HERE ARE SOME FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT OUR ANNUAL DANCE RECITAL:
The recital is a pervasive and detailed event. Below are just a few of our most frequently asked questions. We know you may have additional questions, which will be addressed throughout the year on our message board on our website home page. You may email questions at any time.
Q: Where and when is the recital?
A: The recital is held at Meyersdale High School.
Two shows are held, one on Saturday, April 27, at 4:00 P.m. and one on Sunday, April 28, at 4:00 p.m. Performers should report backstage between 3:00-3:15 PM. The audience will be seated starting at 3:15 PM, (if it is raining we may move it to 3:00 PM). The venue offers our audience air conditioning and comfortable and ample seating. The stage and technical services offer dancers a quality theatrical atmosphere.
Q: Do students have to perform in both shows?
A: Yes.
The recital offers our students a professionally directed performance that allows them to present the results of a year's hard work and dedication to their families and friends. A big part of dance training is learning through performance. The performing experience helps build self-esteem and self-confidence and can result in better in-school presentations and improved social skills. The rehearsal process is a tremendous learning experience as well. It helps the children develop retention skills, and by working with their classmates on a group performance, they learn the positive aspects of working as a team to create the best result. BBS has produced 44 recitals, and through the years, we have made lots of traditions that our students anticipate with lots of excitement.
Q: Tell me about costumes?
A: Costume cost varies.
Costume costs, size, type of fabric, and amount of trim are variable. The average cost of a costume for a class is $50-65. Older students should expect to pay $65-80.
Q: When is the money due for costumes?
A: We require a $25 deposit due by November 15.
This deposit helps us get our orders early so we can give you the best prices possible. The deposit will be deducted from your costume total. Costume information will be distributed during the first week of January. Costume balances are due by February 1. Students with multiple costumes may make two 50% payments.
A: Costumes can begin arriving in late January.
Once students' costume balances are paid in full, they will receive costumes. We try to distribute them as soon as they arrive. Please be sure to put your child's name on all costumes and accessories. Have him/her try on costumes upon receipt to check for proper fit. Exchanges must be made within days of receiving the costume, so please do not delay.
Q: When do students receive their costumes?
A: Every performer goes on stage.
One fun tradition for our show is to include all performers in our show finale. Each dancer will receive a souvenir recital tee shirt to wear along with black pants or jeans, whichever is specified for that year, and dance shoes. This uniform look has a great ending, and students are comfortable and ready to go after the awards presentation.
Q: What is the recital finale?
A: Yes.
The week of the show, we have two dress rehearsals at Meyersdale HS, usually on Wednesday and Thursday. We make every effort to keep it to one day for most dancers. Those in multiple dances should expect to attend both days. You will receive a dress rehearsal schedule and will be free to leave upon completing your dances. Parents may watch the rehearsal. Click on the recital page to find the dress rehearsal schedule.
Q: Are there dress rehearsals?
A: Parents who sign up in advance.
Our dancers wait backstage in the school hallways, which works well to contain such a large number of performers. Parents sign up in advance and are assigned a group or area to supervise. Parents assisting backstage will not need a ticket. We also permit parent volunteers backstage access when his/her child is performing.
We request any fathers to volunteer to help in areas other than backstage due to the costume changes.
Students are permitted to bring water and a snack. Please do not pack anything messy that could ruin a costume or upset a nervous stomach. Please remind your child to have good manners and dispose of his/her trash.
Q. Who watches the performers backstage?
A: They are taken in mid-April at BBS.
We are excited to have the professional services of Sines Photography take our dance recital pictures. The prices are given about one month before the picture date. Picture purchases are not required, but we request all students to attend the photo shoot and be in the group pictures.
Commercial Video from Cumberland, MD, has been our videographer for over 20 years. His edited videos are of top quality and capture all our dance memories. Parents have reported that younger students watch the DVD over and over, enjoying all the different routines. The cost of the DVD is $45. DVD orders will be announced later in the year.