munchkin16

I can't understand why they'd do it, surely they'll loose money from people not even bothering to try and apply because they couldn't go even if accepted...

Just tried those tips and they really work. I've had double pirouettes from fourth for a while now but they've always been a little haphazard and I've always thought I needed more power. I figured out the importance of engaging the back muscles a while ago but actually putting it into practice was more tricky. I just tried thinking hard about shoulders down as I went into the turn and it had a huge impact in both making it more controlled but also more speed! I love this board

I am picky about my Romeo too, hence why I mentioned Osipova because I love Muntagirov in like everything I've seen him dance! So who works well as a couple?

My friend and I are planning to see this production but I don't know who to see! I have my ideas but I'd love a few opinions. Obviously it mostly depends on ticket availability and dates we are free but if you could choose who would you want to see? I love the truly artistic dancers best so I was thinking Cuthbertson or Nunez as Juliet? Any ideas?

I'm looking for an adult ballet class or one that will take a 20 year old. I've been dancing for over 4 years, roughly at intermediate but I will take any class I can get. Does anyone know a class near Guildford, Woking, Farnham area that is accessible by public transport? Oh and now for the hard part, preferably a Monday or Tuesday evening as I work 7 days a week! But I'll take any ideas as I may be able to change my schedule around. Thank you so much, I'm missing ballet!

Maybe try varying how you put it up as well? For school can you braid it or part it in a different way to change where the stress is? Also does she have to have a straight pulled back bun? If not maybe you could section the front off and braid it into the bun. Another option is part it in the middle or side and then keep those pieces separate. Pull the rest behind into a high ponytail and secure. Then twist each of the left over pieces back round and add to the ponytail before making the bun. I used to do this and it definitely caused less stress for my hair. Also if you have to have a scraped back bun or ponytail chaperone's suggestion of keeping the top layer out and only adding it at the end of the ponytail really does work and actually makes a nicer looking ponytail if you are wearing it like that for school or something.

Try asking her teacher. She should be able to help as I'm sure they recommend similar excercises to strengthen those small intrinsic muscles for pointe work. Off the top of my head I think my teacher told me to pick up pencils with my toes, one called piano toes where you try and lift each toe individually (takes a lot of concentration!) and also just lots and lots of slow, technically correct tendus making sure to work right through the feet and toes. I know it's frustrating but I think every dancer has a favourite foot that is stronger, more flexible...

I think if your teacher has said you can do pointe work and you trust their opinion then you have a good enough arch and acceptable feet for pointe. Then it is just a case of working to the best of your ability with the feet you have (trust me I understand how you feel I find it easiest to get over in dead shoes!) The only thing we can do to make it easier is stretch and strengthen our feet and most importantly find the right shoe. I still haven't managed it but if you feel like the shoe might be holding you back it's definitely worth checking with your teacher/pointe shoe fitter. To answer your final question, I don't know about professionals but yes there are people out there (like me) with lower arches who still do pointe work. I guess not everyone can have amazing feet...

Possibly check your shoes are the best possible fit you can find. A too long vamp, too strong shank or just the wrong shoe in general can make it a lot harder.

Thank you for all the suggestions so far. The London ones look great, I have tried pineapple and dance works before but getting to London is so expensive for more than the occasional class. At the moment a beginners class would be great as I need to get back into shape anyway and work on my technique before challenging myself again with combinations. If anyone has any more suggestions for adult classes out of London, both for the summer and term time I'd really appreciate it. Possibly a good class on a Monday or Tuesday morning/ evening as I work really weird hours and I'm looking to find a class again long term for September too. Thanks!

I'm really missing ballet as there's a massive break over the summer. I was wondering if anyone knew of any drop in classes that were good for a 20 year old studying RAD intermediate but completely out of shape from not dancing for 2 months! Possibly even a private class? I don't care if it's RAD style, preferably even not as I still prefer Cecchetti... Anyone know anywhere? I'm desperate! Preferably Surrey area, possibly Hampshire/ London too. Thanks

I don't know if you have one near you but there are places where you can paint your own plate or mug or piece of china. You could decorate it and write a message on the back or something with the dates she taught you. She can then use it but it will last a long time. You could also then make a cake or biscuits or something to go with it but it's sort of homemade but personal too

Precisely. I have 9 hours a week for £9000 a year. And the uni is still terrible at communicating and hiring decent tutors!

[quote name="Legseleven" post="136040" timestamp=" It's worthwhile noting that DD's ballet teacher once received a phone call from the head of a leading university's medical admissions panel (and this was before RAD exams were accredited) to let her know how impressed they were with her student's explanation of what she had gained by studying ballet for years and how those skills and that dedication, persistence even in the face of difficulties and in pain, teamwork, time management etc would assist her with a medical degree. She was at RAD Advanced level. Apparently she went straight to the top of their 'acceptances' list. That's sort of what I was trying to highlight in the highly competitive nature of university admissions these days, making yourself seem different, interesting and stand out is important especially when looking at two people with the same grades. If you can make ballet seem like an extra advantage through your personal statement it could give that little extra bonus in getting you an offer over someone else.

[quote name="Legseleven" post="136040" timestamp=" It's worthwhile noting that DD's ballet teacher once received a phone call from the head of a leading university's medical admissions panel (and this was before RAD exams were accredited) to let her know how impressed they were with her student's explanation of what she had gained by studying ballet for years and how those skills and that dedication, persistence even in the face of difficulties and in pain, teamwork, time management etc would assist her with a medical degree. She was at RAD Advanced level. Apparently she went straight to the top of their 'acceptances' list. That's sort of what I was trying to highlight in the highly competitive nature of university admissions these days, making yourself seem different, interesting and stand out is important especially when looking at two people with the same grades. If you can make ballet seem like an extra advantage through your personal statement it could give that little extra bonus in getting you an offer over someone else.

Of course yes, I was only referring to those who maybe do ballet as a recreational activity and are looking at non danced based university courses. My ballet teacher kept trying to push the grades for us even though we were looking at academic courses so I just wanted to make sure no one is being misled in thinking grades in ballet will be a significant advantage in applying for university. Possibly when they are being taken at the same time as A level exams and I know there are a lot of time pressures

I feel I should point out as someone who has been through the UCAS system, that the value of these points varies dramatically depending on where you wish to apply to. For example, a high level Russell group university will not accept the points at all. They ask for A level grades only to base acceptance on, such as 3 A's. any points from a grade 8 ballet exam isn't going to be taken into account as they simply don't look at UCAS points as far as I am aware. For some universities they ask for say 240 UCAS points but specify that they can only come from 3 a levels so again essentially the equivalent of 3 B grades or something. They won't allow you to include additional points in this. I have not yet come across a university that has stated in it's requirements that the UCAS points can come from elsewhere. I'm sure they exist but if you are looking at a competitive university this will not be the case. That does not mean the exams are wasted. You can mention them in your personal statement as an example of achievements outside of school but again the grades aren't necessary. Simply stating you have studied ballet at a high level and what skills it has given you such as dedication, time management will be beneficial at demonstrating a good student who is well rounded. Not to be pessimistic just thought I'd try and point out that sometimes ballet teachers push exams because 'ooh you get UCAS points' when that isn't necessarily all that beneficial and that ballet can help you with your application but you don't need to push for the exams just to get that benefit.

They are single x width which I think is the narrowest for Bloch

These are still for sale, I'd like £30 but I'll consider any offer. They are brand new, still in the box! Only selling because they were wrong for my feet.

A weighted hula hoop (a proper work out one) is amazing at improving your core strength. It's pretty hard to keep it up at first but you get better. My mum has one and when I'm home I just use it for 10 minutes standing watching TV. Or the cheat option on that is pull your tights up so that the waist band isn't below your belly button as then it can accentuate the muffin top look. I always wear my tights pulled up now to try and hold my stomach in a bit! In terms of feeling graceful when dancing, it sounds silly but I try to picture myself as a professional like I've seen in the videos. Channelling my inner ballerina seems to make me feel more dancy and flow better. Also most importantly, if you feel tense, remember to BREATHE when you dance (I'm terrible at this!) I tend to stop breathing when I'm concentrating and so I end up really tense. If you feel that way take a deep breath and try to feel your arms float as you breath out. Hope this helps!

I have a brand new, unworn pair of Bloch Hannah pointe shoes in a size 4.5 x for sale. I'm selling them because they were fitted completely wrongly and I can't return them. They were originally €60 and I know that's probably way too much to ask so I'll consider any offer. Can post to anywhere (postage extra) or you can pick them up if you live in Belfast! I can't afford to buy another pair that actually fit until I sell these. Thanks.

I have a nice tofu stir fry recipe?

A smoothie can be substantial enough if it contains the right things. I don't know what recipie she looked at but this is mine for a kale smoothie and has been approved by my nutritionist. Admittedly it hasn't been tested for dance but it made a good mid afternoon snack during a long cheerleading training session or as a long lasting energy breakfast. The amounts are rough, you can add more protein if it's a difficult day. It's also vegan Kale smoothie: 1 bannana, handful of kale, handful of spinach, handful of goji berries, 2 tablespoons of flaxseed, 2 tablespoons of hemp protein powder, handful of another fruit (frozen is good such as frozen berries), enough water to blend (can also use a fruit juice instead)

Persuaded my family to all come with me to the matinee. They all really enjoyed it although I think the mime was a bit much for them! We were very high up so I missed being able to see their faces and feet but the production was really good. The men, especially Vadim, were amazing, and the lift were incredible. I felt the women struggled more with the solos, especially the Italian fouettes or fouettes in general. However, I overall liked Takada's Kitri, I thought the bond between her and Vadim came across well. The timing seemed a bit off in the group dances at the beginning weren't quite together enough. I loved the vision seen and the Amour variation. Mostly I'm just being picky, I loved the whole thing and was probably smiling like crazy for most of it!

http://matthewburchphotography.wordpress.com/