had to decline due to timings and family commitments. I’m considering dropping one of my other non syllabus classes and joining the rad one instead, but by the time I factor in travel to the rad in battersea from Essex and the class fees I’d probably be better off just getting a weekly private lesson locally. I’d be grateful if anyone has any thoughts on this? 😊🙏

In other news my Achilles tendinitis is flaring up. My teacher is focusing on allegros 1, 2 & 3, pointe and variation 1 and so my dud Achilles is taking a beating 😭

1 hour ago, MJW said:

 

James was in the front row in the centre - certainly a very elegant dancer

Yes that was him! He’s a lovely dancer.