a tremendous learning experience

Dear Parents and Students, N-STEP Dance Center has provided students with an exciting performance experience through its June recital for the last 17 years. The recital is an annual staple of every child s dance education. The recital offers our students a professionally directed performance that allows them to present to their families and friends the results of a year s hard work, dedication, and progress. A big part of dance training is learning through performance. Although performance opportunities can help prepare some students for a possible career in dance, they also contribute to children s success in non-dance activities. The performing experience helps build self-esteem and self-confidence and can result in better in-school presentations, improved social skills, and strong interview skills for future college or job opportunities. The rehearsal process is a tremendous learning experience as well. It helps the children develop retention skills, and by working with their classmates on a group performance, they learn the positive aspects of working as a team to create the best end result. Dedication to recital commitments is the responsibility of both students and their parents. We ve created this handbook in an effort to clarify what we expect from you in terms of commitments and responsibility to the annual recital, the school, and other students and parents. Please read the information in this packet very carefully and be sure to add all dates and times to your family s calendar. All schedules and details included are very important. Wellinformed parents can help the performance season run smoothly and be less stressful for everyone! All of this information will also be posted on our website www.nstepdance.com as well as our blog n-stepdance.blogspot.com. Schedules are subject to change any changes or updates will be sent out via email and posted online with as much advance notice as possible. As always, thank you for choosing N-STEP, and please feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns. Jackie Lemoine Owner/Executive Director 603-641-6787 nstepdance@nstepdance.com 1

TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE 3 PAGE 4 PAGE 5 PAGE 6 PAGE 7 PAGE 8 PAGE 9 PAGE 10 PAGE 11 PAGE 12 PAGE 13 PAGE 14 PAGE 15 PAGE 16 PAGE 17 Important Dates Closing Number Parent Dance Costumes Tickets Dress Rehearsal Notes Dress Rehearsal Order of Appearance Picture Times Picture Times Con t Stage Ready (Hair and Makeup) Shoes Recital Day Notes FAQ Audience Etiquette Program Ads and Shout Outs DVD Order Form Quick Change Form Last notes 2

Date Activity Where Wednesday May 16th & Closing number and Parent Dance N-STEP Dance Center every following Weds rehearsals begin 5:45-6:30pm Thursday June 7th Program ads/shout outs deadline Turn into Front Desk or email nstepdance@nstepdance.com Thursday June 7th Chaperone & Volunteer Meeting N-STEP Dance Center 8:00-7:30pm Sunday June 10 th DRESS REHEARSAL & PICTURE DAY! Nashua High School SOUTH Arrival time beginning at 2:45pm Saturday June 16 th RECITAL 4:30pm Nashua High School SOUTH Arrival time beginning at 3:30pm CLOSING NUMBER Open to ALL dancers ages 7+ Cost $20 Rehearsals on Weds beginning May 16th 5:45-6:30pm Sign up by emailing nstepdance@nstepdance.com PARENT DANCE Open to all Parents/Guardians/Grandparents of N-STEP Dancers! This is a HUGE highlight of every show! This is the perfect time to show off your dance skills and show your kids where they really got their moves from! Rehearsals on Weds beginning May 16th Sign up by emailing nstepdance@nstepdance.com 5:45-6:30pm 3

COSTUMES Preparation is key! Gather all costumes, accessories, shoes, and makeup several days in advance so you ll know if something is missing or isn t right. Make a checklist of your child s routines, listing the costume, tights, shoes, and any accessories, and refer to it to make sure you have all your supplies before going to the theater. Do you have 2-3 Dances? Bring in 1 garment bag with everything labeled with child s name. Do you have 4+ Dances? If your child has more than 4 dances please bring a garment rack, laundry basket or bin to keep belongings together. If your dancer has less than 4 routines in between dances, this is considered a QUICK CHANGE. Details on what to do for a Quick Change can be found later in this packet. Costumes will be tried on in class as shipments arrive. Any alterations needed are the responsibility of the parent. TIGHTS All Tiny Tots, PreDance, KinderCombo & Level 1+ Ballet costumes come with required tights. Please double check your child s tight size prior to rehearsal. Tights sizes are weight based and the size may not hold true for every child. Exchanges will be available at the Front Desk. Additional Tights can be purchased for $8. If you child does not have an assigned shoe, than they are required to wear Caramel Stirrup Tights. They are available at the studio for $8. Steam Those Costumes Hang in the Shower to de-wrinkle and settle tutus! Do not put in dryer. You may purchase a Nude Leotard to be worn underneath your costume if you wish. NO Jewelry, NO Underwear, NO nail polish or toe polish. Ballet shoe strings must be attached and tied prior to being sent with dancer. If one person misplaces ANY thing from their costume the entire class goes without on stage. Double Knot, Triple Knot, your shoes before going on stage. Secure Headpieces and Hats with bobby pins or clips that cannot be seen. All headpieces go on the dancer s right hand side. Avoid eating in your costume at all times. COVER-UP Students should wear a cover-up over their costumes at all times while waiting to perform/rehearse. A bathrobe or oversized button up shirt from Mom or Dad works well too. (shirts that have to be pulled over the head are not suggested as they will mess up hair and makeup. TIPS: Always have a second pair of tights available or use different tights for Dress Rehearsal. Place costumes in a garment bag for travel. Carry hats in a hatbox or container to prevent them from damage. Hang and steam costumes before each performance. Place your name in all costumes and shoes and accessories. 4

TICKET SALES Based on your feedback, we are thrilled to announce that we will continue our online ticket ordering procedure for our 2018 recital. Once again N-STEP Dance CENTER is working with DanceRecitalTicketing.com to bring you the convenience of online ticket ordering and e-tickets. 2018 Recital Ticket Pricing Online pricing - $20.00* * convenience fee of $1.50 per ticket will be added to ticket prices online & is set by the ticket company. Door pricing - $25.00 Ticket sales will close at noon on Friday June 15th. All tickets purchased after this time must be purchased at the door. ALL TICKETS ARE NON REFUNDABLE! How much are tickets? Online ticket prices are $20 with an additional $1.75 convenience fee added by Dance Recital Ticketing. Tickets purchased at the door the day of the show are $25. Do I need to purchase tickets on ticket day? No. Ticket sales are on-going online and sold at the door the day of the show if tickets are available! Who needs a ticket? Everyone watching the show needs a ticket. Does my dancer need a ticket? No as they will be with their assigned chaperone. *The only exception to this is the Tiny Tots. As they are so little they will be the ONLY age that is dismissed to their parents after they perform. We ask that they remain to watch the show and join us at the end of the show for the Finale. Can my child sit on my lap? ONLY children ages 3 and under may sit on the lap of a parent per fire department regulations. Can my dancer watch the show before/after he or she dances? No. Dancers are required to remain with the assigned chaperone at all times. ALL dancers must remain backstage and take part in our Finale. 5

DRESS REHEARSAL SUNDAY June 10th 4pm Nashua High School SOUTH Dress Rehearsal is MANDATORY FOR ALL STUDENTS. This is to ensure all dancers are comfortable and familiar with their performing environment. A class is a team and this event requires the entire team to be present. NO EXCEPTIONS if you are NOT there you MAY NOT PERFORM AT RECITAL and NO refunds will be given! If you are scheduled to be there for an extended time, please pack a dinner & snacks. 1. The Dress Rehearsal is closed. Only staff members, volunteers & assigned Chaperones will be allowed into the theater. 2. Once you have arrived, your child will be checked in and meet their assigned Chaperone. You will pick them up once they have finished rehearsing all of their dances (Dress Rehearsal schedule included). 3. The time assigned is the time your child will be called up on stage... We will start without you if you are not there!!! 4. Dancers should come dressed in their first costume, with hair and make-up, DANCE SHOES and appropriate tights. 5. Dancers must sit in with their assigned chaperone in assigned areas when they are not changing or taking pictures. The point of this rehearsal is to provide dancers the comfort of seeing where and how they will be performing, block the stage, and alter technical things such as lighting and curtains. We will not be choreographing. We will make every effort to run on time. However, we appreciate your patience as we work out technical difficulties, costume changes, lighting, sound, and even the nerves of young children going on stage for the first time. 7

Dress Rehearsal Order (NR = No Dress Rehearsal) *this is the actual show order unless otherwise noted* PLEASE ARRIVE to venue STAGE READY! Picture Day Schedule for Competition Groups 8

Hair should be styled the way it was while competing. COMPETITION GROUPS MARY POPPINS HALO MAKE AN OMELETTE LAY YOUR HEAD DOWN TIKI ROOM MEIN HERR THE KITE SING GOODBYE YELLOW BRICK ROAD GROWN MOVE YOUR BODY PICTURE TIME 2:45pm 3:15pm 3:20pm 3:30pm 3:35pm 3:40pm 3:45pm 3:55pm 4:00pm end of night unless can get in during night end of night unless can get in during night 9

Stage Make-up is used to prevent a washed out look due to stage lighting. Requirements Tiny Tots, PreDance & KinderCombo Make-up Pink Blush Red Lipstick Black Mascara Hair ½ up and ½ down, slicked back no wispies. * All Hair pieces go on the dancer s right hand side Requirement for Level 1+ Make-up Foundation one shade darker than normal skin tone Bronzer optional Pink Blush Red Lipstick Eye shadow natural color browns/tans Black Eyeliner top eye lid required bottom eyelid optional No Wings Black Mascara (Lashes optional, required for Company Members) Hair All female students Level 1+ must wear their hair in a classic bun. No bangs allowed. On very damp hair thoroughly apply a thick gel to slick the hair and make it workable. After applying gel and with hair still damp, brush back and up and secure with hair elastic into a ponytail at the back crown of the head. Then, depending upon the length of the hair, twist in a circle around the elastic and secure all loose ends with bobby pins until there are no loose or unsecured areas of the bun. You may need more bobby pins for areas above ears or at the nape of the neck. Apply the headpiece or hat as instructed by the teacher. You may also utilize hair nets or donuts which you can find at Sally s Beauty Supply or Claire s. THE SECRET: Work on very damp hair that is wet with gel. Then, let the hair dry after it has been put into the bun. Hairspray may be necessary even if enough gel has been applied. Link to create donut bun: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kcy-idkciui&t=254s All hairpieces go on the dancer s right hand side. TIPS: OTHER HANDY EXTRAS Baby wipes/shout wipes (to fix makeup mistakes, wash hands, or erase that lipstick stain!) Baby powder (for itchy costumes) Safety pins (for emergency costume repairs) Clear nail polish (to repair minor holes or runs in tights when there isn t time to change them) Your pain reliever of choice Band-Aids (the invisible kind) 10

This runs in conjunction with our dress code. We are not asking you to purchase any shoes strictly for the show. While your teachers may have been lenient with the required dress code throughout the year, for uniformity reasons we need to ensure all kids have the same shoes on stage. Tiny Tots Pink Leather Full Sole Ballet Shoes PreDance & KinderCombo (Girls) Pink Leather Full Sole Ballet Shoes & Caramel buckle tap shoes; (Boys) Black Jazz Shoe or Ballet Shoe & Black Oxford Tie Tap Shoe LEVEL 1+ Tap - Black Oxford Tie Tap Shoe (Level 1 tap should have the caramel buckle taps) Ballet - (Girls) Pink Leather or Canvas Ballet Shoes (Boys) Black Jazz or Ballet Shoe Hip Hop - All White Sneaker (can be purchased anywhere, Walmart, Payless, etc) Don t wait they get harder to find the closer we get! Jazz/Musical Theatre (Girls) Caramel Jazz Shoe (Boys) Black Lyrical/Contemporary- Bare feet, Caramel Stirrup tights must be purchased if you do not have a pair. We will be selling tights for $8 at the Front Desk. *When ordering online please be sure to read the description they do not run like street shoes. *Shop Local Mention N-STEP Dance Center at any of these stores & they usually give you 10% off! Dancers Closet Nashua, NH Toe, Tap and Tights - Salem, NH Dress 2 Dance - Salem, NH Damien s Dancewear - Chelmsford, MA * Shoes can be spray painted if you do not have the current color. Dance Stores often sell a spray paint that can match. * Do not purchase ballet shoes from Walmart or Target. They are actually slippers and the stage is far too slippery which makes them unsafe 11

RECITAL DAY SATURDAY JUNE 16 TH 4:30PM DROP OFF PROCEDURE 1. PLEASE ARRIVE STAGE READY IN 1 ST COSTUME. 2. Check in will be done alphabetically and clearly marked inside the lobby. 3. Please have one person (must be female parent or guardian) bring your child to check in. 4. The parents/guardians of dancers 11 and under will be given a bracelet with their dancer s name on it. Please do not remove it as this is your pickup ticket for your child. 5. Only the parent/guardian with the bracelet may accompany the dancer to the Dressing Room. 6. The person who dropped your child off must be the person who picks them up. Drop off for Ages 8+ in 3 or more dances- 1 hour prior to show time. Drop off for Ages 7 and under or in 2 dances or less - 30 minutes prior. Only N-STEP STAFF, VOLUNTEERS & DANCERS are allowed backstage. NO EXCEPTIONS! This is for the safety of all our dancers so we ask that you please respect this policy. Try to prepare your child ahead of time that you will not be allowed backstage with them. If any child is upset please let us know and we will be happy to assist in the transition process from Parent to Chaperone. Staff will clearly be marked with colored shirts and Volunteers/Chaperones with colored necklaces. PICK UP PROCEDURE After the Finale* you will be asked to check out your dancer. Please practice patience here as this is to ensure the safety of all our students. Please do not rush backstage to pick up your child as we need time to get the dancers back to their area & gather their belongings. Do not attempt to pick your child up from the stage area. 1. Go to the same location where you dropped your child off & form a line. Only parents/guardians with a bracelet will be allowed backstage. 2. Dress Rehearsal only Your child will be ready for pick up after their last scheduled dance. Please refer to the schedule included in this packet. 3. Once you have gathered you child's belongings and you are ready to leave YOU MUST sign your child out at the checkout table. Please ask the rest of your family members to wait in the lobby or the auditorium. 4. Please do not request to dismiss your child early. * The Finale is part of the show. DANCERS WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO BE DISMISSED EARLY ALL VOLUNTEERS/CHAPERONES ARE REQUIRED TO ARRIVE 15MIN PRIOR TO YOUR GROUPS SCHEDULED ARRIVAL FOR DRESS REHEARSAL AND 1 HOUR EARLY TO RECITAL. 12

Auditorium Doors will open 30 minus prior to the show start. Who watches my child backstage? We have enlisted the help of many of our studio mothers as well as alumni and N-STEP staff who will attend a backstage meeting to ensure backstage is organized and safe for the entire event. If we need more and you are interested please let us know. What does my child do backstage? If time allows, the dancers will be permitted to watch the show from a secure area with their chaperone(s). In addition, we will provide simple snacks, coloring books, and games. Does my dancer need to stay the entire show? For the safety and security of all our dancers YES DANCERS MUST REMAIN THE ENTIRE SHOW! Out of fairness to ALL the dancers and parents committing to recital, please do not request for your child to be let out early as we will not allow it. Where do I pick up my child? Pick up and Drop off will be clearly marked when you arrive. Please see separate page for pick up/drop off info and arrival times. Please be on time. How will you notify me should a problem arise? We will be sure to have every parent s seat information so we will know exactly where to locate you. Can we bring food or drink? The dancers will be provided with nut free snacks (animal crackers, pretzels, goldfish). Audience members can purchase baked goods from our bake sale at Intermission. Will there be food sold? Yes! The N-STEP Dance Company hosts a fabulous bake sale every year! All sales are cash only. Will I be able to buy gifts and flowers? Spirit Wear, Water Bottles, Flowers, and some gifts are sold. CASH ONLY SALES for all food and vendors 13

Our House Manager will be monitoring the following throughout the show. They are skilled in the art of making sure the entire front of house runs smoothly, safe & ensures everyone is following the rules for a pleasant & entertaining show! No food or drinks inside theater or stage area. No running or playing inside any areas of the theater. For the safety of the performers, NO personal video cameras or flash photography during the performances. Out of respect for the performers, please refrain from entering or exiting the theater or walking around during a performance. Please wait until in between performances. This is common courtesy! We encourage cheering the dancers on while they are dancing. But remember this is an art form. Please DO NOT yell out a dancer s name or engage in any in appropriate and overly loud behavior while your dancers on stage. We kindly ask everyone remains for entire show! Attendance is CRUCIAL this time of year Remember your dancer is part of a team and when they are absent during choreography it takes away from the entire class. Please make every effort to ensure they are here throughout May and June and notify us if they will not be so we can plan accordingly. ALL BALANCES MUST BE PAID IN FULL BY JUNE 7 TH Your child will not be allowed to participate in Dress Rehearsal & Recital if you have a remaining balance from the dance year. Costumes will be withheld in the office for any and all dancers who have a balance until paid in full. Backstage Safety - All staff of N-STEP Dance Center and volunteers will be wearing STAFF shirts and name tags and will be able to assist you at Dress Rehearsal & Recital. DO NOT WEAR YOUR COSTUMES AT HOME - We know it s exciting to take them home and you can t resist wanting to try it on but this is crucial. If your costumes get ruined or stained we cannot get another one in time for recital due to tight shipping restrictions. Smile for the Camera- The show will be professionally recorded by Presto Productions. Formal pictures will be taken by CLIX at Dress Rehearsal. 14

Program Ads and Shout Outs 2018 When you attend the Recital you will receive a Program Book that highlights the dances that will be performing. A Program Book is handed out to everyone that attends the show so it is seen by hundreds of individuals. Are you looking to get your company name out there? What about sending a special note to one of the performers? We will be selling space in the Program Book for you to send your special message. If you are interested, please fill out the attached form and hand it in to the Front Desk along with any pictures you would like included. Or better yet, email it to nstepdance@nstepdance.com. You can either design it yourself or have us do it for you! All submissions are due no later than June 5th. Any dancer that sells 5 or more Business Ads will receive a Free ¼ Page Yearbook Ad! #1 Shout Out $10 Names or sentence, 15 word maximum #2 Business Card $30 (business card only) scan or.jpeg #3 ¼ page $35 1 photo (must be submitted as.jpeg) & up to 25 words #4 ½ page $50 up to 2 photos (must be submitted as.jpeg) & up to 35 words #5 Recital Program Full page $100 up to 4 photos (must be submitted as.jpeg) & up to 100 words All ads should be emailed to nstepdance@nstepdance.com. All ads are black and white. Use a separate form for each ad submission. Deadline for all ads is June 5th. Checks should be made payable to N-STEP Dance Center. N-STEP Dance Center Ad Submission Form Please submit a separate form (if applicable) with each ad. Student name: Parent or guardian signature: Telephone: Name of company submitting ad: Company contact: Company telephone: _ Ad Choice #1 #2 #3 #4 #5 Payment 14

$30/DVD N-STEP DANCE CENTER 2018 RECITAL DVD S by PRESTO PRODUCTIONS $30/DVD Includes a highlight video from Dress Rehearsal WANT IT MAILED TO YOU? PAY A $5 S&H FEE FOR IT TO BE DELIVERED TO YOUR DOORSTEP! PRE-ORDER YOURS TODAY! Preferred order/payment method is Paypal (Friends & Family option to avoid additional fees). Please include the information requested below in your order notes when ordering. PayPal address is http://paypal.me/prestovideo or search for Presseau Productions. To pay via CASH, please fill out the form below and hand it into the Front Desk, along with your payment in full. PAYMENT IS DUE IN FULL WHEN ORDERING! Student Name: Your Name: Delivery Method: Pick up at studio Mail to home Mailing address if being mailed: (incl. additional $5 for shipping) Quantity desired: 15

QUICK CHANGE FORM A Quick Change is when your child has 3 ROUTINES OR LESS to change from one costume into the next. DANCER S NAME PLEASE CIRCLE 1 ST half 2 ND half COMING FROM # GOING TO # NAME OF DANCE NAME OF DANCE # OF DANCES TO CHANGE COSTUME DETAILS SHOES/TIGHTS HAIRPIECE (please be sure that bobby pins are attached to hairpiece) DOES ANYTHING THAT YOUR CHILD IS CHANGING OUT OF NEED TO BE PUT IN ANOTHER BAG? YES NO IF YES, WHAT? IF YES, WHERE IS THE BAG? QUICK CHANGE DRESSING ROOM IF YES, WHAT IS THE DANCE # PLEASE CIRCLE 1 ST HALF 2 ND HALF PLEASE ATTACH QUICK CHANGE FORM TO THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE CLEAR GARMENT BAG! THIS FORM NEEDS TO BE COMPLETED FOR BOTH DRESS REHEARSAL AND RECITAL TO ENSURE THE DANCER HAS WHAT THEY NEED WHEN THEY NEED IT! 16

If you are unsure at any time, after reading this entire document, about when, how, where or why; please don t hesitate to ask us. We are here to help you understand the process, as well as ensure that you are properly informed. This is a production we take great pride in. Your dancer has worked an entire year perfecting their technique, learning a dance, building their confidence, challenging themselves. This is not just a dance recital - it s our dancers time to shine and show off all their hard work and dedication. We appreciate your cooperation over the next month. Here s to an amazing show! SPECIAL NOTE AT THE TIME OF THIS PACKET S DISTRIBUTION, WE DO NOT HAVE THE FINALIZED ORDER FORMS FOR THE GROUP/INDIVIDUAL PICTURES. THE ORDER FORM WILL BE SENT OUT AS SOON AS WE RECEIVE IT! 17