Top 10 Things To Know Before Recital

Can you feel the energy in the air?! It is recital season! We know all the information can be overwhelming so we thought today we would streamline the process. In this post, we have listed the top 10 things to know before recital. We hope that you use this list as a refresher course after you have read through all the recital handouts. All of the recital documents can be found on our Spring Recital page.  

1. Recital photos are taken at dress rehearsal: Group photos will be done on stage as they rehearse. If the parent wants to order individual photos, they may then go down the hall and take individual photos. Lasting Impressions Photography will be present to take orders the day of rehearsal AND the day of the recital.

2. When/where to report the day of the show: About a half hour prior to the show start time (12:30 pm for 1:00 pm show, 4:00 pm for 4:30 pm show), students should report to the cafeteria backstage.

3. Dress rehearsal information: The dress rehearsal is at 5:00 pm on June 4th at West Babylon High School. This rehearsal is mandatory and dancers should arrive in full costume. Hair and makeup should be done just like it will be done for the recital.  You can find the dress rehearsal schedule here.

4. What to do with costume issues: With any costume issues (wrinkles, static cling, itchiness, snags, etc.), please alert your dancer’s teacher to determine the appropriate course of action. We always recommend keeping your costume hanging in a safe place in your home, free from pets or mess.

5. Students are expected to stay for the duration of the show: Our show will be approximately 2 hours. The dancers will be backstage with ample supervision and will get to watch the recital with live streaming while they're backstage! IF THE PARENT NEEDS TO PICK THEM UP BEFORE THE END, it must be arranged with me ahead of time. We have security at the door and parents will not just be able to randomly pick up their child.

6. Each student will receive 2 programs: Additional programs can be pre-ordered on the ticket website.  Recital t-shirts can also be pre-ordered here.  

7. No photography or videos allowed at the recital: Photos can be taken at dress rehearsal. Flash photography is dangerous for performers on stage. We want you to relax and enjoy the show and that's why we have a professional videographer! You can order your DVD of the spring recital here.

8. What else can you get the day of recital: You can purchase snacks and water, flowers, and t-shirts (if you didn't already pre-order) the day of the performance.

9. Last minute necessities: Nude leotards, extra tights, shoes, hair accessories (bun maker, bobby pins, etc), dance bras/undergarments & clear straps can be purchased at the dance studio. Do you still need to learn how to make your bun? Check out this great tutorial!

10. We have class the week after recital: Make sure you don’t miss our last week of the session! We always have a great time celebrating all the hard work that went into the show! The last day of classes is June 17th.

If you have any questions about any of the recital happenings, please let us know! We can’t wait to see you at the show!

Find More Opportunities To Be Creative

Creativity is something we highly value at Positions Dance Studio. By encouraging creativity in the classroom, your children will be better equipped to solve problems, express emotions, become more self-aware, and so much more. We think that is pretty great, don’t you? It got us thinking, what other ways can your dancers build more creative time into their lives? We have put together a great list of ideas for all ages to try.

• See A Show. There are a TON of great shows to see for all ages and budgets, especially at this time of year. Whether it is theater, dance, music, or art, seeing something new can open your dancer’s mind to new possibilities. Seeing other people's creativity come to life is a great way to get inspired!

• Take a new class. Sign your dancer up for something they have never tried before. That could be a new style of dance (check out our current schedule here to find one) OR something completely different like painting or acting. By exposing your child to something new (in a safe environment like a class) you are building the foundation that new is fun and exciting and it is OK to not be the “best” (at any age).

• Make up a dance at home. This is always a hit at sleepovers and family parties. Choreographing requires a dancer to try new things and put a story or emotions into movement. At the end of the night, your dancers can put on a show in the living room for you. We promise it will be so much fun for everyone! BONUS: Grab that camera and record it every once and awhile. You will be amazed at how your dancer’s choreography progresses year after year, all thanks to their creative mind being strengthened.

This list has us ready to go have some fun, how about you? Like we mentioned, your dancers already have a leg up in the creative department JUST by coming to dance class. These could be a few really great (and fun) ways to keep the creativity flowing outside of dance class. Does your family do any special projects or activities that foster this skill? We would love to know it the comments!

Meet The Owner Of Positions Dance Studio: Kelly Peckholdt

We know you have seen her around the studio but how much do you actually know about our fearless leader here at Positions Dance Studio? Now that our year has gotten off to an AMAZING start, we thought it was about time to sit down and get to know Kelly Peckholdt a little bit better. You will not only learn more about her but also her hopes and dreams for Positions and why she loves every moment with your dancers!

How did you come to own Positions Dance Studio?

When I graduated college, I was looking for a job teaching either middle or high school social studies. The summer I graduated, I was looking for extra work before the school year and approached the former owner of Positions to see if she needed additional teachers. Luckily, she hired me to teach a couple of ballet classes that year. A couple of years down the road, she pulled me into her office in the middle of a teacher's' dance rehearsal (two weeks before that year's recital!) to tell me she was retiring. She had not yet found someone she was comfortable with selling the studio to, and she threw out the idea to me as a former student of Positions. I always knew that down the road I wanted to own a studio, but I never thought my dream would happen at age 24!

What are your hopes and dreams for Positions Dance Studio?

I want to continue to expand our focus on proper dance technique. I am a stickler, ESPECIALLY in ballet, for proper technique and alignment work. My big focus this year is injury prevention strategies to implement in our classes. Our student body has grown since I initially took over the studio over 5 years ago, and I'd love for it to continue to grow so we can share our passion with as many children as possible. I'd love to (down the road, not now) expand our building, especially as things like our fitness program and wedding services grow. I just love sharing the gift of dance AND fitness with as many people as I can!

What makes Positions different than studios in the area?

We truly strive to create unique opportunities and experiences for our students. We are constantly coming up with cool field trips and performance opportunities, ways to give back to the community, and workshops/learning experiences. Not many recreational studios travel with their students, especially out of state.

What is your favorite age group to teach and why?

I love teaching our younger students - especially age 4 and 5. They really start to "get it" at that age but can still be really silly. I'm always intrigued by how toddlers' minds work and the funny things they say! More recently, I was subbing for a Ballet/Tap class on a Saturday morning, and even though many of the students knew me I reintroduced myself. One little girl raised her hand and said, "I know you, Miss Kelly! You're the lady who cleans my teeth!" I've been cracking up ever since.

If you could describe Positions in JUST 3 words what would they be?

Caring, respectful, professional

Describe one moment that reminded you of why you do what you do?

Whenever a parent pulls me aside or sends me an email and tells me how much their child enjoyed a class or an event...or even just tells me how much dance has impacted their child's life. Dance has had such a tremendous impact on my life, and it makes me so happy to know that other children are experiencing that.

What is the BEST part of your job?

Interacting with students in the classroom. Sometimes when I'm teaching ballet, I'll be doing plies at the barre with my students, and the thought pops into my head, "Wow, I get to plie for a living!" It's the coolest thing ever.

We could not be more fortunate to have such a passion-driven person like Kelly leading the way for Positions! If you would like to learn more about classes at Positions, check out our current schedule. Is there something else that you would like to know about Kelly? Next time you see her in the lobby, go ahead and ask, she loves getting to know students and families better!