along for the ride mum

i once sat through a parents evening interveiw thinking that it didn't sound like the teacher knew my son at all. Eventually I said "we are talking about the same Jamie, aren't we?" the teacher squirmed a bit and eventually had to own up that hed been talking about a different child altogether.

Thats exactly what iI felt <3 ballet. Id rather do it.here and know that all the security is set up and we have a degree of control , rather than send her off to school and have someone there talk her into it without our input. Although that said, i am probably doing her a disservice as im sure if i told her before she left that i would not allow it, she would respect my decision. However, i do already feel.as though she is missing out a bit as some of her dancing friends are in constant contact with their ''buddies from vocational school via facebook. That said, I too am a bit of a stickler for.rules so.it doesn't come easy.

I was wondering about this too. Lots of dds friends already have facebook, many with little or no security settings activated, which concerns me greatly, especially with info aboit which school, dance schools, afterschool clubs etc they go to so easily available along with photos. This has me wondering about two courses of action... a) just say no or set up an account myself with all the security available and guide my dd in getting used to appropriate use. As yet I am undecided and she hasnt asked for an account but I know the time is near when she will realise that alot of friends have it. For now we have started with a skype account which I am.oversewing but I do fewl a little bit like the ogre as.many of her friends from JAs, school and other dance lessons as.well as her'buddy' from her new.school.all use f/book... modern parenting dilema

Oh happymum, Im sorry I didnt get to say hi, your dd looked lovely and is very flexible! mine was in the royal blue leo with spagetthi straps, also very inexperienced with jazz but it's fun to try

It was great to meet you and your lovely daughter. I gather our girls had a fab day together. I was painfully shy as a teenager and into my twenties, (I now seem to have gone a bit the other way, maybe over-compensating!) I will look forward to hearing about your continuing journey x

Dd and I had a lovely day, met some lovely ballcoers and ate too much cake. Not staying for the show as it's been a long enough weekend already but im sure it will be fab.

Im the one who looks like she' s only had two or the hours sleep, thanks to the very noisy, very long party over the road! (and no, I wasnt invited)

ILL BE THERE BUT CAN'T PROMISE TO LOOK FRIENDLY! PS SORRY ABOUT THE CAPITAL LETTERS MY PHONE SEEMS TO HAVE GOT STUCK SOMEHOW ON CAPS LOCK

I am aware that there has been discussion on the White lodge thread but I thought Id start a new topic for ease of finding the right info. I hope that's ok. There were several suggestions of companies that do great labels, one of them, Mine-4-sure (online) have an offer on till June 26th for 15% off the price of their 'camp pack' quote discount code 'camp 13'. I have ordered from them and.found them very good

perhaps all balletcoers should wear a red carnation or something

I wonder how they've chosen the groups, it must a nightmare to sort. My dd is 11 and in Mars d. I don't remember filling in any details about her grades but I guess I must have or else how on Earth could they sort them! It would.be nice to say hello to a few balletcoums, I am especially interested to know.if any mums of girls about to start vocational schools in yr7 in Sept will be around, please feel free to pm me if you are

we will be there also

oh im sorry Katycustard, i was so looking forward to future episodes! keeep us posted though, x

Windover, do you by any chance have any details about where ro get the stamps? I was wondering how to go about naming socks !

sorry not sure about entering i think dds ballet teacher gave us a form but it is probably on the istd website. I echoe what tulip said, lovely compliment, you must be very proud!

outofmydepth the uniform costs aren't too bad, a leotard (about £13) some petersham - order two lots, one goes inside waistband of the skirt and one to make a belt, some ribbon for hair bows and an 'optional' zip up fleece everyone seems to have. Dont worry the instructions for the skirt are fairly clear, the worst thing is the hem, theres a lot of fabric! also as i made.the skirt in the summer ready for Sept and she didnt wear it until the next May I had to let it all down again! only a small whinge though in what whas.been a wonderful experience and a privaledge to be a part of. Congratulations !

We did istd awards about 18 months ago , I beleive it takes place in October. A lovely experience for my dd ( who has.never fancied festivals) as it is not high pressured , no costumes, choreography or make up to worry about. Done in their usual istd uniform and all doing the same. On stage in large groups. Dd wanted to do it again last year and actually didn't take grade three exam so that she would still be the right.grade for age group and could enter. In the end qe had to be elsewhere, oh well!

Good memory Hoobydigger! Information about uniform (ordered from two seperste suppliers), media consent form, code of conduct agreement, payment details and this year we had an associate handbook full of contact info and additional useful info. At some point in the year the children are invited to see a pre general rehearsal of the RB at Covent Garden (Lovely). Part of the uniform is a National skirt which you are wxpected to make frim uniform fabric. I laboured over it to ensure it was ready for the first lesson in September. They didn't wear them that lesson, or the next, or indeed until the following summer term, by which time it was a bit short! It may be different at different centee but I remwmber thinking I wish someone had told me that i didn't have to spend the summer hols sewing frantically! It is a lovely experience, congratulations I loved reading about you going around telling everyone. I remember wanting to tell anyone who'd listen

rhe link works fine Billyelliot

I had never heard of the Grimmerie, but have just looked on amazon at the 'look inside' feature (brilliant idea). It looks lovely and as we all love Wicked I now have a great idea for Christmas/ birthday. Thank you. Oh dear, that hasn't helped you much has it PITF!

I bought my daughter a lovely hardback version of Noel Streatfields 'ballet Shoes' as a gift for her when she went for final auditions earlier this year. She loves it and it ties up with a ribbon. I don't know if your dd is as much of a 'bunhead' as mine though or more musical theatre inspired but my dd loves this old classic (not sure what kind of misguided pre-conceptions she'll arrive at vocational school with, perhaps she'll think it's all jolly hockey-sticks and midnight feasts!)

or girls, Billyelliot.........? x

oh Katycustard, I read this with tears streaming down my face, both laughing and crying! (my husband thinks ive lost the plot!); it really takes me back and reminds me of just how I felt! Thank you for sharing it! I really hope your daughter is sucessful

just seen the old.version for.sale.in sainsbury's . I think it was.about.£4

wow tell him well done from me and dd, see you soon