Dance Etc. - Spring Showcase

"Tumblers love to be in the spotlight, too!"

Tumblers in the Spring Showcases

Our annual Spring Showcases include performances by dancers and tumblers who have worked hard on their skills all year, and are ready to show off for friends and family. All children love to dress up and perform on this special day—a day just for them!

Will they wear a costume?

Yes! Our theme this year is “Bugs”!! (Butterflies, ladybugs, caterpillars, ants, bees, spiders, etc.). Our tumblers will be dressed as bumble bees. The girls will wear a yellow Lycra top, black shorts. We will add black sequin stripes and some ribbons for their hair. A sample photo of the girls’ costume is in the costume binder located at the front desk. Boys costume will be a yellow T-shirt with bee stripes, and black pants.

What exactly will they do during the performance?

Their routine will have some simple dance steps in it, and as many tumbling tricks as they know how to do. We use mats on stage for safety. It’s a lot of fun!

When will they learn and practice the routine?

There will be six rehearsals, held on Monday evenings, 30 minutes each:

April 26
May 3
May 10 (plan to stay after your rehearsal for “picture day”)
May 17
May 24
No class on May 31st—Memorial Day
Junes 7

Depending on which show your child is assigned to, the rehearsals will be held at the following times:

Which Showcase?	Rehearsal Day/Time
Show #1	Mondays 6:15-6:45 pm
Show #2	Mondays 6:45-7:15 pm
Show #3	Mondays 7:15-7:45 pm

IMPORTANT: In order to minimize costs, we are only holding 6 rehearsals. In our experience, children need all 6 rehearsals without missing any weeks, to fully understand what to do during the routine. If anyone is absent, it will confuse your child as well as the other children. This can cause “traffic problems” (i.e., accidentally go the wrong way, run into each other, tumble at the wrong time, etc.) which may cause injury. That’s why we are asking for you to consider the commitment. If you think you will miss more than one Monday, or the June 12 rehearsal, perhaps you should not participate this year. Thank you.

Who is the teacher?

Miss Christy, our Assistant Tumbling Director, will be the teacher & choreographer.

How much is participation?

The fee for participation is:
$45.00—Costume
$30.00—Tuition for the rehearsals
Total: $75.00—what a bargain!!!

Tickets to the show are additional.

When do we need to decide by?

The deadline to register is February 27. Why so early? Even though rehearsals don’t begin until April, we need time to order and alter costumes. Sign up now!

What if we change our mind? Can we get our money back?

Yes! If you cancel before April 1st, we can refund $30.00. However, there will be no refunds after April 1st.

How do we sign up?

See your teacher or go to the front desk.

Costume, Tights, Shoes, Make-Up and Hair Styletyle

Costume

How much are costumes?
All costumes are: $65.00 if paid by November 3, $75.00 if paid by December 1, and $85.00 if paid after December 1. Costumes cannot be ordered after February 1. So make sure you get your payment in as soon as possible!

How can I see which costume my child will be wearing?
Costume selections will be displayed in a costume binder which will be located at the front desk. In this costume binder, you will also find:

The type of shoes, tights and/or socks needed for the costume.
The hair style your class should wear.
The list of students who have paid for costumes and are in the Showcase. Please check to make sure your child’s name is listed here and spelled correctly.
The date and time your child should report to the Dress Rehearsal.
The date and time your child should report to the Spring Showcase.

What size costume will you order for my child?
One of our staff members will be coming to each class to measure the students. We then compare each child’s measurements to a sizing chart supplied by the costume company. From that chart, we select a size. Costumes usually run in standard sizes (small, medium, large). We order the size that we feel will fit based on measurements. If we are uncertain, we usually size up. Costumes are NOT "made to fit your child." Therefore, some alterations may be necessary. Those are the parent’s responsibility.

When will the costumes come in?
Most costume companies take 10-12 weeks because they make all costumes "to order." You will receive your costume as soon as it is received, usually by the end of April. Costumes will be tried on during class time.

What if the costume doesn’t fit?
If necessary we will exchange it for a different size. However, the costume may still need some minor alterations, which are your responsibility. This includes hemming any pants that are too long.

Tights

Are tights included in the costume?
If tights are required for your costume, they will be included. Please open packages of tights carefully. If the tights are the wrong size, you may exchange them within a week as long as they are UNWORN and in original packaging.

No underwear should be worn under tights! Do not wear tights to class. Tights must look NEW for performances. If socks are required for your costume, you will be asked to provide them. Please see costume binder for more information.

Shoes

Are shoes included in the costume?
Shoes are not included. You must provide your own. Please check the costume binder for the type of shoes you will need.

Make-Up

Why do performers need to wear make-up?
A little make-up is needed on all performers, even young children, because the stage lights are very bright. This can tend to “wash out” faces and make performers look pale. From a distance, the audience will not be able to see a performer’s lips; and the SMILE is what we want to see most!

Is make-up included in the costume?
Make-up is not included. You can provide your own, or for your convenience, you can purchase a ready-made make-up kit at the front desk. These kits cost $3.00 and contain enough samples for three uses: (1) your group pictures, (2) the dress rehearsal, and (3) spring showcases. The kits include:

Pink blush
White eye shadow over entire lid
Brown eye shadow in the crease
Dark brown eye liner (top eyelid only)
Mascara
Fuchsia (reddish-pink) lipstick

During "All About Parents Week," we will teach you how to apply the make-up and hairstyle.

Why aren’t the make-up kits free? They look like "free samples" that you get from Mary Kay.
Did you know that Mary Kay representatives have to pay for their samples? Usually they can give out one or two for free, but because we need hundreds of these kits, we need to pay for them. We sell them to you at our cost. We hope that you will find this to be a convenient service that is also economical.

"Learn how to make a bun, just like real ballerinas do!"

Hair

How will my child have to fix her hair?
Please check costume book to see how your class will be wearing their hair. If your class requires a bun, you may want to purchase a hair kit from the front desk. Each hair kit is less than a dollar and includes bobby pins, a hair net and a hair elastic tie. You will still need hair gel and hair spray.

All hairpieces and crowns must be securely fastened with bobby pins. For security, criss-cross the bobby pins over each other.

How do you make a bun?
Click this link for step-by-step instructions: PDF logo How to Make a Bun

During "All About Parents Week," we will teach you how to apply the make-up and hairstyle.

Miscellaneous:

Some costume assembly may be required, for example, shoulder straps may need to be safety pinned. Your instructor will give you special instructions during "All About Parents Week."
If costume includes a hairpiece, it will be fastened to the costume. Do not separate until you are ready to use the hairpiece. These tend to get lost and many times they cannot be replaced.
Students should not eat or drink while in costume.
Please refrain from wearing costume except when needed.
NO NAIL POLISH, watches, earrings, jewelry, etc.

"Our dance photos will make you smile for years to come."

Group and Individual Photos

When will photos be taken?
Oak Haven Photography will be coming to Dance Etc. the week of May 10-15, during class time, to take group as well as individual photos. Your child will simply need to wear his/her full costume (see below) to class that week. The whole class will get a group photo taken, plus you will also be given an opportunity to get individual photos taken. You are not obligated to purchase a group photo, but we would like everyone to be in the photo. (For courtesy reasons, parents will not be permitted to take their own group photos at this time.)

Do we wear full costume AND make-up on photo day?
Students should wear their entire costumes, including accessories, tights, hairstyle and make-up, so we can check for things that need to be fixed, pinned, etc. In previous years we have discovered that some people need help with fixing the hair. Please bring additional supplies (hair spray, bobby pins, lipstick, etc.) so we can help you.

Who is the photographer?
For many years, we have used Oak Haven Photography. They are simply the best, for quality, for service and for price. We wholeheartedly recommend them. We won’t use anyone else! Trust us, you’ll be happy. Check out their website here.

How much are photo packages?
Group photo is $10.00 for a 5x7, or $15.00 for an 8x10. Individual photo packages range from $20.00 to $70.00. The more you order, the more you save.

How can I put my child’s photo in the Showcase Program?
While you’re ordering your child’s photo package, don’t forget to put your child’s photo in our beautiful commemorative Showcase Program. It is a fun, inexpensive way to add remembrance to your special day. You can add words of encouragement or a short message.

"Performers of all ages need time to rehearse on stage."

Dress Rehearsal Information

What is the Dress Rehearsal?
The Dress Rehearsal is an opportunity for our performers to acquaint themselves with the stage surroundings. They will learn where to enter and exit, where their designated spots are on stage, which way to face and how to deal with stage lights. Many times performers (of all ages!) get disoriented the first time they are on stage.

Each class will run through their routine once or twice. With each run-through the kids usually remember their routine better, and can also practice smiling and looking out to the audience.

Parents also get a chance to verify how much time it takes for traveling to the venue. It’s always a good idea to make sure you know where you’re going the day ahead of time. (Occasionally, someone does go to the wrong school!)

This rehearsal also allows us the opportunity to test our music, sound system, and props. It’s a very important day for all of us!

Is participation mandatory?
Yes, however we understand that on occasion an important event such as a family member's wedding falls on Dress Rehearsal day; and not all conflicts can be avoided. While we will not remove a child from the performance for missing the Dress Rehearsal, we strongly discourage students from missing. The consequences of missing this important day could cause your child to be "lost" on stage. This can negatively affect the entire class as well. Your attendance at Dress Rehearsal is both important and appreciated!!

When is the Dress Rehearsal?
Our Dress Rehearsal is Saturday, June 12 (the day before the Spring Showcases). The time to report is located in the costume binder located at the front desk. Don't forget that if your child is in the Closing Number, she will have TWO different rehearsal times.

How long will it take?
Allow anywhere from one to two hours for rehearsing (longer if your child is in the Closing Number). We make a considerable effort to plan ahead for the exact amount of time we need, but sometimes we run late. Last year, for example, we had trouble with the lighting and sound equipment, which was out of our control. When working with children, sometimes the process just takes longer. We will do whatever it takes to make sure the children are adequately prepared. To avoid unnecessary stress on Dress Rehearsal day, plan on being at the venue for at least two hours and don't schedule other appointments close to your rehearsal times!

What will happen on Dress Rehearsal Day?
When you arrive, sit in the auditorium and listen for an announcement for your group to assemble. The teacher or a helper will assemble the group and take them backstage and get them ready. Each group will run their routine one or two times on stage. After being dismissed, if your child is also in the Closing Number, she should change into her T-shirt and black pants/shorts to prepare for the Closing Number rehearsal.
Again: To avoid unnecessary stress on Dress Rehearsal day, plan on being at the venue for at least two hours and don't schedule other appointments close to your rehearsal times!

Where is the Dress Rehearsal?
In the auditorium at Loveland High School, 1 Tiger Trail, Loveland, OH 45140. View driving directions

What should we wear to Dress Rehearsal?
Please have your child wear his/her entire costume (including hairpieces and tights) with appropriate hairstyle and make-up. There should be no jewelry, no nail polish, no underwear underneath tights, etc. In other words: "Dress in full for the Dress Rehearsal."

DVD’s

There are many benefits to hiring a professional videographer to record our Spring Showcase. First, they do a great job, providing a quality product. They have two cameras so they alternate between views of the full stage and close-ups of the children.

Another benefit is that you will have a video of the entire show. Kids love to watch the entire show over and over again, especially the exciting show opening and grand finalé! Special features on the DVD that are fun, including a slide show of still photos taken during the show. And finally, it allows parents to just sit back and relax, not having to worry about anything but enjoying their child’s big debut on stage.

Why can’t we videotape during the Spring Showcases?
In the past, we've had many complaints about people moving around, standing up, talking and making noise. One dad was disappointed to discover that he accidentally filmed the wrong child because the dancers were dressed the same and he was looking through the camera lens. It was not a pleasurable experience for most of our audience members.

How much are DVD’s?
Each DVD is $23.00 and includes sales tax. If you like, we can ship the DVD to your home for an additional $3.50 charge. DVD Order Form

When will the DVD’s be ready?
DVD’s will be ready by July 21. We will e-mail you when they are ready, to remind you to stop by the studio and pick yours up. A notice will also be posted on the website’s main page when they are ready. If you do not hear from us by July 21, please call us at 576-1400.

When is the deadline for ordering?
We can take your order at any time.

Tickets

Due to the high cost of renting the auditorium, we do have to charge for admission to all our shows. Ticket sales help pay for rental of auditorium for rehearsals and shows, rental of lighting equipment, auditorium manager, custodians, lighting and sound crew, insurance, etc.

Tickets are just $6.00 each!* (After June 1st, prices increase to $7.00 each).

*If you are in more than one show, your rate is discounted - see front desk for details.

All seating is RESERVED seating. This means "first come, first serve" on getting the seats you want. Viewers have reported that every seat in the house is a good one. There are other benefits to reserved seating:

No waiting in long lines before the show to get the best seats you can.
No confusion; you will know exactly where to go when it's show day.
Your child will know exactly where you will be sitting in the theatre, putting her at ease.

Tickets will go on sale on Monday, May 3 at noon. Each student will be able to purchase 6 (possibly up to 8) tickets at first; and will be given the opportunity to purchase more if needed, depending on the number of students in each show.

Tuition must be paid through the entire year to purchase tickets. Due to the fact that seating is reserved, we cannot offer refunds on tickets.

Security

Security and safety for our children is of the utmost importance to us. Therefore, we have put in place a system of security.

Backstage and waiting areas are secure areas. Adults may not enter these areas without an identifiable wrist band which will be given out with purchased tickets. One adult only may accompany each child.
When arriving at the auditorium, students and authorized adults will be directed to a secure waiting area. Volunteers will then escort performers to the backstage area.
When the entire show is over, including the closing number and final bow, and the children have returned to their waiting rooms, adults wearing wristbands will be given directions on how to pick up their children.
These rules are for your own safety. Please support our volunteers and security guards. They will be instructed not to make exceptions, so please make arrangements in advance.

Thank you for your cooperation!

Volunteers

We could simply not put on our annual show without the help of generous volunteers. Every year, we need 1-2 volunteers for each class to watch students backstage before and after their performance. We are also in need of dads to be security guards. If you think this might be something you are interested in, consider volunteering this year. Volunteers get to sit in the audience to see their child(ren) perform. Also, volunteers get to view the performance from a front row seat. E-mail us now and become a volunteer!

Program Advertising Information

"Support Dance Etc. by putting an ad in our Showcase Program!"

Business Adsusiness Ads

Our Spring Showcase Program is read by over 2,500 people during the show, and while they are waiting for the shows to start. Programs are usually saved as a keepsake for years to come! And, it is a great value for advertisers – prices start at just $15.00. We can help with your ad design. If you own a business, consider advertising in the Spring Showcase Program!
Business Ad Information and Form
Examples of Business Ads

Parent Ads

Class Photo:

The photographer will take a photo of your child's class. Your group can put this class photo in the program for just $50.00. It can include student names, special messages and words of love and encouragement for your performers! If you divide the cost amongst the parents, it becomes an affordable, easy way to remember your child's year of dance. Group Photo Form

Student Photo:

You can put your child's photo in the program for just $25.00. Supply your own picture, or use the one our photographer takes! You can include special messages and words of love and encouragement for your performer! Student Photo Form

Dancer-Gram:

Parents may also put a “one-liner” message in the program, which is a one- or two-line message for your dancer, teacher or teammmate. Just $4.00! One Liner Ad Form

Closing Number Rehearsal Information

What’s the Closing Number?
The Closing Number is an 8-minute choreographed routine that is performed at the end of the show. It features a mixture of four or five songs. Each group will only be assigned to one song. The types of dancing include jazz and/or hip-hop. Dancers will be assigned to the song that suits them best.

Who participates?
Students age 5 and up who have already learned their Showcase routine and are ready for more choreography. Usually those under the age of 5 are not included in the Closing Number because it confuses them to do more than one routine. Students participating in the closing number will learn the choreography during their regular classes, beginning in May. Please ask your teacher if you are not sure whether your child’s class is going to be participating in the choreography or not.

What do we have to wear?
Students who are participating in the choreography are asked to wear a turquoise blue Dance Etc. T-shirt as well as black pants or shorts and dance shoes (black jazz or hip-hop shoes preferred).
After your child finishes performing her regular routine in the Showcase, she will change into a T-shirt and shorts/pants. We do have helpers backstage. Please explain the process to your child so she understands what to do.

Is participation mandatory?
No. You do not have to do the Closing Number.

What are the Required Rehearsals?
There are two required rehearsals. Attendance is mandatory for both rehearsals. If a student is absent, she will not be assigned a spot. There are many children on stage at once, which makes the routine very exciting. However, with choreographed quick entrances and exits, it can be confusing if one student does not know where to go. It can also be unsafe as students may run into each other. Therefore, for safety reasons, we cannot make exceptions to the attendance policy.

Rehearsal #1 - Friday, June 11, 2010 at the auditorium. Each show will rehearse separately:

Show #1—4:15 pm (Please arrive 15 to 30 minutes early)
Show #2—5:15 pm (Please arrive 15 to 30 minutes early)
Show #3—6:15 pm (Please arrive 15 to 30 minutes early)
Show #4—7:15 pm (Please arrive 15 to 30 minutes early)

Please have students wear the blue turquoise T-shirt and black shorts/pants to this rehearsal.

Rehearsal #2 — Saturday, June 12, 2010 at the auditorium. Times are:

Show #1—11:30 am (please be ready to rehearse as early as 11:00 am)*
Show #2—1:30 pm (please be ready to rehearse as early as 1:00 pm)*
Show #3—3:35 pm (please be ready to rehearse as early as 3:00)*
Show #4—5:15 pm (please be ready to rehearse as early as 4:45)*

*IMPORTANT: This rehearsal is just for the Closing Number. This rehearsal does not take the place of the rehearsal for a student's regular class. Those rehearsal times are posted in the binder at the front desk.
Please have students wear the blue turquoise T-shirt and black shorts/pants to this rehearsal.

View some clips from last year's closing number.

Spring Showcase 2010

What

When

Schedule

Where

The complete Guide to Spring Showcase