Five Things That Will Keep You from Losing Your Mind During Recital Season (for Parents, Dancers, and Teachers Alike)

   It’s that time of year! So grab your kits and caboodles, costume racks, and hairspray. What we’ve been working towards all year has finally arrived. It’s go time... Let's try not to go insane.
  1.   Have cameras charged and ready. Recital is a great time to take pictures of your little one(s) with his or her friends and there’s nothing more frustrating than seeing a little red battery icon blinking at you. If your dance school allows videotaping at recital, you don’t want to be in the middle of recording your little one’s tap number and come to find you’re out of memory or the camera is about to die.
   2.   Know the line-upIt’s vital to know when your piece(s) are going onstage; therefore, it is helpful to know what numbers are on just before. That way you’ll know by the music when it’s time to start lining up in the wings.
  
3.   Be there earlyIf you’re a teacher, you must be there early. Your students (especially the first timers) will be flustered and nervous and it will be comforting to have a familiar authority figure there. Many first-time recital parents will also need guidance and the directors will thank you for it.
 
  4.   Know what each costume requires. Is your hair in a bun or ponytail? Does the teacher want brown eyeshadow or black? Are we allowed to wear earrings? These are all questions that should be addressed before recital week. You don’t want to show up at recital and see that strip of fabric and not be sure whether it’s a headpiece or a belt.
   5.  Have the essentials on hand at ALL TIMES.Aka: hairspray, bobby pins, safety pins, and extra tights somewhere in the building. With these things, you’ll make it through.
  
Take a deep breath, everybody! We’ll get through this!Thank you for reading! For questions/comments you can contact me and don't forget to LIKE A Dancer's Days on Facebook and follow the Pinterest Board!