Christmas Show Hub

 Christmas Spectacular 2025 The Big Things To Know & Do

The Christmas Show is a celebration of our dancers’ growth throughout the fall and a magical way to kick off the holiday break.

• Our show is Saturday, December 20th at 10:00am at Monfort Concert Hall at Union Colony Civic Center – 701 10th Ave. in Greeley. [There is NO dress rehearsal for the Christmas show.]
• Production dues are $100 for the first dancer and $75 for each sibling. Fees will be charged to the card on file on 9/22. 
• NEW! There are 3 scheduled weeks where instructors will teach the majority of the Christmas Show Choreography to their classes. Attendance during this time is especially crucial. If you know you’ll be out of town for 2 out of 3 choreography weeks, then it might be a good idea to opt out of the show. If your dancer must be absent during a choreography week, it will be their responsibility to review the posted Band App video before their next class to catch up on the material.  
  • Why? By teaching the bulk of the choreography at once, the dancers will have more class time to focus on improving dance technique, and a longer runway to get confident for the show. 
    • Choreography Week 1: 9/29-10/4
    • Choreography Week 2: 10/6-10/11
    • Choreography Week 3: 10/20-10/25
• Show Participation Attendance Policy: If your dancer misses four or more classes from 9/22-12/18, you will still receive your costume, but your dancer will not perform on stage.
   

**ACTION REQUIRED** Read the show info. and FAQ’s carefully, then complete one of the following:

1. If you want your dancer to perform, click here and input your dancer’s pajama size by 9/21. (If you are unable to complete the form in time, then you are consenting to our educated guess on pajama sizing for your dancer.)
2. If you DO NOT WANT TO PARTICIPATE in the show, you must fill out this OPT-OUT by 9/21.  (Your child will NOT receive pajamas. Your child WILL continue to participate fully in every class, with NO penalty or changes to their normal class routine.)

Christmas Spectacular 2025 Answers To Frequently Asked Questions

Why do the show? Spring Show is a great time for dancers to celebrate their growth throughout the session. This is the moment where the kids’ hard work, dedication and accomplishments get showcased on stage. 

Why is the show in Greeley? This venue is a dream come true from every angle of esthetics, professionalism, size and value. It’s worth the drive. 

What do we wear? The “costume” is included at Christmas- we purchase pajamas for the dancers to wear. It keeps the costs down and has become an annual tradition for the Christmas performance at EDC!

How long is the show? This year’s show will be approximately 2 hours total with a 15 minute intermission. There are no costume changes with this show, which speeds things along. It is important to note that nobody will be allowed to check out early, such as during intermission. If you will not stay for the entire show, then do not sign up to perform.  

Do we have to participate? Participation in the show is 100% optional. About 95% of our student body performs in our shows. Imagine going to baseball practice week after week but never playing a game- the Christmas and Spring shows are our World Series. If you can swing it, we highly recommend joining in the fun.   

Who should NOT do the show?  Skip it if you have a scheduling conflict, you don’t want to invest the time or money, you are grumpy about driving to Greeley, you will not stay for the entire performance, or you are stressed in any capacity about naptime, peeing pants (or your dancer’s in diapers), being away from mom for a couple of hours, crying on stage, etc.- It’s okay to wait until this feels good for the whole family- dance is supposed to be fun! Rest assured your dancer won’t be treated differently, and they will still participate fully in every dance class.  

What are “Production Dues?” The $100 non-refundable production dues collected in advance offset the high cost of producing the show, including but not limited to the venue rental, EDC staff plus additional support staff, venue custodial staff, security staff, a professional light board operator/stage manager/sound tech/stagehands etc., videography and editing, Christmas pajamas, a digital download of the show for every family, and more. We are very excited to offer the kids a professional show experience while still keeping the fee affordable for our families. 

What is NOT included? 

• Tickets are not included in the production dues and must be purchased for every human in the auditorium. ($12.50-$25.00. Children under 2 on a lap are $3.50- which covers the venue ticketing fee for their free ticket. Performers do not require a ticket.)
• There will be OPTIONAL novelties offered to you at an additional cost such as flowers and cake pops for your dancer. 

What else should I know about costumes?

• We will order and deliver Christmas pajamas to each performer ahead of the show. 
• Parents are responsible for the correct style and color of shoes, as well as any required tights or leotard per our dress code. 
• We’ll ask you to style their hair and makeup before arriving at the venue. Details to come later. 

What do I need to do as a parent? I come hang out and help the whole time, right? Your role is an important one. First, we need you to support your dancer and be a bright, positive light in their dance experience, including show. Second, we need you to help your dancer arrive on time and prepared with their costume and correct shoes, and with their hair and makeup done. With this style of show, that is the extent of your involvement- easy peasy! ONLY EDC staff is allowed to help with this show. We have plenty of background-checked supervision backstage. Your child is in great hands, we promise. For more peace of mind, please watch this short video on EDC shows. 

How many times will I get to see my dancer on stage? This depends on how many classes your dancer takes. Each class performs one dance in the show, except Technique Conditioning, Open Barre, Pre-Pointe, Turns & Leaps, and Acro, which are strictly technique classes. Pre-primary classes perform ONE of their two styles of dance from their class, not both. Progressive Pre-Primary performs TWO of their styles of dance. The entire cast performs a finale dance at the end of the show. 

So it seems to me my dancer will only be on stage for a few minutes of the whole show. Is it really worth it? Absolutely! While it’s true YOU may only see YOUR child up there for a few minutes, it is a complete, delightful and entertaining show for you, and an entire experience for THEM. The kids LOVE to be a part of a greater whole- it’s very satisfying. Showtime is both a memory-maker and a learning experience for the kids.

At my son’s preschool, the teachers came out and did the performance with the kids. Why don’t you come out and dance with them so they look really good? We think they look great already! They are so darned cute the only thing we could do by being out there is distract you. We are not interested in teaching the kids to just follow the adults so they look better, we care about building the necessary skills (confidence, discipline, memorization, courage, independence…) so they can do it themselves and enjoy the lovely side effect of self-pride. 

I didn’t grow up dancing, but all my 5 year old did was spin around and point her foot a few times. Can I get my money back? Respectfully, we disagree. We saw a dancer who was strong and confident enough to get out on stage in front of people and smile. We saw a dancer who knew when the dance began, how it ended, and even remembered some of the middle all on her own! We saw her plie, releve, bourre, arabesque, chasse, tendu and pique. We saw a dancer who got out on stage without an adult coaxing her along. We saw a child who tried something new and sort of scary to most people. We’re pretty proud, and you should be too. Now head out and get that sweet dancer some flowers!  

All right, we’re totally in. But I want my child to ROCK. What can I do to help?

• Yay! Ok most importantly, please help your dancer have fantastic attendance and arrive prepared to dance (shoes, hair, uniform). Try not to miss unless it’s really necessary. If a dancer has an injury (not a contagious illness), bring them anyway to observe the lesson and/or stand in their place in the formation if able. If your dancer misses four classes after the opt-out period ends, you will still receive your costume, but your dancer will not perform on stage. If your dancer misses during choreography weeks, they will feel very behind. Help them catch up with video or a private lesson.  
• We often tell our dancers, “Practice makes confident.” If you can help your dancer practice at home by encouraging them to show you their dance, do it with them, have siblings do it together, or any other manner of encouragement, this helps. BUT don’t make practicing a chore, homework, or otherwise lame and boring. Dance is FUN! (We will post practice videos in the Band albums during the October Choreography Weeks.)
• And finally, please leave the coaching to us. We value progress over perfection, and we’re excited for you to see the kids’ growth. Avoid the comparison trap of any kind, and help us celebrate your child on their own unique journey with dance. 

You did not answer all my questions. Now what? 

• We will post everything in the Performance Hub on your EDC app, which will cover burning questions in detail. 
• Join us on Zoom for a Christmas Show meeting on Wednesday, September 17th from 6:30-7:00pm. Meeting ID 262 142 1166, password 5678. 
• We know you may still have questions -especially if it’s your first show- so please do not hesitate to ask. We are here to help! Please email crystal@elevatedanceonline.com for any logistical questions, or dena@elevatedanceonline.com philosophical questions, and we will make sure you are confident and comfortable with all things for the Christmas Show!                                

Caring for your Costumes Although our costumes are simple pjs, please treat them as costumes until AFTER the show. Do not wear them to bed or wash them 30 times before the show. We want to keep the colors bright, and costumes clean. Please try them on as soon as you receive them and hang them up to relax wrinkles. If your pjs are too big or too long, pin them with safety pins. Take care of this ahead of show day. Please do not wear tights- they will make the pjs stick to the dancer’s legs. Some dances, such as Breakdance, have inversions. Female dancers progressive level and above should wear a nude or black leotard under their pjs to avoid any “wardrobe malfunctions” and to protect your dancer’s modesty.   

Shoes 

• Primary – Advanced Dancers:
  • Ballet students wear pink leather ballet shoes.
  • Tap students wear black tap shoes (polish them!). 
    • If your dancer only takes tap, please send them with a pair of tennis shoes to wear for the finale.
  • Jazz students wear black slip-on jazz shoes (polish them!).
  • Lyrical students wear tan slip-on lyrical turners.
  • Hip Hop students wear their regular black hip hop shoes from class and plain black no-show socks.
    • Hip Hop is the only style that dancers should wear socks with their shoes.
• Monday/Wednesday Progressive Pre-Primary Students (Porcupines) will need black tap shoes AND pink leather ballet shoes.
• Tuesday/Thursday Progressive Pre-Primary Students (Narwhals) will ONLY need black jazz shoes. They will dance barefoot for their acro performance.
• Pre-Primary Students wear only the shoes required for their performance. 
  • Monday 4:30pm (Giraffes) Studio 54- black tap shoes
  • Monday 4:30pm (Monkeys) Studio E- hip hop shoes
  • Tuesday 5:15pm (Turtles) Studio E- black tap shoes
  • Wednesday 4:30pm (Jellyfish) Studio 54- barefoot (acro)
  • Thursday 5:15pm (Elephants) Studio E – hip hop shoes
  • Saturday 9:00am (Rabbits) Studio 54 – pink leather ballet shoes
  • Saturday 9:45am (Ducks) Studio 54- pink leather ballet shoes

*Since dancers do not wear tights under their pjs, they can wear black socks with tap or hip hop shoes, if needed. 

• Fill in a box each time you practice your dance OUTSIDE of dance class. 
• Complete the card for a chance to win cool prizes, but the real winning will come when you feel super confident on stage. 
• Pick up a copy at the front desk or print at home and fill out one sheet for each dance you have. If you’re tech-y you can do a screenshot and mark it up for a digital version. Do you practice enough to complete the page and start a new one?
• To enter the drawing, turn in your printed sheet at the front desk, OR post it in Band with the hashtag #practicemakesconfident (so we can search the hashtag and find it) no later than Saturday, 12/13. Make sure to include your name!

• Tickets are reserved seating and will go on sale Black Friday, November 28th at 12pm (noon). 
• Tickets will be sold through the Union Colony Civic Center online platform, NOT through EDC. 
• The link will go live at NOON on Friday, November 28th and stay open until the show begins on Saturday, December 20th. 
• Tickets will NOT be sold at the door. If you do not purchase tickets prior to the show, you will still need to order online from the parking lot, before entering the facility.
• Tickets are tiered pricing and range from $16.00-$28.00 per person. 
• Performers are FREE and do not require a ticket.
• Tickets for children 2 and under are $3.50 (which covers the required venue ticket processing fees). 
  • The Union Colony Civic Center requires every audience member to have a ticket to enter the facility. Even if you have a baby in a car seat, you will need to purchase a child-priced ticket.

• Arrive to the venue with hair and make-up done. 
• All hair, regardless of style, must be pulled back and sprayed into place.  No bangs- keep faces clear.
• Female Pre-Primary and Progressive Pre-Primary dancers should wear their hair however you think it looks the cutest. Please do not wear any hair accessories. 
• All other female dancers should wear a low bun with no whispies. Please do not wear any hair accessories. 
• What if your hair is too short for a bun? Pin it low, back, and out of your face.

How to make the perfect bun:
Supplies Needed:  brush, hairspray or gel, hair tie, hair net, bobby pins.

• Wet hair down, brush back neatly and put into a ponytail
• Twist hair in ponytail and then circle around the hair tie
• Fasten with a few bobby pins
• Place hair net around bun, taking extra material and hiding it beneath bun
• Secure net with a few bobby pins
• Spray or gel down hair-No fly-aways!

Makeup:

• Brown eye shadow
• Black eyeliner
• Black mascara
• Rose colored blush
• Red Lipstick (Cover girl #830)
• Eyebrows filled in
• False eyelashes (Only Secondary/Intermediate/Advanced level students wear them!)

• The purpose of stage makeup is so we can clearly see your dancer’s face from the audience and in the video. You should not feel like your dancer is starring on “Toddlers and Tiaras.” For a really great explanation on the WHY behind stage makeup, click here.
• In truth, boys “should” wear light stage makeup too, for the same reasons that the girls do. In professional theatre, this is always the case. However, because we have many boys who would run for the hills if we told them to wear makeup, we do not require it, as we want to keep our boys dancing. In the spirit of equality, this opt-out is also extended to the girls if they absolutely will not wear makeup or if your family is against it.
• If your dancer will be wearing makeup as we prefer, then please follow our guidelines below, ESPECIALLY REGARDING COLORS so the dancers look natural and bright.

The No No List: jewelry, gum, eating or drinking in costume, valuables, crazy or florescent nails.

Examples of stage makeup:

• Show Time & Location
  • Saturday, December 20th at 10:00am.
  • Monfort Concert Hall at Union Colony Civic Center – 701 10th Ave. Greeley, CO 80631
  • Lobby doors open at 9:00am. The concert hall opens for seating at 9:30am.
• Dancer Call Time (Show Day)
  • All dancers must arrive ON TIME with performance hair and make-up ALREADY DONE.
  • We recognize we have some families with multiple children and different call times. Thank you for your help and understanding.
  • If your dancer is in multiple levels, such as primary jazz and secondary tap, check in with the earliest time and check out with the higher level.
  • All Access, Intermediate, Advanced Dancers: check-in at 8:30am
  • Secondary Dancers: check-in at 8:45am
  • Primary Dancers: check-in at 9:00am
    • Please do not send primary dancers with makeup, water or snacks.
  • Progressive Pre-Primary Dancers: check-in at 9:15am
    • Progressive dancers should have a clear, gallon sized ziploc bag labeled with their name and extra pair of shoes inside.
  • Progressive Pre-Primary, Primary, Secondary, Intermediate and Advanced Dancers will check-in at the Backstage Entrance of the Union Colony Civic Center (diagram below).
  • Pre-Primary Dancers: check-in at 9:30am
    • Pre-Primary students are to bring NOTHING with them. Please take them to the restroom and put their dance shoes on for them before checking in. Do not send them in with snacks, drinks, coats or toys. We will provide water for them if they need a drink.
    • If your Pre-Primary dancer is in more than one class, their extra set of pajamas and shoes should be in a clear, gallon sized Ziploc bag with their name clearly labeled on it.
    • Enter at the main entrance of the building.Take your dancer to the restroom there. Walk all the way through the lobby toward the north bar, and proceed to the “Green Room” check-in. There will be signage and/or volunteers to direct you. Please arrive with enough time to park, walk in, and take your dancer to the restroom before checking in at 9:30am. 

• Show Policies, Tips & Etiquette
  • Dearest Dance Parent, YOU are pure magic. Reading all of the show information is no small task. Thank you for making EDC your home for dance, and for your investment of time, money and emotional energy in support of your dancer. You’ve made an awesome choice.
  • On show day, outside water bottles are strictly prohibited per venue rules.
  • Primary, Secondary, Intermediate and Advanced Dancers can bring a water bottle (water only please), labeled with their name. Dancers are not allowed to share water bottles with anyone, no exceptions.
  • Please make sure all dancers eat a hearty breakfast that will provide lasting energy. The show is not super long, but there are no snacks at the venue on show day.
  • No parents are allowed backstage. Help us make sure you retrieve all of your dancer’s belongings by CLEARLY LABELING every item you bring. Please DO NOT BRING EXTRA stuff- it’s just more to keep track of!
  • As mentioned, Pre-Primary students are to bring NOTHING with them. Please take them to the restroom and put their dance shoes on for them before checking in. Do not send them in with snacks, drinks, coats or toys. We will provide water for them if they need a drink. We can take them to the restroom if they need to go, but help us avoid a class field trip to the potty by doing your part.
  • And now a tough-love note from Dena:  The entire EDC staff has 3,000,000 things to do on show day all in the name of creating an incredible experience for your dancer and family members. It is absolutely inappropriate to treat any of the staff like your pocket Siri. DO NOT TEXT OR CALL US ON SHOW DAY TO ASK HOW YOUR HAIR SHOULD BE, OR FOR ANYTHING OTHER THAN A REAL EMERGENCY. This is why we have spent so many hours on the performance hub. Use it- not us- as your personal reference guide and please allow us the mental bandwidth to focus making your day great.
  • For many of us, this is our first theatre experience. Welcome! Here’s what you should know:
    • Silence your cell phone.
    • We are a family show, and we welcome your youngest children. We think babies are adorable.
    • Stay seated during the show. Your dancers have put in so much time and effort to make you proud. Let’s be an attentive audience! If you must leave the theatre during the show, please do so in between numbers. The ushers are instructed NOT to open theatre doors with dancers on stage unless you’re on fire, having diarrhea, or your baby is screaming. Nobody will be released during intermission. 
    • The Union Colony Civic Center is a beautiful, professional venue, and this event is a big deal for your kids. We welcome all audience members to dress for the occasion.
    • Sometimes it’s confusing how to react- and we just told you it’s a big deal- but keep in mind this is theatre, and not a sport or a competition. We love an entertained audience! PLEASE clap enthusiastically, cheer loudly after all dances, and laugh at our jokes. AVOID shouting individual names, and definitely no waving signs or foam fingers. =)

If your dancer is in more than one show number, we recommend printing the show order so they can highlight their dances and prepare for show day. While there are no costume changes during the Christmas Show, having their shoes ready and knowing how much time they have between dances will make the experience smoother and more enjoyable.

We are so excited to provide you with a digital program this year! Click the button below to choose the version you like best.