I'm Kate and I live in Cardiff, South Wales. I have been studying classical Indian Bharata Natyam since October 1998 and have taken part in a few (amateur) performances. I have also been studying ballet for six months and am hoping to take either/or both my Checcetti Grade 4 and ISTD Grade 4 this summer. I've recently turned 30 so I've had the "crisis" about being too old to ever make it in the field of dance, but I'm feeling much more optimistic after reading some of the stories on this board! I'd love to find out all about what is happening in the UK - classes, workshops and performances!!!!!

Hi Kate and welcome to criticaldance. I posted some specific comments about Bharata Natyam in 'World Dance etc' in response to your question there. Our UK ballet teacher Joanne is out of Internet range at the moment, but I'm sure she'll have some thoughts for you when she is back.<P>I'm delighted that your first impressions are positive and I hope we can continue to keep your interest. If we don't let us know!

Kate - in this thread (the link is below) there are a number of Summer Intensives and workshops in the UK.<P>These were posted in by Joanne - you will have to scroll down the first page to Joanne's posts of October 4th to see them - they might be of interest to you:<P><A HREF="http://216.97.99.198/ubb/Forum7/HTML/000900.html" TARGET=_blank><B>Summer Intensives - 2002</B></A>

Hi Kate<P>I live just outside of London so Wales is not really a specialist area for me but if you look at the things Basheva has directed you to and if you have any specific questions on classes, workshops I would be happy to try and help you.