Believe it or not, recital season is upon us! By now your student has received their costume(s), finished their dance(s) and are busy gearing up for picture week and performances. As a large studio, we have several shows each year in order to highlight each student and class with a personal and special experience—but with all the information and details floating around, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Good news… we’re here to help! Read on for our latest TP Top 5: Tips for a Successful Recital Season.
1. Use your resources
Whether this is your first, fifth or fifteenth recital, chances are, you have questions. And while some questions are more specific than others, chances are, your question is answered somewhere on our website. Before you get stressed, head to our All About Recital page. Our Quick Reference Guide includes performance and rehearsal dates broken down by class, and there’s even a Recital Handbook with everything you’ll need to know from parking details to ticket information. Still can’t find what you’re looking for? Ask a member of our front desk team the next time you drop by the studio, leave us a message or send us an email. Someone will get back to you ASAP!
Is your student in the Twirl Program? There’s a special page just for you! Check out all things Red Carpet Recital Experience here, including who can come, when to be there and what to expect.
2. Be prepared
Practice makes perfect, right? In addition to practicing the choreography before the big day, we recommend being prepared for the other steps you’ll need to take, too. Do you have the correct tights/shoes for your performances? The Quick Reference Guide will let you know what’s required for each class so you can be prepared. Do you have what you need? Ensure everything fits properly, everything is clean and free of holes or runs. Need any pieces? Add that to your to-do list now so you’re not stressed and scrambling come picture week!
Do you know the hairstyle for your class? The Quick Reference Guide will help you here, too. Make sure you practice the style a few times before the big day! In addition to picture week, have your dancer wear their performance hairstyle to class! That way their teacher can take a look, they’ll get practice dancing with the style, and you’ll know whether or not it will outlast all the leaps and turns. Have any quick hair changes? Be sure to practice those, too!
3. Plan ahead
Write down the days and times you or your student will need to be at the auditorium, and make your plans accordingly! Arrange for transportation and review the drop-off and pick-up directions in the Recital Handbook so you’re ready to go and know what to expect. Will you or your student have long breaks between classes? Make sure you pack modest cover-ups, non-messy snacks and water. Our dancing bodies are our worship tools, so make sure you take good care!
4. Keep it all in perspective
So I have to be where, when? I need to buy what color tights, and your shoes are too small? Remind me why we’re doing all of this again! Our students are learning a performing art; therefore, they get to celebrate and PERFORM their art! They get to wear fun costumes, show their family and friends what they’ve learned and give everyone the opportunity to celebrate with them. But more than any of that, we dance at recitals for a greater purpose. “My soul magnifies the Lord.” (Luke 1:46) We hope that all of our dancers will be big lights that shine for Jesus. We want to glorify God through our bodies with dancing and present the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Yes, all of our dancers will look amazing in their costumes, they will perform beautifully, and their families will celebrate with them. But more than that, our mission at Turning Pointe will be fulfilled and the heart of God will be blessed and pleased. So when you get swept away in the details, just remember…
5. Enjoy every moment!
The 2022 Spring Recital will only happen once! Find the joy in every task, and remember to thank Him for this (sometimes crazy) season. It’s such a blessing to be able to praise His name with dancing, and to share and shine His light with each class performance. Celebrate His blessings, and help us celebrate these students. They’ve been working so hard all year! Our All About Recital page has all the info on recital keepsakes like recital portraits and action photos, performance BluRays or DVDs, and flowers for your students.
Are you ready? Let’s savor this season together!