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Recital Information

Dear Parents and Students,

For more than fifteen years, Genesis Arts has provided students with an exciting performance experience through its spring recital. The annual staple of the dance school, the recital, conjures images of childhood and Americana for many. It’s a rite of passage for thousands of youngsters, a chance to shine in front of family and friends that they anticipate with nervous excitement.

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 the dance training process includes learning through performance. The experience helps build self-esteem, self-assurance, and contributes to a sense of confidence. 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. That onstage experience 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. No one is required to participate in our performances other than Performance Group students.

PART I: The Commitment

Important Dates

By allowing your child to participate in the Genesis Arts recital, you commit yourself and/or your child to the following dates and events.

Date

Activity

Where

May 19th

Recital photo shoot 4:30-8:30

At the studio

May 20th

Run-through 1-5 (no costumes)

At the studio

June 2nd

Dress Rehearsal 10 am-12 pm

At Anne Arundel Community College

June 2nd

Back to Broadway 1-3 pm

At Anne Arundel Community College

Updates

As the season progresses, additional recital information or updates will be posted on the Genesis Arts website, [www.genesisarts.net], in monthly newsletters, and on the school bulletin board. Make it your responsibility to keep abreast of this important information. Our goal is to make the recital an organized, exciting experience for everyone involved. It’s a team effort; students, their parents, the teachers, and the director are key players in the show’s success.

Home Study

To ensure that the students feel confident about their performance, we ask parents and guardians to encourage them to rehearse their recital choreography on a regular basis. A copy of your child’s dance music will be available at the start of the choreography season. A charge of $4 for a cd is required to cover expenses. We will set up a videography day for parents who wish to video the dances as well. We will also post all dances to Lori Struss’s Facebook and Genesis Arts Dance Studio You Tube Page!

  • Our goal is to make the recital an organized, exciting experience for everyone involved.

PART 2: Costumes

We spend many hours determining the correct costumes for each class. They are always age-appropriate and of the highest quality possible. Preschool students will need one costume; all other students will need one costume for each subject they train in. Costumes include all accessories (hats, gloves, etc.), but not tights or shoes.

Costume Deposits

In an effort to ensure that costumes are delivered in time for school photographs and an organized distribution to our students, some costume orders are placed during the December holiday break. Costume manufacturers do not accept cancellations or offer refunds; therefore the school does not refund costume deposits.

Costume Payment Schedule

Size

 

Fall Client Early Bird Fee
Jan. 3- Jan. 22

New Client Recital
Fee

Jan. 3- Jan. 22nd

Late Recital Registration Fees
Jan. 22-Feb 26

2nd Costume / Multiple Costumes
Feburary 26rd is final payment for all costumes or they will not be ordered

Child XS-Child XL

$75

$85

$95

$55

Adult P-Adult XL

$85

$95

$105

$65

Costumes will not be ordered until they are paid for in full. Parents or guardians accept full responsibility for all expenses, including surcharges and postage for costumes that are ordered late. Genesis Arts is not responsible if costumes are not received in time for the recital due to late payments.

  • Costumes are always age-appropriate and of the highest quality possible.

Sizing

Costume measuring begins during the last week in November, during scheduled class times. Each child will be measured in order to determine his or her proper costume size(s). During the first week in December you will be required to sign a confirmation form stating that you agree with the size(s) to be ordered for your child. You can make adjustments on the form; however, your signature indicates that you take full responsibility for any necessary costume alterations.

Alterations

Although rare, alterations are sometimes needed after the costumes have been distributed and are the sole responsibility of the student’s parent or guardian. Please contact the Genesis Arts office for our seamstress if you need additional help.

Distribution

Costumes will be distributed as they arrive.  Clients may sign up for a time when all outstanding balances for the season (including tuition) are paid in full.  The deadline for all balances is due October 1st for costumes and December 1st for last tuition installments.  Class photos and individual photos will be taken December 5th by appointment.  To ensure that there are no costume problems, students should not wear their costumes, accessories, or tights prior to the photo session, dress rehearsal, or performance.

Withdrawal

No refunds will be made if a parent or guardian withdraws a child from the school after costumes have been ordered and prior to the recital. Parent or guardians may pick up purchased costumes at the school at the time of general costume distribution and up to 15 days after the performance. Costumes not picked up after 15 days will be donated to charity.

Costume Expense

The estimated cost of costumes is $85 for child sizes and $95 for child extra large to adult sizes. Any special orders, including extra-large sizes, may require an additional charge (determined by the costume company). Additional charges are the sole responsibility of the parent or guardian. Accessories, such as headpieces or gloves, are included in the cost of the costume. Tights and shoes are not included.

Costume Care

We recommend that each student’s name be placed in his or her costumes, shoes, accessories, and tights. Place the costumes in a garment bag with your child’s name on the outside. Pack accessories in a clear plastic bag with your child’s name on the bag and on each item. Hats should be stored in a hatbox or similar container to prevent damage. Steam all costumes prior to the dress rehearsal and the performance. Please do not wash costumes in your washing machine; dry clean them only (after the recital).

  • We recommend that each student’s name be placed in his or her costumes, shoes, accessories, and tights.

Costume Racks

Clothing racks with wheels can be purchased; if your child has several costumes, a rack is a smart investment. It keeps the costumes organized, prevents wrinkles, and provides some privacy during costume changes. Hang costumes on the rack in the order they will be needed in the show.

TIPS: Costume Common Sense

  • Always have a second pair of tights available.
  • Place costumes in a garment bag for travel.
  • Carry hats in a hatbox or container to prevent them from damage.
  • Hang and press costumes before each performance.
  • Place your name in all costumes and shoes.

PART 3: Tights, Shoes, Hair, and Makeup

Tights

To ensure that there are no discrepancies in color and style, students are required to have the following tights for their classes. Tights are available at the studio or from dancewear stores. Be sure to purchase the correct style. Please purchase new tights for the recital, and do not wear or wash them before the dress rehearsal or performance. (Note: Having a second pair of tights on hand offers students and parents a great sense of security.)

Level

Required Tights

Ages 2 and up ballet

Body Wrappers or Revolution Ballet Pink

Ages 9 and over modern

Body Wrappers Tan

Ages 7 and over jazz and tap

Body Wrappers Black

Shoes

The following shoes are required for all students. All girls’ tap shoes must have black elastic (remove all ties) or purchase the Revolution buckle shoe in black.

Girls

Boys

Pink ballet shoes

Black ballet shoes

Black tap shoes

Black tap shoes

Black jazz shoes

Black jazz shoes

Hair and Makeup

All female students are requested to wear makeup for the recital: red lipstick, blush, eye shadow (brown or plum for darker skin shades with pink highlight), and mascara. For the boys, a little blush works well. Students over 7 are requested to wear foundation as well since skin tone tends to wash out due to the bright theatre lights.

Uniform hairstyles are required. All female students must wear their hair in a bun or French braid. No bangs or beads are allowed. Dancers with short hair must pull their hair away from the face and slick it down. Barrettes, clips, or headbands in the same color as their hair is requested.

  • Having a second pair of tights on hand offers students and parents a great sense of security.

PART 4: Be Prepared

Pre-Planning

The recital isn’t a one-day activity. 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 their costume, tights, shoes, and any accessories, and refer to it to make sure you have all your supplies before going to the theater.

Bring at least one extra pair of tights of each color. Also bring extra hair gel, hair nets, bobby pins, and hairspray.

Tips: Other Handy Extras

  • Baby wipes/Shout wipes (to fix makeup mistakes or wash hands)
  • 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)
  • Water and a non-messy snack (Goldfish/Teddy Grahams/pretzels)
  • Crayons and a coloring book for entertainment purposes

PART 5:  Studio Run-through and Dress Rehearsal

Participation in the studio run-through and dress rehearsal are mandatory. The studio run-through allowes the students to become comfortable with the staff and assistants in their own studio environment. The dress rehearsal allows the students to become familiar with the auditorium surroundings and feel comfortable with their performance, costume(s), and being onstage. Lighting, music cues, set changes, and all other logistics for an organized and professional performance are rehearsed so that the students make the best impression possible. If your child does not attend their scheduled run-through time and dress rehearsal time, they forfeit their performance opportunity. No refunds will be made for any recital materials or tickets.

We run an organized and timely dress rehearsal; your help with the process will guarantee a professional production. Please arrive at least 45 minutes prior to curtain time. Students may arrive in their first performance costume or may change in the dressing room.

Finale

All students are required to participate in the finale, which will be rehearsed during the last month of classes. A run-through of the finale will take place at the studio run-through and the dress rehearsal prior to Act 1 or Act 2, depending on when the students perform. All students will remain in their last performance costume for the finale.

Dressing-Room Etiquette

Students must respect other students’ space and property in the dressing rooms. The students will spend more time in the dressing rooms than onstage or in the auditorium, so please do your best to keep them organized and clean.  

Dress-Rehearsal Guests

One parent or guardian may accompany each student to the dress rehearsal. Please, no siblings who do not dance! Additional attendees at the dress rehearsal will be subject to the full cost of a recital ticket.

  • One parent or guardian may accompany each student to dress rehearsal. Please, no siblings who do not dance!

PART 6: Student Drop-Off and Pickup

Studio Run-Through and Dress Rehearsal Drop-Off and Pickup

Parent or guardian should bring the students to their assigned dressing rooms, where they will be checked in and placed under the supervision of their class mom(s). Parent or guardian must remain with the group until his or her child(ren) have been dismissed. When a class has completed its last performance, the class mom will bring the group to the auditorium to be picked up. Parents are not allowed in the dressing rooms once the children have been checked in for the rehearsal.

Dress Rehearsal Dismissal

Students will be dismissed from rehearsal once they have completed all of their routines, including the finale. We will rehearse the finale before Acts I and II so that students who are not in Act II do not have to remain through the end of the rehearsal.

Recital Performance Arrival and Dismissal

Parents or guardians should bring the students to their assigned dressing rooms, where they will be checked in and placed under the supervision of their class mom(s). Students will remain backstage for the entire performance. After the finale, the class mom will bring the group to the auditorium lobby to be picked up. Parents are not allowed in the dressing rooms after the children have been checked in for the recital. All class moms will have cell phone numbers if the student’s family needs to be reached in case of emergency.

  • Parents are not allowed in the dressing rooms after the children have been checked in at the theater.

Special note:

Please do not attempt to pick up your child during the performance. All students will be under the supervision of responsible adults and will be safe for the length of the performance. The dressing rooms will be stocked with various activities as well as a video input of the performance.

PART 7: Recital Photography and Videos

Recital Photos

Class photos on will be taken on Monday, May 30th from 12-7. Dates and times are subject to change. Please confirm your child’s time on the updated schedule to be distributed in April. All students are requested to be present for their class picture. After the group photo shoot, students may choose to have solo portraits made in any or all of their costumes. Only students requiring a solo portrait are obligated to purchase photos. A deposit is due at the time of sign up made out to Tim Prendergast Photography or paid in cash will be applied to photos. Please arrive at least ten to twenty before your child’s scheduled time, since photo shoots tend to run ahead of schedule.

Photo Shoot Hair and Makeup

Consider it the same as a performance. All female students are requested to wear makeup for the recital: red lipstick, blush, eye shadow (brown or plum for darker skin shades with pink highlight), and mascara. For the boys, a little blush works well.  Students over 7 are requested to wear foundation as well since skin tone tends to wash out due to the bright theatre lights.

Uniform hairstyles are required. All female students must wear their hair in a bun or French braid. No bangs or beads are allowed. Dancers with short hair must pull their hair away from the face and slick it down.

Photo and Video Purchase

Photos will be available for viewing and purchase at the time of the photo shoot. This year photos will be available as prints or on a CD. Pricing information will be distributed at the photo shoot or you may contact the photographer, Tim Prendergast, at timpweb@gmail.com. Photos will be available at the dance studio 3 weeks after the photo shoot.

Robert Faust Video Productions will professionally videotape the recital. No personal video cameras are allowed in the auditorium. The estimated cost of a DVD is $35 before May 11th and $40 after June 11th. Forms will be available at the studio by April 11th. DVDs will be available at the dance studio 3 weeks after the recital.

PART 8: Recital Policies

Video and Photography

Parents or guardians may videotape or shoot photographs of their children at the dress rehearsal.  Due to the large number of cameras, no electrical outlets will be available, so be sure your batteries are fully charged.  Please note: No video or photography will be allowed at the recital. Security guards will ask you to bring any cameras back to your car. Please make sure your family and friends are aware of this policy for their enjoyment  of the experience.

Auditorium Rules

No eating, drinking, or smoking is allowed in the auditorium or dressing rooms. When they are not onstage, dancers must remain in the dressing rooms with their class moms during the dress rehearsal and recital.

Backstage

Family members and friends don’t belong backstage or in the dressing rooms during rehearsals or the recital. The same applies during intermission and after the show. There is a lot of backstage activity in a limited space, and dressing rooms are a private area. Please remind your family and guests to be respectful of these areas. Those who wish to greet a performer after the show or present flowers should do so in the lobby areas.  No one is allowed onstage after the show due to the staff necessity of clearing the space for the next event.

Props

All props are the property of Genesis Arts and are to be returned to the backstage prop master after the performance. Props include such items as canes, parasols, beach balls, etc.

  • No video or photography will be allowed at the recital.

PART 9: Volunteer Information

Recital Volunteer Information

Anyone interested in volunteering to help backstage is welcome. A volunteer form is required and is included in this handbook. There will be an orientation for all volunteers, and all must abide by the policies set forth by Genesis Arts. The recital weekend is a hectic experience; all volunteers must work in a cooperative manner at all times. Our backstage managers work very hard to put an efficient system in place, and we ask that all volunteers rely on their experience and follow their instructions.

All volunteers will receive an identification badge at the dress rehearsal, which must be worn in the theater at all times. Please do not bring guests, including children, with you while you are volunteering.

Class Moms

Class mothers are needed for each class to supervise the dancers. They do not need a recital ticket and will be able to watch their children perform from the audience. Class moms must assure that each child in her care is safe and accounted for. They are responsible for making sure that each child is in the proper costume, has the proper accessories and shoes, and is backstage at the appropriate time. They are also responsible for seeing that all children return to their appointed dressing room after their performance. The number of volunteers needed for each class will be determined by the number of students (1 to 9 students = 1 volunteer; 10 to 19 students = 2 volunteers; 20 or more students = 3 volunteers).

If there are too many volunteers for one class, some may be asked to work with children from another class. During their class’ performances, room mothers leave the students at the stage door with their teacher and watch the dance from the back of the auditorium. Volunteers are not allowed to enter the stage area. Because there will be live microphones backstage, only dance teachers and assistants will be allowed in the wings.

PART 10: Recital Yearbook-Program

This year Genesis Arts will publish an annual yearbook-program for the recital. “Well-wisher” and commercial ads are available. All students have the opportunity to purchase and sell ads, but participation is not required.

Specs and Rate Card for Program Advertising

Booster ad

Names or sentence, 10-word maximum, $10. (Extra charge for more words.)

Box ad (2.5” x 1.5”)

$25 (Text only; no photo or business card.)

1/6 page (3.5” x 3.5”)

$65 (Text and one photo or business card only.)

1/4 page (5” x 3.5”)

$85 (One photo or business card included. $10 charge for each additional photo or business card, 2-picture max.)

1/2 page (7.5” x 5”)

$150 (One photo or business card included. $10 charge for each additional photo or business card.)

Full page (10” x 5”)

$250 (One photo or business card included. $10 charge for each additional photo or business card.)

  • Ads may be submitted in Microsoft Publisher, Adobe Photoshop, or as JPEG, TIFF, EPS, or PDF files. All ads should be submitted on disk.
  • All ads are black and white.
  • Use a separate form for each ad submission.
  • A “Program Advertising Kit” will be available at the Genesis Arts office beginning March 7.
  • Deadline for all ads is April 4.
  • Checks should be payable to the Genesis Arts.

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