Q: My dancer hasn't been to NACC before. Do they need my help backstage? 

A: Our Admin and Staff will be well organized and prepared backstage. We know the theatre well and will make sure your dancer knows exactly where to go. Extra parents or bodies backstage makes the small area crowded and harder to manage. That said - we have planned accordingly for our littlest dancers. If your dancer is under the age of 6 and you think they need your support backstage, please contact us so that we can accommodate you. 

Q: How early should we arrive to ensure we get a good seat? 

A: All tickets are pre-purchased through the NACC website, and seats are assigned when you buy them. Our show will start on time, so please give yourself and your family enough time to park, get your tickets scanned, and go to the bathroom!

Q: Why are the dancers participating in multiple shows? Does my dancer need to do them all? 

A: It's important that your dancers have an opportunity for an onstage Dress Rehearsal. This is probably the most important rehearsal of them all! They are performing in multiple shows so that we can ensure all family members of all dancers have an opportunity to see the dances as they were meant to be performed. We also want our dancers to have a chance to perform multiple times - they have worked so hard all year and we want to see them shine on stage! 

Yes - your dancer needs to attend all rehearsals and performances! Dance IS a team activity - choreography is built for a whole class!

Q: Can I take photos and videos during their performance on stage?

A: No, we encourage you to watch your dancer and let us take care of the photos and videos! Cameras and phones should be put away during the shows for the enjoyment of all audience members. We also have a professional photographer taking group photos of all dancers on stage at NACC, and a professional photographer taking class and individual photos on May 25th and 26th at the studio. 

Q: My dancer is nervous about performing. How can I help support them before their show? 

A: There are lots of reasons that your dancer might be nervous before their performance! Remember, your #1 role is to support them! Make sure they are happy, and know that you are proud of them. You can reassure them that it's their family and friends watching, and that their teacher will be there to support them as well! Here are a few other tricks to help prepare your dancer:

• Fuel Up! Make sure that they eat foods that make them feel good and fuel them for the day, and drink lots of water.

• Get there on time. Plan your day so that they can arrive ready to go and not be stressed about time.

• Stay calm. If something isn’t working for you (“You want to try fake eyelashes for the first time TODAY?”...) ask for help. We are there to support you!

• Beat the stress. Find your magic stress cure - music, sudoku, TV… everyone has a way to let off steam. Know what your dancers (and yours!) is so you can manage your stress.

• Check your Recital Checklists (twice!) … You’d be surprised how easy it is to forget your dance shoes! Reassure your dancer by going through this list with them.

• Train your Brain! Work with your dancer and talk to them about performing their routines! Find a quiet space, and have them run through their pieces in their heads, with music. Dancers can visualize themselves performing their pieces to the best of their abilities, full out, and in the space they will be performing (on stage).