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Everything You Need to Know...

Dear Parents and Students,

We are thrilled that it has come time to begin planning our June recital. The annual staple of the dance school, the recital conjures images of childhood and Americana for many. It’s a rite of passage for thousands of youngsters, and chance to shine in front of family and friends that they anticipate with nervous excitement. The recital offers our students a professionally directed performance that allows them to present to their families and friends the result of a year’s hard work, dedication, and progress.

A big part of the dance training process includes learning through performance. The experience helps build self-esteem, self-assurance, and contributes to a sense of confidence. 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. That onstage experience 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 that helps children develop retention skills and helps them to appreciate the positive aspects of working as a team.

Dedication to the recital commitments is the responsibility of both students and their parents. We’ve created this handbook in an effort to clarify what we need from you in terms of commitments and responsibility to the annual recital, the school, and other students and parents.

2010 Recital - June 12^th
Haddon Heights High School

Recital:

This year’s recital is planned for Saturday, June 12^th. Dress Rehearsal is planned for Sunday, June 6^th. All dress rehearsals and performances will take place at Haddon Heights High School on 2^nd Avenue in Haddon Heights. (Dress Rehearsal times: Rhythm and Blues 12-2; Golden Oldies 2-4; Rock and Roll 4-6). There will be one Saturday recital performance for all classes. The theme of our show is: “On the Radio”. To minimize the lengths of each show, we will once again split the show into three performances. This will allow us to perform only one day, while allowing enough seating for everyone. We make every effort to avoid siblings dancing in different shows, however, this is sometimes unavoidable. If your children must dance in separate shows, please make note that there will be a discounted ticket price for families split between 2 shows. The preliminary recital breakdown is as follows:

Rhythm & Blues: (11 am)

Hip Hop 1^st-3rd (Monday) Mini Tap (Thursday)

Twinkle, Twinkle Little Toes (Monday) Mini Ballet (Thursday)

Mini Tap (Tuesday) Lyrical (Thursday)

Mini Ballet (Tuesday) Creative Movement (Saturday)

K/1^st Combo (Tuesday) Dance Combo (Saturday)

Golden Oldies: (1.30pm)

Mini Tap (Monday) K/1^st Hip Hop (Thursday)

Mini Ballet (Monday) K/1^st Combo (Thursday)

K/1^st Combo (Monday) Fairytale Ballet (Friday)

Teenie Ballet (Monday) Teenie Tap (Friday)

Teenie Tap (Monday)

K/1^st Dance School Musical (Tuesday)

K/1^st Hip Hop (Tuesday)

Rock & Roll: (4 pm)

Ballet & Pointe (Monday) Jazz 2^nd-4^th (Thursday

Modern (Monday) Ballet & Pointe (Thursday)

Hip Hop III (Monday) Hip Hop II (Friday)

Advanced Tap (Tuesday) Dance School Musical (Friday)

Advanced Jazz (Tuesday) Callie’s Solo

Ballet 2^nd-4^th (Thursday) Aurora’s Solo

Tap 2^nd-4^th (Thursday)

In most cases, families with multiple children will dance together in one show. This is not always possible, however. When families are split into multiple shows, it gives siblings the unique opportunity of watching one another on stage. When families must perform in 2 shows, the second show’s tickets will be sold at a dramatic discount. Please see the ticket section of this handbook for more information.

As the season progresses, additional recital information and/or updates will be provided in your mailbox outside Studio B. Please keep abreast of this important information by checking your mailboxes every time you come to the studio. It is our goal to make the recital experience organized and exciting for all involved. It’s a team effort; students, their parents, the teachers, and Miss Megan are key players in the success of the show.

Pictures:

Once again, Ian Scott will provide beautiful photography in the form of portraits and behind the scene. Picture Day (Individuals Only) is tentatively scheduled for May 22^nd at the dance studio. If you would like individual photos and are unavailable on this date please notify the office at your earliest convenience. Group Photos will be taken the day of Dress Rehearsal at the high school. All students should participate in group photos regardless of whether families will be ordering. “Behind the Scene” photos will also be taken during the recital. The schedule for picture day and more details will be distributed in May.

Please Note: Parents/guardians are not permitted in the room while group photos are being taken. The photos are taken in classrooms and are just big enough. More bodies not only create confusion but become hazardous.

Costumes:

The 1^st of two costumes orders was placed in January. If you did not pay your costume deposit by January 13^th a costume was not ordered for your child. Because recital is optional, the costume deposit is also used as a tool to confirm your child’s participation. Those who registered in January will also be a part of the 2^nd costume order. After January 13^th there is a very small increase in the price of the costume ($5.00) this is due to the fact that costumes become more expensive to the studio after this date.

We spend many hours determining the correct costumes for each class. They are always age-appropriate and of the highest quality possible. This year as an effort to keep costume costs down for you we have ordered combo costumes for as many classes as possible. All combo classes will have a combo costume as in years passed. The newer additions include classes where many of the students tap both Tap and Jazz, or Jazz and Ballet for example.

Please note that costume manufacturers do no accept cancellations or offer refunds, therefore neither can we. We invoice deposits to get a clear picture of who will need a costume. No refunds can be made if a child withdraws from classes after costume monies were paid since all costumes have been ordered. In these cases, parents are welcome to pick-up purchased costumes after they have paid the balance in full.

Costume Distribution:

Costumes will be distributed as they arrive, after all students in your child’s class have paid for their costumes in full. Some classes’ costumes will arrive sooner than others. Whenever possible, children will try on their costumes before they are sent home. In some cases, costumes may be slightly larger than your child. Some costumes need to have the straps sewn straight done in order to customize the fit. We take several measurements, and must size your child based on the largest of these measurements. If your child has a long torso, but slim waist, we must order a larger size. When this happens, please feel free to take in or pin costumes as necessary. We find that a larger costume is much easier to fix than one that is too small. When costumes come home, please take the leotard and skirts out of the bag and hang in a dark closet. Please do not allow children to play dress-up in their costumes, as they could become damaged prior to recital.

Costume Care:

Most costumes should be hung like a dress, with the exception of tutus, which should be hung upside down by the leotard to maintain their “fluff.” We insist that all costumes, shoes, tights, and accessories include your child’s name on the tag. This helps avoid disappointments backstage, especially when students must change into multiple costumes. Please do not wash any costume in your washing machine, as this will damage nearly all recital costumes. After the recital, you may choose to dry clean the costume to be later used for Halloween or dress-up. We cannot guarantee that dry cleaning will be safe for all fabrics. Please consult your dry cleaner for more information.

Tights:

To ensure that there are no discrepancies onstage, students are asked to purchase new tights in the requested color and style for the show. Most students will wear pink tights. Tights will be available to order through HSD, or parents can choose to purchase on their own. Dance tights are often difficult to find in the spring at the major discount stores. We continue to sell tights year round at the low price of $6 per pair. Some parents choose to have two new pairs for the recital in case of rips, tears, or makeup “oopsies”. If you choose to purchase your own tights, please purchase pink, footed dance tights. These will be very pale pink in color.

Shoes:

The following shoes are required for all students:

Ballet: Pink ballet shoes

Tap: Black tap shoes

Jazz: Black jazz oxfords

Hip-Hop: Black jazz sneakers or jazz shoes or new clean sneakers. Your teacher will tell you at costume distribution time.

Modern: Bare feet

Creative Movement: White or Pink Ballet Shoes

Hair and Makeup:

All girls are asked to wear a little makeup for the recital. This should include red or dark pink lipstick, blush, eye shadow, and mascara (older girls). Due to the bright lighting onstage, students who do not wear makeup look “washed out” and unnatural. All girls should also wear hair slicked back in a tight bun whenever possible. Pin all bangs back with bobby pins, a hair colored headband, or hair colored barrettes. Gel and hairspray may be necessary to keep hair neat. If hair is too short for a bun, please pull hair away from face using pins and/or barrettes that match hair color.

Pre-planning:

The recital is not a one-day activity. In advance, gather all costumes, accessories, shoes, and make-up. A checklist helps to make sure that you have all supplies before the big day. Students should have an extra pair of tights, hair gel, hairnets, bobby pins, hairspray, and make-up. Other handy extras include:

Baby wipes: to fix makeup mistakes or dirty hands

Baby powder: for itchy costumes

Safety pins: for emergency costume repair

Clear nail polish: to fix minor runs in tights

Invisible band-aids: just in case

Once again, for your convenience HSD is selling a “Recital Survival Kit.” The kit may be purchased for $25 and must be pre ordered by April 15^th.

The Kit will include:

HSD Spring Recital T-Shirt One Pair of Pink Tights

Bobby Pins Wet Nap

Safety Pins Band Aids

2 Hair Ties Glitter Eye Shadow

HSD tote bag

* There is a limited supply of our Recital Survival Kit, they will be sold on a first come, first served basis.

HSD Spring Recital T-Shirts, tights, flowers, and shoes will also be available to purchase separately.

Dress Rehearsal:

The dress rehearsal allows the students to become familiar with the auditorium surroundings and feel comfortable with their costumes, performances, and being onstage. Lighting, music cues, and all other logistics for an organized and professional performance are rehearsed so that the students make the best performance possible. Participation in the dress rehearsal is necessary to make the recital relaxed and stress-free.

The dress rehearsal is also the only chance that students will have to watch the other students perform. Because of this, students should expect to stay for the whole rehearsal. Students will be seated in the auditorium with their class. Only one parent or guardian should plan to stay with a child during the rehearsal. Younger siblings are urged to please stay at home, as the auditorium will be filled with dancers waiting to perform.

Photos and videos are only allowed at the dress rehearsal. For the safety of the dancers, flash photography will be strictly prohibited at the performance. Remember: Professional videography and photography will be available for purchase. More details about these will follow.

Dress Reheasal Times:

Rhythm and Blues: 12-2

Golden Oldies: 2-4

Rock and Roll: 4-6

Auditorium Rules:

HSD signs a contract that no audience members will eat or drink in the auditorium. Please remember that eating, drinking, or smoking is not allowed in the auditorium under any circumstance. Any refreshments purchased before the performance or at intermission must be eaten in the lobby only.

Backstage:

Dancers will remain in classrooms with their class moms during the recital when they are not onstage. We are always in need of class moms. Please read the volunteer section for information about this opportunity. Family members and friends do not belong backstage during the recital. This also applies during intermission and after the show. There is a lot of backstage activity in a limited space, and extra people will only cause confusion and possibly be unsafe. Also backstage, young ladies will be changing regularly, and we would like to respect their privacy. Please remind family and guests to be respectful of these areas. With that being said, hallway attendants will, however, allow a quick kiss from Mom only during the show, not at intermission. Classroom monitors will have a list of Moms and are authorized to check ID. Children will not be released to anyone other than the parent listed on your account. Please do not send aunts, grandmothers or any men backstage at any time. An announcement of this information will be made at the show, but a reminder to friends and family will help avoid confusion.

Recital Volunteer Information:

We are always in need of parent volunteers. Anyone willing to help in this area would be much appreciated and can find a parent volunteer form in the office.

Classroom Moms:

Class mothers are needed for each classroom to supervise the dancers. Please volunteer to be a class mom if you believe that your child may be upset backstage without you. Also, please volunteer to be a class mom if you do not feel comfortable leaving your child with the class. Class moms must assure that each child in her care is safe and watched at all times. Class moms are also responsible for making sure that each child is in the proper costume, has the proper shoes and accessories, and is backstage at the appropriate time. All class moms will be permitted to watch her child’s class from either backstage, or from a designated row in the front of the auditorium.

Photo Help:

Volunteers will transport children from the auditorium to the classroom for pictures and also help to ensure that all students are photographed during dress rehearsal and to keep the photo shoot running smoothly.

Recital Ticket Policy:

All studio accounts (tuition, costumes, etc.) must be paid in full before any family may purchase recital tickets. All tickets are reserved seating. Tickets will only be available by pre-order and will not be sold during office hours. Order forms will be distributed in May. Please use the order form to order tickets and place in the tuition box with your check.

Ticket requests will be filled as they arrive on a first-come, first served basis. Please do not submit your ticket request until your account is paid in full. Open account balances will delay ticket disbursement and seat assignment. Please note that some shows may sell out. Tickets will cost $14. (For families who must buy tickets for 2 shows, the second show’s ticket will cost $3. This means that $17 will pay for admission into 2 shows.) Tickets will be available at the recital box office on the day of the show for $17 if seats are available.

Once all requests have been received, we will begin ticket distribution. Families can expect to receive their tickets via the studio files in the 1^st week of June.

***Please feel free to call of email us @ HaddonfieldSchoolofDance@yahoo.comwith any other questions as they come up. You may also put your question in writing and drop it in the tuition box. Miss Megan will respond in writing, so check your mailbox during your next dance class. Please do not ask teachers important questions between classes, as the teachers are very busy and may not have all information at hand. Remember to check your mailboxes every week to ensure that you keep informed of any additional information or changes. ***