RECITAL 2026

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.

Our goal is to make the recital an organized,

exciting experience for everyone involved.

Pre-Planning

The recital isn’t a one-day activity. Gather all costumes, shoes, tights, and makeup several days in advance so you’ll know if something is missing or isn’t right. Check to make sure your child has the correct color and sizes of shoes for each routine. If you need to order replacement tights or new shoes, they can be ordered through our online dance shop click here (performance tight colors should be "prima pink" or "dark tan". If shopping for a darker skintone, please see Mrs. Brie and we can color match for you!) or email us at info@theislanddance.com. Make a checklist of your child's routines, listing their costume, tights, and shoes and refer to it to make sure you have all your supplies before going to the theater. Each costume bag is labeled with all the information you need to know about each routine! Students in multiple routines will need to bring their additional costumes in the garment bags they came in (with the labels). Students should put the appropriate dance shoes, tights and accessories in the labeled bag inside the garment bag with their costume. Please ensure that each bag has the appropriate tights and shoes as needed and everything is labeled with your child's name!

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 30th. 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.

Rehearsal will be held on Thursday, June 11th at the Orange Beach Performing Arts Center. 

• Dancers participating in Opening Number (Combo I, II & III students that attended the mandatory practices) shall arrive at 3:00pm. 

• 2-3 year old tot classes will rehearse earlier this day, please refer to separate handout for rehearsal information. 

• All other dancers shall arrive shortly before 4pm. 

Participation in Rehearsal is mandatory. The rehearsal allows the students to become familiar with the auditorium surroundings and feel comfortable with their performance 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.

I try very hard to run an organized and timely rehearsal; your help with the process will guarantee a professional production. Rehearsal length will depend on many factors. I would suggest blocking out approximately 3-3.5 hours for rehearsal, but I will do everything I can to minimize that time! 

Dancers should bring all shoes to rehearsal and will need to wear appropriate shoes for each dance. This is not a dress rehearsal. Students will wear their Recital T-shirts and regular dance clothing for rehearsal. It is encouraged that little ones bring activities to keep them occupied. Food and drinks are not permitted in the dressing rooms so please do not send snacks with your child. We will provide allergy friendly snacks (cheerios, pretzels etc.). 

Recital T shirts and Memory Books will be distributed during rehearsal.

These are not dress rehearsals, students should wear their Recital T shirt and regular dance clothing.

Arrival at Rehearsal

Dancers and Parents arriving for the rehearsals will meet in the audience seating. 

At the beginning of the first Rehearsal we will hold a quick Announcement and Awards Ceremony. Cover Model winners will be announced at this time as well as our Nancy Cox Brunson Scholarship winner! Following awards, Mrs. Brie will give instructions on how the rehearsal will progress. Students are not to be dropped off at rehearsal, a parent/guardian must remain on site at all times! 

During Rehearsal

The audience should remain quiet and respectful during rehearsal. I know little one’s will get bored quickly but we will try to move quickly as well as have activities to keep them occupied as they wait. Rehearsal can be tedious but it is so important for our dancers, performers and our backstage help. Remember that Rehearsal is not a reflection of the final performance. Rehearsal is our opportunity to address any flaws and issues to help our performance day run as smoothly as possible. In other words, this day may seem chaotic but we will get there! 

Rehearsal Dismissal

Students are dismissed from rehearsal once they have completed all of their routines. STUDENTS MUST BE SIGNED OUT AT THE DRESSING ROOM BEFORE LEAVING! THIS IS FOR EVERYONE'S SAFETY!

Recital Dismissal is different! Please refer to Recital Day Section for more information!

Recital T Shirts 

Each performer will receive a Recital T-Shirt for participating in our Recital. (this shirt was included in your Recital Fee) Recital Shirts will include this year's theme on the front and a full cast list with each performer's name on the back. This makes for such a sweet keepsake! Shirts will be distributed at Rehearsal to performers to wear.  Additional shirts may be purchased for siblings or parents and must be submitted by May 22nd.

Rehearsal Guests

One parent or guardian may accompany each student to the rehearsal. No Additional attendees during the rehearsal, they will be asked to leave the building. This is for the safety of your child.

Recital Performance Arrival and Dismissal

Students performing in the first 10 numbers should arrive 1 hour prior to showtime on Recital Day, Saturday, June 13th. All remaining students (unless otherwise instructed by Mrs. Brie) should be checked into the dressing room no later than 3:45. Parents or guardians should bring the students to the check in area at the back of the theater. Students will remain with their class until after Finale (with the exception of 2-3 year old tot classes). Students should be fully dressed with hair and make-up ready for their first routine, with a cover up (dad’s old button down works great for this!). The theater doors will open for guests 30 minutes prior to recital.

Please keep in mind and remind your guests of expected summertime traffic! Allow ample time to get to the theater!

Students in the first 10 numbers should arrive 1 hour prior to performance on

Recital Day dressed and ready to perform!

Finale & Dismissal

All students will participate in Finale! Our Finale is a simple curtain-call bow but it’s such a fun opportunity for all of our performers to be on stage and get one last big applause for all of their hard work! 

After Finale a parent or guardian will need to make their way to the pick-up lines at the sides of the stage. Parents must have drop off sticker to pick their child! This may take a few moments, but please be patient as this is for the safety of our children. Once the stage is cleared, parents will be allowed to enter dressing rooms for costume pick ups.

If you MUST leave before Finale, be sure to check out with staff/volunteer at the back of the theater. Please make every effort to stay for the entire Recital. We run an efficient show that should last no longer than your average movie. 

Please plan to stay for the entire show! Every performer and routine

deserves a full and enthusiastic audience!

Theater Etiquette 

It is my goal to make our Recital a fun and enjoyable experience for everyone. We encourage applause and excitement! We do ask that the audience remain seated during all performances. If you need to move out of your seat, please do so in between numbers. Movement in the audience can be very distracting for the performers. Children should also remain seated and under parental supervision at all times! The only audience members allowed to enter back stage with be the assigned room moms and will be checked at the door for IDA issued lanyard before entry. 

Please be respectful when filming your dancer so as not to be a distraction to other audience members. We will have a professional videographer and a digital copy of the show was included in your recital fee!

*Although our little ones can be so cute and often times hilarious to watch, please do your best to limit your laughter. Often times we forget how laughter can be perceived by young children. Try to keep to applause only.

Ticket Policies

Everyone planning on attending Recital will be required to purchase a ticket. Ticket costs will be $15 for general and $20 for priority seating. Dancers are not required to purchase a ticket however, because our seating is assigned, your dancer will need to either remain in the dressing room or sit in a lap. Children 3 and under will not need a ticket as long as they will be held on a parents' lap. Tickets will be sold online on a first come, first serve basis so be sure to purchase tickets well in advance. Ticket sales are needed to cover recital venue expenses including but not limited to venue rental, lighting expenses, backdrop, stage décor, and payment for extra staff and security. All studio accounts (tuition, costumes, etc.) must be paid in full before any family member may purchase recital tickets. 

Alcohol, vaping, and the use of any tobacco or electronic smoking devices are strictly prohibited anywhere inside the theater, including restrooms. The building is equipped with highly sensitive vape detection sensors throughout, including in the bathrooms, *and they DO work*. Anyone found in violation will be escorted from the premises, and the student will be expelled from the studio.

Doors will open 30 minutes before showtime. We kindly ask that all children remain seated and supervised for the duration of the performance. We understand that little ones may occasionally become restless, and if a quick break is needed, we appreciate you stepping out to the lobby until they’re ready to return.

To help create the best experience for everyone on stage and in the audience, children should not be running, playing, or moving around the auditorium during the show. If your child may have difficulty remaining seated for the full 2 hour performance, we encourage making alternative arrangements if possible. Any disruptive behavior may result in being asked to step out of the theater.

Our recital is a special, family-friendly event, and we want every dancer and guest to be able to fully enjoy the performance.

Ticket Sales

Tickets sales will be online. Seating is reserved so be sure to get your tickets early for the best seating options. The ticket website will go live May 30th at 6 pm. We will send a text reminder leading up to the launch of ticket sales in hopes to give everyone equal opportunity to purchase and choose their seating.

You will not be able to purchase tickets at the studio (we can help you with navigating the website if needed). We will also have tickets available at the door IF the show has not sold out. A warning text will be sent when ticket sales are at 90%.

Our keepsake Recital Teddy Bears are back—and cuter than ever! These adorable bears come dressed in a custom recital t-shirt and a tutu, making them the perfect special surprise for your dancer. We’ll also have a few additional gift options available this year! These items were a huge hit last year and sold out quickly, so we highly recommend taking advantage of the pre-order to make sure you don’t miss out.

 CLICK HERE TO PRE-ORDER RECITAL BEARS & Gifts

We are partnering again with Magpie Meadows, to offer you the best quality floral arrangements at an affordable price. Pre-ordered arrangements will be available for pick up on Recital Day in the theater lobby. CLICK HERE TO PRE-ORDER RECITAL FLOWERS

With the 2026 dance recital just around the corner, we’re currently recruiting room moms to assist with backstage organization during rehearsals and recital. Here are some of the duties the Room Moms will be responsible for:

• Make sure dancers are calm, quiet and happy in the dressing room during tech rehearsal and on Recital day.

• Assist dancers with costume changes making sure they are stage-ready (hair and make-up in place, costume and accessories on correctly, no jewelry, proper shoes etc.)

• Help young dancers with restroom breaks

• Line dancers up in the proper order when called to do so by backstage staff

• Assist with signing dancers in and out.

• Assist with organizing costumes to return to parents after the show.

The number of room moms needed will depend on the class size, the age of the students and the amount of costume changes. Due to limited space in dressing rooms, this will be a first come-first serve opportunity.

Room moms will not have to purchase recital tickets for themselves. Once students are lined up and taken backstage, the Room Mom will have the opportunity to step out to the audience to watch the show in special reserved seating and can return after the routine. So no missing your baby perform on the stage!

As an extra incentive, Room Moms will be given early access to ticket sales!

If you are interested in being a Room Mom, please click here to sign up!