2018 Recital Handbook

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Gwenda Goodwin
5 years ago
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1 2018 Recital Handbook 1

Studio Philosophy Dear Parents and Students, For 25 years we have provided students with an exciting and rewarding performance experience through our annual Recitals.

2 Studio Philosophy Dear Parents and Students, For 25 years we have provided students with an exciting and rewarding performance experience through our annual Recitals. Five years ago we rebranded and changed our name to Forte Arts Center, and have been expanding the business since that time to offer Private Music Lessons, Triple Threat Musical Theatre Classes, Special Needs Classes, Aerial Silks, Aerial Yoga, Cheer Classes and Pom Prep classes. We believe that all of these new programs are a great addition to your child s education and are excited to have a full arts facility. Annual Recitals conjure images of childhood and unforgettable memories for many. It is a rite of passage for thousands of children and young adults, and a chance to SHINE in front of family and friends. The Recital offers students a professionally directed performance and allows each student to present to their families and friends the result of a year s hard work, dedication and progress. Along with the chance to perform for an audience, the Dance Recital is a learning experience and training process. It helps to build self-esteem, self-assurance, and contributes to a sense of confidence. Although performance opportunities help prepare some students for a possible career in dance, they also contribute to success in non-dance activities. That onstage experience gives students a confidence which results in better classroom presentations, improved social skills and strong interview skills for future college or job opportunities. The rehearsal process can be a tremendous learning experience as well. It helps children develop retention skills, and by working with their classmates on a group performance, they learn the positive aspects of working as part of a team to create the best end result. Dedication to the Recital commitments is the responsibility of both students and their parents. We have created this handbook in an effort to clarify what we expect from dance families in terms of commitments and responsibility to the annual recital, the school and other students and parents. 2

3 We are excited to announce the 25th Dance Recital Theme: This years recital theme, Back Then, Now & WOW will take our viewers on a journey through our last 25 years. You will hear songs from past Recitals as they were presented as well as re-invented songs that are NOW some of today s hits. We are making history as we celebrate the legacy that has been created in our community. We are excited to SHINE BRIGHT on to the next 25 years! 3

All-Important Rehearsals In Home Study - To ensure that each student feels confident about their performance, we ask that parents and guardians encourage their children to rehearse their recital

4 All-Important Rehearsals In Home Study - To ensure that each student feels confident about their performance, we ask that parents and guardians encourage their children to rehearse their recital choreography at home on a regular basis. The time spent in weekly class instruction will not be adequate practice alone. We utilize Google Photos to share our recital dances for at home practice. Each class has received a link to the album where their recital choreography is posted. This is a great tool for practicing at home, and is a great tool when a dancer has to miss class! In- Studio Rehearsals - An In-Studio rehearsal is scheduled for late spring, after all recital choreography has been taught to each class. During this rehearsal, held at the Morris studio, the recital is run in show order. No costumes are worn on this day. Each group performs their routine in front of all the dancers and instructors involved in the show. Special attention is paid to entrances and exits and performing for an audience. CLICK HERE for the specific schedule for this rehearsal. Dress Rehearsal at Coal City High School - This is a mandatory rehearsal for all those involved in the show. Dancers should arrive 45 minutes prior to rehearsal start time. It is held at Coal City High School in Coal City. As with the In-Studio rehearsal, the recital is run in show order. On this occasion, the dancers are dressed in full costume, including makeup and hair pulled back. The stage sets and props will be in place and all of the technical details will be incorporated, such as lights, sound and curtains. The dancers will arrive at the designated entrance and be escorted to dressing rooms by backstage helpers. Parents who haven t volunteered to help backstage are welcome to watch from the auditorium providing they remain quiet. We will be dismissing the dancers as we do recital night. If your dancers are in multiple dances, it is wise to send along some quiet, easily contained activities (cards, coloring books, board games, etc.) with which to keep your child occupied backstage while they are waiting. CLICK HERE or the specific schedule for this rehearsal. 4

5 Costume Details & Instructions Costumes- This week we are distributing all costumes for Recital. Click HERE to see the costume details for each class along with shoes and tights information.. (This link will take you to the Recital Costumes tab on our website that lists each class. Click on your specific class to see costume, tights and shoe details.) Costume Selection & Sizing - Our instructors spend many hours determining just the right costumes for each class that follow the theme, character and song. Costumes are at the discretion of each instructor, always age-appropriate and of the highest quality. All students will need one costume for each class they are enrolled in. Costumes will include all accessories unless otherwise noted. Each student was measured in October, during scheduled class times. Because it will be eight months before the performance, growth is taken into consideration when placing each costume order. Important Costume Care Instructions- No extra costumes are ordered for recital so it is imperative that each costume is handled carefully. We recommend that the child s name be placed in the costume, accessories, shoes and tights as soon as they are brought home. Some routines have many little dancers all with the very same costume. The only chance a lost costume has in being returned to its rightful wearer is if it has been labeled. Each costume will come on a hanger, in a garment bag. A costume information sheet for each class is on our website at To prevent damage please store and transport costumes in the garment bag. Never iron or machine wash a costume; dry clean only after the performance. Proper Shoes- The list of required shoes for each class is listed at the front desk at each location as well as on the website. Click HERE to see the proper shoes for each class along with the details for each costume. (This link will take you to the Recital Costumes tab on our website that lists each class. Click on your specific class to see costume, tights and shoe details.) Students are reminded regularly in class that they will need the proper shoes. No dancer will be allowed to perform without the required shoes. The deadline to order shoes for the Recital is May 1st. 5

6 Frequently asked questions about Costumes: Are tights included in my costume? Yes! The proper tights are always ordered along with the costume and distributed together with the costume and accessories as a set. Hip Hop costumes do not require tights, so they do not come with Hip Hop costumes. It is a good idea to consider purchasing an extra pair just in case there is an accident. What if my child rips her tights on the way to the recital? We will have a supply of all the selected tights backstage in case of an emergency. What if my child s costume needs alterations? This is always a possibility, even though the child has been measured before ordering the costume. Bear in mind, costumes are ordered from catalogs and not custom made for each dancer. Therefore, pants, straps and sleeves may be too long and will need adjustment for each individual child. Alterations are the responsibility of the child s parent or guardian and are usually very minor. However, if a parent is unable to make the necessary alterations, the studio has references of those who are available to assist, for a nominal fee. We also have an alteration day that we offer FREE of charge on a Saturday, March 24th from 11:00-1:00 p.m. LINK When will my child s costume come home? All costumes will be distributed in March during our Recital Meetings. Please be sure to come into the studio this week to collect your student s costumes. Costumes must be paid in full and all accounts must be current before costumes are distributed. What? No Underwear under costumes? That s right! Dancers don t wear underwear under their costumes. The tights worn under a costume serve the purpose of an undergarment. Whenever your dancer is in costume -- NO UNDIES! (This includes picture day, too!) If my child is over 13 can they check themselves out at Dress Rehearsal and Recital? Yes! We want to make things as convenient as we can for our families. We realize that students that are over 13 are responsible and can check themselves out and meet their parents at a designated area. CLICK HERE to be directed to our Recital tab, where you will find the permission form to allow your child to check themselves out. Please be sure to designate an area to meet your child ahead of time. Hair, Makeup & Jewelry Hair & Makeup Details - All hair will be worn up and away from the face, preferably in a bun or braid. Little flyaway strands should be pinned or sprayed back and in place. Makeup should be worn by all dancers even the littlest ones. Stage lights are very harsh and tend to wash out a performer s natural color. Eye, cheek, and lip color are needed so features can be seen by the audience. All headpieces are to be worn on the right side unless otherwise specified. Forte Performance Groups will follow their guidelines for hair and makeup as listed in the Shoes, Tights Hair document paperwork. 6

7 Jewelry, Nail Polish & Chewing Gum - All three are big no-nos! The only accessories a dancer should wear are those that came with their costume. In the interest of uniformity, no nail polish is worn for pictures or during the show. For obvious reasons, gum chewing is never allowed on stage or at the studio. Recital Photos Recital photo days have been scheduled for April. Families are not required to purchase photos, however all dancers are required to be present when their group photo is scheduled to be taken. Packages are available in a wide range of prices and individual poses are offered along with the group shots. Dancers should come dressed as they would for the show (remember, no undies). Hair should be worn as directed and makeup should be applied just a bit lighter than it would be for the stage lights. All Photo sessions will be held at the Morris studio and a specific photo schedule will be handed out at Parent Recital Meetings. The schedule will also be posted on our Recital Tab on our website. Click Here (All photos will be taken at the Morris location.) Recital Videos We are pleased to have contracted Artistic Video, a videographer who offers superior video recital remembrance of our performances. The recital video will be available in the DVD format and may be pre-ordered. All DVDs will be delivered to the Studio. Families will be notified once they arrive. We hire the photographer and the videographer to capture these special moments for your child. If you need to contact them for any reason, their information is on the back of the handbook. (A survey will be sent to each family in March that will serve as an order form.) At no time is videotaping by audience members allowed. 7

8 Important Recital Dates March 5-10 Proofing March 13 Recital Parent Meetings, Costume Pick Up & Program Early Ticket Sales in Channahon from 6:15-7:15 p.m. (for those who qualify) March 14 Early Ticket Sales in Morris from 6:15-7:15 p.m. (for those who qualify) March 24 April April 30-May 5 May 5 May 7-11 May 21 June 9 June 12 June 13 June 15 June 16 General Online Ticket Sales Begins at 10:00 a.m. Recital Photos at Morris Studio Student Appreciation/Spring Week In Studio Rehearsals at Morris Studio Parent Observation & Student Awards during class Pre-Registration for next season Last day of dance class for the season Dress Rehearsal for Orange & Blue Recitals at Coal City High Dress Rehearsal for Green & Pink Recitals at Coal City High Orange Recital at Coal City High Blue, Green & Pink Recitals at Coal City High All Recital Dates can also be found on our calendar on our website: Click HERE for the Calendar 8

9 2018 Recital Rehearsal and Show Information ORANGE SHOW In Studio Rehearsal May 5th Arrive 12:30 p.m. Rehearsal 12:45-2:15 p.m. Morris Studio Dress Rehearsal June 12 Arrive 1:30 p.m. Rehearsal 2:00-4:00 p.m. Coal City High School Recital June 15 Arrive 6:30 p.m. Recital 7:00 p.m. Coal City High School BLUE SHOW In Studio Rehearsal May 5th Arrive 2:30 p.m. Rehearsal 2:45-4:45 p.m. Morris Studio Dress Rehearsal June 12 Arrive 4:30 p.m. Rehearsal 5:00-7:30 p.m. Coal City High School Recital June 16 Arrive 10:15 a.m. Recital 11:00 a.m. Coal City High School GREEN SHOW In Studio Rehearsal May 5th Arrive 5:00 p.m. Rehearsal 5:15-7:15 p.m. Dress Rehearsal June 13 Arrive 1:30 p.m. Rehearsal 2:00-4:00 p.m. Morris Studio Coal City High School Recital June 16 Arrive 1:45 p.m. Recital 2:30 p.m. Coal City High School PINK SHOW In Studio Rehearsal May 5th Arrive 9:45 a.m. Rehearsal 10:00-12:00 p.m. Morris Studio Dress Rehearsal June 13 Arrive 4:30 p.m. 5:00-7:30 p.m. Coal City High School Recital June 16 Arrive 4:45 p.m. 5:30 p.m. Coal City High School 9

10 Recital Items to Order We have many fun items for your child to order as a keepsake of their Recital Experience. We have bundled packages that include yearbooks, DVDs, T-Shirts, stuffed animal, Good luck ad, etc. CLICK HERE to order recital items. Recital Yearbooks Each year we produce a yearbook rather than a program for recital. These keepsakes contain an excess of 100 pages filled with group photos of each routine, candid photos from events held at the studio, parades, rehearsals and competitions, as well as information about the studio and its staff, activities students are involved in, and recognition pages honoring many of the dancers for special achievements. Along with these pages and those that list the order of routines in the show, are pages full of advertising by generous sponsors and personal ads congratulating individual dancers. Yearbooks are offered to dance families at a special reduced pre-ordered price. Yearbooks will also be sold the night of the recitals for a slightly higher price. For those who do not wish to purchase a yearbook, a single-page listing, which highlights the order of the show s routines, will be handed out free-of-charge at the theater prior to each performance. CLICK HERE to order. Recital T-Shirts Each year a t-shirt is designed especially for recital. The shirts are unique to each show and display the logo created just for that year s theme. Dance students are not required to purchase a recital t-shirt. However, dancers and families are encouraged to purchase t-shirts to wear at studio events as a way to promote studio enthusiasm and support. Keep in mind, the recital t-shirt is a required part of the costume worn by all dancers in the Dancing With Dad and Opening Number in Recital, as well as FAC dancers who participate in the Channahon Three Rivers Parade & Corn Festival parade in the Fall. If your dancer intends on being in the parade she/he will need a shirt. Forte Company Dancers and Dance Team members are required to purchase a t-shirt because they are worn during competition season as part of their costume warm-up and for the annual Corn Festival parade. Shirts are available in a range of adult and youth sizes. CLICK HERE to order Recital T-Shirts. 10

Volunteer Information Shows the size and scale of our Recitals could not be successful without a legion of volunteers. There are several ways to volunteer to help with the production.

Keep in mind that no one who has not officially volunteered may enter the backstage area at any time. Dressing Room Volunteers Dressing room efficiency is key in a successful, smoothly run show.

11 Volunteer Information Shows the size and scale of our Recitals could not be successful without a legion of volunteers. There are several ways to volunteer to help with the production. Most families choose to lend a hand during the rehearsals and performances, but others help in preparation which takes place the months and weeks before the curtain goes up. Keep in mind that no one who has not officially volunteered may enter the backstage area at any time. Dressing Room Volunteers Dressing room efficiency is key in a successful, smoothly run show. The largest body of volunteers for the shows are dressing room moms. These moms are assigned to a specific dressing room and group of dancers. Their primary job is to be sure their dancers are dressed correctly in their costumes and ready to be called to the stage. When their routine ends, room moms get dancers out of their costumes and organize them for dismissal after the show, all while keeping them quietly entertained and contained within their assigned area. It is critical that those who volunteer for this position know they are expected to be at both dress rehearsal and recital and to give equal attention to all those in their group and not exclusively focus on their child. To volunteer for Recital CLICK HERE 11

Before Heading to the Theater Take a Snooze This is a tip intended for the dancers, but parents could benefit too. Honestly, dancers are more mentally alert if they have had plenty of rest.

Do you have both tap shoes? Oh and what about the feather headpiece?

12 Before Heading to the Theater Take a Snooze This is a tip intended for the dancers, but parents could benefit too. Honestly, dancers are more mentally alert if they have had plenty of rest. Costumes, Shoes & Accessories Checklist Even though you took stock of all the dance items after returning from dress rehearsal, check one last time before heading to the theater. Do you have both tap shoes? Oh and what about the feather headpiece? It is a great idea to include an empty bag for costumes and accessories after your child has changed back into their street clothes. Keep in mind, dressing room moms will NOT return costumes on hangers. Arrive at the Theater Prepared Dancers should arrive at the theater at their designated time with their hair and makeup already done and their first costume on. If the costume has a hair accessory, it should be put in place at home. Dressing room moms should not have to get all dancers ready prior to the show. Pack a Snack & Activity Bag All dancers are required to remain in their dressing room during the entire show. For those who are only in one routine, this means there is quite a bit of free time. Pack a backpack with some quiet activities paper or crayons (NO MARKERS), puzzles, books, or playing cards. It s a good idea to add in some snacks too. Crackers, fruit snacks and water are a great snacks to pack. Be sure to avoid red, orange and purple items such as fruit punch, cheetos, doritos, etc. Little orange fingers do not go well with light colored tutus and pink tights. For safety sake, please do NOT pack any glass bottles or anything that contains nuts. Discuss Backstage Behavior Take a moment to discuss how your child is expected to behave backstage, emphasize the importance of being quiet and polite. Encourage your child to keep track of their belongings. Remind your dancer who will be waiting for them at the Check out location after the show. Stage Door Goodbye & Good Luck Dancers will be assigned a drop off door along with a dressing room number. Details will be sent out regarding drop off and pick up for each dancer. Door monitors and dressing room runners will be there to ensure your dancer gets to the right dressing room. A hug and a kiss and Don t forget to smile is always welcome. 12

13 In English Please Auditorium Backstage Call-Time Center Stage Downstage Upstage Holding Space In Studio Rehearsal Dress Rehearsal Line Leader Load-In Load-Out Off Stage On Stage Run Through Stage Left Stage Right A Helpful Glossary of Theatrical Terms The part of the theater where the audience sits The entire stage portion of the theater building behind the on-stage area The time when all cast members (Dancers) assemble at the theater in preparation for the performance. The direction on stage toward the center of the stage The direction on stage toward the audience The direction on stage away from the audience The backstage area where performers wait between appearances on stage A run-through of the entire show that is held at the dance studio with all dancers in practice attire. A run-through of the entire show with technical support and all dancers in costume. A chaperone- leads groups of performers from the holding space to the stage making sure that their group is ready to enter the stage on cue. Bringing in sets and props into the theater and installing them for the performance Taking down the set after the closing performance, loading the truck and possibly unloading the truck back at the studio. All parts of the theater not enclosed by the set. That part of the stage enclosed by the set visible to the audience. An uninterrupted rehearsal of the set. The direction to a performer s left as he/she stands on the stage facing the audience. The direction to a performer s right as he/she stands on the stage facing the audience. 13

14 Directory Below is a list of contact information for your convenience. Forte Arts Center-Morris 1200 N. Division Street, Morris, IL s: fortefrontdesk5678@gmail.com - all general inquiries forteartscenter5678@gmai.com - classroom concerns fortebilling5678@gmail.com - billing/account questions Website- Forte Arts Center-Channahon S. Tryon Street, Channahon, IL s: fortefrontdesk5678@gmail.com - all general inquiries forteartscenter5678@gmai.com - classroom concerns fortebilling5678@gmail.com - billing/account questions Website- Coal City High School 655 W. Division Street, Coal City, IL Recital Photographs Photographic Keepsakes Recital Videos Artistic Video

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RECITAL HANDBOOK. Philosophy, Policies, and Procedures

RECITAL HANDBOOK. Philosophy, Policies, and Procedures RECITAL HANDBOOK Philosophy, Policies, and Procedures Dear Parents and Students, For eight years, Legere Dance Centre has provided students with an exciting performance experience through its June recital.