For the past fifteen years, Dance Innovations Dance Center has provided students with an exciting performance experience through its June recital. The recital—that annual staple of the dance education— offers our students a professionally directed performance that allows them to present to their families and friends the results of a year’s hard work, dedication, and progress.
A big part of dance training is learning through performance. Although performance opportunities can help prepare some students for a possible career in dance, they also contribute to children’s success in non-dance activities. The performing experience helps build self-esteem and self-confidence and 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 the children develop retention skills, and 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.
| Due Date | What? | Where? |
| May 5 | Ticket Sale Day | DIDC or via Ticket Request Form |
| May 19 | Keepsake Order Forms Due | DIDC or ONLINE |
| June 6 & June 7 | Dress Rehearsal | Cooperative Middle School, 100 Academic Way, Stratham, NH 03885 |
| June 9 | Recital – 11AM, 2PM, 5PM | Cooperative Middle School, 100 Academic Way, Stratham, NH 03885 |
COSTUMES
Costumes are sent home steamed-out and stage-ready. Please see the label on the front of your garment bag for instructions on how to wear your costume and accessories. Please take care of your costume between picture day, rehearsals, and recital day! If needed, please steam out your costumes before the big show – hang in the shower to de-wrinkle and settle tutus. Do not put in dryer.
***We recommend that you label all costumes, shoes, accessories, and tights with your child’s name. Place the costumes in a garment bag with your child’s name on the outside. Pack accessories in a clear plastic bag (labeled with your child’s name).
TIGHTS
Dancers should not wear undergarments – they hang down and show under the tights. We have given you high-quality tights for this reason. Think of tights as “underwear with legs”. These tights are specific for your class/routine. They should only be worn with the costume (ie. picture day, rehearsal, and recital). Please be careful! Ripped/damaged tights will NOT be allowed on stage. Additional tights can be purchased at the studio office and a limited selection will be available at dress rehearsals (NOT available at recital).
SHOES
All dance shoes should be cleaned (or polished) before the recital on Saturday, June 9th (any all-purpose household cleaner will do nicely – Magic Erasers are great!). Some dancers will need to get new ribbon for their tap shoes if they have misplaced the original black ribbon. This can be purchased at any craft or sewing store (1/2” grosgrain ribbon). Some dancers, as part of their costume, have tap shoe ribbons in coordinating-colors. These are meant to be decoration only. Tap shoes should be secured primarily by other means (i.e. elastic tap ties). Make sure to double knot all tap shoes and hip hop sneakers so they do not come untied during the performance. Some of you may have chosen to hold off on buying the required dress code shoes until closer to the recital – well… now is the time. Dancers will NOT be allowed to perform in the show without the correct costume and shoes.
TIPS
- Have a second pair of tights available or use different tights for dress rehearsal.
- Place costumes in a garment bag for travel.
- Hang and steam costumes before each performance.
- Place your name in all costumes and shoes and accessories.
- Dances will rehearse out of order to give our youngest dancers the earlier rehearsal times. Parents may bring young students to the dressing area and wait while they rehearse. Men are asked to please stay out of the band room and girls locker room at all times. You may take your student home immediately after they finish their last dance. If your child is in more than one number in the show, you can drop them off for their first rehearsal time and pick them up 15 minutes after their last rehearsal time. In between, they can sit in the audience and watch.
- During dress rehearsals, we try to stick to the time schedule. Sometimes due to technical problems we may run over the allotted time. We’ve been known to run ahead of schedule. Therefore, it is imperative that you be here at your allotted time. All dancers must attend dress rehearsal in order to perform in the show.
- For the dress rehearsals, performers should come dressed in costume, to Stratham Cooperative Middle School and follow the signs to the dressing area. Only females are allowed in the band room and girl’s locker room. Boys may use the boy’s locker room. If the performers are in more than one dance, they should dress in the costume they are wearing first and bring the others on hangers. Please, bring a bathrobe or an oversized shirt on the day of recital. Dad’s oversized button-down shirts are ideal for covering up costumes without messing up hairstyles. *Note: when dealing with more than one costume, we suggest hanging all accessories (tights, gloves, headpieces, feathers, etc.) in a large Ziploc bag directly onto the hanger. Make sure to label the bag with the name of the dance to eliminate any confusion for the dancer when she is changing.
- Parents, relatives, and friends will NOT be allowed in the auditorium during the dress rehearsals. Please inform whoever will be taking your dancer to the rehearsal, so there are no misunderstandings. The dress rehearsal is also used as a technical rehearsal for the backstage crew and it must be completely quiet in the auditorium.
- All tuition must be paid and accounts must have a ZERO balance in order for dancers to perform in the recital.
- On the day of the performance, Saturday, June 9th, students should arrive at Stratham Cooperative Middle School one HALF-HOUR prior to their scheduled show. Auditorium doors will open 30 minutes prior to showtime. The shows will begin promptly at 11:00AM, 2:00PM, and 5:00PM – we will not be holding the show (or ANY number) for late arrivals.
- Performers should leave all jewelry, including rings and earrings, at home during dress rehearsal and the recital. All finger nail polish and toe nail polish should be removed.
- Food, drinks, and chewing gum will not be allowed during dress rehearsal and/or the recital in the auditorium and dressing areas. Please feel free to bring a water bottle into the dressing areas only. For the safety of our dancers with severe food allergies (and also to avoid food-stains on costumes) – this rule will be strictly enforced.
- Please, fix your dancer’s hair before coming to Stratham Cooperative Middle School. All hair should be pulled back off of the face into a bun. The secret to a perfect bun is a hairnet – available at many pharmacies, such as CVS or Walgreens. They come in an envelope of three in specific colors. Blondes should get white, brunettes should get brown or dark brown and black hair should get black. Use bobby-pins to secure shorter hair pieces and again, be sure to purchase the correct color to match your dancer’s hair color. *Note: gel can also be used to pull shorter hair off of the face. All bangs must be pulled back off the face. They cast a shadow over the eyes when on stage. All hair should be sprayed with hairspray to keep it in place during the performance. We ask this so that we (and you) may see your child’s beautiful eyes. All hair accessories should be bobby-pinned in securely.
- Please, apply makeup at home, but bring it with you should re-application be necessary. Light makeup is recommended – mauve lipstick, pale pink eye-shadow, and blush, high on the cheekbones. The strong stage lights wash out faces without makeup.
- On the day of the show, performers are to stay in their assigned dressing rooms during the entire performance. ALL students are in the Finale – Participation Medals will be given out immediately prior to the finale. With the exception of Opener Workshop Dancers, NO OTHER DANCERS will be allowed into the auditorium during the show. If your child is in multiple numbers – he/she should be able to change his/her own costumes. If your dancer is in a combination Ballet/Tap class that only requires a change of shoes and accessories, you do not need to come back to help them change. Parents coming in and out of the dressing rooms can cause dancers to become anxious and nervous. Popping up and down from your seat can be annoying for the people around you trying to enjoy the show. Your child needs you out front to applaud. There are dressing room helpers to help the dancers change costumes, fix hair and makeup, etc. *No one will be admitted into the dressing room or backstage area without a STAFF Pass.
- Note: On the day of the performance, dancers must be CHECKED-IN with their Dressing Room Chaperon. The drop-off parent/guardian will receive a “Dancer Check-in Bracelet” which they must wear for the duration of the show. At the end of the recital, only the parent/guardian with the bracelet may pick their dancer up. (Kind of like a coat-check!) We do not wish to relinquish your child to someone that we do not know. We care a great deal about each and every one of our dancers and try to keep them as safe as possible, when left in our care. Only one adult per student please (for check-in/out) – it gets VERY crowded backstage.
- There is a lot of activity backstage in a limited amount of space, and dressing rooms are a private area. Please remind family and guests that these areas are off limits before, during and after the show. Those who wish to greet performers or present flowers should do so in the lobby areas.
- *Attention Show 1 and 2 Dancers: Please promptly clear out of the dressing room as our dancers for the next show will be arriving shortly the show ends.
AUDIENCE ETIQUETTE
- No food or drinks inside theater or stage area.
- No running or playing inside any areas of the theater.
- For the safety of the performers, NO personal video cameras or flash photography during the performances.
- Out of respect for the performers, please refrain from entering or exiting the theater or walking around during a performance wait until in between performances. This is common courtesy!
- We encourage cheering the dancers on while they are dancing. But remember this is an art form. Please DO NOT yell out a dancer’s name or engage in any in appropriate and overly loud behavior while your dancers on stage this distracts them and they can hear it from the stage.
- We kindly ask everyone remains for entire show!
Who watches my child backstage?
We have enlisted the help of many of our studio parents as well as alumni and DIDC staff who will attend a backstage meeting to ensure backstage is organized and safe for the entire event. Recital staff and volunteers can be identified by their studio lanyard/name badges.
What does my child do backstage?
Children will have the opportunity to watch the show via closed circuit TV if the video company can get it to work depending on location. In addition we will provide simple snacks, coloring books, and games for after they dance.
Does my dancer need to stay the entire show?
For the safety and security of all of our dancers YES, DANCERS MUST REMAIN BACKSTAGE FOR THE ENTIRE SHOW! Out of fairness to ALL of the dancers and parents committing to recital, please do not request for your child to be let out early as we will not allow it.
Where do I pick up my child?
Pick up and Drop off will be clearly marked when you arrive. Please see information under the “SHOWTIME” heading for pick up/drop off info and arrival times. Please be on time.
How will you notify me should a problem arise?
We will be sure to have every parent’s seat information so we will know exactly where to locate you.
Can we bring food or drink?
The dancers will be provided with light snacks. Due to allergies, please do NOT send them with additional snacks. Students in multiple shows may bring a meal for in-between should they wish.
RECITAL TEES & TANKS
- Commemorative Recital Tees (Child Sizes $16/each – Adult Sizes $17/each) & Tanks (Adult Sizes ONLY $20/each) with all of the 2018 dancers’ names listed on the back are available while supplies last. These are also a great way for your dancer to remember their special year!
- Attention Dancers in the Opening Number – your performance fee includes a 2018 Recital Tee/Tank (to be worn during the dance).
DVD/DIGITAL VIDEO
- Due to copyright laws, we cannot allow flash photography or video equipment of any kind during the performance. The flash is disruptive and dangerous to our dancers and distorts the professional video. There will be people in the audience to strictly enforce this rule. Please, inform your guests.
- We want you to enjoy the show LIVE! As a “Thank You” to you for being a part of our studio family, we have hired a professional videographer to film the show. This year, Dance Innovations Dance Center’s performances will be recorded by DRC Video and distributed via DanceBUG.com. This summer, account activation codes and instructions on how to create accounts will be issued to each family registered at the studio – our gift to you! Once your account is active, you will be able to stream your studio performances on any web-enabled device. Each account also includes 1 (one) complimentary DVD per calendar year (shipping & handling fees apply).
RECITAL FLOWERS
- In the dance world, flower bouquets are traditionally given to a dancer to congratulate a fabulous performance. For your convenience, Arley Wells, owner of Tiger Lilies Floral Boutique in Epping, will be back again this year with her beautiful flower arrangements for dancers. Flowers may be pre-ordered at a discounted rate. (see attached form)
- Prior to each show, pre-ordered flowers will be available for pickup at the Flower Sale Table in the lobby outside of the auditorium.
- A limited supply of flowers will still be available at the recital at the regular price while supplies last.
MEMORY & BUSINESS AD FORM
- Our recital program booklet (and all ads) is printed in FULL-COLOR and will be seen by over 1000+ people! Every year, one of the highlights of our recital is the beautiful keepsake program book that showcases our studio and students. Each family is encouraged to support their dancer by buying or selling an ad that can include a picture, words of wisdom, best wishes, or congratulations. Ask your family, friends, grandparents, aunts, uncles and local businesses to sponsor a picture page for your dancer. Students can be pictured together with a fellow dancer and the families can share the expense. Students can also purchase more than one ad.
- Family and friends now will once again have the opportunity to place a Memory Ad in the recital program to tell your special dancer “Congratulations” or “Break a Leg!” which will make the program a keepsake for years to come.
- You may also place a Business Ad which will be seen by all of our studio families and friends (more than 1,000+ people!)! All ads are in FULL COLOR and will be printed in our Commemorative 2018 Recital Program Booklet – which is handed out to the audience of all shows (11am, 2pm, and 5pm).