Surviving recitals like a pro

If your child is in a dance recital, you may be feeling a mix of emotions.  Recitals are exciting opportunities to see talented dancers.  They are also sometimes quite boring and tedious.  Here are some tips for surviving recital like a pro.

1.      Make your child feel special.  Whether your performer is 3 years old or nearer to 30, make recital day a special day (especially if he or she doesn't perform very often).  Help set the scene for a good day with a good night's sleep the night before, a healthy breakfast, and fun activities that are not too tiring.  Most recitals are in the afternoon or evening, so it's necessary to keep excited children busy, but prevent them from overexerting.  For little ones, it can be really fun to set the theme for the day by baking yummy treats to eat after the show and watching dance-themed movies like Barbie Swan Lake.

2.      Get your child ready according to the performance guidelines.  If the little one needs to wear her white leotard and have her hair in a bun with no accessories, that's what needs to happen.  Never dress your child in clothing other than what's specified, even if you think it looks better.  This really annoys teachers and directors.  If children are dropped off with bows in their hair or wearing the incorrect costume, backstage assistants will re-do and re-dress.  In addition to respecting the director and dance program, you teach your child to follow directions and standards when you help them obey the rules.

3.      Always attend the performance, even if you're not super excited about it.  Like I said, recitals are sometimes not fun to sit through.  Your child is likely only in one or two of the pieces, and recitals can go on as long as two or three hours.  Think of a recital kind of like a graduation.  Every performer and every piece is important to someone, even if it's not important to you.  Some pieces will be danced by little kids who forget the steps, and others will show teens being dramatic and overly showy.  Even if a piece isn't entertaining or done well, it's that dancer's opportunity to show their skills.  The fact that the dancer was brave enough to get on stage and try is worth applauding, even if the execution isn't so good.

4.      Be kind to everyone and follow the performance rules.  Try to keep your attitude about the performance positive, especially around your child.  Encourage other family members to do the same.  It's never appropriate for your child to hear you saying their performance is a hassle or not fun for the audience.  When you get to the theater for the show, drop your child off where he or she is supposed to be at the proper time.  If only dancers are allowed backstage, you must follow this rule.  There will be trusted adults and teen assistants to help your child finish getting ready.  When you take your seat in the audience, be sensitive to others and don't talk during the show, clap or shout at inappropriate times, or take video/photos if it's not allowed.  Do not leave your seat during the show unless it is an emergency.

5.      After the show, congratulate your child.  For little kids, they just accomplished something huge and deserve tons of praise and a reward.  Even if your child had trouble with the dance, he or she performed on stage just like a professional dancer.  It's as if your child just played a baseball game in a professional stadium.  You don't have to go overboard with gifts and royal treatment, but hugs, kisses, and kind words are a must.  It's traditional to give dancers flowers, but other small gifts like cards or sweets are also appropriate.  If you can, it's great to celebrate after the show with dinner at a restaurant or special treats at home.