Recital Handbook

Recital Handbook

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   Read below for information on how to have the BEST and enjoyable recital experience!

Surviving Recital Week

Recital week can be a very nerve wracking, exhausting, but fun and memorable experience.

Below are some helpful tricks and ideas to help your recital week run as smooth and memorable as it can!

TECH REHEARSAL: Thursday June 4th – a night for dancers to familiarize themselves with the stage area, dressing rooms, and room helpers

MANDATORY DRESS REHEARSAL: Friday June 5th – report times will be announced by class

RECITAL DAY: Saturday June 6th – 4:00 show, 5:30 Sleeping Beauty Show, 7:00 show

LOCATION: Schuylkill Haven High School Zwerling Auditorium

Planning – Recital isn’t an “on that day” activity. Pull together all the costumes, accessories, shoes, makeup, etc. several days in advance. Make a check list of ALL items that you will need. This checklist will help in ensuring you have everything you need!

Performance List – Make a list of all your child’s dances and note the corresponding act number in the show. Make several copies. One for you to carry, one for your dancer to have and an extra one for your bag. Also, make a check list of your dancer’s routines. List their costume(s), color tights, shoes, and any accessories.

Accessories – Use a large Ziploc bag to hold any accessories (hairpiece, gloves, etc.) for each dance. If you have multiple dances, use different bags for each dance. Use a Sharpie to write the name of the dance on the bag, plus a list of each accessory item. The list serves as a checklist before you leave home for the recital, when getting dressed, and when repacking items after each dance is complete. Poke a small hole in the top of the bag and thread the hanger of the costume through the hole to keep the accessories attached to the correct costume.

Clothing Racks – Reasonably durable clothing racks with wheels can be purchased at stores such as WalMart. If your dancer has multiple costumes, it’s a smart investment that keeps you organized, prevents wrinkles, and provides a little dressing privacy. Hang costumes on the rack in the order they will be needed in the show!

Garment Bags – Put all costumes and their accessories into garment bags. One costume per bag. This keeps the costumes clean, and everything organized and together. Make sure your accessory bag is attached to the costume!

Tights – Have at least one extra pair of each color tight that you need!! Accidents happen, be prepared with extra tights!

THE EXTRAS – A few less obvious items that may come in handy include:

• Baby wipes to fix makeup mistakes or dirty hands.
• Clear nail Polish to repair minor holes/runs in tights when there isn’t time to change them.
• Tylenol, Advil, Motrin or your pain reliever of choice.
• Band Aids the “invisible” kind. For those little cuts or blisters what may occur.
• Sewing Kit/Safety pins – for emergency costume repairs.
• Nail polish remover – just in case you forget to remove that lime green polish!
• Extra bobby pins – You can never have enough!
• Extra bun maker/Hair nets – You never know when your beloved bun maker goes CAPUT!
• A simple sundress or loose shorts/tshirt – To cover up their costumes from potential messes while waiting in the dressing room and while making bathroom trips.
• Blanket – to sit on in the dressing room.

Label Everything – Put your child’s name on everything!!! Example: shoes, tights, accessories, etc. Of course, use care not to ruin your items in the process, and be sure to write in inconspicuous places!!!

Makeup – Makeup is as important to the look as the costume is! Use the makeup colors that you were directed to use. Don’t forget the LIPSTICK!

Nail Polish/ Fake Tattoos – NO colored nail polish of any kind. Nude or clear polish is ok. Please remove all fake tattoos as well. 

Passing Time – Rehearsal and recital days are often quite long. Consider bringing a deck of cards, a game, a book, or activities that will keep the kids busy while they are waiting to perform. Avoid markers, glitter and glue that can ruin a costume!!

Drinks – Keeping dancers hydrated is important but stick to bottled water! Colored fruit juices and dance costumes DO NOT go together!

Timing – Be sure to arrive at the rehearsals and the recital at the time you are designated to do so. You will need all the time that we have allotted for each rehearsal and show. The show will start whether you are ready or not.

Stretching – Please ensure you give ample time for stretching before the rehearsals and recital. This is especially for the older dancers who have more performances at a higher technical level.

Videotaping – There is absolutely no video recording during our rehearsals & recital. If enough interest is available- we can have the performance recorded for you to purchase.

*The REASON for no recording is simply for the copyright of the artist who composed the song and more importantly- to the teacher who put time and effort into choreographing that piece. You’d be surprised with others who ‘steal’ our choreography concepts, ideas and blatantly ‘do our choreography’ for their next show. It’s a shame, but it happens all the time. So, let’s respect your child’s teacher and their hard work by keeping the full routine off
of social media, please!

Cameras – Flash photography is prohibited in the audience at the rehearsals & recitals. You may take as many pictures are you wish WITHOUT the flash.

Family and Friends – Family members and friends ARE NOT PERMITTED backstage or in the dressing rooms during rehearsals or the recital. The same applies during intermission and after the show. There is a lot of backstage activity in a limited space, and dressing rooms are a PRIVATE area. Remind your family and guests to be respectful of these areas. If they wish to greet a performer after the show or present flowers, they should do so in the lobby areas.

Patience – Bring plenty of patience to recital week. You will need every ounce of it!! We are looking forward to showcasing your dancers’ HARD WORK they have learned this season!

Thank you for your anticipated cooperation!

Miss Sarah and Teachers of Vivian’s Dance Studio