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We'd
like to hear what you've got to say - as long as it's to do
with dance! Tell us what you think about this site, too!
We can't promise to publish all your emails and letters, but
the best ones will appear here, so contact
us now!
•
From a parent>>
• Thank you!>>
• Boys and dance>>
• You and dance>>
• yd reviews>>
If
you would like to send us a review of a dance performance
you have seen, email us at young-dancers@istd.org
From
a parent
I was surfing the web and
clicked on your site for the first time in a year and noticed
that my last email about my daughter Sarah is still on your
site. I thought that your readers may like to have an update
on her progress. She had rods put into her back to correct
Scoliosis when she was 16.
She
has now completed a whole year at London Studio Centre and
has had no problems with her back. I am not saying it has
not ached, but then every other dancer at the college has
complained of aches and pains, especially in the initial months
when everyone was getting used to dancing 4 hours a day at
such a high level. She has loved her year and is now home
trying to earn some money during the summer break. She is
going to the gym every day to try to keep up fitness levels.
We
were so proud to watch her in the college end of year show
'Dance Overature', and especially loved the Lindy Hop/Rock'n'roll
dance she performed in the show. You could not get more tiring
than that one.
So
anyone in the same situation as Sarah, just take heart and
remember it does not have to be the end of the world. Because
of her problems in the past with her back she has become very
interested in a possible career in physiotheraphy after her
dancing career is over.
Suzanne
Evans
My
daughter took part in Coppelia, a show ran by the English
Youth Ballet Company, ran by Janet Lewis. She was 16 yrs at
the time and enjoyed the show enormously, as well as gaining
valuable training. Just 4 days after performing in this ballet
she had to have a major spinal operation to cure Scoliosis.
Taking part in the show enabled her to forget the operation
coming up. She had a great time meeting other dancers as well
as learning. This disease is very common among teenagers and
particularly dancers who are extremely flexible. It involved
the insertion of rods in her back to straighten it. Because
she was so very fit she recovered within 6 months of the operation
and was back taking her Tap exam a week after returning to
dancing.
I am writing this for two reasons. One is to recommend taking
part in the English Youth Ballet Company should they come
to your area. The other is to encourage any dancer who may
have to face an operation similar to my daughter's. You will
get through it. Medical advancements mean that most people
get back to full fitness. My daughter is now 18 and has just
passed her driving test and won a place at the London Studio
Centre to study a BA Hons in Musical Dance.
Suzanne
Evans
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Thank
you!
Hi, I think that your site
is great. I have been dancing for 11 years now and I love
it and being able to look at your site and read about similar
experiences I've had is really cool. I really want to carry
on dancing and eventually be known for it. I myself think
I am the best at Tap so hopefully you will see me tapping
on telly in the future.
Jess
Hi!
I've been doing ballet since I was 4. Now I do modern and
contempory as well. I never believed I was good enough for
something as challenging as dance. YOUNG-DANCERS SHOWED ME
I CAN MAKE IT AND FOR THIS I THANK EVERYONE WHO HELPED MAKE
THIS SITE! There will always be someone that has more amazing
extensions than yours. There will always be someone who has
more flexible insteps. There will always be someone that has
better turn out: BUT A REAL DANCER HAS A CERTAIN CHARISMA
THAT JUST CAN'T BE IGNORED! Everybody has their own irresistable
style. You just need to find it. Oh yeah....and always point
your toes! Thanks!
Alexia,
age 14
Hi,
I've been dancing since I was 6 and I love it. I've been on
loads of dance websites before and they're just to do with
different types of shoe and news of performers, but this site
isn't, it's really good! The article on stretching
was really helpful because I've injured myself before and
I didn't realise how important warming-up was to stop you
from damaging yourself. Thanks for making the website!
Sorrel,
age 15
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Boys
and dance
I am a young Ballroom and Latin American dancer
and have been having an terrible time trying to find a boy
partner for competition dancing! I have been dancing for six
years and still havent found one! I think more boys should
see that dancing is fun and keeps you fit, just the same as
football or rugby. I hate how boys see dancing as 'stupid'
when they haven't even tried it themselves. I applaud all
young boys who dance and wish more boys would see what there
missing!
Joanne, aged 16
I
think there is absoloutly nothing wrong with boys dancing!
I have a friend who dances and he's a boy. He used to get
teased, but I admired him because he ignored them and they
eventually got bored. They now all except it! I told them
they might not realise but some of the best footballers in
the world had to take a dance lesson. It helps them with their
football. Dancing makes people very strong! My friend is one
of the strongest boys I know, and I felt so happy for him
when he beat one of the most atheletic boys in our school
in a sprint race. All the dancing paid off and he proved that
dancing is not girly! Anone can do it! It's meant for Both
Girls and Boys. It's like saying football is a boys sport.
It's not! Boys accept that but why can't they except that
about dancing as well. I'm so happy that my friend has carried
on with his dancing, he's so great at it and he didn't let
anyone put him down! He's an inspiration to me!
Georgia
I
started to dance at the age of about 9/10. I’m now seventeen
and taking my first student teaching exam in August, I’ve
never looked back. I love the classes so much I help at the
classes for the younger children. It’s good to be at
my dance school as there are no boys apart from me. I prefer
dancing to a lot of sport apart from rugby, which is ace.
Just because the world does not like you to dance because
it is feminine. Well guess what it is not. How many lads can
get that close to a lady? Well not many unless you dance.
It’s a great way to keep fit and get the heart pumping.
I help at adult classes as well and the adults love it. It’s
a great way to get to meet people have fun exercise and in
the modern world it’s a great way to tell the government
that alot of children aren’t obese. You may think you
cant dance at first but it takes a few hours a week to grasp
the basics and get on the exam ladder. Now with the QCA you
end up with a “Qualification” so it helps to get
into colleges and further education. So come on lads get on
the floor have a laugh and you never know you may find the
Girl of Your Dreams.
Alastair
Stewart
I've
been dancing for 7 yrs now, and enjoy it as much as I ever
did! I dance Ballroom and Latin, which is super. Although
some people might think it was a bit old fashioned for my
age, I don't care. I really wish that more boys would overcome
this problem as well. It would be super to have some guys
to dance with, and I'm sure they'd enjoy it as well! So, please
guys overcome those stupid comments, and start dancing!!!
Tracy
Hi!
I think that there's nothing wrong with boys dancing. I have
a friend who is a lad and is at the Royal. I think people
who say it's for girls ought to look at them selves and think
what they are doing with their lives. My friend is a really
good dancer and people are proud of him for who he is and
what he does but he has also been bullied about it. I would
love to join him in London one day.
Laura
Cowan
Hi!
Even though I am a girl I think that people shouldn't dis
boys that dance coz we all have the same opportunity to be
a dancer and I think that it's gr8 that boys will do it. And
for all other people know they cud be really good dancers,
coz 1 at my dance school is good. And I want to be a professional
dancer and I think it's good that boys do too.
Lauren
Byrne
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You
and Dance
Hi, my name is Christina Reyes,
I am 13 years old. I am currently the 2004 World Salsa Champion
in the teen category and the Puerto Rico 2004 National Champion
for the same category. In 2002 I also won the World Salsa
open but in the childrens category.
I
have had the honor to dance at the West Coast, Los Angeles
Salsa Congress (2004), Houston Salsa Congress (2004), the
first Casino and Salsa Congress in Caracas, Venezuela this
past December and in February I will be attending the Chicago
Salsa Congress, where I'll be performing with my partner Juan
Luis Ojeda, representing Puerto Rico.
My
mom and I just found your website, and we wanted to tell you
that we liked it very much. Congratulations and thanks for
thinking of the children dancers.
Christina
Reyes
Hi!
My name is Amy Coring and I have been doing dancing for 5
years! I love it! I do festivals and attended exam classes!
Ithink your website is good it gives dancers the freedom to
look at there own pace and enjoy dancing! Well I just thought
I'd email you andtell you how good the website is.
Amy
Coring
I
think young dancers should be able to start by without paying
until they make it in the dancing career. Why I think this
is because I'm a dancer myself and I would be so grateful
if I could make it out there but I can't because I don't have
the money and I have had a lot of experience with dancing.
I have been dancing since I 've been 2yrs old. I also think
that when kids like me want to make it out there big most
kids can't try to make it big if you have to pay for this
and that is my thought.
Danette
Hopkinsbey
Hi,
I think your site is great! I have been dancing since I was
two and I have fallen in love with it. I go to Whittikers
Dance and Drama Centre in Blackpool, we are doing a dance
show in February. I am really enjoying the rehersals. I auditioned
for the Royal Ballet School last year and didn't get in. Can
I say if anyone is like me they should re-audition because
I am. Never give up, you can do something you really want
to.
Emma
Swallow, age 12
Hey.
My name is Jen and I started dancing last year. I'm 13 years
old and I'm in 8th grade. I dance at my commuity center thats
a few blocks from my house. I never knew that they had dance
classes there or I would have started when I was a little
girl. Ever since I started dance classes, it has kept me out
of trouble and it has got me in shape a little more. Also,
I like to perform in front of family and friends. I have also
starred in 2 plays. 1 for a high school when I was in 5th
grade and 1 for my school in 6th grade. ever since I have
joined Hip Hop dance class, I have met alot of new people
and have had alot of fun. My very 1st recital is coming up
next may and im nervous because not only am I doing Hip Hop
but I'm doing gymnastics and cheerleading. I also hope that
by the time I get to high school, I will be great at try-outs
for poms and make the team. I think everyone should dance
becasue its fun and gets you in shape!
Jen
from Illinois
Exams
are FANTASTIC!!!!!!! I really do enjoy them!! Sure, I get
nervous the day or two beforehand-dosen't everyone- but on
the morning-if it's an afternoon exam- I do an hour's practice,
then for a full hour before I go, I do a relaxation/meditation
exercise, and breathe all the confidence and self-belief I
have into my body. I keep doing this all the way to the ballet
centre, then, if I have to wait a while (which I normally
do!) I give myself a long stretch, and pace up and down-not
nervously, but this helps to get the blood flowing! I also
talk to myself- "Relax, you're here to enjoy yourself"-that
sort of thing! It's really only after the warm-up that I start
to get antsy. I sit down in a chair, but I fidget and tap
my feet repeatedly! Finally, I'm called! All my nerves float
away, and I settle down and REALLY enjoy the dance!
Christy
Greer
Hi,
my name is Kate and I can't actually believe how much dancing
means to me. I can guarantee you that if you asked me what
I was thinking about at any time in the day, it would be dance,
or going over a routine, or even my career and how to get
there. I love dancing so much and will do ANYTHING to be a
professional dancer when I'm older, and I will be. So anyone
out there who wants to be a dancer when you're older, you
can do it - best of luck!
Kate
Hi,
my name's Michelle, an I've been dancing since I was about
4, I really enjoy it, but about 4 months ago my legs decided
to play up and I've been on crutches ever since. I did Tap,
Ballet and Jazz, and I really miss it, esp Jazz! I'm hoping
to go back when my legs are better! =) c ya. x x x
Michelle
I
have only been dancing for two years this coming September.
However I managed to get into a full time ballet school on
a full scholorship. Now I know I can do anything! So the message
here is this: anyone out there who thinks it may be too late
to start dancing, you're wrong. I started ballet when I was
12 and I caught up through sheer hard work and wanting. And
if I can so can you, so never give up on your dreams because
if you want something enough and you're prepered to work it
will happen.
Jade,
age 14
I
have been dancing 7yrs now and it's become my life. I've always
found more comfort and company in dance than I ever have in
other people. I belong in dance, in a way I never thought
I'd ever belong, like it completes the missing piece of my
life. Dance will always be everything to me, a world without
dance would not be a world worth living in. I'm so pleased
I found this website, where we, the nxt generation of dancers,
have a place to voice our passion for dance and access our
route foward into a career. I hope anybody out there who knows
exactly wot I'm on about will achieve their ambition.
Suz,
London, age 16
Hello,
my name is Sarah and I am very interested in the world of
dance. My eldest brother has gone through the Royal Ballet
School and is now in the Upper School, and my brother younger
than me has just started at the Royal Ballet School. My youngest
is auditioning very soon for Junior Assosiates with the Royal,
and I dance at Linda Shipton's School of Dance. I love to
read about dancers and how the world evolves around it and
I find your site very interesting and fun to look at. Thank
you for giving me the opportunity to look at this fantastic
site.
Sarah
I
love dancing - especially ballet. When I dance, I feel I can
let my emotions out. I also enjoy it because when I have finished
my class, I feel refreshed and healthy. People say that proffesional
dancers are fitter than footballers - and I can see how! After
every lesson I need to take a bottle of water to drink as
I get so thirsty. I also have to stretch as well because then
when I do exercises like devlope then I can get my legs higher.
Ballet is great fun and I would hate to give it up.
Christabel,
age 13
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yd
reviews
Jen,
age 15, has sent young-dancers her review of a recent performance
of Cats
The
famous and world-renowned musical, 'Cats' recently visited
my local theatre. At the first opportunity in which I was
given, I went to buy tickets. However, because of the such
high prices I was seated right at the top of the theatre.
Overall, the show was very good. However, it didn't quite
meet the standards that I seemed to have already set for it.
I was confused with the storyline at times, and it didn't
really have a firm plot to the show although the dancing and
singing was magnificent with a very talented cast. The music
used throughout the show was also suberb. However, I did feel
that because of where I was seated, I missed out on several
parts of the musical. At several points the 'cats' would enter
the audience, and I could not even see this aspect. Although
the sets were great, and seemed really life like, I felt that
the size of the theatre made the performance slightly lacking.
I really wish that I had seen the musical in all of its glory
in the west end and had sat in the stalls. Overall it was
an enjoyment to watch, and was worthwhile seeing. The dancing
is absolutly magnificant, and as the company is travelling
around the country, if it happens to come to your area, I
recommend seeing it.
Jen
Jenny
(age 15) from Surrey went to see the Northern Ballet Theatre
at the New Victoria Theatre and has written a fabulous review!
Northern
Ballet Theatre
Romeo
and Juliet
Wow!
The Northern Ballet Theatre recently visted my area and after
hearing reports about the amazing show of Romeo and Juliet
in the newspaper, I persuaded my mum to take me along to watch
it. I love dancing and have been doing it for the last 12
years, however, ballet is not one of my strongest points,
but I longed to see ballet performed by professionals. I initially
thought I would be confused with the storyline, but with the
magnificant dancing and costumes, I was thoroughly surprised.
I have seen a wide variety of shows within the theatre in
the past, but I have to say that this was one of the best.
The ballet was so elegant and inspiring that it has made me
think a lot more carefully about focusing on ballet in the
future. If the Northern Ballet Theatre happen to come to an
area near you in the future, I recommend going to see them.
The dancing was amazing and the magnificent music brought
the show to life. It was a passsionate and heart-renching
show which truely touched me.
Jenny
Charlotte
Carter (age 15) went to see Lyon Opera Ballet perform when
she won tickets in a young-dancers.org competition. She has
sent us the following review.
Lyon
Opera Ballet
Cinderella
I
had a wonderful opportunity to go and see Lyon Opera Ballet
perform their version of Cinderella on Tuesday 18th February
thanks to young-dancers.org. I jumped at the chance to see
this company at Sadler's Wells, London.
The cast, led by Ksenia Kastalskaia as Cinderella, performed
an exciting and enjoyable show with a hint of comedy and spookiness
to it! The costumes had been designed personally and each
dancer looked stunning. The Prince, performed by Andrew Boddington,
had an elaborate blue wig and each dancer wore a china doll
mask, which hid their true identity, putting a hint of mysteriousness
into the performance. The main characters wore fairy lights,
which had a wonderful effect when the lighting was changed.
The story had been modernised with all the sound effects and
costumes but was still every bit the classic we know.
Going to Sadler's Wells was a huge experience for me. Living
in Devon, I travelled on the day of the performance. I was
so excited having this chance. Sadler's Wells was modern and
vast and even had a gift shop full of Ballet merchandise that
allowed me to pick up my souvenirs!
But the reason you are all reading this is to find out about
the dancing. It was spectacular, there was Ballet and Contemporary
and the dancers did such a good job wearing masks and most
were wearing body suits. The dancers portrayed their characters
exactly. The ugly sisters were scary, the Prince was charming
and Cinderella was beautiful. The dance was synchronised perfectly,
some went en pointe and this was done with elegance and class.
The
company performed the show so wonderfully, I was able to follow
the whole story and I noticed all ages were in the audience.
At the end the dancers revealed their faces to show their
true identity and we got to congratulate them with rounds
and rounds of applause. They were truly spectacular. I recommend
next time you see 'Lyon Opera Ballet', you must get tickets!
Charlotte
Carter
Ruth Draisey (age 14) from West Yorkshire has sent young-dancers.org
a review of the Northern Ballet Theatre's production of Beauty and the
Beast at the Leeds Grand Theatre.
A
BEAST OF A BALLET!
The
Northen Ballet Theatre have lived up to their reputation in
this enchanting tale full of flying fish, faries and fireworks.
Some fine dancing perfomances from the principles and the
corps de ballet combined with imaginative costumes throughout.
Particularly notable performances from Simon Kidd as the Beast
and Charlotte Talbot as the good fairy. However, not only
ballet language was used to tell the story as we were treated
to a silent movie style narration at the beginning of each
act. An ideal ballet for beginners and experienced ballet
enthusiasts alike. The Northen Ballet Theatre's own live ochestra
brought to life the ingenious score by several famous composers
including Bizet, Debussy, Dukas and Massenet. A disney-esque
style with a slightly contemporary slant explains why the
Nothern Ballet label themselves as the Northen Ballet Theatre.
Credit to the Northern Ballet Theatre for taking a less than
traditional approch to ballet in this year's festive season.
Ruth Draisey
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If
you would like to send us a review of a dance performance you have seen,
email us at young-dancers@istd.org
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