By allowing your child to participate in Amanda’s Academy of Dance recital, you commit yourself and/or your child to the following dates and events.  Please talk to your instructor if you have any questions about dates.  Please note that class participation is mandatory the 3 weeks before the recital.

Recital Important Dates

As the season progresses, additional recital information and updates will mostly be posted on the AAD recital website; www.amandasacademy.com/recital, in emails, on Facebook and post in the studio. It is your responsibility to keep abreast of important updates and other information. Our goal is to make the recital an organized, exciting experience for everyone involved. It is a team effort; students, their parents, the teachers, and the director are key players in the show’s success.

To ensure that the students feel confident about their performance, we ask parents and guardians to encourage them to rehearse their recital choreography on a regular basis. A link to your child’s dance music is available on the AAD recital website. 

We spend many hours determining the correct costumes for each class. They are always age-appropriate and of the highest quality possible. Hip Hop and most tap classes will have a make your own costume (MYO) &/or include a simple accessory to tie everyone together. Firsteps and Kidance students will need one costume; all other students will need one costume for each subject they train in (unless otherwise specified by the instructor). Costumes include all accessories (hats, jewelry, gloves, tights, etc.), but not shoes, basic hair supplies or make-up.

In an effort to ensure that costumes are delivered in time for all things recital related and in an organized distribution to our students, costume orders are placed during the first few weeks of December. Costume manufacturers do not accept cancellations or offer refunds; therefore AAD is not able to refund deposits or balances.

Costumes will not be distributed until the account balance (thru the end of season) is paid for in full. Parents or guardians accept full responsibility for all expenses, including surcharges (as determined by the costume company) and postage for costumes that are ordered late.

Sizing

All students were measured during their regularly scheduled classes and the appropriately sized costumes have been ordered for each dancer. You do not need to do anything for the ordering/sizing process.

Alterations

Although rare, alterations are sometimes needed after the costumes have been distributed and are the sole responsibility of the student’s parent or guardian. Please contact the AAD office if you need a recommendation on a seamstress.

Costumes will be distributed when all outstanding balances for the season are paid in full. The deadline for all account balances due is the first week of May, but can be paid early. To ensure that there are no costume problems, students should not wear their costumes, accessories, or tights prior to their dress rehearsal, or performance.

No refunds will be made if a parent or guardian withdraws a child from classes after costumes have been ordered and prior to the recital. Parents or guardians may pick up purchased costumes at the studio at the time of general costume distribution and up to 30 days after the performance. Costumes not picked up after 30 days will be donated to charity.

The estimated cost of costumes is between $75-$100 (the first pair of tights are included, but may not be included in this total). Any special orders, including extra-large sizes, may require an additional charge (determined by the costume company). Additional charges are the sole responsibility of the parent or guardian. Accessories, such as headpieces or gloves and tights are included in the cost of the costume. Shoes, basic hair supplies and make-up are not included. In most cases, all tap and hip-hop classes are a MYO (make your own) costume and will likely be items you already own with an accessory to the pull the class together at a price estimating between $10-$35 depending on the class.  Each class/instructor is given a strict budget when selecting costumes/accessories to keep these costs to a minimum.  Costumes are kept very reasonable in comparison to industry averages. 

We recommend that each student’s name be placed in his or her costumes, shoes, accessories, and tights. Keep costumes in the provided costume garment bag with your child’s name on the outside. Pack accessories in a clear plastic bag with your child’s name on the bag and on each item. Hats should be stored in a hatbox or similar container to prevent damage. Steam/press all costumes prior to the dress rehearsal and the performance. Please do not wash costumes in your washing machine; dry clean them only (after the recital).  Please make sure your costume is wrinkle free. If you’d like extra tips on how to remove the wrinkles or care for your costumes, please see the front desk.

Clothing racks with wheels can be purchased; if your child has several costumes, a rack is a smart investment. It keeps the costumes organized, prevents wrinkles, and provides some privacy during costume changes. Hang costumes on the rack in the order they will be needed in the show. Contact the front desk or your child’s teacher if you’d like information on purchasing a dance garment travel duffle. Popup tents also provide a sense of privacy during costume changes and will be available for purchase in April.

To ensure that there are no discrepancies in color and style, tights are ordered with each costume. Extra tights will be available upon request, but should be pre-ordered to ensure size and color. (Note: Having a second pair of tights on hand offers students and parents a great sense of security.) Much like a swimsuit, undergarments (including underwear) should not be worn under costumes unless it is a nude leotard.  Nude bras, underwear and leotards can be purchased at AAD. Please talk with your instructor if you need additional options. 

The following shoes are required for all students.  Please make sure all shoes are ordered no later than May 1^st to allow time for shoes to be properly broken-in.   

All female students are required to wear full makeup for the recital: mauve/maroon lipstick, blush, powder, eye shadow (neutrals), and mascara, unless specifically instructed by your instructor. For the boys, a little blush and powder works well.  Stage lights often “washout” facial expressions, so do not be afraid to put more on than an average application. If you’d like recommendations for specific colors or brands, please see the front desk.

Uniform hairstyles are required. All female students (Level 1-5) must wear their hair in a traditional ballet bun, created from a low pony tail with a center part, unless directed by instructor. All young female students (Firsteps & Kidance levels) must wear their hair in a traditional high ballet bun, created from a high pony tail, unless directed by instructor. Dancers with short hair must pull their hair away from the face and slick it down, simply to avoid distractions on stage.  If you have questions about how to make a good dancer’s bun, please ask your instructor.  Hairnets and bun forms are highly recommended and make things much easier for those with short or thin hair; ask for more info at the front desk.  Dancers will be responsible for any hairstyle changes during the show.  Please practice these changes at home.

There is a lot preparation that should be done before the recital. Gather all costumes, accessories, shoes (cleaned with a damp cloth), and makeup several days in advance so you’ll know if something is missing or isn’t right. Make a checklist of your child’s routines, listing their costume, tights, shoes, and any accessories, and refer to it to ensure you have all your supplies before going to the theater. It’s recommended to bring at least one extra pair of tights of each color. Also bring extra hair gel, hair nets, bobby pins, and hairspray.

Tips: Other Handy Extras

• Baby wipes/Shout wipes (to fix makeup mistakes or wash hands)
• Safety pins (for emergency costume repairs)
• Clear nail polish (to repair minor holes or runs in tights when there isn’t time to change them)
• Water bottle for staying hydrated
• A spray bottle for making a perfect ballet bun
• Band-Aids (the “invisible” kind)
• Number your child’s costumes in the order they will be worn or have a printout available to them.

• Be a part of the opening number of the recital! It’s a stress-free, fun routine spread throughout all the technique levels at the studio.  It is not mandatory for students to participate; however, if your dancer would like to participate, rehearsals will be held during regular class time during the month of May, 1 scheduled Sunday (all dancer) rehearsal at AAD and during the on stage dress rehearsal. Costuming is simple too; a recital tshirt and leggings or black pants (no shoes). Sign up & additional details can be found on www.amandasacademy.com/openingnumber.

In Studio Dress Rehearsal

In effort to avoid costume problems and questions right before the performance, we will hold an ALL DANCER dress rehearsal during their regularly scheduled class; during the last full week of classes (dates above). Dancers should bring their costume to the studio and change into it before class begins. We recommend wearing an old pair of tights and saving the recital tights for Saturday’s performance. In some cases, we will have the dancers change back into dancewear to complete their class.

Stage Dress Rehearsal

Participation in the dress rehearsal is mandatory, no exceptions, at the Fine Art Center. The dress rehearsal allows the students to become familiar with the theater surroundings, work as a group on spacing and feel comfortable with their performance, costume(s), and being onstage. Lighting, music cues, set changes, and all other logistics for an organized and professional performance are rehearsed so that the students make the best impression possible.

We run an organized and timely dress rehearsal. With your help the process will guarantee a professional production. Please arrive at least 25-30 minutes prior to your scheduled curtain time. Students should change in the dressing room into their first costume.  A time schedule will be available in mid-May, as to what time to arrive for rehearsal.

IMPORTANT: Firsteps, Kidance and Level 1-5 dancers will rehearse in FULL hair, makeup and costume for dress rehearsal. 

All students are required to participate in the finale, which will be rehearsed during the last month of classes. A run-through of the finale will take place at the dress rehearsal after all young classes (Firsteps-Level I) have rehearsed and before the older classes. All students are asked to participate in the finale at the rehearsal & will remain in their last performance costume.

Each level will have an assigned area in the theatre & dressing room. Once dressed, dancers should wait in the theatre until their time on stage. If your child has a costume change, please report to the dressing rooms first then take a seat in the theatre. Instructors will be onsite to direct you. Parents or guardians of young children must remain with their dancer until their class has been dismissed after their final performance or finale. When a class has completed the finale rehearsal, the class mom or assistant will bring the group back to the theater to be picked up.  Please remain in the  the theater until your child’s class has completed the finale and their dance(s).

Students will be dismissed from rehearsal once they have completed all of their routines, including the finale. We will rehearse the finale after the young classes are finished so that students who are not in older classes do not have to remain through the end of the rehearsal.

One parent or guardian should bring younger students (Firsteps, Kidance levels & Level I, Level II) to the assigned dressing area, where they will be checked in and placed under the supervision of class mom(s) or other assistants. One parent or guardian should bring students who participate in Level III-VI to their designated dressing room, backstage.  Only female parents or guardians will be allowed in the dressing rooms at any time.  Students will be responsible for properly stretching before the performance. Unless onstage, students will remain in their designated area for the entire performance. After the finale, students will be escorted back to their rooms; or to the safe area (Firsteps & Kidance) in the reception area to be picked up.

• Upon dismissal, please only send ONE adult to pick up dancers to avoid overcrowding.

Special note:

Please do not pick up your child during the performance. All students will be under the supervision of responsible adults and will be safe for the duration of the performance. The dressing rooms will have various activities for students to participate in. Some dancers will have the opportunity to watch the other performances while they wait their turn on stage. We ask that families bring a clean snack or drink to share during the recital.

It is customary for dancers and teachers to receive flowers after a dance performance and we love continuing this tradition each year. To make your day easier and less hectic, we’ve arranged to have your pre-ordered flowers delivered to the Fine Arts Center the morning of recital beautifully wrapped. Recital flowers will be available for pre-order.  Pricing and bouquet selection is available on the on the recital website (www.amandasacademy.com/recitalpackages. Attendees also will have the choice to order flowers when they purchase tickets online (deadline May 15). There will be a flower booth in the lobby of the Fine Arts Center and will have a limited amount of extra (non order) bouquets to purchase the day of the recital. Flower pre-order deadline: May 1.

A professional video company will be on site to record the recital and will be available to all dancers at NO COST. A digital download will be available once editing is completed; usually 6-8 weeks after the recital. No personal video cameras or video taking of any kind are allowed in the auditorium during the recital. Pictures and video are welcome during rehearsal.

Recital tickets go on sale May 1 at 1:00pm, via online sales.  The cost per ticket is $16.00. In an effort to create an organized and professional atmosphere, all tickets are reserved by seat.  If younger children would be uncomfortable remaining seated for 1.5-2 hours, please consider other arrangements. All of our recitals are considered family entertainment and are roughly 1.5-2 hours in length.  Due to the High School’s fire codes, everyone over the age of 1 must have a ticket. All sales are final.  There are no refunds on recital tickets.  Accepted forms of payment; credit/debit card. Please visit www.amandasacademy.com/recital for more information and the link to order. 

No eating, drinking, or smoking is allowed in the theater. When not onstage, dancers must remain in their designated areas or with their assistants/class moms.

Parents or guardians may videotape or take photographs of their children at the dress rehearsal. Please note: No video or photography will be allowed at the recital. See Chapter 7 for more details.

Family members and friends are not allowed backstage or in the dressing rooms during rehearsals or the recital. The same applies during intermission and after the show. There is a lot of backstage activity in a limited space, and dressing rooms are a private area. Please remind your family and guests to be respectful of these areas. Those who wish to greet a performer after the show or present flowers can do so in the reception area.

All props (unless purchased as a part of a costume) are the property of AAD and are to be returned to the backstage prop master after the performance. Props include such items as canes, parasols, beach balls, etc.

Anyone interested in volunteering to help backstage is welcome! To participate as a volunteer please reach out via email (missamanda@amandasacademy.com). There will be an orientation for all volunteers and all must abide by the policies set forth by AAD. The recital weekend is a hectic experience; all volunteers must work in a cooperative manner at all times. Our backstage managers work very hard to put an efficient system in place, and we ask that all volunteers rely on their experience and follow their instructions.

Class moms/volunteers are needed for each class (Firsteps, Kidance & Level I) to supervise the dancers. They do not need a recital ticket and will be able to watch their children perform from backstage. Class moms must assure that each child in her care is safe and accounted for. They are responsible for making sure that each child is in the proper costume, has the proper accessories and shoes and is backstage at the appropriate time. They are also responsible for seeing that all children return to their appointed area after their performance. If there are too many volunteers for one class, some may be asked to work with children from another class. During their class’ performances, class moms leave the students at the stage door with their teacher and watch the dance from backstage.

In response to many requests from students & parents over the years, we are offering ‘SHOUT OUTS’ for the family and friends of AAD Dancers to say “Congratulations!”, “We are Proud of You”, or “Senior Wishes”!  Digital programs will be available the day of the show and may include a photo of your dancer and/or a saying or well wish of your choice. Only pre-ordered printed programs will be available. Click here for more info.

We would like to extend the opportunity to local businesses to advertise in our recital program.  In past years, our program has reached over 700 local families and potential customers!  Let AAD assist in your business goals by building positive awareness and enhancing sales, all while supporting AAD and the local arts! Each advertisement will directly support a specific student (note with your submission) or the student credit earned will go into our “Donate Dance Scholarship Fund”; which provides financial assistance to students in our community for dance education. Dance families may also recruit businesses to advertise in the program for AAD account credit!  For More Information Please Visit: https://amandasacademy.com/recital