Student Recitals

Most students decide at some point that they want to perform. Some students want to perform right away and others take a bit longer to get their confidence built up, but usually they all want to perform. I mean they've spent time, money and effort learning how to dance and they want to show it off. All very natural - I'm a big fan of performing myself! ;)

What many students don't think about when this urge comes over them is exactly what "performing" entails. Since a first performance is usually at a student recital, I'm going to use that as our example. There are rehearsals to attend, choreography to learn, costumes to purchase or make, accessories to purchase or make and usually some extra make-up to purchase. There are often photos to have taken, tickets for the show for family and friends, dvds of the show, etc, etc. "Performing" can get expensive fast!

Aside from the money, there is the time. Most shows rehearse for at least 8 -12 weeks as least one hour a week, sometimes more. It is good manners to show up for all of these rehearsals, so that is a major time commitment. Often students don't realize how important their attendance is. First performances are rarely solos, so if one person doesn't rehearse, then the whole group ends up looking bad. It's selfish and unprofessional to not consider how an individual's actions effect the group. Some teachers require extra paid classes if you should fall behind, others just remove the absent student from the show. Some do nothing and in my opinion that is a disservice to the student. It teaches them that they have no responsibility to the group and just causes future escalation of the issue. But to each their own!

Members of a performance need to show up on time, know their choreography and practiced outside of rehearsal time, be warmed up and ready to go, be dressed appropriately and remember to bring their props to rehearsal, to show up in a good mood, and work hard to not let their own personal frustrations (Why can't I get this right?!) to effect the group. It's not OK to snap at the other students, roll your eyes at the director, or stomp off in a huff! It makes rehearsals tense and stressful for the group and while we all feel frustration - it's our job as mature adults (and I'm assuming we all are mature adults here) to manage their own emotions. You may think that your frustration isn't showing, but most of the time everyone in the room is aware if someone is angry or upset and certainly if you start snapping at folks it's pretty obvious. Take a minute to go to the restroom or get a drink of water from the fountain in the hall (even if you brought a water bottle to class) so that you can take a deep breath and let go of your frustrations in private where others won't be effected. It will help you to feel better and it will contribute to the group and make others more willing to assist you as you try to do better.

All to often students think they know better than the director. This tendency really seems to come to the forefront during preparation for a show. The director says, "Be here at 1:00pm" and the student thinks, "Oh I don't need that much prep time! I'll arrive when I need to." The director says, "No food or drink in the dressing room." The student says, "Oh, I'm an adult I can manage not to spill." The director says, "Don't wear strong perfume." The student says, "I can't live without my perfume - everyone else will be fine with it!" I could go on and on - but I'm sure you get the idea. Please - PLEASE - give your director the benefit of the doubt that she/he just might know what they are doing. PLEASE! I know that for every one of those little nagging rules, there is a very good reason in my shows. Things happen over 20 years and you learn a few lessons - also the director may well have knowledge you don't. For instance perhaps one of the students is asthmatic and strong perfume could cause an attack on the day of the performance causing this student to be unable to perform! How horrible would you feel if that happened? I mean this poor lady spent the same time and money preparing as you did - not because one person couldn't follow the rules or thought that they knew better someone is horribly disappointed. Trust that your director knows what she/he is talking about and that there is a reason for what they do.

Things to remember on the day of the show:

1. Bring everything you might possibly need! Check your list twice and then do it again!

2. Show up on time. Allow time to get lost or park or whatever if you've never been to the location before.

3. Stay calm and considerate. Nerves are running high on the day of the performance for everyone. So do your best to be calm and flexible. Things happen that are beyond anyone's control - loss of air-conditioning, delays, sound mess-ups, lighting issues, etc. STAY CALM!

4. Do not leave the performance venue for any reason until you are finished for the day, evening, or show. Accidents can happen and how terrible for everyone involved if you get in one while running to the corner drugstore for something!

5. Allow time for visiting the friends and family that come to see you after the show. Don't book your time so closely that you have to dash off immediately following a performance. It's rude! They were gracious enough to buy tickets and take the time to come and see you, at least you can chat with them for a few minutes.

6. Be dressed, in full hair and make-up, and warmed up ready to go well before your stage time! You don't want to be the person who causes the whole show to be delayed or worse yet, be in the bathroom when your music starts!

7. Manage your own physical needs. Make sure you drink enough, eat if need be, take medications, don't stand around all day until your feet swell, etc, etc. You know best what issues and needs you have. Don't expect others to remember all this on the day of a show. You are responsible for your own needs.

8. Be considerate of others when you are not performing. Don't hog the mirror, don't make noise backstage, don't parade around in public before the show in full costume and no cover-up, keep your supplies, clothes, etc in as small a space as possible, pay attention to time, be kind and helpful and please try to overlook the other performers not in your group who may not be as well trained as you are. Nerves explain only so much bad behavior, but it does no good to start WWIII backstage during a show. Wait until afterwards to let your director or the dance school owner know about any incidents.

9. Follow the building rules. The venue will have rules that may not be what you are used to. FOLLOW THEM! Many dance schools have lost venues due to the bad behavior of one student. Don't be that student!

10. Last, but not least - Have a good time! You've earned it! You've worked hard, so take the time to take a deep breath and enjoy the day!

"Performing" can be one of the greatest experiences in your dance studies. Just remember, you're not the only one on the stage and your needs and desires do not take precedence over the other performers who are just as excited as you are about this special day.

Halleyah