Recital Information

RECITAL HANDBOOK

Philosophy, Policies, and Procedures

Like most dance studios across the nation, Steps of Faith presents an annual recital. Our recital is different from most in that we don’t just dance to entertain and impress our audience. We hope that our audience will enjoy our show, but more than that, we pray our audience will be moved closer to God because of our show. We want our audience to feel God’s presence and be touched and drawn to Him by His Spirit. Our dancers and staff work VERY hard to prepare, and then He crowns our efforts with success by allowing us to be a part of something that can make a difference in people’s lives and truly matter for eternity. So, not only do our students have the opportunity to be a part of a professionally directed show, to grow in self-esteem and self-confidence through performance, but most importantly, they have a chance to minister to the audience with all that they have learned.

Our 2017 recital will be our 14^th! Our theme is “Our Deliverer.” We are very excited about it.

Preparing for recital is no small endeavor! This handbook is being presented to ensure that everyone is well prepared for all that recital entails.

Contact Information for Steps of Faith Dance Studio:

Studio phone number – 755-4382

Studio e-mail address – [email protected]

Studio website – www.christiandanceacademy.org

Facebook page – www.facebook.com/pages/Steps-of-Faith-Dance-Studio

To receive text reminders: text @sofda (in the message box) to 81010

Staying Informed

We work hard to make the dance experience organized and fun. Keeping you informed is one of our primary goals. Please read all newsletters and subscribe to text reminders.

Newsletters and important updates are e-mailed, posted on our Facebook page, and sent by text.

If you have any questions, we encourage you to call the office during class times, e-mail, or send us a Facebook message.

PART I: Recital Season Overview

Please note this important information concerning the recital schedule for 2017.

In 2015, our recital SOLD OUT. Due to that, we had to expand to two shows to accommodate more loved ones and friends. With the size of our studio now, if we only did ONE show, each family would only get 5 tickets and the theatre would be sold out. Obviously, that would not work.

In order to produce a recital that is under 2 hours, as opposed to well over 3 hours, we decided to divide the classes in half. Half of the students will perform at one show, half will perform at the other show. (Level IV and competition dancers will still perform at BOTH.) Students in more than one class MAY still perform in both.

Families with more than one child enrolled MAY also still be involved in both shows.

The recital line-ups will be posted after Spring Break.

As always-

Students desiring to be in recital must have GOOD attendance. Students missing more than 3 classes from January to May, including Saturday practices, may NOT be able to participate in the recital. No refunds will be given.

Important Recital Related Dates

Date	Activity	Where
February	*Submit a design for the “Our Deliverer” recital t-shirt contest. *Recital program ad packets available *Sign up to be a class mom/ or recital volunteer	At the studio
March 1	Recital Fee Due – $75 plus $20 for additional students in same family +$20 late fee if paid after March 10.	At the studio
March 31	*Deadline for recital program ads to be submitted *Deadline to order recital  T-shirt (order form below)	At the studio At the studio
TBA TBA	Begin claiming Recital Tickets! Remaining tickets go on sale	Tututix.com
May 20	Saturday Practice – for select classes (Classes/Times to be announced)	At the studio
May 1-5	Video Week	At the studio
May 1-5	Costume Pick Up – May tuition and all balances due IN FULL	At the studio
May 5-6	Picture Days with Brent Christopher	At the studio
May 21	Staging Day (Exact times TBA)	Julie Rogers Theatre
May 26	Dress Rehearsal A at 4:00 pm Dress Rehearsal B at 6:30 pm	Julie Rogers Theatre
May 27 May 28	Recital A at 6:00 pm Recital B at 2:00 pm	Julie Rogers Theatre

Home Practice

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.

We can e-mail you the song(s) or burn them on a CD you provide. Most songs are edited, so simply downloading them may not work.

May 1-5 will be video week. Parents will be invited in at the end of classes to video the routines to aid in students practicing at home.

PART 2: Costumes

We spend many hours selecting the costumes for each class. They are always age-appropriate, as modest as is appropriate for the style of dance, and of the highest quality possible.

Most costumes are custom made. We order them in December or January. Any costume not paid for in full will not be ordered. There will be a $20 fee on any costume paid for late and ordered late. There is no guarantee late orders will arrive in time for recital.

Most costumes include accessories, but not tights or shoes. All students will need the appropriate dance shoes. Most students will need the specific color of Revolution tights ordered for their class at sizing day. There will be a few exceptions and certain classes may need a different color. Mrs. Ashton will be placing orders for these at a later date to be announced. Other students may need additional items as well, such as leggings, undergarments made to be unseen for older girls, undergarments for cheerleaders, etc. You will be notified if your child needs additional items.

NOTE: No jewelry or “normal” underwear is to be worn with costumes. This includes during dress rehearsals and performance.

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. We can recommend a seamstress if needed.

No refunds will be made if a parent or guardian withdraws a child from the studio after costumes have been ordered and prior to the recital. Purchased costumes may be picked up at the studio during the costume distribution period.

Distribution

Costumes will be distributed May 1-5 when all outstanding balances for the season (including May tuition) are paid in full. Any outstanding balances (past due) must be paid with a money order, and in these cases, May tuition will be required by money order as well.

Please have your child try on all costumes and accessories (except for tights) as soon as you bring them home. This allows you to account for all accessories and determine whether alterations are needed. Doing this well in advance of the recital minimizes stress at performance time.

Costume care

We recommend that you label all costumes, shoes, accessories, and tights with your child’s name. Place the costumes in a garment bag with your child’s name on the outside. Pack accessories in a clear plastic bag (labeled with your child’s name). Please do not wash costumes in your washing machine; dry clean them only (after the recital).

If costume straps do not have snaps or are not attached, please sew them or fabric glue them prior to picture day. Never cross the straps unless specified by the teacher.

Many costumes come with headpieces or hats. We will determine how the headpieces will be worn and this information will be sent out and posted.

NOTE: 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.

Ironing

We do not recommend using a traditional iron for pressing costumes. Silks can burn, sequins can melt, and fabric colors may change. Please use only a steam iron if necessary, and use caution.

Tutu maintenance

Grasp the waist and give it a gentle shake, then use your fingers to “comb” out any pieces of tulle that are wrinkled. To store a tutu, put it on a hanger upside down. To help remove persistent wrinkles, hang the tutu in the bathroom during a shower or use a handheld steamer.

Costume racks

A wheeled clothing rack is a smart investment if your child has several costumes. 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 during 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 student’s name in all costumes and shoes.

Quick costume changes

During the recital, some students may have quick costume changes. Parents are solely responsible for any and all costume changes but with quick change, costumes and accessories will be placed in the backstage area. A parent assisting a student with a quick change must obtain a backstage badge in advance.

Costume cover-ups

Students must wear a cover-up when in costume but not performing. A bathrobe or a large dark-colored man’s size button-down shirt are options. Some parents even enjoy decorating these for recital! The cover-up helps keep the muscles warm and prevents costumes from becoming soiled. It also keeps our costumes a surprise!

PART 3: Tights, Shoes, Hair, and Makeup

Tights

To ensure that there are no discrepancies in color and style, certain students (including Ballerinas) are required to have the Revolution tights for their classes which we will order for you. New tights are needed for the recital. (Note: Having a second pair of tights on hand offers students and parents a great sense of security.)

Shoes

Students need appropriate shoes for recital as previously stated.

Be sure that all shoes are cleaned prior to the recital.

If you purchase dance shoes just before the recital, please break them in (indoors) so that they are pliable and comfortable for the recital.

Cheerleaders need plain white, light-weight tennis shoes and no-show white socks.’

Little ballerinas (under levels III & IV) need Revolution shoes with NO TIES.

Hair and makeup

All female students will need to wear makeup for the recital: red lipstick, blush, brown eye shadows, eye liner, and mascara. Little ones’ make-up can be a little lighter. Some young students tolerate make-up better than others! For the boys, a little blush works well.

The stage lights are VERY bright. Make-up helps ensure that students’ features are visible from the audience. Students without make-up can look pale and “washed out.”

Uniform hairstyles are required. All female students must wear their hair in a high bun. Some of the level IV students may wear different hairstyles per their teacher’s request. No bangs are allowed. Dancers with short hair must pull their hair away from the face and slick it down.

PART 4: Be Prepared

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 the costume, tights, shoes, and any accessories, and refer to it to make sure you have all your supplies before going to the theatre.

Bring extra safety pins, hair gel, hairnets, bobby pins, and hairspray.

TIPS: Other Handy Extras

ü Baby wipes (to fix makeup mistakes or wash hands)

ü Baby powder (for itchy costumes)

ü Safety pins (for emergency costume repairs)

ü Clear nail polish (to repair minor holes or runs in tights when there isn’t time to change them)

ü Band-Aids (the “invisible” kind)

Snacks

Please do not send your child to Saturday practice, staging day, dress rehearsal or recital with snacks or beverages that could make big messes or stain costumes. Crackers, energy bars, apples, carrot sticks, and string cheese are good choices. Please avoid sugary, unhealthy treats as they can negatively affect the behavior, mood, and concentration of some children. Water is the best beverage; please do not send juice boxes or other sticky beverages. No food is allowed in the theatre!

PART 5: Saturday Practice, Staging Day, Dress Rehearsal, & Recital

Saturday practices will be necessary for many classes since we have an early recital.

Staging Day is VERY important.  Participation is mandatory in order to dance in recital. This is the day when students become acquainted with the stage, find out where they are to go for certain formations, and learn proper spacing. Parents and students are also shown where their dressing rooms are. This is a time when there will be no pressure, no bright lights, no loud music, no big audience. It will be students ONLY chance to do the above. Dress rehearsal will be just like the recital. It should flow from one number to the next with no time to stop and direct a lost student.

YES, staging day IS on a Sunday. But, please remember, we are preparing for MINISTRY. We will schedule most students’ practice times after normal Sunday morning worship times. The majority of students will be at the theatre for less than an hour. Exception:students in numerous classes across levels and classroom helpers

Participation in the dress rehearsal is also mandatory. Lighting, music cues, and all other logistics for an organized and professional performance are rehearsed so that the students make the best impression possible.

Why a staging day AND a dress rehearsal?

Often parents question the importance of the staging day and dress rehearsal for their child. These practices are crucial!

Here’s why:

• The stage is large and is often intimidating to the children.
• The stage lights can be frightening and disorienting to young children.
• Changes to the choreography can be made at staging day if needed. A student who misses the staging day will not have the chance to practice any of the changes onstage.
• Students often rely on the classroom mirrors to help them with spacing and formations. Having the chance to dance without the security of the mirror before the performance is very important for their confidence.
• Students have the chance to practice their stage entrances and exits and get used to being in such a large space.
• Confidence is critical to a successful performance. The staging day and dress rehearsal offer your child the chance to feel ready for the show.
• The dress rehearsal is the only opportunity for parents to video or take pictures of the show.

And there’s another big reason why the dress rehearsal is important. One of the objectives of our curriculum is to teach the spirit of teamwork and commitment to classmates. When children miss these rehearsals, the result can be confusion for the remaining students (an absence affects spacing and timing).

We run an organized and timely dress rehearsal; your help with the process will guarantee a professional production.

Dressing-room etiquette

Students must respect other students’ space and property in the dressing rooms. The students will spend some time in the dressing rooms, so we want to keep them organized and clean. Let’s leave all areas in better shape than we found them in.

Dress Rehearsal

On dress rehearsal night, please arrive 30 minutes early with your child fully ready for their first dance. (Costume on with cover-up, hair done, make-up on) Exception: If the costume is too itchy for your little one, it can be slipped on in the dressing room later. Everyone will need to be seated in the auditorium upon arrival. We will have a VERY important and brief meeting beginning promptly at the start of each dress rehearsal. No one will be allowed backstage or in dressing rooms during the meeting. As soon as the meeting is finished, the students in the first 7 numbers should hurry to their dressing rooms and be checked in with the class moms. During dress rehearsal and recital, students will need to be in their dressing rooms with class moms 7 numbers before they are to go on.

Students are free to leave rehearsal once they have completed all of their routines. Students can be picked up in their dressing rooms from the class mom after they dance.

Recital

Please arrive an hour early, but no earlier! Parents or guardians should bring the students to their assigned dressing rooms 7 numbers before they are to go on, where they will be checked in and placed under the supervision of the class mom(s). Parents are not allowed in the dressing rooms after the children have been checked in for the dress rehearsal or recital, unless their child needs to be changed. If this is the case, please change your child and then leave them with the class mom and their class. We have this policy for the children’s safety, because of lack of space, and because many little ones do better if they part with mom sooner rather than later. If you feel you must remain with your child, you will need to sign up to be a class mom.

*Parents are not allowed backstage unless they are designated helpers with badges.

PART 6: Recital Purchase Opportunities

Recital Portraits

Our official photographer is Brent Christopher. He has been taking dance portraits for over 30 years. He will be at our studio May 5-6. Sign up sheets will be posted in April.

*NEW OPTION* Candice Craig Photography will also be offering time slots to take pictures on site at the Julie Rogers this year. Sign up sheets will be posted in April.

Recital DVDs

Sheffield Productions will produce a professional DVD of both shows, including backstage footage. Order forms will go home with students in April, and can be turned in to our SoF office.

Contact Information:

Phone number: 409 728-9150

[email protected]

Flower Purchases

Our florist is Rhonda Hall with All Occasions.

Contact Information:

409-736-2425 or email [email protected]

Call or e-mail to place an order.

Recital T-Shirts

We will once again have a recital t-shirt design contest. Our theme is

Our Deliverer!

Submit your artwork to the office. Computer generated artwork is preferable but not required. We will allow everyone to vote and the winner will receive a free shirt! Submit designs in the month of February.

The Steps of Faith 2017 “Our Deliverer” recital T-shirt is made available for purchase by students and family members.

Cost is $20. Make checks payable to Steps of Faith and submit with order form to office.

T-shirt order form is below. Feel free to print it and return it to the office with payment. Order forms will also be sent home with students, and available in the office.

Recital T-Shirt Order Form The deadline to order “Our Deliverer” recital T-shirts is March 31. Forms must be dropped off at the studio. Parent name: Student name:
Child Size and Quantity
Extra Small:	Small:	Medium:
Large:	Extra Large:
Adult Size and Quantity
Small:	Medium:	Large:
X-Large:	XXL:
Total = _____________   PAYMENT INFO:

Recital Program Ads

Each year Steps of Faith publishes a program for the recital. “Well-wisher” and commercial ads are available for purchase. All students have the opportunity to purchase and sell ads, but participation is not required. For every $500 a student sells to family members or businesses, 1/8 of a page will be received free.

Order forms will be sent home with students and will also be available in the office.

Recital Programs

Each enrolled family will receive 1 free program before recital.  Additional programs will be available for purchase at recital for $3.

 

PART 7: Recital Tickets

Ticket Policies

Every year we strive to improve our service to parents. For everyone’s convenience, we will order tickets online through tututix.com again this year. Tickets will be selected in groups according to the order of registration. Recital fee must be paid and accounts current in order to choose tickets. Each family will receive 4 free tickets, and may purchase 8 more at the same time the free ones are chosen. Dancers DO need tickets, per Beaumont Fire Codes.  We have sold out the Julie Rogers Theatre in the past.  If that happened again and dancers did not have tickets, we would be over building capacity, and dancers would not have seats!  Please remember to count your dancer’s seat as one of the FREE tickets.  Families with 3 or more dancers will receive 2 extra free tickets. (Tickets can be chosen for ONE show, or split between the TWO shows.) After Spring Break you will be notified of which show(s) your child is in. PLEASE NOTE THIS important information so you will know which show(s) you need tickets for!
During this initial period, no other tickets will be sold. We do it this way to ensure that all parents get a fair chance to get good seats. After all parents have had their designated times to choose tickets, the remaining tickets will go on sale for $6 per ticket. At that time anyone can buy an unlimited amount of tickets until they are sold out. So, if you want tickets for extended family members or friends, you may get them after our designated parent times. No, they will not be near your seats most likely. However, this ensures another parent doesn’t pick up 4 free tickets and buy 30 other tickets for extended family and friends at that same time, leaving fewer good seats for your family and other actual parents.

PART 8: Recital Policies

Audience etiquette

Enthusiastic applause is encouraged; however, it is never appropriate to scream out a child’s name or yell in any way.

Children should not bring handheld electronic games or other devices with sounds and/or lights that could be a distraction for other audience members. PLEASE plan to turn all sounds off cell phones.

Because we present a professional performance, we ask that everyone remain seated during the entire performance. If you do leave the auditorium during the show to pick up your child from the dressing room, please time your exits and entrances appropriately so as to distract as little as possible.

Children must remain seated for the entire performance. If you think they will have a hard time remaining seated during the performance, please do not bring them to the recital. Allowing children to run around or otherwise disrupt the performance is not fair to other audience members.

Parents who bring infants to the performance should quickly exit the auditorium if the infant begins to cry or create a distraction for the audience.

Video and photography

Parents or guardians may video or photograph their children at the dress rehearsal.

*The use of video or flash photography is strictly prohibited during the recital. It is important that you pass this policy on to your recital guests. This can be a BIG distraction to dancers and other audience members.

People disregarding this request may be asked to leave!*

Auditorium rules

No eating, drinking, or smoking is allowed in the auditorium. During the dress rehearsal and recital, when the dancers are not onstage they may sit with parents as long as they have a cover-up on.

Backstage

Family members and friends are not permitted backstage or in the dressing rooms during rehearsals or the recital, including during intermission and before and after the show. Exception: Parents who need to change a small child between numbers will be allowed to do so in the dressing room. There is a lot of dressing room and backstage activity in a limited space, and dressing rooms are private areas. Please remind your family and guests to be respectful of these areas. Those who wish to greet performers after the show or present flowers may do so in the lobby areas.

PART 9: Volunteer Information

Recital volunteers

Anyone interested in volunteering to help with recital is welcome. There will be an orientation for all volunteers prior to recital. The recital weekend is a hectic experience and 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/grandmothers are needed for each class to supervise the dancers and keep them safe and accounted for. They are responsible for making sure that each child is in the proper costume, has the proper accessories and shoes, is backstage at the appropriate time, and returns to the appointed dressing room after the performance. Most class moms choose to watch their child’s dance from the wings, however there is normally the option of hurrying to and from the audience to watch it from there.

For most classes, we will need 2 class moms.

A sign up sheet will be posted in the waiting area in February.

PART 10:

Final Thoughts

More detailed information will be coming your way throughout the spring. PLEASE check e-mail often, and pay attention to your text reminders so you don’t miss anything important.

Recital time can get a little hectic and intense for all of us. Please be prepared for this aspect of it. My goal is to remain calm, peaceful, joyful and KIND to all throughout the experience. I expect the same from ALL of my parents! No matter what may happen, please keep things in perspective. We are doing it all for our great Savior and for precious children.

When everyone puts God and our children first, and commits to behaving like a true follower of Christ, the recital experience will be beautiful for all involved. Thanks so much for being a part of Steps of Faith!