Natalma

Thank you lollylamb1 - the drop in classes at Central might work!

In case others are interested, I thought I would share what I found out. There is an Intensive Course for Advanced 1 & 2 Students on the 18 May and 1 June. I can't find a link to the info on the site or I would include it. (They sent me a brochure with application form.) There is also an Intensive Examination Syllabus Course for levels Intermediate Foundation up to Advanced 2 from the 26 – 30 August. As well, they mentioned that it may be a possibility to organise some private lessons at RAD HQ depending on studio and faculty availability. Private lessons at the moment cost £52.00 per hour without a pianist ( music on CD ) or £80 per hour with a pianist. These prices will go up slightly in August to £53.00 per hour and £81.00 per hour. I am wondering - does anyone have a DD interested in Adv2 semi-privates? If any list members are interested, let me know and we can figure out how to make contact.

Sounds hopeful, JulieW. I have emailed the RAD HQ to inquire.

I think my daughter told me she tried that but now I will definitely doublecheck on that. It does seem that would be a good way to find someone. So I will do that but would still welcome any suggestions from forum members.

Hello - I am wondering if anyone might be able to recommend a teacher in London for some classes to help prepare a dancer for an Advanced 2 RAD exam this summer. My DD has done a lot of Advanced 2 classes and her former teacher is willing to enter her to take the exam this summer when she is at home. However, she'd like to take some classes in the meantime while she is in London. She has asked around without success. She'd be willing to take part in some group classes or have a few private classes depending on what would work with her schedule and what would be offered to her. Any suggestions? Thanks in advance.

My dd says the bunheads tape is just like masking tape except for the higher price.

How about The Everyday Dancer by Deborah Bull?

I recently saw this article about dancers and running. It seems to contain some useful tips. http://www.pointemagazine.com/issues/februarymarch-2013/your-best-body-running-dancers

I love this Romeo & Juliet. Ratmansky is such a brilliant choreographer. Meunier, your comment re: a production built for an entire company is interesting - NBoC had a John Cranko version of R&J that was much-loved by audiences but Karen Kain said she thought a new production was needed partly in order to provide more scope for more dancers - not just those with lead roles.

Pups_mum, I agree with those who suggest that you tell your dd what you said in your post. I have another thought about this as well. In my own experience, listening to my children has usually been more effective and more helpful than talking to them. Obviously, you are listening closely to her - that's what prompted your post. I know that I am often tempted to respond right away with my advice or thoughts in reply to what they say. You are a step ahead on that since you are struggling to figure out how to respond! What has worked best for me has been to ask questions that will help my children think through the issues and clarify for themselves what it is they really want or need. Sometimes the answers can be surprising and have challenged assumptions that I didn't even know I had made. By asking questions and not bringing any judgments of my own to the conversation I can help my children shed light on their own assumptions and the concerns that underlie what they are thinking. I have found this process to be the best way that I can help them make the decisions that are theirs to make. I have also found that it helps me understand and therefore truly accept their decisions.

Thanks so much to the Committee and to all the volunteers who keep the forum running. Thanks also to all the members who post about their experiences, thoughts, and opinions. Wishing a peaceful and happy holiday season to all.

The Rudra-Bejart School in Switzerland is free but takes only a very limited number of students: http://www.bejart-rudra.ch/pen_homepage_01.php

Another way to look at it is that sometimes a dancer may have more opportunities to perform or may get the chance to do more challenging roles in a smaller or less well-known company. And so many factors can affect job satisfaction. While the most renowned companies might seem to be every dancer's dream, I'm not sure that's always where everyone is happiest, anyway.

Jellybeans you have bravely courted controversy by making your decision the subject of a post! I take your post as a reminder to each of us of how challenging it is, when posting in an online forum, to ask questions and express opinions in a way that keeps the forum a completely safe and welcoming environment for all.

Thanks JulieW - much appreciated.