Recital Guide
Recital day is a big moment. Nail every detail with our checklists and get fully up to speed on all recital info.
Recital Location
2026 Performance Schedule
Dancers only attend their assigned performance Act—not the entire show. Check the Recital Lineup for your dancer's assigned Act and arrival time.
Providence Studio — Performance Dates
Monday Classes
Saturday, June 6, 2026
9:00 AM
Tuesday Classes
Saturday, June 6, 2026
12:30 PM
Wednesday Classes
Saturday, June 6, 2026
4:00 PM
Thursday Classes
Sunday, June 7, 2026
12:00 PM
Friday Classes
Sunday, June 7, 2026
3:30 PM
Saturday Classes
Sunday, June 7, 2026
5:00 PM
Baxter Studio — Performance Dates
Monday Classes
Friday, June 5, 2026
6:30 PM
Tuesday Classes
Tuesday, June 2, 2026
6:00 PM
Wednesday Classes
Wednesday, June 3, 2026
6:00 PM
Thursday Classes
Thursday, June 4, 2026
6:00 PM
Friday Classes
Friday, June 5, 2026
4:00 PM
Saturday Classes
Friday, June 5, 2026
4:00 PM
Daycare Dance Performances
Prov Prep — Westbury Performance
Wednesday, June 3, 2026
6:00 PM
Prov Prep — Providence Performance
Thursday, June 4, 2026
6:00 PM
Pleasant Hill Performance
Friday, June 5, 2026
6:30 PM
Costume & Recital Prep
Complete this checklist before recital day to ensure your dancer is fully prepared.
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Costumes & Accessories
Make sure every piece is accounted for—check against the class costume list.
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Garment Bags
Store each costume separately on a hanger in its own labeled garment bag (include dancer name, dance title, and day of the week).
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Shoes
Place the correct dance shoes in the bottom of the matching garment bag.
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Organization
Keep bags organized in costume order for quick changes between routines.
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Recital Schedule
Review your dancer's assigned Act, arrival time, and song titles. Remember: dancers only attend their performance Act, not the entire show.
Appearance Checklist
How your dancer should look when they arrive at the venue.
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First Costume On
Arrive dressed in the costume for your first dance.
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Know the Lineup
Check the Recital Lineup for your dancer's dance order before arriving.
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Layer Tights (Ballet Dancers)
For multiple dances, layer tights for quick changes—tan tights stay on the bottom, with pink tights added on top for Pre-Ballet or Ballet 1–5.
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Hair
Secure in a low bun.
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Makeup
Encouraged but not required.
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No Jewelry or Extras
Remove all jewelry and unnecessary embellishments before arriving.
Parent Day-of Checklist
Here is the step-by-step guide for parents on recital day.
Check-In
- ‣ Arrive 30 minutes before your dancer's show.
- ‣ Arrive fully dressed in the costume for the first dance (see Appearance Checklist).
- ‣ Check in your dancer outside, behind the recital venue. Dancers 13+ may check themselves in. Only one parent present per dancer at check-in.
- ‣ After check-in, dancers go backstage with MSDA Staff.
- ‣ Parents keep extra costumes and items with them in the auditorium. Ensure dance shoes are in the bottom of each costume bag.
Costume Changes
- ‣ After their first dance, dancers return to the right side of the auditorium.
- ‣ Parent meets them for costume changes. Change costumes immediately.
- → Girls: Curtained dressing rooms on the right side.
- → Boys: Lobby restrooms.
- ‣ Double-check the dance order to avoid mistakes.
- ‣ MSDA Staff will escort dancers backstage after changes (right side).
- ‣ Parents return to their seats.
During the Show
- ‣ Stay familiar with the recital lineup throughout the show.
- ‣ Be ready for quick, organized costume changes when your dancer comes off stage.
Dancer Dismissal
- ‣ Dancers remain backstage after their final dance to receive trophies.
- ‣ End-of-Act dismissal order: 13+ dancers are dismissed first. Remaining dancers are dismissed usually youngest to oldest with their last dance.
- ‣ Parents of younger dancers should be toward the front of the dismissal line.
- ‣ If your dancer performs in the next Act, they remain backstage.
- ‣ Only one parent needs to be present for pickup.
- ‣ Ask family and friends to keep the dismissal area clear.
Other helpful resources
Need a Hand?
Our team is happy to help with any recital questions. Reach out to the studio closest to you.