munchkin16

If you search for arch exercises on YouTube I'm sure something might come up but the best thing I've found is lots and lots of tendus, really working through the feet. A theraband, the stretchy resistance band type things, are also really good for improving strength and you can carefully stretch the foot a little with them too. Again YouTube might have some good videos as examples. Good luck with your classes!

Thanks for your replies, I did take a look at the other thread but MPH your answers to my questions were really helpful. I've been doing ballet for 6 years now so I'm sure I could do the steps it's just knowing whether I'd get a lot out of it or feel like I was trying to keep up. My November at work is super busy so I'll be only able to make 1 class a week leading up to it so I just wanted to check I wouldn't be risking injury or being out of my depth. My class is a pretty open adult one at the moment so I'm sure it'll be a great different challenge!

I'm thinking of signing up for the Ballet Retreat in London in November but can't make my mind up. Is it worth the money? I've asked about the levels and they said it can accommodate beginner through to advanced but I'm looking for some feedback from someone who's been. What kind of level/hours of classes would get the most out of this? Do you need to be flexible or really in shape? Quick at picking up steps? I've never done anything like this so I'm looking for some personal experiences if anyone can help, especially as I'm not the most confident dancing in new environments!

Why not take a look at some sports type bags. I used one for a while, plenty of pockets and lots more choice of colours.

I'm currently in a very relaxed adult ballet class with a wonderful teacher who's main aim is for us to dance and relax so she wouldn't mind what I wore. I haven't quite broken my habit of years of syllabus class so I tend to wear pink tights, black leotard and a short black skirt next to all the adults in leggings and t shirts... I was hoping something longer might help me blend in with the older adults without breaking out of the classical mode, so they don't see me so much as a student, although now you mention it I actually like making sure all my lines are visible so the teacher can still correct me. She knows I want her to critique me though so I'm sure if I rotated something longer she could still see any mistakes no matter what I try to hide them under! I'm still not sure if a longer skirt might be better suited to someone taller, I have a feeling it may make me look even shorter, they always look beautiful on pointe

Thank you everyone, I think I'll be taking a look at Love Lily! I've just seen someone in my class wearing a knee length chiffon circle skirt and it looks so floaty and lovely on her I want one! It's the type professionals wear in rehearsal though so I'm not sure if it'll look a little too pretentious to wear one. ... Now if anyone had a second hand skirt for sale that would be even better, if not I'll be taking a look at all these suggestions!

I'm thinking of getting a slightly longer rehearsal length skirt, only there's an option of mesh or chiffon fabric. Any opinions on which would be nicer, especially on someone short? Or any other suggestions for a flattering skirt for class?

Thanks Alison, a lovely forum member actually messaged me so I'm sorted. I'll be standing in stalls circle if anyone around wants to say hi!

Anyone have a ticket spare to sell for tomorrow's performance 3rd June of The Dream Triple at the ROH?

Not a long sleeve leotard but for a short term fix that can be worn with existing leotards, chop up an old pair of tights. You can turn them into a top to wear over a leotard or into a shrug type cardigan that just covers the upper back and arms. Might be lighter than a leotard with full sleeves too as it's pretty hot at the moment!

Definitely see someone as it can have a knock on effect on other parts of the body. My modern teacher noticed a difference in my legs lengths at 14 but I ignored it as we thought it was them growing at different rates. At 21 I started to get pain and tightness in my right hamstring. Thought I'd pulled it and went to the chiropractor hoping they might be able to sort it. Turns out I had pseudo leg length discrepancy so one side of my pelvis was tipped forwards, the other back, which was making my legs rather different lengths! It had put a lot of pressure on the surrounding muscles as obviously I was walking and dancing wonky. He's straightened them out but I still have pain in my hamstring and have to be careful. It also meant I was weak in certain muscles supporting my legs so he gave me strengthening exercises which actually improved my dancing. Whatever it turns out to be, better to get it checked early as the long term effects if you leave it are harder to correct.

Anyone know anything about ballet in Belgrade, Serbia? I'm in the city and there's supposedly a performance of La Bayadere tonight. I'm thinking of going to see it but does anyone know if the company is any good? I might be reading wrong but the ticket seems to only be 1000 RSD which is £6. Is that right?!

Thanks, it looks like the cheaper tickets are at the back of the stalls or the back of the circle, not sure which to go for?

What about a tinted moisturiser? Will give a little bit of coverage and colour but still show the freckles and not be too heavy.

I'm hoping to go and see this on Friday night but I have a couple of questions I'm hoping someone might be able to help with. Do they do day tickets or last minute seats? Also is the stalls raked well or is there a best place to sit for someone short?

The terms and conditions of each ticket should be somewhere on your booking. It depends on the type of tickets you've booked.

I need to order some stuff off move dancewear and they have free postage until midnight but I'm not sure on their sizing. How does their stuff come up? I'm looking at the seamless Vittoria brief but do they come up small? Also how is the sizing and quality of their tights? For reference I normally wear s/m in capezio tights and small leotards but I'm a size 8/10 in jeans.

It's worth researching the facilities the university provide for international students as these will be useful for anyone flying to university. Many universities have a box with all the essentials you can buy and it will be at your halls when you arrive, not the cheapest option but saves shipping or rushing around to buy bedding ect. Poundland, TK Maxx and similar bargain stores will all have kitchen and bedding that will be reasonable to buy, although I warn against buying the cheapest things as sometimes they'll only last a few weeks. TK Maxx has some really good quality frying pans for example at the same price as tescos, but lasted much much longer (I speak from experience on that one!) I flew to university in Belfast and shipping a large cardboard box was around £35. Then you have additional costs for each suitcase you take on a plane. It does add up. It may be cheaper to find storage than ship things home for the summer, it's again worth researching any suggestions the university give international students. I suggest he has a look at the university website, they will have a lot of guidance for students in terms of budgeting and finding jobs I'm sure. There will be people he can talk to in person once he gets there as well who will be able to help and if there is an issue with finances whilst he is there, talk to the university. I know certainly at Belfast they had a hardship fund that gave small amount of cash to applicants to tide them over. Good luck to both of you!

I was standing for the matinee and it was very very worth the trip into London. Yasmine Nagdhi and the entire company were beautiful. Very happy I was lucky enough to see such an incredible performance.

River cruising is very different to ocean cruising in quite a few ways and the atmosphere varies again between companies. I work in the river cruise industry so if you have any specific questions I'm happy to answer them

I need a new skirt for class and I'm looking for a ballet skirt that is flattering if you aren't completely skinny on the bottom. I've got just a plain black wrap skirt but I'm thinking something softer might be more flattering? Any suggestions?

I'm sorry to hear about your grandmother. Don't know if you like crafts but could you decorate pointe shoes or something together?

If lots of hair is a problem try a Balanchine bun, it's sort of like two buns above and below each other but will create a long line down the head rather than one big lumpy bun!

You can apply for a basic DBS check as an individual either through Scotland or Northern Ireland. I don't know if there is an age limit though. I had to get one as it is a requirement for anyone working on a BBC or ITV production as background, whether or not there are children present on the day. I mention Northern Ireland because the process is actually simpler than the Scotland one, or at least it was when I did it!

I managed to get a last minute ticket to see the final performance last night thanks to a lovely forum member! I'm so glad I made the effort to go and stand though the performance despite being up at 4:30am this morning for work. It was brilliant! I've never seen Marquez or Campbell dance so I feel lucky and sad at the same time this was my first and last chance to see her. The company was full of energy and Campbell was an excellent partner, the lifts were solid and his acting and dancing was very impressive. I wasn't expecting so many laugh out loud moments but the audience was giggling the whole way through, the comedic timing was great. But my favourite part still has to be Roberta's performance. Her artistry and expression is stunning, every little subtle look and movement exuded her character. She was so graceful and her use of her head, eye lines and arms is a truely excellent example of epaulment.