For 8 years now, East County Performing Arts Center has provided students with an exciting performance experience through its 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, a 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 results 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 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.
Dedication to recital commitments is the responsibility of both students and their parents. We’ve created this handbook in an effort to clarify what we expect from you in terms of commitments and responsibility to the annual recital, the school, and other students and parents.
PART 1: The Commitment
Important Dates
By allowing your child to participate in the East County PAC recital, you commit yourself and/or your child to the following dates and events.
January - Costume Fitting Day
May Tickets go on sale
June - Recital photo shoot
June -Last day of classes
June -Dress rehearsal
June - Recital
Updates
As the season progresses, additional recital information or updates will be posted on the East County PAC website, www.brentwooddance.com, in monthly newsletters, and on the school bulletin board. Make it your responsibility to keep abreast of this important information. Our goal is to make the recital an organized, exciting experience for everyone involved. It’s a team effort; students, their parents, the teachers, and the director are key players in the show’s success.
Home Study
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. Bring in a blank tape or CD and we will copy the music for you.
Our goal is to make the recital an organized, exciting experience for everyone involved.
PART 2: Costumes
We spend many hours determining the correct costumes for each class. They are always age-appropriate and of the highest quality possible. Boogie Babies students will need one costume, Combo students receive a “2 in 1” costume; all other students will need one costume for each subject they train in. Costumes include all accessories (hats, gloves, etc.), but not tights or shoes.
Costume Payments
In an effort to ensure that costumes are delivered in time for school photographs and an organized distribution to our students, costume orders are placed during February. Costume manufacturers do not accept cancellations or offer refunds; therefore the school does not refund costume payments.
Costumes will not be ordered until they are paid for in full. Parents or guardians accept full responsibility for all expenses, including surcharges and postage for costumes that are ordered late. East County PAC is not responsible if costumes are not received in time for the recital due to late payments.
Sizing
Costume measuring happens at the Costume Fitting Day in January. Every child will be measured in order to determine his or her proper costume size(s). You will be required to sign a confirmation form stating that you agree with the size(s) to be ordered for your child. You can make adjustments on the form; however, your signature indicates that you take full responsibility for any necessary costume alterations.
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 East County PAC office for recommended seamstresses.
Distribution
Costumes will be distributed when all outstanding balances for the season (including tuition through June) are paid in full. The deadline for all balances due is May 15th. Class photos will be taken June 3. 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.
Withdrawal
No refunds will be made if a parent or guardian withdraws a child from the school after costumes have been ordered and prior to the recital. Parent or guardians may pick up purchased costumes at the school at the time of general costume distribution and up to 15 days after the performance. Costumes not picked up after 15 days will be donated to charity.
Costume expense
The costumes run between $60-$70. 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, are included in the cost of the costume. Tights and shoes are not included.
Costume Care
We recommend that each student’s name be placed in his or her costumes, shoes, accessories, and tights. Place the costumes in a 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. Please do not wash costumes in your washing machine; dry clean them only (after the recital).
We recommend that each student’s name be placed in his or her costumes, shoes, accessories, and tights.
Costume Racks
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.
TIPS: Costume Common Sense
Always have a second pair of tights available.
Place costumes in a garment bag for travel.
Carry hats in a hatbox or container to prevent them from damage.
Hang costumes before each performance.
Place your name in all costumes and shoes.
PART 3: Tights, Shoes, Hair, and Makeup
Tights
To ensure that there are no discrepancies in color and style, all students are required to have the same tights. Your teacher will distribute a flyer with what color tight your dancer needs to have for the show. Tights are available at the studio only. Be sure to purchase the correct style. Please purchase new tights for the recital, and do not wear or wash them before the dress rehearsal or performance. (Note: Having a second pair of tights on hand offers students and parents a great sense of security.)
Shoes
Tap: All girls’ tie tap shoes must have black elastic (remove all ties). You can purchase black elastic at any craft store.
Ballet classes: Pink ballet shoes (no slippers). Elastic must be sewn on.
Jazz classes: Black jazz shoes
Hip Hop classes: Girls: Black Jazz or Hip Hop shoes. No street shoes. Boys: See your teacher.
Hair and Makeup
All female students should to wear makeup for the recital: dark lipstick, blush, eye shadow and mascara. Makeup is not worn to make your child look older or more beautiful it is strictly to make their features stand out on stage.
Uniform hairstyles are required for each class. All female students must wear their hair in a bun unless notified by their teacher. Girls in Boogie Babies classes will wear their hair half-up-half-down. Dancers with short hair must pull their hair away from the face and slick it down.
Having a second pair of tights on hand offers students and parents a great sense of security.
PART 4: Be Prepared
Pre-Planning
The recital isn’t a one-day activity. Gather all costumes, accessories, shoes, 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 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, hair nets, bobby pins, and hairspray.
Tips: Other Handy Extras
Baby wipes/Shout wipes (to fix makeup mistakes or wash hands)
Baby powder (for itchy costumes)
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)
Your pain reliever of choice
Band-Aids (the “invisible” kind)
PART 5: Dress Rehearsal
Participation in the dress rehearsal is mandatory. The dress rehearsal allows the students to become familiar with the auditorium surroundings 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; your help with the process will guarantee a professional production. Please arrive at least 45 minutes prior to curtain time. STUDENTS MAY NOT ARRIVE IN COSTUME! There are dressing rooms for them to change.
For safety reason dancers are not allowed to watch the dress rehearsal from the audience. The backstage moms must know their where-abouts at all times… in the dressing rooms. Dress Rehearsal is a long day so please bring clean snacks and activities for your dancer… and don’t forget lots water. Dancers may leave after they are done performing. It is a good idea for parents to stay in the audience so your dancer can be picked up in a timely manner.
Finale
All students are required to participate in the finale. A run-through of the finale will take place at the beginning of dress rehearsal. All students will remain in their last performance costume for the finale.
Dressing-Room Etiquette
Students must respect other students’ space and property in the dressing rooms. The students will spend more time in the dressing rooms than onstage, so please do your best to keep them organized and clean.
PART 6: Student Drop-Off and Pickup
Dress Rehearsal Drop-Off and Pickup
Parent or guardian should bring the students to their assigned dressing rooms, where they will be checked in and placed under the supervision of their class mom(s). Parent or guardian must remain in the auditorium until his or her child(ren) have been dismissed. When a class has completed its last performance, the class mom will bring the group to the auditorium to be picked up. Parents are not allowed in the dressing rooms once the children have been checked in for the rehearsal.
Recital Performance Arrival and Dismissal
We will be having 3-4 shows and most classes are in only one show. The shows will be split according to age. The “Junior” shows will be for dancers under 7 and the “Senior” shows will be dancers over 7 years old. Show times will be available closer to when tickets go on sale. Please make sure you drop your dancer off at least one hour before her or his show time. If your dancer is in both shows they must stay at the theater between shows.
Parents or guardians should bring the students to the check in table, where they will be checked in and placed under the supervision of their class mom(s). Students will remain backstage for the entire performance. After the finale one female family member will be let into the backstage area to help your dancer collect her or his belongings. For the comfort of our female dancers no men or boys over the age of 5 will be let backstage at anytime. Please be patient, to control crowding backstage we only let in 5 parents at a time. Keep in mind that everything we do is to ensure the safety of your child.
There are no men allowed backstage at anytime.
Special note:
Please do 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.
PART 7: Recital Photography and Videos
Recital Photos
Class photos will be taken June 3. Please confirm your child’s time on the schedule to be distributed the mid May. After the group photo shoot, students may choose to have solo portraits made in any or all of their costumes. There is no obligation to purchase photos. Photo day usually runs ahead of schedule. Please arrive 10 minuets before your scheduled time and have dancers dressed and ready to go. Photos are usually ready for pick up 6 weeks after the photo date.
Photo Shoot Hair and Makeup
This is your picture. You may have your child’s hair and makeup any way you wish.
Recital DVD
This year each family will get a free DVD of the reictal.
PART 8: Recital Tickets
Ticket Policies
Ticket go on sale May 1, and you can buy as many as you need. Ticket price is approximately $12-$15.
BUY YOUR TICKETS EARLY THE SHOWS WILL SELL OUT!!!!!
We will be offering a special ticket price for families with dancers in both age groups.
PLEASE NOTE: WE WILL NOT BE SELLING RECITAL TICKETS AT THE STUDIO!!!
All tickets will be available for purchase through the Grand Theater www.atthegrand.org or 209-831-6858.
In an effort to create an organized and professional atmosphere, each member of the family must have a seat. Children under the age of 3 will be allowed to sit on a parent’s lap. If younger siblings would be uncomfortable remaining seated for two to three hours, please don’t bring them to the recital. Children who are running around the auditorium are distracting to audience members.
PART 9: Recital Policies
Video and Photography
Parents or guardians may videotape or shoot photographs of their children at the dress rehearsal. Due to the large number of cameras, no electrical outlets will be available, so be sure your batteries are fully charged. Please note: No video or flash photography will be allowed at the recital. Security guards will ask you to bring any cameras back to your car.
Auditorium Rules
No eating, drinking, or smoking is allowed in the auditorium. When they are not onstage, dancers must remain in the dressing rooms with their class moms during the dress rehearsal and recital. Some theaters do not allow strollers or infant carriers in the theater.
Backstage
Family members and friends don’t belong 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 should do so in the lobby areas. For our dancers’ comfort there are no men allowed backstage at any time.
Props
All props are the property of East County PAC and are to be returned to the backstage prop master after the performance. Props include such items as canes, parasols, beach balls, etc.
No video or flash photography will be allowed at the recital.
PART 10: Volunteer Information
Recital Volunteer Information
Anyone interested in volunteering to help backstage is welcome. A volunteer form is required and is included in this handbook. There will be an orientation for all volunteers, and all must abide by the policies set forth by East County PAC. 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.
All volunteers will receive an identification badge at the dress rehearsal, which must be worn in the theater at all times. Please do not bring guests, including children, with you while you are volunteering.
Class Moms
Class mothers are needed for each class to supervise the dancers. They do not need a recital ticket and will be able to watch their children perform from the audience. 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 dressing room after their performance. The number of volunteers needed for each class will be determined by the age of students. Classes for dancers 7 or under will have 1 mom volunteer and one teen helper; classes for dancers 7 and older only need 1 mom volunteer. Class moms must be backstage for the duration of dress rehearsal. We will have a volunteer sign up list in the studio. Volunteers are taken on a first-come-first-served basis. Once the positions are filled we will not be taking any more volunteers.
If there are too many volunteers for one class, some may be asked to work with children from another class. During their class’ performances, room mothers leave the students at the stage door with the stage manager and watch the dance from the reserved seats right outside the backstage door. Volunteers are not allowed to enter the stage area. Because there will be live microphones backstage, only dance teachers and assistants will be allowed in the wings.
East County PAC relies on the assistance of many dedicated volunteers to provide a high-quality performance experience for your children. Your child is a direct beneficiary of this volunteer effort, so we hope that you will become an enthusiastic member of our volunteer pool.
Most jobs require limited commitment at a specific time during the dress rehearsal and/or recital. There are many positions available for men as well as women, which makes it reasonable for families to assume their volunteer responsibility. We encourage every family to become involved with our volunteer program and welcome any contribution you are willing to make.
PART 11: Recital Program
Each year the East County PAC publishes an annual program for the recital. “Well-wisher” and commercial ads are available. All students have the opportunity to purchase and sell ads, but participation is not required.
Recital To Do List
Pre-Show Things To Do
1. Order flowers (advanced orders will be taken at picture day)
2. Order Good Luck Message for the program (available at the front desk)
3. Practice hair and makeup (see the back of this sheet for how to do the perfect Ballet bun)
4. Buy your tickets
5. Make sure you know what all the accessories are for your costume, if any.
Show Time To Do List
1. Do not come to the recital or dress rehearsal in costume. Have it hung up, you can change in the dressing rooms.
2. No panties under costumes
3. No jewelry
4. Tap shoes must have black elastic instead of ties (if the are the tie style mary janes)
5. Pack “clean” snacks and water
6. Pack activities for little ones
7. No dancer is allowed in the audience
8. No parent is allowed backstage unless they are a volunteer
9. SMILE DANCERS SMILE!
10. Everyone must wear makeup. Medium colored lipstick, blush and eye shadow are a must. Eyeliner and mascara are good for fair skinned dancers.
11. No flash photography
12. No videotaping, there are DVDs available for purchase
13. Have fun
14. Put your name on everything you bring
15. Relax
16. Arrive at rehearsal and recital with hair and make DONE!!
17. Pack an emergency kit: Bandaids, safety pins, glue, etc.
18. Pack extra tights!!
19. Make sure you have all the accessories for your costume
20. Check your girl dancer in at the dressing room. Check boys in at the stage. You will pick up at the same place you drop off. 5 parents will be let in the dressing room at a time to gather your dancer’s stuff.
21. Dancers in Show 1 and Show 2 cannot leave the theater between shows. You can bring lunch in for your dancer or take them to the steps of the school and have lunch together. We will have teachers available to stay with kids who will be there between shows.
22. There is no early entry to reserve seats. The ONLY reserved seats are for families of the instructors and for moms working backstage. Backstage moms cannot reserve more seats for their families. We will be checking the theater before hand and removing any unauthorized reserved seating.
23. Doors open ½ hour before show time.
24. We must clear the theater between shows. If you have tickets for multiple shows you must line up again and turn in your ticket. This is the only way we can be sure that everyone has purchased a ticket for the show. Sorry for the inconvenience.
25. Turn off all cell phones and pagers. Please no texting in the audience.
26. Enjoy the show!!
This is going to be a great show. Thank you for all your support in following our guidelines.
How to make the perfect Ballet Bun
What do I need?
• Hair brush or comb with close bristles
• 1 Large covered hair elastic (hair tie, not scunchies)
• 2-4 small covered hair elastics
• Hair net that matches your dancer’s hair (available at Longs or most drug stores)
• Thick u-shaped hair pins (for the bun)
• Bobby pins (for the hair net)
• Hair spray
• Hair gel
How do I make the bun?
1. Start with wet hair
2. Apply a liberal amount of gel to the hair, paying most attention to the hair on top to combat fly-aways
3. Pull wet hair back neatly into a ponytail at the crown of the head (not at the top of the head) using a brush or comb to avoid lumps and bumps in the hair. A tidy ponytail is the key to a good bun.
4. Secure ponytail with large hair elastic (no scrunchies)
5. Use hair spray to tame any fly-aways
6. Separate the bun into 2-4 pieces depending on the thickness of your dancer’s ponytail. Braid each section and secure with small hair elastic.
7. Wrap each braid individually around the hair elastic holding the ponytail. Try to keep the bun flat against the head: don’t wrap it so it gets taller, wrap it so it gets wider. Secure with hair pins as you wrap. Tuck the end under the coil and secure with hair pin.
8. Repeat with remaining braids. Use plenty of hair pins (12-16 on average)
9. Once you have created your bun, wrap your hair net around it as many times as it will allow for a snug fit.
10. Hold the hair net in place with a few bobby pins
11. Finish with hair spray
Short Hair:
• Pull short hair back with bobby pins, hair elastics, or barrettes.
• No hair should be hanging in the face.
• See your teacher if you need help or ideas for short hair.
East County