Recital Ready: Tips for Stress-Free Performance Day

May 15

Recital day is one of the most exciting events of the year! It’s a time to celebrate the hard work, artistry, and growth of our dancers. To make the day as smooth and stress-free as possible, we’ve put together a checklist for dancers and parents. With a little preparation, you can ensure that recital day is all about fun and performance magic.

1. Nourish and Hydrate

Make sure that your dancer has enough fuel and water for the day ahead.

2. Check the Schedule

Know what class your dancer is registered for. Information will be broken down by group and style of dance.
Double-check the recital schedule for staging, rehearsal, and performance times.
Arrive early.

3. Pack a Recital Basket

Make sure you have everything your dancer needs for the big day. Here’s a checklist:

Laundry basket: to contain all personal items.
Shoes: The correct pair for each dance, clean and performance-ready.
Tights: A backup pair is always a good idea in case of runs or tears.
Base Layer: wee dance, combo class and level 1 will be given their base layer at staging. Level 2+ are expected to supply their own skin tone modesty layer.
Hair Supplies: Hair ties, bobby pins, a brush, hairspray, and a hairnet (if required).
Makeup: Performance makeup, including extras for touch-ups.
Running Order: students in multiple dances may want to print a running order for themselves.
Snacks and Water: Non-messy, nut-free snacks and plenty of water to stay hydrated.
Emergency Kit: Safety pins, a sewing kit, clear nail polish (for runs in tights), and band-aids.
Comfort Items: A small blanket, book, or quiet activity to keep younger dancers entertained backstage.

3. Practice Hair and Makeup

Follow the studio’s guidelines for hair and makeup. Practice ahead of time to ensure you can achieve the required look quickly and efficiently.
Pack makeup remover wipes for easy cleanup after the performance.

4. Label Everything

Label all costumes, shoes, and accessories with your dancer’s name to prevent mix-ups backstage.

6. Stay Calm and Positive

Encourage your dancer to focus on enjoying the performance.
Parents, keep the energy light and positive. Your excitement and calmness will set the tone for your dancer.

7. Suit Up

We ask that dancers “suit up” and wear a special outfit to and from the recital. No sweats, please. It is proven to boost confidence.

9. Celebrate!

Celebrate your dancer’s success!

Ready to Shine

Recital day is a wonderful opportunity for dancers to showcase their progress, artistry, and teamwork. With a little preparation and organization, the day can be smooth, stress-free, and full of joy. We can’t wait to see our LPD dancers light up the stage!

Lynn Panting