Bedford Dance Center Recital Preparation
It's Almost Show Time. Are you ready?
Our annual Festival of Dance performances are the final "showcase" giving our students a chance to demonstrate what they have learned during their class time. It is a time to celebrate the many accomplishments the students have made throughout the year. In order for the recital to be most enjoyable for dancers, parents, and audience members, it is extremely important for everyone to follow these guidelines.
Patience is very important. We work very hard to provide a positive atmosphere and it is extremely important that all parents and students contribute to help make performance day a success.
Theatre Etiquette
Food and Drink
There can be no food or drink of any kind in the theatre or backstage in the dressing areas. No food or drink (other than water) should be consumed while a child is in costume.
Videotaping and Flash Photography
There is absolutely NO VIDEOTAPING and NO "FLASH" PHOTOGRAPHY allowed during the rehearsals or recital performances. This policy is for the safety of our students. Flash from cameras or video equipment can blind a child and cause them to fall off the stage. If you would like to take pictures of your child on-stage you may do so at the end of each performance.
A professionally done video of the performances will be available for purchase. Order forms are available at the studio, on our website at www.bedforddancecenter.com, or at the ticket booth the day of the recital. Order forms and checks my be dropped off or mailed directly to the studio.
Box Office and Theatre
The box office and theatre will open one hour prior to the start of each performance. This gives audience members enough time to purchase tickets and be seated prior to the start of each show.
We ask that during the recital, please remain in your reserved seat as much as possible. If you must leave and return to your seat for any reason, please do so between recital numbers. It is common courtesy to the dancers performing and audience who are trying to enjoy the show. A fifteen minute intermission between acts is provided to give the audience rest time.
Performance Preparation for the Dancers
Costume Rentals
Costume rentals will be distributed the week prior to the show. Please do not allow your child to wear the costume at home. No alterations of any kind should be made to the costumes. Safety pins may be used in the event a strap comes loose. Dancers are not permitted to eat or drink while wearing costumes. This will ensure that they are clean and dry when they perform. Costumes should be hung neatly after the first performance so they are not wrinkled for the second show. All rented costumes will be collected at the end of the final performance.
Dancer Preparation
Please make sure your students are "rested" and "fed." It will be a long day and we don't want to make it stressful with unnecessary hunger or fatigue. Also, if your student has a long wait backstage please bring something "quiet" to help them pass the time while waiting for their dance (e.g. coloring books, crayons (no markers), Books, Gameboys, MP3 Players, etc.
Dancers should arrive no later than one hour prior to each performance with make-up on and hair done, unless otherwise specified by the Director. Costumes are not to be worn to the theatre -- dressing areas are provided for costume changing purposes. Please ensure costumes and accessories are kept together, and are protected with plastic or a hanging garment bag on the way to the auditorium to keep them from becoming soiled and dirty prior to the shows.
Dance shoes need to be neat and clean. Bows from the drawstrings on the front of ballet slippers should be tucked into the shoe as they are hazard and could cause the dancer to trip while on stage. Please make sure your tights are hole and run free. Hair should be pulled back in a neat bun with bobby pins and hairnet with no scrunchies, rhinestones or extra hair decorations (unless otherwise specified by the Director). Hairspray or gel should be used to secure hair smoothly back and into place.
Absolutely no nail polish should be worn for the rehearsal or performance. Also, please leave all jewelry at home. No jewelry should be worn with the costume the day of the rehearsal or the day of the performance. Bedford Dance Center will not be responsible for lost or stolen items.
Stage Make-Up
A dancer's make-up should be more intense than normal day-time make-up to enhance the costume and keep the dancer from looking washed out and pale on stage. Stage make-up consists of:
- Foundation
- Eye-Shadow (Neutral tones sich as taupe, gray, brown)
- Eyeliner
- Mascara
- Blush (Neutral tones such as coral, rose, peach)
- Lipstick (Neutral tones such as coral, rose, peach; for dramatic pieces, darker shades of red, crimson)
- False Eyelashes (required to be worn by older dancers only)
Checklist
Please see the costume list for all accessories, etc. needed for the performance!
- ALL costumes and accessories for dress rehearsal and recital
- Appropriate color tights for each costume and extras are suggested in case of accidental damage
- Hair and make-up should be done prior to arriving at the theatre the day of the recital. Extra hair accessories (bobby pins, elastics, nets and hair spay) and make-up (lipstick and blush) are suggested to keep the hair and make-up looking fresh during the recital.
- Dancer's name should be on or inside ALL belongings.
Remember to…
- Pick up pre-ordered tickets prior to the show. Any tickets not picked up will be available at the box office the day of the shows.
- Register for weekly summer, summer intensive and fall classes
- Order your copy of the recital DVD. The DVD order form is available at the studio, or on online. Checks should be made payable to Bedford Dance Center.
- It's traditional to congratulate your dancer on a job well done with flowers. Pre-order flowers to present to your dancer after the show.
It has been a pleasure working with you and your children this year. Please make this performance an afternoon to remember. Please be prepared, on time, and PERFORMANCE READY!