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- So, is it all worth it? We think so, but don’t take it from us. When asking a veteran dancer of 15 years what value Spring Show has added to her dance experience, she said,
“Spring Show has given me an opportunity to perform and grow as an artist. I am able to demonstrate all the hard work I’ve put in throughout the year while spending time with the close friends I’ve made at the studio. I’ve learned the value of a production as well as all the hard work that goes into creating [one]. No matter where life takes me, I will be able to use the life skills I learned from show to succeed.”
- That alum is now currently attending the University of Oklahoma where she is continuing her dance training and pursuing her dream of becoming a professional dancer. She lives to dance, and she’s got big dreams ahead of her.
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- But what about those dancers who just love to dance right now and haven’t necessarily arrived at their life’s goal yet? Is Spring Show a big deal for them? When we asked a former dancer about her most special memories of the show, she said,
“My earliest memory has to be the first time I stepped out on stage to perform “Molly Smiles.” I felt like a true ballerina in my pink tutu on the big stage and performing felt so amazing because I knew my family was so proud of me. I also vividly remember watching the “big girls” and wanting to be just like them. Seeing them dance was so inspiring!”
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- We couldn’t agree more- Spring Show is a family affair. To make it even more enjoyable and memorable this year, we’ve collected a few pro tips from members of our dance family who’ve done it for years:
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- If your dancer is young, pack together. Don’t pack FOR him/her necessarily, but pack together. If a dancer knows all of the parts and pieces to his/her costumes, where to find the water bottle, etc. it helps the kids be responsible for their own stuff. And don’t forget to check and double check it (together)! Which brings us to the next one…
- Let the dancers be responsible. Unless you are a designated volunteer, you will be asked to hang back and be part of the audience only. This means you have to trust your child, the volunteers and the teachers who’ve been guiding your dancer all year to get your child on and off stage safely and correctly.
- If you do want to be involved, sign up to volunteer! There is so much to do for the Spring Show, so whatever your time allotment or talents allow, your “official” help is welcome.
- Put down your phone and leave the cameras at home. While it’s nice to relive the moments later, it’s not the same watching them through a screen. Sit back and enjoy the performance fully present! Buy the video that’s offered if you want a lasting memory- it’s well produced and a great investment because you’ll have it for years to come.
- Pack extras! Tights, bobby pins, water, whatever! This is one case where it’s better to have too much than not enough.
- Congratulate everybody. Your dancer is the star of your heart, but remember to lavish the praise on everyone at this annual celebration. The other kids on stage, the teachers and the volunteers are all a vital part of making the show work. More equals more here, so please share the love!
- Celebrate your dancer. Consider picking up flowers or a small souvenir from the booth at intermission, or take your dancer out for ice cream or dinner afterwards. When the video comes, make a batch of popcorn and watch it together. The most special memories are the ones shared together, so jump in on the excitement with your dancer!
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Another former student said, “Performances were always really special. You’ve spent the entire year working really hard and it’s a chance to show all of the improvements you’ve made and things you’ve learned. Having people there to support you is all you really need!”
Now that says it all. It’s showtime!
A version of this article was originally published on BellistonAcademy.com on June 14, 2017.