Recital Handbook 2023

In this handbook you will read about the following details of the recital, which is scheduled for Friday May 5th @ 6:30 p.m. and Saturday May 6th at 10:00 a.m.

  • Costume Distribution and Care
  • Required Shoes and Accessories
  • Recital Make Up
  • Parent Meetings
  • Class Pictures
  • Rehearsals
  • Video recording and Photography
  • Parent Volunteers
  • Tickets and Fees
  • Changing Costumes During the Show
  • Which show your dancer is in
  • Jewelry and Underwear Rule

For the past 21 years, Dream Dance Studio, Inc. has provided students with an exciting performance experience through its annual recitals.  The recital is the staple of a dance school.  It gives our children a chance to shine in front of family and friends that they anticipate with nervous excitement.  The recitals offer our students a professionally directed performance that allows them to present the results of a year’s hard work, dedication, and progress. 

            A big part of the dance training process includes learning through performance.  The experience helps most build self-esteem, self-assurance, and contributes to a sense of confidence. 

Although performance opportunities can help prepare some students for a possible career in dance, they also contribute to students’ success in non-dance activities.  The onstage experience can result in better in-school presentations, improved social skills, and strong interview skills for future college or job opportunities.  The rehearsal process is a tremendous learning experience as well.  It helps students develop retention skills. By working with their classmates on a group performance, they learn the positive aspects of working as a team to create the best end result.

            Dedication to recital commitments is the responsibility of both students and their parents.  I have created this handbook in an effort to clarify what we expect from you in terms of commitments and responsibility to the annual recital, the studio, and other students and parents.

The recitals bring many expenses (lighting, sound, renting the auditorium, scenery, security, janitors, props, etc). I do not charge enough monthly tuition to cover all these added expenses at recital time.  Therefore, each dancer’s family pays a small recital fee of $20 ($35 for families with two dancers) to help make the shows possible.  The recital fee and all tuition must be paid in full before the dancers will receive their costumes.  This small fee also allows us to charge less for tickets, which will hopefully encourage more of your family members and friends to attend the recital. The audience, of course, is one of the most important aspects of our dancers’ performance!

Recital tickets will go on sale on Saturday, April 15 at 10:00am for all students and Friday, April 14 @10:00am for graduating seniors. Seating in the auditorium is assigned seats.  The cost per ticket is $20, which includes handling fees from the ticket company when you purchase online. If you purchase through their call center, the price will be slightly higher. Tickets will be available for purchase online and/or by phone everyday up to the start of the show.  You will be able to hand pick your seats, or ask a representative of the ticket sales office to pick the best available. More ticket sales information was emailed  out on Monday, April 3rd.  It contained the following message:

Dear Parents,

I have some very exciting news! This year, we’re working with a company called ShOvation to make it easier for you to purchase recital tickets. You’ll be able to purchase as many tickets as you would like from the convenience of your own living room, office, or wherever you are!

Tickets will go “on sale” at this date and time:   April 15th at 10:00 am (NEXT Saturday!)

At that time, you can purchase tickets by any of the following ways:

  • Go to our special ShOvation page on your computer, tablet, or smart phone at http://tickets.shovation.com/DreamDanceStudioIncPresentsUniquelyHumanRecital2023     
  • To purchase tickets by phone, contact the call center at 1-844-732-4825 and press 1. Call Center Hours: M-Sat 10 am – 9 pm, Sunday 10 am – 4 pm, closed major holidays. Calls answered immediately. *Note: There is a $4 fee added to the total order (not per ticket) for using this service

Please make sure you purchase tickets for the correct show. There is a Friday Evening Show (4th grade and older) and a Saturday Morning Show (PreK-3rd grades, Dream Team, and advanced classes).  A list of which classes are in each show can be found on the inside cover (front and back covers) of your recital handbook. You can also ask us at the front desk if you are not sure. 

Ticket prices will be: $20.00   which includes the convenience and processing fees

*Note that you will need a credit or debit card to buy tickets, and that tickets will be sold on a first come, first served basis. So, buy early to get better seats!

 

Once you place your order in your shopping cart, you have 10 minutes to check out, or the tickets will go back to being available for anyone to purchase. Make sure to have your credit/debit card ready. You can click “Check out as a guest” if you do not want to create an account. By creating an account with ShOvation you will be able to access your tickets any time in case they get lost. Then, click “Print at Home,” or you can choose to have ShOvation mail you keepsake tickets for an additional fee. You will be emailed the confirmation, and you can show us your tickets or the email confirmation on recital day.

 

There are wheelchair spaces with a companion seat next to them. Please reserve the companion seats only for people to sit with a family member in a wheelchair.

 

Also, please note: When you are looking at the seating chart, Row B is the closest to the stage. If you are looking at tickets with a double letter (AA, BB, etc.) those seats are in the balcony.

 

GRADUATING SENIORS: Families of graduating seniors will have access to a special pre-sale, just for you. Graduating seniors may access ticket sales on FRIDAY, APRIL 14th at 10:00 am. I will text you your dancer’s special code to access the graduating seniors pre-sale.

Additional information on ordering tickets found here.

To ensure that students feel comfortable and confident about their performance, I ask parents and guardians to encourage dancers to rehearse their recital choreography on a regular basis.  A copy of the recital music will be available early in March.  A charge of $7 per CD is required to cover expenses, or you may request a digital copy of your dancer’s edited class music to be emailed to you.  See the front desk about purchasing a cd, or digital music email requests. 

Costumes will be distributed when all outstanding balances for the season (including tuition and fees) are paid in full, but not before April 26. The deadline for all balances (tuition, recital fee) is May 3rd.  To ensure that there are no costume problems, students should not wear their costume, accessories, or tights prior to dress rehearsal.

I recommend that your child’s name be placed in all costumes, shoes, accessories, and tights.  Place costumes in a garment bag with your child’s name on the outside.  If your child has several costumes, a laundry basket is an easy way to stay organized.  Pack accessories in a clear plastic ziplock bag with your child’s name on the bag and each item (if possible).

For the performance, make sure your dancer(s) have dance tights.  Tights may be purchased at the studio.

- Please do not wear or wash tights before the dress rehearsal or performance, as this can affect the color durability of the tights.

**Do not wait until the last week to buy tights

Ballet-Preschool through 3rd grade:  Ballet Pink Tights

Ballet-4th grade and up: Ballet Pink Body Tights

Jazz and Tap-PreK through 3rd grade: Suntan Tights

Modern 2nd-3rd grade: Transition Suntan Tights         

 Jazz, Modern, Hip Hop, and Tap-4th and up: Suntan Body Tights

The following shoes are required for all students:

Ballet: Leather Ballet Shoes (Girls-Pink) (Boys-Black)

Tap: Black Tap shoes

Jazz: Black Jazz Shoes (MS and HS Classes wear TAN Jazz Shoes)

Modern: Nude Foot Paws

Hip Hop: Black Sneakers

Musical Theater: 2nd – 8th Grade Black Jazz Shoes

Please remember no jewelry, nail polish, or underwear (including bras) are to be worn at dress rehearsal or recitals. Dancers will wear tights underneath their costume. Dancers requiring more chest support should speak to Mrs. Kay about discreet dance bras.

No refunds will be made if a parent or guardian withdraws a child from classes after costumes have been ordered and prior to recital.  Parents or guardians may pick up purchased costumes at the studio at the time of general costume distribution (May 1st-May 19th).  Costumes not picked up after 15 days will be donated to charity.

Class Picture Week is April 17-20. Legends Photography of Clinton will be at the studio to take class and individual portraits of our dancers. These pictures will be available for families to purchase online. Dream Dance saves these precious class pictures, so please make note of the date. Dancers need to have their hair in a recital bun, tights, and proper dance shoes for their pictures. Make-up is optional, but encouraged.   

Hopefully, all the costumes will be in by this date and students will have their pictures made in recital costumes.  However, just in case your child’s costume has not yet arrived, please make sure he or she is dressed in tights (females only) and cute dance clothes. 

Uniform hairstyles are required.  All female dancers will wear their hair in a bun.   No hair in the face.  Dancers with short hair must pull their hair away from the face.

All female students are required to wear stage makeup for the recital in colors of plums.  I have included an article found in a dance magazine about the importance of wearing stage makeup on stage.

“The Finishing Touch: Everything You Want to Know About Stage Makeup” By Kay Klausner, published in Goldrush Magazine          

Ever hear the expression “They don’t come to watch your feet”?  It’s especially true at recital time, when proud parents come to see their young dancer perform.  No matter how much work has gone into the technique and choreography, the overall production effects and the beautiful smiles help make a performance memorable.

At what age should a dancer start wearing makeup?

All dancers who are in costume and onstage should wear makeup. Think of it as part of the costume.

Does that include preschool-age children?

            Yes, because we want to see their bright eyes and big smiles.  The only way to do that is with makeup-without it, features disappear and skin tones look washed out under stage lighting.

Is makeup safe for young children? Yes, today’s makeup formulas are lighter and easier to apply, so they won’t damage even the youngest of most delicate skin.

Should the makeup match the costume?

            Trying to change costumes and makeup is too difficult to do in one show.  Having one color palette for the entire studio is less confusing.

What kind of blush should we use, and where should it be applied?

Blush is an essential part of a dancer’s makeup kit and important in achieving a uniform look onstage.  A deep blush in a plum shade will work best for a variety of skin tones.  You need a strong blush to frame the eyes and show the emotion of the dance.  Use a powder blush because it will hold up best against heat.  Start at the apple if the cheek and brush diagonally upward toward the ear.  Then add a lighter color of eye shadow-light purple, white, or sparkle-to the top of the cheekbone to highlight the eye and lift the cheekbones. 

Tips for perfect stage makeup

More is better! If the makeup looks beautiful up close, it won’t be enough onstage, where the costumes, lights, and movement wash away the color.  Remember, you want to see those beautiful smiles!

For many parents and dancers (especially if this is your 1st year) all this information can seem overwhelming. I would like everyone to approach the recitals with confidence and excitement!  Therefore, April 24-27 we will be holding a parent meeting to make sure that all this information has been well received and understood.  Parents of EVERY first year student are required to attend.  Since there are changes each year, I would really like every dancer to have a family member attend. The meetings will take place in the lobby during class times to make sure it is convenient to everyone. The parent meetings are intended to help you, so please bring any questions we can answer.

The recital isn’t a one-day activity.  Gather all costumes, accessories, shoes, and makeup several days in advance so you’ll know if something is missing or isn’t right.  Make a checklist of your child’s routines, listing their costumes, tights, shoes, and any accessories and refer to it to make sure you have all your supplies before going to the auditorium.   

Bring at least one extra pair of tights.  Also bring extra hair gel, bobby pins, and hairspray.  Other handy extras include:

  • Baby wipes/Shout wipes (to fix makeup mistakes or wash hands)
  • Baby Powder (for itchy costumes)
  • Safety Pins (For repairs)
  • Clear Nail Polish (to remove minor holes or runs in tights when there isn’t time to change them)
  • Nail Polish Remover (in case you forgot to take it off already)
  • Pain Reliever of Choice
  • Band-Aids (the “invisible” kind)
  •  

The dress rehearsal allows the students to become familiar with the auditorium and feel comfortable with their performance, costume(s), and being onstage.  Lighting, music, cues, costume changes and all other logistics are rehearsed so that the students have the best performance possible.  Participation in the dress rehearsal is mandatory.

            I try to run an organized and timely dress rehearsal; your help with the process will assist in making a professional production. Our Dress Rehearsal for the Friday Night Show will be at DREAM DANCE Studio this year on WEDNESDAY, May 3rd at 5:45. We had scheduling conflicts with several high school events after our contract with UTK was in place, causing us to adjust to recitals on two different days. Unfortunately, we were not able to secure the Student Union for an additional day, leaving Dream Dance as our next best option for the Friday show dress rehearsal (Wednesday May 3 @ 6).

      Dress Rehearsal for the Saturday Morning Show will be at the Student Union Auditorium at UTK on Thursday, May 4th at 5:45.   Please arrive at least 15- 45 minutes prior to curtain. 

Students should arrive in their first performance costume with hair and makeup just like recital.  Dancers will sit in the middle of the auditorium with their class and watch the show. Parents will sit in the balcony or on the sides of the auditorium-unless you have signed up to be a class parent, in which case you will sit with the class. Dress Rehearsal is also the only opportunity for parents to video and/or take picturesNo video or photography is allowed during the recital.

  • Dress Rehearsal Guests

Parents/Guardians may accompany each student to the dress rehearsal.  No other guests please!  Each dancer will be given two complimentary tickets for the dress rehearsal.  Dress Rehearsal is the only opportunity for our dancers to watch the show, and they will take up a large portion of the seating in the auditorium.

  • Dress Rehearsal Drop-Off

Students will come to the auditorium wearing the costume of their first performance and sit with that class.  If a student is in more than one routine, they will have their name posted in the dressing room.  Place other costume(s) below the dancer’s name and then proceed to the auditorium to find their class row. After the dancer has changed costumes, they will return to the auditorium and will sit in a new row with the other dancers in that routine.

  • Dress Rehearsal Finale

All Kindergarten and older students get to participate in the finale, which will be rehearsed during the last month of classes.  A run-through of the finale will take place at the dress rehearsal between Acts I and II.  After the finale is rehearsed at Dress Rehearsal, students who dance in ACT I only are allowed to leave, but are welcome to stay and watch the remainder of the show.  All students will remain in their last performance costume for the finale.  At recital, dancers will receive an award just before finale to congratulate them on a great performance.

  • Dress Rehearsal Dismissal

Students will be dismissed from rehearsal once they have completed all of their routines, including the finale.  We will rehearse the finale between Acts I and II so that students who are not in Act II do not have to remain through the end of rehearsal.

 

  • Video and Photography

Parents and Guardians may video or take photographs of their children at dress rehearsalPlease Note: No video or flash photography, including the use of cell phones, will be allowed in the auditorium at the recitals.  Not only is it very distracting to the dancers, but also people who have paid to see the show will not appreciate video cameras or cell phones blocking their view of their precious dancer.  Security guards will ask you to put away any cameras.  We will hire one videographer to video both shows, and the video will be available for purchase.  Orders for recital videos will begin in March.

Anyone interested in volunteering to help during dress rehearsals and/or recitals is welcome and appreciated!  The recital weekend is busy, and any help you can offer would be wonderful!   

We need class moms to supervise each class during dress rehearsal and recitals.  Class moms must make sure that each child in her care is safe and accounted for.  They are responsible for making sure that each child stays with his/her class, is in the proper costume, has the proper shoes, tights, and accessories, and is backstage at the appropriate time.

We also need many other volunteers to assist in jobs such as costume changers, flowers and merchandise sales, and auditorium ushers.  If you would like to help with the dress rehearsal and/or recital, please sign up at the front desk beginning in April, and thank you in advance!

No eating, drinking or smoking is permitted in the auditorium or changing areas.  Dancers may bring water. Dancers will remain with their class helpers during dress rehearsal and recitals when they are not onstage.

Many dancers will be performing in several different routines in this year’s show.  Costume changing is always a bit scary for parents because they are not in the changing area with their child.  However, with proper organization and planning, costume changes will run smoothly.  If your dancer is performing in more than one class, when you arrive at the auditorium, please proceed to the changing rooms (to the left of the auditorium entrance).  Each dancer with a costume change will have their name hanging on the wall and a chair under their name.  Once you locate your child’s name, set up their costumes in the order that they are performed, including shoes, tights and accessories.  I will have parent volunteers at each performance helping change dancers and ensuring they make it back to the stage in plenty of time.  I recommend bringing costumes in a garment bag and a laundry basket for shoes, tights, and accessories.  Dancers will practice all their costume changes during their dress rehearsal so he/she will know exactly what to do at recital.  

(May 1st – 6th)

Monday – Tuesday - At DREAM DANCE STUDI0

      Classes at usual time; “show and share” in studio 2

Wednesday-At Dream Dance Studio, Inc. - Dress Rehearsal for Friday Night 6:30 pm Show will start 5:45 (Dancers in Act 1 arrive at least 15-30 minutes and dancers in Act 2, 10 minutes prior to curtain)

Thursday- At Auditorium, UTK Student Union - Dress Rehearsal for Saturday Morning 10:00 A.M. Show will start 5:45 (Dancers in Act 1 arrive at least 15 minutes and dancers in Act 2, 10 minutes prior to curtain)

Friday Night-Recital- 6:30 p.m. At UT Student Union Auditorium. Curtain at 6:30 (Dancers arrive at least 45 minutes prior to curtain)

Saturday Morning -Recital 10:00 a.m. At UT Student Union Auditorium - Curtain at 10:00 (Dancers arrive at least 45 minutes prior to curtain)

I realize this is a lot of information.  Please keep this handbook nearby to refer to during the next few months.  If you have any questions regarding any of the information listed, please call or come talk to Mrs. Kay or me at the studio.  I am greatly anticipating this year’s recital experience, and I appreciate your help and dedication to making the show the best it can be!

Thank You,

                                     Mrs. Olivia