2026 Recital Information

2026 Recital Information

Recital Dates: Saturday, May 16, 2026 and Sunday, May 17, 2026

Recital Venue Location:
Groton-Dunstable Performing Arts Center | 344 Main Street, Groton, MA
(Groton-Dunstable Middle School)

• See which day your dancer performs here

2026 Recital Tickets

Recital tickets are now open to the public! You can purchase tickets right up until showtime, or until the show sells out. Please see our ticketing info and policies here. Tickets can only be purchased at the door if the show doesn’t sell out (only cash/Venmo will be available at the door)

2026 Recital Performance Times

We will be having 2 recital performances during our recital weekend. Most dancers will only be performing in one show. Recital Showtimes are as follows:

*You can now click on the showtime to see the run/show order of each performance*

WE HAVE 2 RECITAL PERFORMANCES:

Saturday, May 16, 2026 | (Showtime) 2:00PM | dancer call-time - 1:15pm

Sunday, May 17, 2026 | (Showtime) 1:00PM | dancer call-time 12:15pm

Please click the button below to find out which day/time your dancer is performing in our 2026 Recital

Step 1: [Pack For Recital/Backstage] – please, please, please label everything…

• What to bring: All your dance shoes, costumes (on hangers), tights and accessories (if possible, no large bags), and labeled water bottles.

  • Pro-Tip: write your dancers name on their costumes tag (sharpie works best!) or fabric labels work great too

• What NOT to bring: Do not send any snacks with your dancers – as we have dancers with severe allergies. If your child has a food allergy or an EpiPen, please let us know ASAP by notifying us via email. 

  • If possible, we ask that dancers please refrain from bringing expensive or important electronics backstage so they do not get lost or misplaced. 

Step 2: [Get Dressed & Ready]

The run/show order is listed [below]. Please have your dancer come dressed and ready [hair, make-up and costume] for their first number. We will take care of the rest! Your dancers costume order and first costume MAY NOT be the same as dress rehearsal.

• Run Order: Saturday, May 16 at 2:00PM

• Run Order: Sunday, May 17 at 1:00PM  

Step 3: [Drop Off Your Dancer] – Here’s A Quick Video Walk-Thru 

Please bring your dancer to the backstage check-in area no later than 45 minutes prior to the start of your dancer’s show. Dancers will need to be dropped off and picked-up at the Stage Door of the recital venue – NOT the through the front door - which is where you came in for dress rehearsal. We will have this clearly marked for you (it’s the left side of the building, blue door). The call time for each performance is listed below:  

Call Time: 1:15pm – for the Saturday 2:00PM show
Call Time: 12:15pm – for the Sunday, 1:00PM show  

*Recital RAIN DAY Drop-Off
If there is heavy rain; we will allow parents to DRIVE up to the stage door to drop off their dancers. there might be a car line/back - up, so we advise that you get there early for drop-off. If it is not raining, please park your car in the lot and walk your dancer up to the door. 

When dropping your dancer off backstage with us:

• Dress code: Dancers should come dressed and ready for their first number, including tights, headpiece and with their hair and makeup done.

  • If you have a young dancer and would like for us to put on lipstick closer to the show, please hand it to us when you check-in; in a labeled clear bag

  • If your dancer has sensitive skin, you may put on a t-shirt or something underneath their costume – we can take it off before they go onstage.

  • Aside from their first costume, we will take care of ALL costume changes ourselves backstage – parents will stay in the auditorium/watching the show for the entire performance.

• Backstage supervision: Dancers will stay backstage for the entire performance with a designated staff member, parent volunteers, or class assistant to help with costume changes, bathroom breaks, and entertainment (coloring, stickers and more).

• Children will not be dismissed from the backstage area until after the show. This is for your child’s safety as we need to keep track of all our performers – we can not make any exceptions.

• Bun Appointments: If your dancer has a bun appointment before the show, please bring them through them main front entrance for your appointment. One of the moms doing the buns will then walk them backstage to the recital check-in area from there.

Step 4: [It’s Showtime!] – But Watch This First...

You’ve dropped off your dancer…now what? Head to the lobby then sit back, relax and enjoy the show!

• The auditorium doors will open approximately 30 minutes before the show.

• There are refreshments and gift items for purchase in our lobby provided by our Dance Company Boosters

• Please have your entire party together and your tickets ready (printed or on your phone) before you are seated

  • Online ticket purchasing will be available right up until your dancers showtime — ticket sales will close at the start of showtime. Tickets may not be available at the door. Please purchase online in advance - we will have a QR Code available when entering if you need to use this to purchase while at the recital venue (prior to showtime).

  • Tickets are available at our online ticketing website

  • If any tickets are remaining, you will only be able to purchase them after showtime via cash or Venmo.

• We have ushers that will make sure you are in the correct seats

• Remember, your dancer stays with us backstage…

  • A CSDA staff, volunteers and assistants will be handling everything they need from changing costumes to lining them up for their dances. 

Step 5 [Pick-Up Your Dancer] – After The Show [read below or watch this quick video instead] 

• Dancers will be dismissed from the same stage door that they were dropped off at UNLESS there is significant rain.

  • In case of rain – we will make an announcement at the end of the show to tell you which area -  inside the venue - you may pick up your dancer at.

• Please be patient with us during pick-up time as we will have a lot of dancers that need to be dismissed.

• Please be sure to notify us in advance [via email] if someone other than the dancer’s parent will be picking them up from the recital performance. 

NO ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT ALLOWED at the Recital: No videos cameras, digital cameras, or film cameras, cell phones, iPads, tablets etc. will be allowed to be used in the auditorium during recital. Every year we have numerous complaints from audience members that these rules have been disregarded. The auditorium management and myself must enforce U.S. Copyright and Safety Laws.  Please don’t bring electronic equipment into the auditorium; if you are caught using a recording or photography device our technical director and/or ushers will confiscate the device until the end of the show. A professional video will be taken of all shows and all families will receive a digital download of both recital performances (regardless of what show your dancer is in), per your recital package. 

Studio Hours: 
This is our last week of classes and Thursday, May 14 will be our last day in-studio. The desk will be open from 3pm – 6pm on 5/14. We will NOT be open on Saturday, May 16 due to the performances. We will have extremely limited email access on Saturday May 16 and Sunday, May 17 due to the performances. 

If you need to reach us during the performance weekend, emailing us at this email or texting us using our website feature is the best way to get in contact. 

Getting Recital Ready
Hair, Make-Up & Costuming

You’re dancers have learned their routine and now it’s time to showcase them on the big stage! But what about hair, make-up and costuming? We’ve got you covered in the link below!

Not sure what you dancer needs?
Check out our 2026 Recital Costume Book which features all of your dancers classes and shoe needs.

Dress Rehearsal & Picture Day Information

Saturday, May 9, 2026

Thank you for an amazing dress rehearsal - please see information above for recital information

Dress Rehearsal & Picture Day are the same day and the same location
Groton-Dunstable Performing Arts Center | 344 Main Street, Groton, MA

• [DATE]: Saturday, May 9, 2026.

• [LOCATION]: Groton-Dunstable Performing Arts Center (Middle School: 344 Main St, Groton, MA)

• [ENTRANCE] Use the main Middle School entrance; the auditorium is the first door on your left (blue door).

• [PARKING]: Anywhere in the middle school lots surrounding the building

• [ARRIVAL]: Please arrive 15-20 minutes before your first scheduled on-stage time, dressed and ready to go!

• What Is Dress Rehearsal?: A full run through of your dancers recital routine(s), please come hair, make-up and costume - stage ready! The big stage is different than our studio space - and we want the dancers to be prepared (but mostly excited) for the show the following weekend! 

How to read the schedule: Look for your dancer's class time/roster.

• The time listed in red (above their costume photo) is their On-Stage time - please have them there about 15-20 minutes before this scheduled time so that they can line up with their class and get ready.

• Check your class day and time in purple (some classes have the same costume) as they are performing in different shows

• Since we are on a tight professional timetable, we cannot wait for late arrivals.

 What You Should Bring To Dress Rehearsal:

• Dance costumes – all of them including any accessories that came in the bag

• Tights [your new ones we’re giving out next week] – wear them for dress rehearsal and recital

• All your dance shoes

• Please label all items with your dancer’s name! 

How Picture & Dress Rehearsal Day Works

We’ve streamlined the process so you can get your rehearsal and photos done in one efficient loop:

• Stage First: Everyone start by going into the auditorium. Each group will get approximately 10-15 minutes of stage time to block and run their routine. Teachers/assistants will take dancers backstage for their rehearsal, parents will remain in the auditorium to watch them and take stage photos.

• Group Photos: Immediately after their stage time, the group will be led to the cafeteria for their professional group photo. Parents will meet dancers there.

• Individual Photos: Once the group photo is done, you can take individual portraits. Our photographer is available until 6:30PM (excluding a lunch break from 1:30 PM – 2:00 PM) so you can jump in and take photos at any point of the day. Sibling and friend photos are always welcome!

• No Paperwork: No order forms! You will receive a digital code via email after the event to view and purchase photos online.

Pro-Tips for a Stress-Free Day

• Hair Help: Not a pro at buns? Our Boosters are offering hair appointments! (more info to come)

• We have a breakdown of all hair and make-up tips here for both dress rehearsal and recital 

• Where Can My Dancer Change?: There are lobby bathrooms, two small dressing rooms (with bathrooms), and a designated hallway with cafeteria tables/chairs that you can change or store your costumes if dancers have multiple numbers. 

• Costume Questions: We will answer all questions regarding headpieces and accessories during your designated on-stage time. If you have any specific/urgent costume questions - please email the studio before dress rehearsal.

• Food/Drink: No food or water is allowed inside the auditorium. Snacks are welcome in the lobby and hallways that are designated for changing.

• The Finale: The "Dance On Demand" finale is optional to rehearse but open to everyone who wishes to participate (it's in the very middle of our dress rehearsal day). Our finale is done by everyone from our preschool dancers to the Seniors - think of it as final bows for all dancers! In the dress rehearsal schedule, you will see a time where we will practice this dance - please know this is optional! Your dancer will be able to participate in finale during recital regardless if you are able to come to the finale rehearsal. 

• Supervision & Safety: Dress rehearsal is an exciting, high-energy, and can be long day! Please keep in mind that our teachers and staff will be fully immersed in managing their classes and on-stage transitions. Because of this, supervision between and after your dancer's scheduled numbers is the responsibility of the parents/guardians. We appreciate your help in keeping everyone safe and making the day run smoothly!

• Photos are OK! Video cameras or any recording devices are prohibited but…photos may be taken with a camera/phone during dress rehearsal.

• Scheduling Conflicts: If your dancer is unable to make it to dress rehearsal for any reason, please email us before dress rehearsal so we can prepare our teachers and the class. 

• Saturday Classes: If you have a Saturday morning class, we will have a modified class times and will be emailing everyone with those times shortly.

We can’t wait to see these routines come to life under the lights! Please let us know if you have any questions.

2026 Recital Practice Videos

Password can be found in email sent on 2/27

2026 Recital Practice Music

Password can be found in email sent on 2/27

2026 Recital Costs

Associated Performance Costs:

Recital Costumes: We require dancers to purchase one dance costume for each class. The only class exception is our Tap/Ballet Combo classes - they will have two costumes. During the month of November, we require a $50 costume deposit to secure their costume for recital. The remaining balance of the costume deposit is due in January when we return from our holiday break.

If you pay your initial costume deposit, you are required to pay the full remaining costume balance – we cannot make any exceptions. We strive to keep costume prices as low as possible for each dancer. In general the costume totals range between $80-$125+ per costume.

Recital Tickets:
Recital tickets will go on sale on Monday, April 27, 2026. Each family member and/or audience member must purchase a ticket to view the performance. After that date, recital tickets will remain on sale until the performance dates. We use an online recital ticketing service for our recital tickets. Families will be able to purchase their recital tickets directly from their phones, laptops and tablets. More information about recital tickets will be sent out closer to that date.  

Recital Package/Fee:
We require any dancer participating in our recital to pay a one-time $150 recital package fee per dancer or $200 for multiple dancers (families). This fee will be posted in March of 2026 and must be paid with March tuition.

As a reminder, with this fee all dancers receive:

• A digital download of ALL of the recital performances from the weekend.

• One (1) recital t-shirt. Each year we design a unique t-shirt that is themed for our recital performance with all the dancers names on the back. Family pricing will receive one shirt, per dancer.

• Recital Tights: Tights are very much a part of your dancers costume, and in years past, they have been a separate item that dancers/parents need to purchase. As a part of this package we will include them to simplify our recital costuming. Most dancers will receive Body Tights. If your dancer takes a ballet class they will also receive pink tights. Our Tutu & Tumble Preschool classes will receive pink tights only. 

• Recital Program Book: All dancers will receive one (1) recital program book that will feature photos/memories from the year, the run order of the show and any student/dancer shout-outs - see below.

  • Parents will have the opportunity to place a student/dancer shoutout within the new program for an additional cost

  • More information will come out about this in February, 2026

• This also includes our recital rehearsal fee. This covers the cost our on-stage dress rehearsal/performance and helps to keep our recital ticket prices from increasing substantially.