Distribution
We will try on each costume in class as they are received at the studio to ensure proper fit. The teacher will check to ensure the costume is appropriate for distribution (fits nicely, no missing pieces or damages, etc.) All costumes will come in a garment bag with a pair of recital only tights, all costume accessories and tagged with all the important information you need to know about each routine and costume.
Costumes will be distributed prior to pictures. This is to give us ample time to try on costumes in class, make any necessary exchanges and label all bags accordingly. When you get each costume home, please hang them neatly in a spare closet (not in your child’s closet) or in a safe place as costume replacement at later dates is nearly impossible.
Do Not let children play in their recital costumes before recital!
Props are property of the studio and will be stored at the studio for safekeeping. They will be handed out individually at recital and should be returned to our prop bucket immediately following the routine. (Props will also be available on picture day.) Costumes do not include shoes. These should be the same shoes that you have for class already but please check to insure that you have the appropriate colors and sizes.
Costume Care
We recommend that each student’s name be placed in his or her costumes, shoes, accessories, and tights. Keep the costumes in the labeled garment bag with your child’s information sticker. Hang ballet costumes with tutu skirts upside down, by the crotch to encourage lift in the skirt. All accessories, tights and shoes should be placed in the accessories bag and hung inside the garment bag with each costume. You may steam costumes prior to the performance however, please do not wash costumes in your washing machine; spot or dry-clean them only (after the recital).
Withdrawal
No refunds will be made if a parent or guardian withdraws a child from the studio after costumes have been ordered or prior to the recital. Parent or guardian may pick up purchased costumes at the studio at the time of general costume distribution and up to 30 days after the performance. Size exchanges are a courtesy only to students who are participating in the recital and will not be made for students who have withdrawn.
We recommend that each student’s name be placed in his or her
costumes, shoes, accessories, and tights.
Tights
A pair of recital only tights is included with each costume. Please do not use these for class (they may be used for pictures but be careful to inspect that they are still in good condition after). Students should not wear panties under their tights.
*If recital tights are damaged before recital, please email info@theislanddance.com to order a new pair by May 31st. Additional recital tights can be purchased for $15 per pair.
Layering tights: To help with quick changes and modesty, we encourage you to layer your tights by each class. For example: Suzy is in ballet, tap and jazz. Her ballet dance is last, so she will put on her pink tights FIRST, then layer her tan tights on top. She will then put her on her first costume and shoes and be ready for her first dance. When costume change time comes, she will be able to just pull off the tan tights and already have her pink tights on! Super simple and time saving and also helps with modesty in dressing area! Pink can be layered over OR under tan without a problem. (footless tights for acro will not be able to be layered)
Shoes
Should be polished and cleaned. Please refer to your costume tags to check that you have the appropriate color and style of shoe for each class. If your child is in multiple dances, please put their shoes in the accessories bag inside their garment bag with the appropriate costume so we will be able to locate them quickly and easily for the costume change. Our younger tap classes have shoe bows that will attach to their tap shoes. Please check your child's shoes to make sure they have the appropriate sizes.
Hair and Makeup for Recital
We are very laid back in our hair and make-up policy. We want every student to feel beautiful and every parent to be comfortable with their child’s appearance. Our main goal is to have enough make-up to be able to see each dancer’s beautiful eyes and smile and to have hair pulled back and not a distraction or hazard. Under the bright lights of the stage, dancers can often look washed out. Applying accentuating makeup will only help to insure that your dancer's face and expressions are viewed from stage. Of course, if you are not comfortable with your child wearing stage make-up, please do not feel pressured to do so. Although it is standard practice, it is always optional.
Female students are asked to wear makeup for the recital: lipstick, blush, eye shadow, and mascara. Make-up should only be heavy enough to accentuate the eyes, cheeks and lips. Natural colors for eyes and cheeks and a brick lipstick always looks best.
No jewelry, with the exception of simple rhinestone stud earrings. Only French or nude nail/toe nail polish please, we will have nail polish remover for students who have colored nails at recital!
All students (with the exception of 2-3 yr Tots) should wear ponytail or French braid (single or double). Hair may be parted or pulled straight back. Please use tons and tons of hair spray, hair gel and hairpins to secure hair, routines will move and jump around all over the place but hair should stay nice and secure.
Hair and Makeup for Picture Day
Pictures are a treasured keepsake for parents and family. For this reason we do not require make up or special hair guidelines for pictures. If you wish for your younger one to have a natural appearance in their pictures then feel free to refrain from make-up. Hair may be worn up or down; whichever you feel will be most flattering. These pictures are for you, not me, and should represent how you want your child to appear. We do ask however that you take the time to be presentable so that our group picture turns out beautifully.
