When we think of dance recitals, we typically think of a year-end performance where every single dance class is paraded on stage to perform every single dance routine they’ve learned over the course of the season. For a studio director or teacher, it’s a busy, often stressful job,
especially when you factor in all the time between dances when you’re herding kids on and off stage, positioning them on their marks, waiting for costume changes and music cues, etc. For an audience member, it can be a long and painful way to spend a couple hours.
But it doesn’t have to be that way. All it takes is a little creativity to put together a show that showcases all your hard work and allows your dancers to shine, while simultaneously entertaining the audience from start to finish. And it couldn’t be any easier.
Ready to put a Recital in a Box theme to work? Here are a few “how to” tips to help you make the most of your package.
Dream a theme
If you’re like many studios, you’ve probably never even dreamed of giving, your recital a theme. So, the thought of suddenly changing direction probably sounds like more work for you. But don’t worry. It’s not. In fact, implementing a theme can be quite the opposite. Not only does having a Recital in a Box theme make things easier for recital planning and organization, but it also provides a fun, entertaining storyline throughout your entire performance that engages and connects with audience members and dancers alike.
Unpack your tracks
Once you’ve selected and downloaded your Recital in a Box theme package, you’ll find a handful of short, creative, and fully produced audio tracks that are ready to use. These tacks include:
An introduction track: Introduces the theme and welcomes audience members to your recital performance. It also lays out a few general reminders, such as silencing devices and other recital courtesies.
Interlude tracks: The number of interlude tracks may vary from theme to theme and are not intended to introduce every single dance. So don’t panic if you have more dance routines than interlude tracks. These tracks creatively follow the theme and feature a fun character narration that acts much like an emcee. In most cases, there is no specific order that the tracks must be played. Also, don’t feel obligated to use every track if you don’t want to. They are just available options for you to weave into your show however you see fit. Pro tip: studios with larger shows often play an interlude track every few dances, or where it makes the most sense for the flow of their program.
Dad dance track: Most themes include an interlude track that specifically introduces a “dad dance.” If your studio is in the practice of putting dads in the recital spotlight, this one is perfect for setting the stage.
Closing track: Closes the show and/or wraps up the narrative portion of the thematic story line. In many instances, it also thanks the audience on your behalf for their support.
Rally your resources
Moving your recital to a thematic approach doesn’t mean every dance, every costume, and every song you prepare needs to follow suit. In fact, many Recital in a Box customers don’t report incorporating their theme into every aspect of their show’s program. But it certainly doesn’t hurt having the numerous theme options at your fingertips if you need them. This is particularly true when it comes to selecting songs to set dances to. As an added helpful resource, we provide a list of song options that correspond with each theme. Simply click on any specific theme page on our website to access a list. It’s just another way we’re trying to make things easier for you—and your recital more entertaining for everyone involved.
As a last bit of encouragement, good luck! Planning and preparing for a dance recital is a big undertaking with lots of moving parts to consider. Our hope is that, with our Recital in a Box theme packages, we can help alleviate some of the frustration and headache, while helping you raise the bar on what your show has the potential to be.
For more helpful planning and production ideas, check out our post on How to Bring Your Recital to Life.
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