Every student at the Canadian School of Dance gets the opportunity to perform in our annual Recital in May. The Recital is a full production with a professional sound and lighting crew, a backstage crew and complete with props and costumes. It gives the children the opportunity to experience the thrill of performing in a professional setting while entertaining their friends and family with their newly acquired skills.
Please note: All Recital events are Nut Free due to severe allergies.
Every student is expected to perform in both performances of the Recital. This allows parents to volunteer to help for one performance and to watch for the other performance, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to watch their child.
The following is a complete overview of the Recital week. Please read it carefully!
This is a day-by-day account of the week and what each day includes. Other important topics such as make-up, tickets to the show, and parent volunteers are also covered.
You will find everything you need to know here. If we have have missed something, your child’s dance teacher will be able to answer any questions you may have.
We have also included more background information and answers to Frequently Asked Questions.
Junior and Senior Recitals
Please be advised that due to the large number of classes at our studio, Recital is divided into two shows – Junior and Senior. The shows are divided based on level of dance.
The Recital consists of Picture Days, a Technical Rehearsal (selected groups only), one Dress Rehearsal and two Performances.
There is an expectation for your child to be at all the Recital events for his/her dances. Due to choreography, your child’s absence will affect all the other children in his/her group. Dance is a team sport and we need everyone there for the routines to run smoothly.
Wednesday May 2: Technical Rehearsal – selected groups only (schedule to follow) Venue: Adult High School (Old High School of Commerce), 330 Rochester St
Friday May 11 & Saturday May 12, 2012: Picture Day at the 900 Greenbank St. Studio ( schedule to follow)
Tuesday May 15: Junior Dress Rehearsal @ 6:00pm Venue: Adult High School
Wednesday May 16: Senior Dress Rehearsal @ 6:00pm Venue: Adult High School
Thursday May 17: Junior Show @ 7:00pm Venue: Adult High School
Friday May 18: Senior Show @ 7:00pm Venue: Adult High School
Saturday May 19: Junior Show @ 2:00pm Saturday May 19: Senior Show @ 7:00pm Venue: Adult High School
When does your child dance?
To find out which show your child is in, see the show schedule which will be provided at a later date. Locate the time that your child’s class is during the week of dance. Each class is assigned a number and that is where the dance falls in the show.
Ex: Dancer: Angelina Ballerina
Junior Show 2012 (please note that these numbers are for illustration purposes only)
19. Primary Ballet Saturday @ 9:00am with Miss Pidgeon
34. Pre-school Ballet Combo Wed @ 6:15pm with Miss Goodwin
This dancer will be dancing 19th and 34th in the Junior Show at every Junior Recital event. (Example Only)
Senior Show 2012 (please note that these numbers are for illustration purposes only)
10. Elem 3 Tap Friday @ 7:00pm with Jennifer Savoie
40. Inter Jazz @ 9:00pm with Lorraine Barbeau
This dancer will be dancing 10th and 40th in the Senior Show at every Senior Recital event. (Example Only)
All rehearsals and performances are taking place at the Adult High School (old High School of Commerce) at 330 Rochester St. From Barrhaven take the Queensway East to the Rochester exit. Turn left on to Rochester, left on to Gladstone and left into the parking lot. Please pay attention to No Parking zones.
Friday May 11 & Saturday May 12: Picture Days @ Canadian School of Dance
Any class represented by a competitive number in the Recital will NOT be photographed during the scheduled recital photo sessions taking place May 11th and 12th.
All other children are expected to participate. If your child is unable to attend these days, please INFORM your child’s teacher before Picture Days. (This is to avoid waiting for a missing child who is not coming. We don’t want anyone to miss their picture!)
These days will take place at our studio – where your child’s regular dance classes take place (the studio at 900 Greenbank) on Friday May 11 & Saturday May 12, 2012.
There is NO DANCING – just picture taking! So bring your smiles! (Schedule to follow)
For every dance your child is in, they will dress up in FULL costume, hair and make-up. A group photo will be taken of the entire class and then your child will have an individual photo taken. The photos will be on sale at the actual Recital shows for $8.00 for individual photos & $7.00 for group photos (note: you are not obligated to purchase any). If you purchase the photo you will be able to access the picture via a jpeg file if copies are needed.
Half of the large studio will be serving as our phtography studio and the other half will b the staging area for dancers (no parents allowed; only dancers, teachers and helpers). The small studio will be serving as a change room for our dancers who need to switch costumes throughout the day. As space is limited please bring your child to the studio as fully prepared (including hair and makeup) as possible and please try to limit the number of people accompanying them.
PLEASE NOTE: NO MALES will be allowed in the change room. Male dancers will have their own space to change.
On the Picture Days, every dance is scheduled within a half hour time slot (schedule to follow).
You should arrive 15 minutes early. We ask that you and your child arrive READY FOR YOUR PICTURE – hair and make-up done, costume on. If everyone is on time, the days should run smoothly and everyone can be in and out with a nice picture to remember the Recital by!
Finally, due to space constraints, we ask that families limit themselves to one parent and your dancers.
We appreciate your co-operation and patience.
Tuesday, May 2: Technical Rehearsal @ Adult High School
This night runs from approximately 5:30 pm to 10 pm. Once your child is finished dancing, you are free to leave.
This is NOT a rehearsal for all children. Only certain dances will participate as chosen by the teachers. (This is usually chosen based on things like large class size and groups with props).
There are NO costumes at Tech Rehearsal. Regular dancewear and dance shoes, please.
The schedule for Technical Rehearsal will be provided. If your child’s dances are NOT listed on the schedule, YOU DO NOT NEED TO ATTEND.
Tuesday May 15: Junior Dress Rehearsal @ Adult High School (6:00pm)
Wednesday May 16: Senior Dress Rehearsal @ Adult High School (6:00pm)
These evenings are MANDATORY for all dancers in both the JUNIOR and SENIOR SHOWS.
These nights run exactly as the real performance with lights, props, etc. These closed rehearsals (no audience) and no one is permitted to watch in the auditorium.
Dancers must be in costume, with hair and make-up done. Dances will run in the proper order. Be sure to arrive on time.
On this night, EVERY parent is responsible for their own child. THERE ARE NO ASSIGNED SUPERVISING PARENTS. Once your child is done dancing, you are free to leave.
If you have signed up as a helping parent for either of your child shows, please speak to one of the cafeteria supervisors (Namita or Deb) to ensure that you are aware of your duties. You will be required to accompany the dancers backstage for their performance. (*Supervising Parents are explained later in this package*).
The rehearsal will start promptly at 6:00 pm: THE JUNIOR SHOW WILL BE APPROXIMATELY 3 HOURS LONG.
Numbers 1-23 Arrive, ready to go by 5:15 pm
Numbers 24-end Arrive, ready to go by 6:15 pm
Thursday, May 17: Junior Performance @ Adult High School (7:00pm)
Helping parents must arrive by 6:15 pm
This is the first show FOR JUNIORS with a live audience. Dancers must be in costume, hair and make-up done. Dances run in the same order as dress rehearsal.
The show will begin promptly at 7:00 pm. THE SHOW WILL BE APPROXIMATELY 3 HOURS LONG.
Numbers 1-23 Arrive, ready to go, by 6:15 pm
Numbers 24-end Arrive, ready to go, by 7:30 pm
SEE “RECITAL RULES” FOR MORE INFORMATION
Saturday, May 19: Junior Matinee Performance @ Adult High School (2:00pm)
Helping parents must arrive at 1:15 pm
This is the SECOND show FOR JUNIORS with a live audience. Dancers must be in costume, with hair and make-up done. It runs exactly the same as the first performance.
The show will begin at 2:00 pm THE SHOW WILL BE APPROXIMATELY 3 HOURS LONG.
Numbers 1-23 Arrive, ready to go, by 1:30 pm
Numbers 24-end Arrive, ready to go, by 2:30 pm
The rehearsal will start promptly at 6:00 pm:THE SENIOR SHOW WILL BE APPROXIMATELY 3 HOURS LONG.
Numbers 1-24 Arrive, ready to go by 5:15 pm
Numbers 25-end Arrive, ready to go by 6:30 pm
Friday, May 18: Senior Performance @ Adult High School (7:00pm)
Helping parents must arrive by 6:15 pm
This is the first show FOR SENIORS with a live audience. Dancers must be in costume, hair and make-up done. Dances run in the same order as dress rehearsal.
The show will begin promptly at 7:00 pm. THE SHOW WILL BE APPROXIMATELY 3 HOURS LONG.
Numbers 1-24 Arrive, ready to go, by 6:15 pm
Numbers 25-end Arrive, ready to go, by 7:30 pm
SEE “RECITAL RULES” FOR MORE INFORMATION
Saturday, May 19: Senior Performance @ Adult High School (7:00pm)
Helping parents must arrive at 6:15 pm
This is the SECOND show FOR SENIORS with a live audience. Dancers must be in costume, with hair and make-up done. It runs exactly the same as the first performance.
The show will begin at 7:00 pm THE SHOW WILL BE APPROXIMATELY 3 HOURS LONG.
Numbers 1-24 Arrive, ready to go, by 6:15 pm
Numbers 25-end Arrive, ready to go, by 7:30 pm
Recital Rules
1. All Recital Events are NUT FREE due to severe allergies.
2. Always arrive at your scheduled time.
3. Arrive READY TO GO.
4. Bangs and flyaway hairs MUST be gelled and/or hairsprayed off your child’s face. (they create shadows with the light). Use lots of bun pins and hair nets! Hairspray is your friend!
5. No barrettes, scrunchies, hair clips or bun warmers. Only bun pins.
6. NO JEWELLERY of any kind. NO earrings, necklaces, rings, bracelets. Medical bracelets are allowed. If your child has newly pierced ears, cover the earrings with bits of band-aids.
7. NO nailpolish. Also, no tattoos.
8. NO GUM.
9. Snacks must be safe snacks (eg. Dry popcorn – no butter, licorice, water) that will not damage costumes. But please note, THERE IS NO EATING OR DRINKING IN COSTUME. Too many accidents can happen. Please pack only water to drink. Spills can stain.
10. Make sure tights are in good condition. (No holes or runs!)
It is also a good idea to pack activities for your child (books, colouring papers, deck of cards) but make sure they are costume safe! Pack crayons or coloured pencils. NO MARKERS.
There is a Grand Finale at the end of the show which all children are encouraged to participate in. the children parade onstage in costume while the Directors give their closing remarks. They will be escorted back to the change rooms afterwards.
Supervising Parents *READ CAREFULLY!*
There will be a sign-up sheet posted in the studio where the classes are listed by day and time. Parents are asked to sign up for at least one performance and help supervise one of their child’s groups at a designated table in the cafeteria. You are required to stay for the whole show or until every child at your table has been picked up. Helping parents will also be required to escort the children to and from the stage. Please note that only 2 parents will be allowed back stage per group of children. Please understand that these people are watching your child so that you can enjoy the show – please return the favour and volunteer when you are not in the audience.
ONLY Females can volunteer to supervise in the female change room. Males will be required to supervise the male dancers who will have a seperate change area.
Your child WILL NOT BE SUPERVISED during the DRESS REHEARSAL. On Dress Rehearsal, your child is YOUR RESPONSIBILITY.
During the performances, dancers will be supervised by the helping parents for the ENTIRE LENGTH of the show, until every child is picked up. If you want to pick up your child at Intermission, that is your choice. All children being picked up must be signed out with the helping parents. Children will not be allowed to leave the cafeteria on their own; a parent will have to come and sign them out. This is for the safety of all the children!!!
If your child is in only one half of the show, they are welcome to watch the other half of the show but they WILL need a ticket. If your child will only be with the helping parents for part of the show, TELL THEM so that they can keep track of everyone!
All children are asked to stay until the end of the show and those who remain will be asked to come on stage for our Grande Finale. After the Finale, they will be escorted back to the change rooms by the older students and HELPING parents and you can pick them up there – where you dropped them off and NOT before then. This is EXTREMELY important for the safety and security of the children. These people are responsible for escorting your children from the stage to the change rooms. Please make their job easier by meeting your child in the change room and NOT sooner.
MOST IMPORTANT: Make sure the helping parents are aware of where your child is at all times…. if they are leaving with you or have another dance, please make sure to let them know and sign them out!!
OTHER IMPORTANT INFOMRATION
Tickets Tickets will be on sale starting April 15th from 12:00-3:00 pm. After that, they can be purchased in the office until Recital Week and only at the theatre during Recital Week (0n performance nights). There is assigned seating in the auditorium. Please note: there are several stairs which you will be required to climb if you purchase tickets in the balcony.
The ticket price is set to cover the costs of the show such as the cost of renting the school auditorium, the rental of the cafeteria to be used for changes areas, the lighting and sound crew, programs, tickets, etc. If the costs of this production are not covered by ticket sales, the studio will assume all additional expenses.
On the first day of ticket sales, each adult in line may purchase a maximum of ten (10) tickets. This is enforced to ensure that everyone is given equal opportunity to get the tickets they want for the show they want. After the first day of ticket sales, there will be no further limits enforced. Adult: $19.oo Seniors & Children: $17.00
Note: If your child will be watching part of the show, they will need a ticket.
Video: As part of the studio’s policy, we do NOT allow flash photography or filming during the performances as it is distracting to the dancers on stage. Instead, we will have a professional filming the show so that it can be purchased for your viewing pleasure.
Videos can be pre-purchased starting April 15th during Ticket Sales for $25.00 each. After that, they can be pre-purchased in the office until May 7th. After the performance, they can be purchased at the cost of $30.00 each at the office. When ordering you must specify whether you would like the Senior or Junior show.
Costumes
Costume pick-up is scheduled for early May. The costume committee will inform you of the dates via -email and posters. If there is a balance owing, you will be notified at the time of pick-up. Payments may be made by cash or cheque only. Cheques are payable to “CSD Costumes.
Make-up We ask that every child wear make-up onstage to prevent them from looking washed out under the stage lighting. We recommend: 1. Foundation that matches your child’s skin tone
2. Earth tone eyeshadows (browns and beiges)
3. Rosy toned blush
4. RED lipstick
5. Eyeline and mascara for OLDER dancers
CSD has our very own AVON representative if you need assistance with make-up or would like to make a purchase. See the office. For more information on costumes, hair, make-up, and jewlery, please see our website.
Quick Changes
For more in-depth explanations of Quick Changes, see our website.
A quick change is when a dancer has only 6 numbers or less between dances to change costumes (there may be exceptions). The dancer must go to the quick change area backstage to change into his/her costume for his/her next number. The following steps must be followed when a dancer has a quick change:
1. Prepare quick change costume bag. The costume bag must be “see through” and labeled with the following information:
a) dancer’s name
b) the dance name and number in show,
c) type of shoes and tights required
d) hair style required and any hair accessories (See sample bag in studio change room).
The bag should contain the costume and the tights and shoes. If there is a change in hairstyles, please provide a hairbrush, bobby pins, hairspray, gel, hairnet, etc. in a Ziploc bag. *Label every item with the dancer’s name (especially SHOES!). Put each quick change costume in a seperate bag.
We will not be responsible for items that go missing if there is no name.
2. Bring the quick change costume bag backstage
If the quick change occurs before the show’s Intermission, the costume bag must be backstage 1/2 hour before the show begins. If the quick change occurs after the show’s Intermission, the costume bag may be brought backstage during intermission or before the start of the show *This also applies to full dress rehearsal nights.
3.Quick Change
After the dancer performs his/her first number, he/she will then go directly to the quick change area backstage. There will be people (“trained professionals” in the art of quick changing) ready to help the dancer get into his/her costume for his/her next number. Parents, friends, etc. are not permitted to quick change their dancer. If you have any concerns, please discuss them with the quick change staff. Tip: If there is a change in tights, please have the child layer the tights on top of each other. It is easier to strip off a pair of tights then to try and put a pair on a sweaty child.
4.Costume pick-up from backstage
Costumes left backstage in the quick change area will only be available for pick up at intermission or at the end of the show. Costumes are only available for pick up at these times because it is impossible to access the backstage area during the show. Please check your child’s bags before going home to make sure that you have everything.
We hope that this package addresses all your questions you may have about the Recital process. The week is a busy one but it is also extremely fun for our dancers and a wonderful experience for them both socially and in their dancing career. We appreciate your patience and cooperation throughout this process.
If you have any questions, there are always senior dancers and their parents around who have been doing this gig fo years and who are happy to help! Your child’s dance teacher can also address any concerns you may have.
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