Dance First Think Later |Dreams That Glitter

Me and Maisie were at the studio again today after over a week away! I took my new Bloch Sonatas which I really love, I’m finding pointe work much easier in them than I did in my Freeds and I can’t wait to have a lesson in them! Here’s some pictures of us just having a bit of fun and me breaking in my shoes…

Bloch Sonatas|Dreams That Glitter

These are my third pair of pointe shoes in the last year… which for my first year of taking a half an hour pointe class every week is rather a lot! But I’m hoping the rule ‘third time lucky’ will come into play here. Previously I’ve had Freed Studio IIs and Freed Classics. These are Bloch Sonatas, and they already feel better. They’re a 4 1/2 D which is the widest they come, and I also had them steamed out a bit just to give a little more space in the width. I got them in a little dance shop in Bury down St John’s Street and it was really good in there. We went in in the morning and I wasn’t fully intending to get another pair of pointes, but I got in there and saw them and really wanted to try them because I haven’t had much luck with my Freeds it’s just not coming easily to me at all, even after a year. I know it’s not supposed to be exactly simple but still. The last two fittings I’ve had I’ve been done within 15 minutes and only tried on one pair of shoes, maybe two that vary in half a size. The first pair were too small and too narrow, the second pair fit fine, I just felt there might have been something better, and since I’d never tried another brand except for Freed which are my teacher’s favourites, I wanted to see what else was out there, and I think I’m glad I did with these. The guy that fitted them was lovely, he took his time with me and took the time to make sure they fitted me correctly. He was very honest about them and was clear that he wouldn’t sell me a pair if he wasn’t comfortable with how they fitted which was good and he had a lot of experience. 45 minutes later and a lot of ‘um’ and ‘ah’ing, I decided to get them. Pointe shoes are very expensive it’s not like buying a regular pair of shoes, I realise that and I realise money doesn’t grow on trees, but nana was willing to buy them for me as a christmas present which was brilliant, though I was prepared to buy them myself. They were £39.50 with ribbons which was also cheaper than my last two pairs.

I had a little play with them earlier after sewing on the ribbons and I can safely say they’re more successful than pairs I’ve had before, I’m pretty sure anyway. It’s hard to tell for sure because I did wear them without tights or toe pads which are at home, but I can tell they’re more supportive for my feet and seem to be able to get over the box more easily, so fingers crossed.

Never Miss A Chance To Dance|Dreams That Glitter

These are some photos from Saturday, taken by Maisie (highstreetspy.wordpress.com) when we were dancing in the studio. We’re taking every opportunity we have to go and practice, we’re going again on Friday… I’m going to my nana’s on Saturday until the following Sunday, which means probably no exercise or dance for a whole week, what am I going to do?!

CAT Auditions|Dreams That Glitter

So although this all happened a few months ago, I wanted to keep a record of it here anyways because I feel that it’s relevant to my dance ‘journey’ if you will. Of course it would have been better if I’d written about it back in February/April when it actually happened, but hey ho. Basically, if you don’t know already the National Dance CATs deliver accessible, non-residential, professional training programmes for young people aged 10 to 18 years who demonstrate exceptional potential in dance. The ‘exceptional potential’ part of that sentence I find really intimidating… I found out about the dance CATs on tumblr while scrolling through the dancer tag, and I went on the website (http://www.nationaldancecats.co.uk/) to find out more. The programme is funded by the government depending on your personal financial situation, and how much you pay towards the course depends on what your household income is. I found out that I would qualify for a full grant, and looked into auditions etc.

There was a taster day during February half term, which I told my mum about and she was surprisingly supportive of it and decided it would be a good experience to go and find out what it was all about, and make a decision whether I wanted to audition for the programme or not.

When we got there, after signing in we were led to the lecture theatre and sat through a presentation which gave all the information you needed to know, most of which I’d already found out online, and a chance to ask any questions. We then had a tour of the building (The Place in London). Then there was a two hour contemporary/ballet/creative class which I was a bit nervous about but it wasn’t so hard that I couldn’t do any of it, which was what I was worried about. It was challenging but a really good experience.

I went back to school and told my dance teacher about it, and she knew what it was, and was keen for me to audition for it, and told me to keep her posted on it. I had to submit a second application to The Place for the audition, and I heard back quite quickly saying the audition would be on 3^rd April. There was somewhere between 30-40 girls in the same audition as me, and there was three different dates, and three different auditions on each day, so there was a lot of competition, and there was very few places available. So I wasn’t getting my hopes up too high. Everyone was about 14-15 years old, give or take a year. It was the same process as the taster day, ballet technique class, contemporary where we were taught some repertoire, and then some creative work where we had to make up our own phrase and perform it in groups a few times so they could get a good look at everyone. There was about five different people watching so it felt a bit intimidating, but the main thing was to look as confident as possible even if you were freaking out on the inside. Nobody really spoke to each other when we had a chance to talk and a break, there was just this awkward silence because we all knew we were competing for places against each other. I came out feeling relatively positive, there’s always room for improvement but I didn’t feel like it had gone desperately bad. After that all I could do was wait, and it seemed like an age before I found out anything.

I got a letter back from them on the 2^nd May, which considering we were told 6-8 weeks to wait, was pretty quick I guess. I didn’t get the place (which you probably gathered or I’d have posted about it before now), and the letter went on about how they thought I showed potential and should definitely carry on with what I’m doing, but I apparently wasn’t ready for the scheme. I also got told to build more confidence and performance experience.  I wasn’t really expecting to get the place, even though there was that slight glimmer of hope that I might, but it was my first audition for anything, so I’m not too disappointed. The annoying thing is that there’s nothing really around this area for me to do other than where I’m dancing now, and I guess to look out for the odd audition, and although its super easy to get to London from here, it can be pricey so… I’m not sure. But I’m glad I went to the audition and tried anyway, because it was a good experience and I learnt a lot from it either way.

My Leotard Collection|Dreams That Glitter

This is my (growing) leotard collection… I don’t have many, and they’re relatively plain considering all the different ones you can get now, but I hope soon to get some more interesting designs and colours! Most of these are from Dance Direct which is an amazing dance website with loads of discounted products, so if you don’t know about this site then get yourself over there, it’s dancewear heaven!

 Front 

 Back

• Black Capezio ENB Cross Strapped Leotard

This is my current favourite leotard, it’s different to the other ones I’ve had, because until fairly recently I only took one ballet lesson a week and so only needed my navy regulation leotard. I decided to get a more interesting different one when I started vocational work (I’m currently doing Inter Foundation and hope to be taking the exam later this year. I would be also doing Intermediate alongside it but I can’t afford to do more than I am already). This leotard has two sets of straps, one pair that cross over at the back and the other pair are just regular straps, however they sit quite low on my shoulders and are quite prone to slipping right down which is quite annoying… other than that, I love this leotard and would happily get another one (if there wasn’t so many different ones to choose from). It has a shelf bra lining and the fabric is quite thick, and fits the body snugly.

• Navy Blue Plume Round Neck Leotard

This is my favourite when I have to wear a blue leotard, like I did for my Grade 8 exam. It’s a very simple design, with a scoop neckline front and back, with quite wide straps and a shelf bra lining. It has quite a high cut leg which can often make your legs look longer, and at only 5’2 that’s always a good thing!

• Navy Blue Roch Valley Camisole Leotard

I loved this leotard when I first got it, because it was the first leotard I got that wasn’t the standard navy blue regulation leotard that you get for Grade 3+ with the twisted front and v-line neck. I bought it in a size 4 which is equivalent to a UK dress size 12, so it’s a bit big on me now, and I like leotards to fit tight to the body. The straps on this are not at all tight either and are quite reluctant to stay in place. The back of the leotard often falls down a bit with certain movement which isn’t very helpful.

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• Navy Blue Turtle Neck Velour Leotard

This is the leotard I wore when I did ISTD modern, it’s not the official regulation one but it’s very similar, other than the logo on the left hip. It has a high polo neck and a keyhole back, with a clasp fastening at the back of the neck. I think the regulation leotard has a higher neck than this one does, but it’s still horrible to wear in the heat! This one has a relatively low cut leg which isn’t as flattering.

What’s In My Dance Bag?|Dreams That Glitter

A slight twist on the regular ‘What’s in my bag?’ posts! What are your favourite dance products?

Dance bags – top, Sansha; bottom, Capezio

These are my current favourite dance bags. I got them both from Move It back in March. They’re both really good sizes and they’re strong, perfect for carrying everything you might possibly need with you. I don’t travel lightly… I like to have everything I need and more, just in case, you know?

Scissors, safety pins and stick on velcro

These essentials came in very handy for my most recent exam… The velcro on my character skirt came off, but luckily I had spare to put on and save it! Safety pins are an essential whether it’s an exam or a show, you never know who’s going to need one. Having an assorted pack is also handy, then you’ve got every situation covered.

Foot essentials- Resistance Bands and Tennis Ball

Every dancer should own these. Resistance bands come in all different strengths and lengths and are so versatile they can be used in lots of different ways. They are brilliant for strengthening your feet and ankles for pointe work, and even professional ballerinas use them to warm up their feet. You can start with a low resistance one and move up the strengths as you build up your muscles. They can be purchased in any good sports shop or most dance shops, and even on ebay and amazon. You can also get them from your physio. Tennis balls or golf balls are often used by dancers to massage the arches in their feet and this can help with foot flexibility, but they can also be used to relieve tight muscles by rolling the ball around the affected area.

Wella hairspray, bobby pins, hair pins, headband, hair bands, bun doughnut

I love this hairspray, it’s great for keeping all those strays slicked back and holds your bun in place well, but it also brushes out very easily and doesn’t leave your hair hard or sticky afterwards. The bobby pins I have at the moment aren’t great, they have a kind of rough finish and really hurt to get in and out of my hair! The head band and bun doughnut are both from Claire’s, the headband is made out of a really soft stretchy fabric which would fit most heads and finishes off your look, or alternatively could be wrapped around your bun to give it extra staying power. The bun doughnut is great because unlike most, it has a popper, meaning you can undo it and wrap it around your ponytail and simply click it in place again. It’s a bit big for the length of my hair at the moment because it takes me ages to position my hair evenly around it so it’s all covered. I think the rest is pretty self explanatory.

Pink Plume Seamless Footed Ballet Tights 

I’m on my fifth pair of these same tights now, I love them. They’re quite thin so you don’t get too hot in them, and although they can get laddered quite quickly if you’re not careful (long nails aren’t a good idea when putting them on – speaking from experience) but at £3.95 a pair they’re good value for money. In the future I’d like to try convertible tights.

Moving on to shoes…

Freed Classic Pointe Shoes – Size 4.5 XXX

These are my second pair of pointe shoes, my first were Freed Studio II’s, but they didn’t quite work out for whatever reason. They just didn’t work for me I guess. These fit my feet a lot better than the last pair but I’m still struggling a bit, I don’t know if it’s the shoes or me! I would like to try some different brands though as Freeds are the only ones I’ve tried on.

Katz Full Sole Satin Ballet Shoes 

These are my old satin drawstring shoes, I think I had them for about 2 years hence the awful state they’re in… I do love these though, a classic full sole, single elastic pair of shoes.

So Danca Split Sole Canvas Ballet Shoes

I got these from a cute little ballet stall at Move It, and they are my first pair of canvas shoes, and the first time I’ve had split sole shoes. They’re a little tight in a size 4, so if I go for these again I’ll be sure to get a 5 or even a 4.5. I found they got dirty a lot quicker than the satin shoes do, but they’re stronger and haven’t got great big gaping fraying holes in them yet like satin ones would after 5 months no doubt.

Katz Low Heel Character Shoes Size 4

I’ve never had any other kind of character shoe in my life, I’ve only gotten through about 3 pairs in 10 years. These are great, they last ages and fit fine.

Katz Jazz Shoes Size 4

I’ve never had any other jazz shoe other than Katz either. I think I’ve had two pairs in the five or so years that I did modern, and that was only because I grew out of the first pair. These are brilliant, they’re very hard wearing.

PS. The photos were edited by my wonderful friend Maisie 🙂

Coming up… a ‘My Leotard Collection’ post!

To Be A Dancer|Dreams That Glitter

So, I’ve always loved dancing, I’ve done ballet for ten years now, that’s a long time, the majority of my life, in fact. Although I’ve never quit or given up with it, it’s always been in phases – phases where I drift in and out of having my entire life taken over by dancing. Up until late last year, when I decided I wanted to be a dancer. I didn’t admit it to anyone for a while, but then I thought, well if I don’t, how am I going to do it? I can’t work my way there by myself. This year I’ve really focussed in ballet classes (I’ve been doing Grade 8, Inter foundation and started pointe work last September – with a few problems along the way) and I think I have improved quite a lot, because I’m putting more into it.

For about three years prior to that, although I rarely miss a class, I’ve just been there, I haven’t really been there. I’ve just got my way through the class, without taking everything in. I’ve found that I don’t actually have that bad a dance movement memory and actually I can remember syllabus. The whole pointe thing was a bit of a disaster at first, but I’m getting there now, slowly but surely. I still have a lot of work to do on that side of things.

Now I think I know I’m never going to be a prima ballerina, but why not give it my all anyway? Why not give it my best shot and see what happens, with lots of extra stretching and strengthening between classes there could be a big improvement. Realistically I know that to be a dancer I need to be fitter and probably lose weight too to where I’m at now, but I can do that. I’m willing to work for this because I love it, and I know it takes a lot of input to get anything out, and I know it’s a competitive industry and I know it’s not going to be a piece of cake to get where I want to be, but this is my dream, and why shouldn’t I have a good go at it?

I had a careers appointment at school on the last week, and I’m still decided if it was helpful or not, which I guess it wasn’t too much. The lady was lovely but she didn’t really seem to know much about what I was talking about, I’m probably better talking to my dance teacher at school because she’ll know what she’s talking about more. I’ll go see her when we go back. She told me a lot of what I already knew beforehand, like after GCSE’s I basically have three options: college/specialist College, sixth form or an apprenticeship (which isn’t really appropriate for this). What I’ll do is apply for sixth form at my school (here I’d do Dance A level and a dance leaders qualification, and Fashion and Clothing BTEC course which is the only other thing I really want to do there, which is good for a back-up plan if the whole dancer thing doesn’t work out for whatever reason). I looked through all the leaflets I got from Move It back in March, and put aside all the ones that might be of use to me. Much as I’d love to go to a ballet school I’m not sure on my chances about getting in are, I’m short, I don’t have the body (now at least) and I don’t have the best technique in the world, I’m just not sure I have what it takes to be a ballerina, much as I’d love to, and I am prepared to work on that and I will. I think I might be better suited to go more in the direction of contemporary dance, but then in most dance schools both of these styles are compulsory classes, and many schools train their dancers in a variety of different styles.

When I go to Move It next year, I’ll go around and ask about the different colleges and what’s available to me post 16 and post 18 and see what the better route to take is. I have to consider which is going to need more qualifications to get into, but also all the different courses on offer, funding and transport/accommodation. It’s a lot to think about so it’s probably a good thing that I’m starting to think about it now, so I have a while to sort everything out, rather than leaving it all last minute…

So yeah, now I’ve put all that out here, I feel like I have all the more reason to work as hard as I can in dance and try and get into a dance school next year maybe. Or stay on and do A level dance and do as well as I can in that, whatever it is I decide to pick in the end. Either way, I’ll update this blog with everything. If anyone has any advice or experience they’d like to share please do comment and get in touch! 🙂