The 8 Stages of Recital Season

May 13, 2019

It’s May, which means it’s time to gear up for your studio’s annual recital! Yes, every group’s performance preparations are different, but here are the eight stages pretty much every dancer goes through.

Doing Spring Cleaning on Steroids​

Every arm, head, and accent must. be. the. same. And if it takes running the number “one more time” about 50 times, so be it.

Trying to Get Every Single Person You Know to Buy a Recital Ticket

Your old preschool teacher, your second cousin twice-removed, the Starbucks barista: Basically anyone you’ve ever interacted with is getting an invite to your recital. You’ve worked too hard this year not to have a 50-person entourage greet you at the stage door!

Stocking Up on Survival Supplies

10 packs of bobby pins, 3 cans of hairspray, 2 boxes of makeup-remover wipes and, oh, 30 pounds of snacks should be just enough to get you through the weekend, right?

Remembering that School Is Still a Thing

Why oh why do final exams have to coincide with this mayhem? Doesn’t your school understand the demands of recital season?

Spending a Few Glorious Minutes Onstage

It’s finally show time, and your moment in the spotlight is e-v-e-r-y-t-h-i-n-g, because you understand how much work it takes to get there! You’re almost sad to be hearing your recital songs for the last time…almost.

Spending a Very Not-Glorious 30 Seconds Between Each of Your Dances

If quick-changing costumes were an Olympic sport, you’d most certainly win the gold.

Bidding the Seniors Farewell

After final bows, the curtain falls, and you’re left in a sea of sobbing dancers because 1) you’re exhausted and 2) all of your besties are officially heading off to college without you.

Realizing it’s Actually NOT the End of Everything

Get some rest and enjoy your five days of summer dance-cation, because Nationals rehearsals start bright and early next weekend!