Recitals are very exciting for our dancers and everyone involved. If you’ve never participated in one of our Winter Recitals you may not know exactly what to expect. Continue reading to get a better idea of how to best prepare for the event.
The weeks before the recital:
You will receive a paper with instructions on how to do your hair and makeup, as well as a pair of tights if your costume is worn with tights. Read through the page when you get it and ask any questions you might have in advance. Be sure and note which show your dancer is in. Most dancers perform in either the 4:00 show or the 6:00 show. Check the size of tights you were given. If you prefer a different size, you are welcome to exchange your pair (unopened) at the front desk.
Pick up your tickets the week before the show to get them for the discounted price. Audience members ages 3 and up are required to have a ticket. Tickets will be available at the door for $7, but are just $5 if you buy them in advance. If you will be attending both the 4:00 and 6:00 shows, you do not need to purchase two tickets.
Make sure your dancer has the correct shoes, in the correct color for the show. Ask your teacher if you aren’t sure.
If you do not already have a nude colored leotard you may want to purchase one for you dancer. Wearing a nude leotard under your costume makes dancers more comfortable changing in the group dressing room and also provides added modesty on stage. The nude leotard should disappear as much as possible underneath your costume so look for one with thin adjustable straps. Dance Concepts carries nude leotards at our Sandy location.
Consider volunteering to be a class mom. Volunteers are vital to us being able to produce a quality show and keep the dressing room as calm and organized as possible. It’s also an opportunity for you to share the experience of the recital more fully with your dancer. We love and adore our class moms. The recital couldn’t happen without them! If you are interested in volunteering backstage at the recital, please contact the front desk.
The Day of the Show:
What to Wear:
Dancers should do their hair and makeup before they come to the show. Different classes will wear different hair styles so be sure to check the note sent home with your dancer for your specific hair style. Makeup helps dancers features show up on stage. We suggest even our youngest dancers wear makeup to help their faces show up. Wear foundation, blush, brown eye shadow, eyeliner, and black mascara. Choose a lipstick that compliments your dancers natural tones. Avoid anything extremely bright or dark on young dancers.
Put on your nude leotard and the tights you were given to go with your costume (if you are in more than one dance and will be changing tights during the show put your nude leotard on underneath the tights).
What to Bring:
Younger dancers may want to bring a book or small toy to entertain them backstage. We typically have DVDs playing and coloring pages, but if there is something that works well for your dancer fee free to send it with her. Older dancers may want to bring supplies to touch up their hair or make up. Please do not send food, candy, or colored drinks backstage with your dancer. Do not bring valuables… they WILL be unattended at some point. Also, label EVERYTHING with your dancers name.
When You Arrive:
Take your dancer to use the restroom. Dancers should report to their dressing rooms 30 minutes before the show starts. Please do not bring your dancer to the dressing room prior to that because our staff will still be setting up and preparing to receive dancers. There are a mix of older and younger dancers in our dressing rooms. Please be respectful of this and do not allow men to accompany your dancer to the dressing room. Younger dancers will have a volunteer mom backstage with their class. Find your class mom and introduce your dancer. You will receive your costume from your class mom. Help change your dancer and get her dance shoes on. If you want a picture of your dancer in costume, now is the time to take one. Be sure to leave your dancer with her shoes and the clothes she will change into after the show. Then go find yourself a seat in the audience, our dressing room staff will take care of your dancer from here. All performers are to stay backstage until the conclusion of the show.
Audience Etiquette:
Recitals are a great opportunity for dancers to learn and grow, but also a good time to teach the whole family about appropriate audience behavior for a live show. Please do not bring food or drink into the auditorium. Also, do not save large blocks of seats for friends and family.
We work hard to keep our recitals a reasonable length. As a courtesy to the performers, we ask that all audience members stay for the entire show. As in a professional show, all performers are to stay backstage until the show is over. Please, whenever possible, stay seated during the performance. If you must leave, do so between dances. You are welcome to photograph or video the performance as long as you do not use a flash. Please be courteous to those around you and do not block another audience member’s view.
After the Show:
Dancers over the age of 10 will be released to meet their family and friends in the common area outside of the auditorium. For younger dancers, please send one female adult to the dressing room to pick up your child. Dancers will not be released until the end of the show. As a courtesy to those performing later in the show, please do not leave the audience to pick up your dancer until after the final number.
That’s it! Congratulate your dancer and take the family out for ice cream!
If you’ve been to more recitals than you care to admit and have any tips or tricks for first timers share them in the comments.
A How To Guide to a DC Winter Recital
