An annual event at most dance studios across the U.S. is what often is called the “Spring Recital,” although the name can change depending on the studio.
Whatever the name, the event takes an enormous amount of planning, creativity and attention to detail in order to make the event a success.
From coming up with the idea/theme of the recital to the final execution of the show, many man hours are spent by the studio owner and her employees to make the “Spring Recital” special for the dancers and their families.
Listed below are some of the many considerations a studio owner needs to execute flawlessly to make a memorable event.
Recital Theme
The recital planning first takes shape by determining a theme for the recital. The theme sets the stage for music and costume selections which are the next steps in the planning process.
At our studio, the studio owner has selected themes that relate to a family experience she has had. She always select themes that allow for fun dance routines and music that gets the dancers jazzed up to perform.
Recital Music
Once the theme is selected, making the music selections is the next key step in planning. This also has an impact on the type of recital costumes that are chosen.
Thought has to be given to the genres of music, the appropriateness of the music used, and how it ties into the theme of the show. This can take many hours of research in coming up with the right kind of music to tie into the theme and make the show memorable and fun for the dancers as well as the audience.
Recital Costumes
Selecting costumes for a recital is no easy task and takes a lot of planning and creativity. Every effort needs to be made to choose endearing costumes with “pop” that will also flatter all figure types.
This work needs to be done in a timely manner to ensure the costumes are delivered to the studio well ahead of the show.
Our studio also puts a lot of thought into making sure the costumes chosen are age-appropriate and affordable for the parents, while being quality-made apparel.
We unveil the theme of the spring recital and pictures of the costumes the week after Thanksgiving. In the studio, there is always a buzz the entire week with the kids excited over the costume their dance class will perform in.
Sizing of costumes is also a big step to make sure the costume fits right. We also must try to project how the child might grow during the 5-6 months between ordering costumes and the show taking place.
Recital Logo
The key to the recital logo is to choose a professional, memorable logo that embodies the theme of the show. It often makes sense to use a graphic desinger if at all possible. The logo represents the branding for the show.
Recital Ticketing Process
A studio owner needs to make a decision on how to handle ticketing for the show. This includes:
- What price should tickets cost, what if any ticket limits for customers?
- What is the venue seating layout and requirements for ticketing? (ie. handicap seating)
- Will the studio offer reserved or open/general seating?
- Will the studio do their own manual ticketing, or use a third-part online ticketing system?
Besides these five topics, we have identified five more which will be reviewed in the next blog post. Click here to go there now!
