Getting Recital Ready
Hair, Make-Up & More!

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…

Performance Hair for Dress Rehearsal/Picture Day & Recital:

  • Hair should be pulled back away from the dancer's face, you got it... in a bun!

    • We want to see their dazzling smiles and also - hair left down or in a ponytail can be a distraction or a hazard for dancing/tumbling  

  • Bun placement is important 

    • A bun on the top of your dancers head is great; but if your class is using a hat or your dancer is in an acro class - you may want to lower the bun towards the nape of the neck 

    • Whether your dancer has a part or no part, is up to you (and their hair type!)

  • Male dancers or dancers with hair too short for a bun 

    • As long as your hair is away from your face and eyes - you’re good to go! 

  • Again, this all sounds great but, I can’t do hair…! Don’t stress…you have options.

    • Our Dance Company Boosters provide a bun styling service for a fee at both Dress Rehearsal and recital! You’re able to schedule an appointment to take that off your plate - more details to come in a future email.

    • Just need a little help? A Bun Maker  is a great option and helps to produce the perfect dancer bun! They come in all shapes, sizes and colors at places like Sally Beauty, Target and of course, Amazon!  Also there are many hair tutorials online - here is one that we like :: Bun Maker Tutorial

Some Additional Hair Details & Items You May Need:

  • All headpieces go on the right side of the dancer’s head unless otherwise noted at dress rehearsal. We can pin them in, if you need help!

  • Bobby Pins - the same color as your dancer’s hair

  • Hairspray - the more the better!

  • Brush/Comb

  • Hair Net - the same color as your dancer’s hair

  • Please avoid adding glitter/glitter gel to your dancer’s hair - it reflects brightly on stage and gets on costumes while changing.

Make-Up

For dancers ages 3 - 6: It’s not a requirement; but you’re welcome to pick and choose what works for you and your dancer using the suggestions below.

For dancers ages 6 and over; here’s what we recommend… 

Suggested Make-Up:

  • Blush: A bright/rosy cheek will help dancers not look washed out on stage. We love this E.L.F. brand blush in the color “Pink”

  • Eye Shadow: We suggest using browns and neutrals for eye shadow. If you are unsure what to use - we like the Maybelline brand: Designer Chocolates. The colors are perfect for the stage and they tell you where to place it (lid, crease etc).

  • Please avoid using blue eye shadow or shadows with a lot of glitter.

  • Mascara: Any brand will do - especially for dancers with blonde hair, mascara will help your eyes stand out. Also, eye liner/pencil for light eyebrows if needed.

  • Foundation: Typically, our older dancers will wear foundation to even out skin tones.

  • Lipstick: We love Maybelline SuperStay Ink Crayon (suggested color "Hustle In Heels").Any bright red lip/gloss will do the trick!

Dance Shoes & Costuming

Think of your dancers' recital costume and dance shoes as a part of their team uniform - everyone needs to match for the big day!  

  • Find your dancer's shoe details in our Costume Book.

    • Our costume book lists what each class needs for shoes and tights (we’ve got you covered on those)

    • Some classes are listed as bare feet. Those classes will have tights that roll-up and do not need to purchase any shoes 

  • Need dance shoes for recital? Shoe Ordering Week is  Monday, March 11 - Saturday, March 16. 

    • Fill out this form if you’d like for us to handle sizing and ordering for your dancer 

    • We know not all parents come with their dancers to class, so filling out this form will allow us to help them when they are at the studio 

    • Even if you’ll be there with your dancer, this will help us make sure we size your dancer during the week.

  • I’d like to order or get my own dance shoes or I missed the shoe order week

    • We have an online dancewear website which contains all of our shoes that we carry at the studio. You can order and have them shipped directly to your house.

    • *Dance shoe sizing is different from street shoe sizing - it can also be different brand-to-brand. Be sure to check out the sizing form on the website to know what you’re getting. You can also order extra tights, leos etc from here! 

Onstage Extra Reminders! ::

  • No fingernail polish, toenail polish or jewelry is allowed.

  • Please remove all nail polish and any jewelry/accessories before the show.