NAVIGATING RECITAL:
A GUIDE FOR FIRST-TIME PARENTS
BRING SNACKS AND ACTIVITIES. Be prepared to stay and cheer for every number, and, more importantly, prepare for your dancer to be happy when he or she is back stage. Send some things to entertain your child; card games, a sketch pad or a stuffed animal can make the wait much shorter. Recital times often coincide with snack or meal times, so bring non-messy, healthy foods, such as dried fruit and nuts, cheese and crackers, or granola bars. Avoid sodas and juices because of A) the danger of spilling on a costume, and B) the sugar content will not sit well with a child waiting for the end of the show. No popcorn please. PLEASE Bring water ONLY. Dancers should avoid eating and drinking while in costume.
COSTUME TIPS AND TRICKS. You may have several costumes to manage. The week before the recital, dancers will be asked to bring and wear their costume during class, but beyond that, avoid the temptation to let your dancer wear them before dress rehearsal. They should look fresh for the performance. Costumes can be itchy, so applying a little baby powder before putting your costume on can be helpful. For girls, Nude-colored leotards are a good option for your dancer to wear under costumes. and we do carry these for purchase at the studio. This provides coverage and eliminates any shyness about having to do quick costume changes in front of the other dancers. Note that there may be instructions on how each accessory should be worn. Keep accessories for each costume in a zip lock bag attached to the corresponding costume. And don’t forget your dancer’s shoes!
Every dancer should have a small supply of safety pins to pin all loose costume pieces.
LABEL all costume pieces with student’s name.
As soon as the costume comes in, costumes should be hung neatly on hangers to avoid wrinkles.
For small costume pieces (gloves, hats, belts, etc.): Label a gallon sized zip lock bag with dancer’s name. Poke a small hole in the corner of bag so you can hang it from the costume hanger.
COME EQUIPPED. In addition to Make-Up and Hair Styling Items, bring tissues, Q-tips, plenty of bobby pins and hair elastics., safety pins, deodorant, baby wipes, make-up removal wipes, a hand mirror. A hairbrush and hairspray are wonderful additions to your recital bag. Look for double-sided “fashion tape,” a costume tape that is magic for keeping costumes in place in a pinch. Clear nail polish works wonders on last-minute runs in tights.
ABOUT THE HAIR. A little bun know-how can go a long way. Dance buns can seem daunting at first, but with a few practice twists and some insider knowledge, you’ll master them in no time. Damp hair is much easier to work with than dry hair with all its flyaway action. Texturizing spray is also a great tool to tame and prepare your dancer’s hair. Brush their hair out and pull it into a tight ponytail.
At this point, if your dancer has shorter to medium-length hair, you can use a bun-maker—also known as those squishy nets shaped like doughnuts. If your dancer has very long hair, skip the bun-maker. Instead, twist the ponytail. Wrap the twisted hair around the base of the ponytail, and use high-quality hair pins to secure the bun. Look for pins that are the same color as your dancer’s hair, and tuck them in tight. Hair-pins and hairspray help to keep that bun in place through all the action.
WHAT TO BRING: A CHECK-LIST!
All Costumes, Accessories, Shoes, and Tights or Socks ALL labeled with your child's name
Water bottle with your child's name clearly labeled - please ONLY fill with water (no juice, powerade, etc.)
Dancers should arrive with hair and makeup ready, but if they need to do some touch ups... See a list of items here.
Hand sanitizer
A small hand mirror / table mirror for makeup touch ups
Healthy Snacks/Food, ONLY if your dancer will be rehearsing or performing in back to back rehearsals or performances. Please no popcorn or nuts.
Personal clothing rack - this is for dancers who require their OWN rack and have 5 or more costumes
A bag or laundry basket to carry all of your child's stuff!
An activity to keep your child busy while they are waiting to perform.
EXPECT TO PURCHASE A TICKET. Virtually all studios sell tickets to their recitals to cover the cost of the venue and other expenses that come with producing a top-notch experience for the children and their families.
PLAN FOR A GIFT. Recital gifts are a strong tradition in dance. Flowers are typical, and EDS offers you the option to purchase flowers available in the lobby just prior to your child’s show and after the show. However, in order to get started on time, please arrive 15-30 minutes prior to the show time if you plan to purchase flowers. This is a nice, stress- free option. If your dancer is not the flower type, you may consider a balloon bouquet, a recital teddy bear or small gift basket. Younger dancers love receiving stuffed animals to help them remember their first recital.
SAVE THE MEMORIES. Cameras are NOT allowed during the performance but a digital copy of your child’s show is complimentary with participation. This allows you to put the phone or camera down and simply enjoy the show.
MOST OF ALL, remember that our children are little emotional sponges. It’s normal for parents sometimes to feel anxious or nervous about their children’s first events. But work to avoid channeling your nerves to your child, who is just excited for a fun experience. Remind yourself of what’s most important (your child’s enjoyment of the show experience), take a deep breath and cheer for your dancer no matter what they do on stage. If you observe that your dancer is nervous, remind them that everyone is there simply to celebrate a great year of dancing and to enjoy the show!