Hi, I was wondering if any other parents of ballet dancers would be able to help me.
My daughter began ballet lessons in September (she will be 8 in April). Her teacher has moved her up a class this term and wants her to take grade 2 next term (she hasn't done any grades yet).
I'm assuming she shows some potential if the teacher wants her to go straight to grade 2, or is it just that the grades are linked with age? I really don't know anything about the RAD grades, or much about ballet for that matter.
I haven't had a chance to talk to her teacher yet because it's always a bit hectic at the end when the classes change over. However she was given a book about ballet by Darcey Bussell for Christmas and has become obsessed with the idea of going to the Royal Ballet School. I know there must be plenty of little girls out there who dream of this, but whilst looking at the RBS website I read about the Junior Associates. I understand that it is incredibly hard to get into, and she probably isn't anywhere near ready, but I was wondering - can anyone tell me a bit more about the JA and what experience you need to audition? Should my daughter be having more than one lesson a week?
I don't want to sound like a pushy mum, but I really want to support her in this. She has a tough time in school because reading and writing don't come easily to her, but when she dances she takes my breath away.
If any of you have any tips I'd be really grateful.
Katy
