It’s that time of year when dancers are preparing for the stage. What can you do to make this event shine?
So here you are, fast approaching the big performance! A lot of time, energy, and rehearsal has gone into this event. Your performer is excited, nervous, and you may be feeling the jitters too. What should you expect? Hopefully, you’ve already received detailed information about when and where, as well as what to bring and prepare. A good studio will clearly set expectations for what is to come next. Here is a checklist just in case.
(Submitted by Kathleen Kelble)
For the dancer:
Know your drop-off and pick-up times.
Cast and crew need to arrive prior to showtime. Depending on the show, this could be one or two hours before curtain. Why? Performers need to warm up, settle in, and focus on the task at hand in order to do their best. Know your drop-off, pick-up, and emergency contact procedures.
Be on time.
Late students disrupt backstage preparation and can cause worry for other performers. If you have a drop-off time but choose to wait in the lobby for doors to open, that is your choice, but you may need to wait patiently.
Know the backstage procedures.
Knowing what goes on behind the scenes helps reassure you that your child is safe and supervised and allows you to reinforce what the teacher has explained. Together, you can help ease performance jitters.
For family, audience, and supporters:
No flash photography.
This is a common request. Flash photography is distracting to performers on stage and can be dangerous on elevated stages.
Be present and enjoy the performance.
You’ve driven them to class all year, watched them build confidence and skill, purchased shoes and costumes, and invited the family. For the next two hours, embrace the finished production and enjoy the show.
Stay for the entire show.
Once seated and the performance has started, guests should remain in their seats. If you must exit, do so between scenes or dance numbers, not during a performance. Imagine how distracting it is for performers to see people leaving while they are on stage.
Flowers, a theatre tradition.
Giving flowers is a long-standing theatre tradition. Present flowers after the performance is over. If you choose not to bring flowers, consider how your family will celebrate your performer’s achievement and talk about it beforehand. Hugs work, as do ice cream stops or a special dinner. Everyone celebrates achievement differently, and that is okay.
Applause.
Everyone has worked hard to be successful, and applause recognizes that effort. Clap for everyone. Enjoy the show!
(Submitted by Kathleen Kelble)
