Teachers will work with dancers to ensure that they know where to stand, move, enter, and exit during the performance.  Wear regular dance clothes and hair secured.

Integration of technical elements (lighting, sound, props, set changes).  The show is run scene by scene with a focus on cues for lighting, sound, & set changes rather than performance quality. There may be frequent pauses to adjust technical elements.  Wear costumes makeup not required

A full run-through as if it were a live performance to simulate the actual show, including full costumes, makeup, and all technical elements.  The entire production is performed without interruptions to ensure everything flows smoothly. 

Please refer to the MASTER RECITAL SHEET for specific hair instructions. The link can also be found on the Recital Quick Links. Ballet buns should be in line with your dancer’s cheekbones, secured with plenty of bobby pins and a hairnet if needed. All hairstyles should be liberally sprayed with hairspray.

Secure the headpiece with multiple bobby pins and test it by having your dancer shake their head vigorously. If it moves, add a few extra pins for extra luck!

Yes! Stage lights wash out facial expressions so all dancers will need to wear makeup for both the dress rehearsal and the show. This will make their beautiful faces stand out on stage and not be washed out by the lights. For the younger dancers, we suggest blush, glitter and a lip stain, not lipstick. The older dancers should wear blush, lip stain, and eye makeup.

Only small stud earrings are allowed if your dancer’s ears are pierced. No other jewelry is permitted unless it is part of their costume.

If nails are painted, please choose a natural shade. Bright or flashy colors are not permitted.

We order from several large costume companies specializing in dance recital costumes.  Please note these are not custom made costumes. They are mass produced and we use the child’s measurements to best match the company’s sizing guides. Individual dancers are responsible for small customizations such as tightening straps, tucks for different body types, etc.  If you need recommendations for someone who can help with alterations please let us know.  All costume alterations should be completed before dress rehearsal.

Check the “RECITAL MASTER SHEET”  for all costume specifics, including hair, tights, and shoes.  This can be found on our Recital Quick Links page.

No. Dance costumes are designed to be worn without underwear for a seamless look on stage.

Yes! We ask that all dancers participate in the group photos, as they will be featured in our Annual Yearbook – a keepsake you can treasure for years to come. Group pictures are required, while individual pictures are optional.

Please arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled picture time to ensure your dancer is ready. Late arrivals will not be included in the photos. The listed time is the start time for the group photo, and the session may take up to 30 minutes to complete.  f your dancer is in multiple group photos, they should arrive dressed in the first costume listed with hair and makeup fully done. We will do our best to take photos in the order listed.

Yes! Individual photos are available for purchase and will be taken at the time of the group photo. If you would like your dancer’s individual photo included in a yearbook ad, you will need to purchase this image from Michael Moore.

Individual photos taken during group photo time are limited to one pose only due to the high volume of pictures being taken. You will receive a print of the selected image and a social media-sized digital file (web-only).

Arrive with your dancer dressed and ready 30 min prior to showtime to The BAMA Theatre Stage Door on the side of building.  We will have a sign-in table inside the entrance to sign in your dancer. From there you will be directed to your dancers dressing room to set out their things and meet the volunteer that will be helping your child. Our dedicated staff and volunteers will be backstage to assist with costume changes, hair, and keeping your little dancer calm and excited for their performance.

To ensure an enjoyable experience for all and protect our dancers, personal photography and video recording are not allowed during the performance. However, professional photos and a recital video will be available for purchase!

For security and organization, parents are not allowed backstage unless they are assigned as a parent volunteer. Our team will take great care of your dancer!  You will meet them at dress rehearsal and they will be the same helpers during the show. We like for parents to be able to enjoy seeing their dancers on stage, and discourage movement in the theatre during the actual show.

One parent needs to go inside dressing room through stage door to gather dancers belongings and then sign the dancer out where you signed them in.  Please ask family and friends to wait on the sidewalk for your dancer to come out after the show.

No, they will need to stay backstage the entire time (with the exception of Ballet Babies). We encourage dancers to come to the advanced show to get the full experience of our year-end production.

Yes! Be sure to look at show order if your dancer is in multiple dances & arrive in the costume they will dance in first. Bring other costumes in a clothes hamper with EVERYTHING LABELED WITH DANCERS NAME.  Costume changes are quick and hampers are a great way to toss costume pieces In a hurry without losing them. 

Our teachers are there to gently guide them through their dance. If they forget a step, they can just keep smiling! The audience is always supportive, and it’s all about having fun.