What is the day and time of the recital?

The 2024 recital will take place on Saturday, June 14th, and will start at 2:00 p.m.

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Where is the recital held?

The recital is at Valparaiso High School (2727 N Campbell St, Valparaiso, IN 46385).

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What does the recital fee include?

The recital fee includes the cost of each costume for each dancer in a family and two tickets per family to the recital. Additional tickets are available for purchase.

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When do I have to decide on my dancer’s participation in the recital?
A decision on recital participation should be made by March 21. It takes 4-6 weeks to receive costumes and prepare the rest of the recital materials. Costume measurements will take place the week of March 10 through 15 during class.

Does my dancer have to participate in the recital or all class numbers?
No. Your dancer does not have to participate in the recital or in all of the numbers for classes they attend.

Can my dancer(s) still come to class(es) even if they are not participating in the recital?
Yes. We encourage dancers to continue to attend classes regardless of whether they will be in the recital. Dance classes will continue to work on skills and technique while learning the recital choreography.

When do costumes arrive?
It takes 4-6 weeks from the date of order until delivery. Typically, costumes arrive in April and May.

When is the dress rehearsal for the recital?
A dress rehearsal takes place during the last class of the year. It is held in the studio.

What is run-thru?
Run-thru happens the morning of the recital (Saturday, June 14) at Valparaiso High School. Each dance gets to perform on the stage at least once. The order of run-thru is NOT the performance order for the recital.

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How does run-thru work?
Dancers are seated in the auditorium and called up by dance to perform their dance on stage. The order for run-thru will be released the last week of classes. Once your dancer(s) have rehearsed all their numbers on stage, you may leave and return at 1:00 p.m. for the recital.

What should my dancer(s) wear to run-thru?
Dancers should wear normal dance clothes for run-thru (not their costume(s)) and bring the appropriate dance shoes for every dance they are in.

How do I get into the high school for run-thru?
The school is not open to the public on the morning of the run thru. One parent or guardian should bring their dancer(s) to the school. Park in the south lot and enter through Door 31. Go straight to the auditorium and sit in the seating area. Instructions for the run thru will be given before it starts.

What time does my dancer have to be at the auditorium for the recital?
Dancers should return to the high school at 1:00 p.m. for the recital. Their hair and makeup should be complete, and they should wear the costume from their first performance. DO NOT wear dance shoes outside.

What happens when my dancer arrives at the high school for the recital?
When you return to the high school (1:00 p.m.), enter through Door 1 at the front of the school. Your dancer will check in at the welcome table, and one female parent/guardian will take the dancer(s) to the dressing room with their costume(s) and other items. Dancers are changing in this area so we allow only females in the dressing room area. If needed, let the staff at the welcome table know when you check in that your dancer needs to be escorted to the dressing room.
Instructors and adults will be in the dressing room to help with shoes and costume changes, take younger dancers to the restroom and escort your dancer(s) backstage. They will also bring your dancer (s) back to the dressing room after the performance to wait for the finale. Older dancers (10 and up) can usually do this for themselves.

How do I find my dancer after the recital is over?
One female parent or guardian will be allowed in the dressing room to collect your dancer(s) and their belongings. There are adults and assistants in the dressing room to connect dancers with a parent. Dancers are changing in this area so we allow only females in the dressing room area.
If a male guardian needs to pick up a dancer, let a staff member at the welcome table know when you drop off your dancer before the recital. We will bring your dancer(s) to the lobby for you.

Do I have to purchase any of the extra items (flowers, recital t-shirt, photos or program ad)?
NO. We offer these extra items as a way to celebrate your dancer and commemorate their participation. If you wish to purchase any of these items, download the order form from the website. We must adhere to deadlines to ensure items are ready before the recital.

 

When will the recital t-shirts be available?
Recital t-shirts should be available approximately two weeks before the recital. They will be distributed as soon as they arrive.

Why does my dancer have to wear make-up?
The harsh stage lighting will wash out the performers. Dancers must wear makeup to look their best for the audience, photos and video. You will receive an information sheet on what makeup should be worn. A makeup list can be found on the accessories spreadsheet located on the recital tab of the website.

What are accessories?
Accessories are additional items necessary to complete the costume for the performance. They are not included in the recital fee. These items can include tights, shoes, hairpieces, gloves, socks, headbands, wristbands and props. You will receive an information sheet on what accessories are required for each number your dancer(s) is in. An accessories list can be found on the accessories spreadsheet located on the recital tab of the website.

Where do I get the required accessories?
Unfortunately, dance items cannot be purchased at local retail vendors. You can most often find what you need online. Our preferred vendors are Dancewear Solutions and Discount Dance Supply. 

How long does the recital last?
The recital will be between 1.5 and 2.5 hours, depending on the number of performances. A better estimate can be made closer to the recital date.

Do my other children have to have a ticket?
Children under 3 do not need a ticket to the recital. Younger children should be able to sit in an adult's lap if they don’t have a seat of their own.

Can I take pictures or video?
Yes, we allow pictures and videos to be taken during the recital. We ask that NO flash photography be used and that while taking pictures and video, you do not block anyone’s view of the stage.

Where do I park?
Valparaiso High School has ample parking for guests. Typically, the south and west parking lots are open.

Where do I enter the high school?
Entrance for the recital should be through DOOR 1 located at the front of the school. Please do not enter through any side doors.

What should I bring for my dancer?
The recital can be a long day for some dancers. It is recommended that you bring a snack and water, an activity such as an IPAD, a coloring book (basic crayons only, no markers) or books are helpful while they wait their turn. A blanket for them to sit on is nice to have. Snacks should be plain crackers or granola bars. Avoid colored food and drinks, preferably water only. Also, stay away from cheese, fruit, candy and juice drinks, which can stain hands, mouths and costumes.

Where do my dancers stay before/after they perform?
Your dancer will remain in the dressing room before and after their performance. Once the recital is over, one female parent/guardian can pick up the dancer(s) in the dressing room. If needed, your dancer(s) can be brought to the lobby.

What is the finale?
The finale is when all the dancers come out onto the stage and take a final bow.

Where are the dressing room(s)?
The dressing room is located down the hall to the left when you enter the front door of the high school. It is one of the large, open band rooms with hanging racks for costumes and chairs. We request that only one female parent/guardian escort the dancer(s) to the dressing room.

When do I receive the costumes?
Costumes will be distributed as soon as they arrive as long as they have been paid for. The only time a costume should be worn is for picture day and dress rehearsal, which takes place in the studio during the last class before the recital and, of course, at the recital.

What if my dancer(s) costume doesn’t fit?
Every effort is made to order the proper size costume. Measurements are taken, and sizes are determined based on the chart provided by the vendor. If needed, minor alterations can be arranged.