munchkin16

I managed to find a class at uni, its ages away by bus but was totally worth it. Huge studio with perfect sprung floors and massive mirrors. The teacher is male and he was so funny but really broke stuff down to get the basics right. The class was RAD intermediate so a little different and fast combinations but it seemed really friendly so I can't wait to go back. Oh and thanks to Just Ballet I had perfect pair of new canvas shoes for the marley floor so i didn't get stuck!

Unibaggage.com sends boxes or bags ahead so you don't have to carry as much. Then most universities will have packs of kitchen stuff or bedding you can buy from them. Some (mine does this) will organise trips to IKEA or supermarkets in the first week for anything you can't/forgot to bring! Lots of people have to fly, the train is possible

I have found the bloch ones are good, I have the pro-elastic in a B width and I have narrow feet so I guess the A must be pretty narrow! They have lasted me about a year so far and no sign of holes yet

I got my insurance choice but my first choice are still deciding because I didn't quite get the grades... thanks for the suggestions, I looked at ROH but none of the current ones look right.

Anyone know how to get into a job doing the admin side at a ballet company? I'm searching for alternative jobs or apprenticeships if I don't get my results tomorrow I need a back up plan. Maybe in marketing or something? Or in the shoe room, I love pointe shoes but I have no idea how you would get work or work experience there!

Terrified! If I don't get into uni I have to find a proper job...

Lightly toasted sunflower seeds with a bit of soy sauce on them are incredible! I tend to look for high protein snacks as they give longer lasting energy. Have you tried Naked bars? They are mostly dried fruit but have nuts which make them more substantial.

I'm pretty sure Leeds university has a big dance society with lots of ballet. Great university, city and close to the northern ballet!

I hope these work out for you! Just found another option in Belfast whilst I was researching (i might be at uni there next year and was looking for ballet classes too.) The Crescent Arts centre has loads of contemporary classes and a class called second chance ballet for adults. Hope this helps let us know what you think of the classes you try, I might be asking for your advice in a few months!

At my private school, repeated bullying of different people for 5 years and this girl still has her scholarship. And she was continuing this threatening behaviour at 18. Nothing more than verbal warnings. The performing arts btec does not prepare you for an acting job. One person in my sisters class was slightly talented. My sisters both auditioned for the top drama schools but didnt get in, they were good. A family friend trained at GSA after 2 tries getting in, graduated top of the class and can't get a job. If someone that talented can't get a job it feels like the small colleges are giving students false hope to take money. It's good people have the opportunity to train, but the institutions should be honest with them about their chances and not dangle possible entry to courses after their very expensive 'foundation year.'

Sansha do some, never tried them but another option.

The skinny one of course! But because I'm short it also makes me taller and my legs longer. The optical illusion thing is true, far away from the mirror my legs seem to grow longer...

Anyone else's dance studio have a weird collection of mirrors? One seems to make me look huge and one nice and skinny! It's like the hall of mirrors at a fair!

I've recently read that foam rollers are really good for increasing flexibility for ballet. I'm thinking of getting one but before I do, does anyone think they work? Apparently you can roll muscles out on it? Also any good brands? Thanks!

The age for performing has to be strict because the rules for child protection mean under 9's can't be in the theatre for over a certain length of time. I did an amateur production but I remember them grabbing the 8 year old before she went on for bows and rushed her out of the theatre because it overrun!

They are pretty! Unfortunately I've just made myself one like that

Yes there are loads of natural sources of protein, lentils, qunioa and turkey are some of my favourites I definitely wouldn't go the protein shake route, but there are some really nice protein bars if you are in a hurry between classes.

Can't think of amything specific but I would personally avoid the treadmill as it can be really hard on the knees. The cross-trainer might be good for general stamina, I know a normal class doesn't have the same aerobic effect as the cross-trainer for me!

That was my reaction too!

16 year old Juliet Doherty at the Prix de Lausanne 2014. She slips at the beginning but the pure joy she has when she dances makes this beautiful to watch. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M4wUhNtjusg

I found this on the Freed website, thought it was a really nice idea. You can see a bit about the maker of your Freed pointe shoe if you wear a maker shoe http://www.freed-pointeshoes.com/meet-the-makers/4581997635

English A level is a lot of work but A level drama takes even more time because of the rehersals needed. That time has to be convenient for the whole group so depending on your ballet schedule may be hard to organise. At least with English you study when you can find time, you dont rely on a group who can be infuriatingly hard to organise and possibly less dedicated than you! Just a thought

Don't know it anyone has tried it but apparently you can make a bra (more like an extra shelf style one inside the leotard but still an extra layer) out of an old pair of tights. You can cut it how you want so it might even work with a low back leotard, but probably one with thicker straps. If you are good at sewing you can also use tights to make a shelf bra if the leotard doesn't have one.

Well you need to decide on whether you choose the original version or glee cover!

Really cheesy: Don't stop Believing