Recital INFORMATION
The recital—that annual staple of the dance school—conjures images of childhood and Americana for many. It’s a rite of passage for thousands of youngsters, a chance to shine in front of family and friends that they anticipate with nervous excitement.
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.
THE RECITAL IS FOR THE KIDS!When everyone puts the children first, the recital experience is one they’ll never forget. We appreciate your compliance with the rules and guidelines (and your sense of humor!) We want the Cortland Performing Arts’ annual recital to be as fun and exciting for you as it is for all of our staff. Thank you for working with us to create a memorable educational experience through performance for all of our students.
IMPORTANT NOTE!!!!!
All of the dancers have worked very hard for their performance. The dancers in the very last number scheduled deserve the same welcoming audience as the first dances. It is important for the dancers to learn respect for each other. Pleasedo not attempt to pick up your child during the performance. All students will be under the supervision of responsible adults and will be safe for the length of the performance. All students will be participating in the FINALE bow.
(Exception: parents of “Intro to Dance” may pick up their dancer at intermission and take them home. You MUST sign up w/ Theresa at dress rehearsal to do this. We take the security and safety of our dancers very seriously.)
TICKETS:We are using an online ticketing service this year: TutuTix. Tickets will go on sale on May 9th. Every family receives 2 free tickets via ticket voucher code. Ticket voucher codes may be picked up at the studio soon. (We are still waiting to receive them from the company. Everything must be paid through April to release vouchers. An adult must come in to pick up the code – codes cannot be sent via phone or email.
SHOW TEE-SHIRTS: Every dancer receives a free show tee-shirt. These are worn over their costume for the Opening Dance & Finale. Please stop in the office and give Theresa your dancer’s tee shirt size. There are samples available if you are unsure of sizing.
COSTUMES:Costumes will be distributed approximately the 3rd week of May. All outstanding balances for the season (including tuition) must be paid in full. “MAY” is the last monthly payment. TIGHTS / HAIR COMMENTS
Costume care: 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) Please do not wash costumes in your washing machine; dry clean them only (after the recital).Remove any tags that could hang out of the costume. If costume straps do not have snaps or are not attached, please sew or pin. Never cross the straps unless specified by the teacher. Many costumes come with headpieces or hats. We will determine how the headpieces will be worn at dress rehearsal.
NOTE: To ensure that there are no costume problems, students should not wear their costumes, accessories, or tights prior to the photo session, dress rehearsal, or performance.
Quick costume changes: During the recital, some students may have quick costume changes. A special team will assist these students, whose costumes and accessories will be placed in the backstage area.
Nude leotards: Students with costume changes should wear a nude camisole leotard under their costume. There are no private dressing rooms, so this will ensure appropriate modesty for the dancer.
PLANNING AHEAD:The recital isn’t a one-day activity. Gather all costumes, accessories, shoes, and makeup several days in advance of Dress Rehearsal, so you’ll know if something is missing or isn’t right. Make a checklist of your child’s routines, listing thecostume, tights, shoes, and any accessories, and refer to it to make sure you have all your supplies before going to the theater. Bring at least one extra pair of tights of each color. Also bring extra hair gel, hairnets, bobby pins, and hairspray.
FOUR & EIGHT YEAR TROPHIES: If this is your dancer’s 4th or 8th year with us, please sign up for a trophy. YOU MUST SIGN UP – WE DO NOT DO IT FOR YOU! Sign up sheets are available at the desk.
VOLUNTEERS: We are looking for volunteers to be backstage w/ the dancers. All volunteers get a FREE show tee-shirt. Volunteer ‘sign-ups’ will be posted at the studio soon!
DRESS REHEARSAL: The schedule is posted on our website and ‘hard’ copies are available at the desk.
Please check the chart to see which day/time your class rehearses. The classes will rehearse in the order they are listed, so please come in the first costume listed. Each class is also scheduled to rehearse the OPENING dance as well, so please check for that time.
Performers should report to the theatre auditorium. They will sit with parent/caregiver until their class is called to rehearse. This is your opportunity to take pictures and videos!! Once they have rehearsed their dance(s) and the Opening Dance, they may leave. We wish to stay ‘on schedule’ as much as possible, so please arrive early and be ready 15 minutes before your actualrehearsal time.
AUDITORIUM RULES:No eating or drinking is allowed in the auditorium. Cortland Jr/Sr High School is a smoke-free campus.
RECITAL PERFORMANCES:
Parents or guardians should bring the students to their assigned dressing rooms, where they will be checked in and placed under the supervision of the class mom(s). Parents are not allowed in the dressing rooms after the children have been checked in for the recital. Students will remain backstage for the entire performance.
DRESSING ROOMS:Students must respect other students’ space and property in the dressing rooms. Crayons and coloring books are great for young dancers! Do not send expensive electronic equiptment as we cannot be responsible for it.Please do not send your child to the dress rehearsal or recital with snacks or beverages that could stain their costumes. Crackers, energy bars, apples, carrot sticks, and string cheese are good choices. Water is the best beverage; please do not send juice boxes or other sticky beverages.
BACKSTAGE SAFETY: Family members and friends are not permitted backstage or in the dressing rooms during the recital, including during intermission and before and after the show. There is a lot of backstage activity in a limited space, and dressing rooms are private areas. Please remind your family and guests to be respectful of these areas. Those who wish to greet performers after the show or present flowers may do so in the lobby areas.
PICK UP AFTER THE SHOW: Please send one family member backstage to pick up the dancer.
VIDEO & PHOTOGRAPHY: The taking of video or pictures during the show is strictly prohibited during the recital. It is distracting to performers & fellow audience members. It is important that you pass this policy on to your recital guests. Video and photography may be taken at Dress Rehearsals.
Cortland Performing Arts works with Stage 19 Productionsto produce a professional DVD of the entire recital, including finale and award presentations. The DVD is available for purchase. Orders forms will be available at the studio, dress rehearsals and shows. We also work w/ DigiPro for professional photography. Schedule will be available soon.
STAYING INFORMED: We work hard to make the dance experience organized and fun. Keeping you informed is one of our primary goals. Please read all information. Updates are emailed to you and posted on the website. If you have any questions regarding the information distributed, we encourage you to contact us. We answer email on a daily basis, except on Sundays. Feel free to email questions at or call 607.299.4343;
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