Recital Q & A
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What are the benefits of having a recital?
Why do I have to pay a recital fee? What does the cost of admission pay for? Why do we have two recitals? Are the recital shows different from each other? Do I have to pay admission to both recitals? May I volunteer? Will dancers be able to see the show? What should I bring? What should I not bring? Is recording allowed? Is the studio run-thru and dress rehearsal mandatory? How do I know what to wear? Costume tips and tricks: How do I make a bun? Why does my daughter need Lip Stain? Nerves: Will you sell flowers? |
Performing in a recital has many benefits for your child. Part of the dance training process includes learning through performance. The experience helps to build confidence and self-esteem as they will be on stage in front of hundreds of people. Recitals are also a wonderful team building experience that instill a sense of pride and accomplishment as they work towards a goal.
The recital fee goes toward the rental fees of the auditorium for the dress rehearsal and recital as well as the bathrooms, janitorial services, dressing rooms, and lobby. Recital participants will also receive access for a digital download of both shows and all photographs. Ticket sales covers what the recital fee doesn't plus lighting, sound, stage technicians and our teachers. Ticket prices will be $20 - $40 each. If you buy tickets to both shows, the second ticket will be half off. Two recitals allow for the shows to be kept to a reasonable running time - not exceeding 3 hours. If all our dances were in one show it would be at least a 5 hour event. Yes, the recital shows are different from each other, with the exception of an occasional number which may be seen in both shows. Classes perform in one show or both shows depending on age and level. We do our best to make it convenient for families, but cannot guarantee that all of your child's dances or all siblings will be in one show. This is why we offer a discount on tickets purchased for both shows. Admission is required for anyone wishing to sit in the audience for each recital, since the ticket price covers the cost of staging the recital. Parents may volunteer as an alternative to watching both recitals from the audience. We need volunteers to monitor students upstairs in the balcony. We also need ushers - helping the audience find their seat as well as monitoring the use of cameras and videoing of performance. After the performers last dance, they will sit in the balcony to watch the remainder of the show. If they are in the second act, they will watch the first act from the balcony. Their costumes, accessories, and shoes - with name written on inside of all costumes and shoes. Lip stain and mascara in case we need touch ups, a brush and hair pins. Send your child with a light snack such as dry fruit and crackers (no fruit, no sandwiches, NO NUTS, no candy) and water only (no juice or sports drinks). Please do not send your child with their favorite toy or any toy for that matter because we cannot guarantee they will not get lost. Please do not send them with pens, markers, stamps or crayons. If you send your child with an electronic device, you are doing so at your own risk. We will have paper and colored pencils to keep them occupied. No, so put down your device, be present, and enjoy the moment. Part of the recital fee includes a digital download of both shows and all professional photos taken during the dress rehearsal so you will not miss a thing. Holding up your device disturbs audience members and the professionalism of the recording as the display screens end up in the view of the professional recording. You will be asked to stop recording and taking pictures if you do so. Yes, the studio run-thru and dress rehearsal is mandatory, since it helps students to be better prepared for recital day. We find that students are more comfortable on recital day since they have already practiced on the stage. In all fairness to all performers, students may not miss dress rehearsal or they are not permitted to dance in the recital. If you foresee a conflict, we ask that you notify us no later than one month in advance. All costume details including accessories, shoes, and hair will be included when you receive your costume. Your child may have more than one costume. When you take the costume(s) home, avoid the temptation to let your child wear it before dress rehearsal. Costumes should look fresh for the performance. Costumes can be itchy especially if they have sequins. A nude-colored leotard worn under the costume can help your child feel more comfortable. All costumes will include a ziploc bag with tights (if necessary), accessories, and instructions. Keep the bag with the costume so nothing gets lost. And whatever you do, don't forget the shoes! Buns can seem daunting at first, but with a bit of practice you can master them in no time. Damp or dirty hair is much easier to work with. Brush the hair into a tight ponytail high at the back of the head, making sure it is not on top of the head. If your child has shorter to medium-length hair you can use a hair doughnut. If she has long hair you can skip the doughnut and instead twist the ponytail and wrap around the base of the ponytail, inserting hair pins as you go. Apply a hair net so as to capture all the flyaway hairs and pin into place. Be generous with the hairspray. Remember, your child will be jumping and twirling and we want those buns to stay in place through the entire show. Lipstain is required as opposed to Lipstick. Using Lipstain prevents make up mishaps as well as protects from getting lipstick on costumes. Remember that children are little emotional sponges. It is normal for parents to feel anxious or nervous, especially if this is your child's first dance recital. But try not to pass your nerves onto your child. They are simply excited for a fun experience. If they are nervous, just remind them that we are all there to celebrate a great year of dancing and you will be in the audience celebrating and cheering for them. Our team moms will sell flowers and small gifts at the recital. They will be taking flower orders the week before our week of studio run-thru and dress rehearsal so be sure to place an order for a nice, stress-free option. |