Recital Day Information
Getting There
Parking & Arrival
Venue Parking
Free parking is available in the venue lot and surrounding areas. Arrive early for the best spots.
Drop-Off
Dancers should be dropped off at the backstage entrance. Follow signs from the parking lot.
Show Dates
Baxter shows run June 2-5, Daycare shows run June 3-5, and Providence shows run June 5-7. Check your dancer's lineup for their assigned Act, arrival time, and song titles.
Dancer Prep
Recital Checklists
Use these notes before you leave for the venue. Dancers only need to attend their assigned Act, not the full show.
Costume & Recital Prep
Account for every costume and accessory before recital week. Store each costume on a hanger in its own labeled garment bag with your dancer's name, dance title, and day of week. Place the correct shoes in the bottom of the matching bag and keep bags organized for quick changes.
Appearance Checklist
Arrive dressed in the first costume, with all jewelry and extra embellishments removed. Ballet dancers with multiple routines should layer tights for quick changes: tan tights on the bottom, with pink tights added for Pre-Ballet or Ballet I-V. Hair should be secured in a low bun; makeup is encouraged but not required.
Parent Check-In Guide
Arrive 30 minutes before your dancer's show. Check in outside, behind the recital venue; dancers 13+ may check themselves in. Only one parent should be present per dancer, and non-recital items such as cell phones, street clothes, and non-dance shoes should stay with parents. MSDA is not responsible for lost items.
During the Show
Costume Changes
After the First Dance
After their first dance, dancers return to the right side of the auditorium. Parents meet them there for costume changes. Change immediately: Girls use the curtained dressing rooms on the right side; Boys use the lobby restrooms. Double-check the dance order to avoid any mix-ups.
Staff Escort
After costume changes are complete, our staff will escort dancers backstage through the right side of the auditorium. Parents return to their seats once the escort is underway. You do not need to check your dancer in again after the costume change.
During the Show
Stay familiar with the recital lineup throughout the performance. Be ready for quick, organized costume changes when your dancer comes off stage. Dancers remain backstage after their final dance to receive their trophies.
End of Show
Dancer Dismissal
- 1
Dancers ages 3.5-12 will be dismissed at the end of the Act in the auditorium on the right-hand side. To help prevent congestion, only one adult should come to pick up each dancer.
- 2
Dancers ages 13 and older may check themselves out at the end of the Act without a parent present.
- 3
Parents of younger dancers should be toward the front of the pickup line to ensure smooth dismissal.
- 4
If your dancer performs in the next Act, they remain backstage until their Act is complete.
- 5
Ask family and friends to keep the dismissal area clear so staff can manage pickup safely.
All dancers receive their awards at the end of the Act.
All dancers remain backstage after their final dance to receive awards. If your dancer is absent from the recital or leaves early for any reason, we may be unable to distribute awards afterward. Contact your studio for details.
Read Carefully
Important Details
In the Auditorium
Show Etiquette
Video Recording
Videotaping of any kind is not permitted during the recital. Your recital fee includes a downloadable link to your dancer's performance, emailed approximately four weeks after the recital.
Photography
Photography is allowed during the recital; however, flash photography is not permitted. Please remain seated and avoid obstructing the view of those around you.
Show Courtesy
Please do not stand while dancers are performing. If you need to enter or exit the auditorium, please do so between numbers. Excessive movement can be distracting to audience members and the videographer. We kindly ask that you stay seated for the remainder of the Act, as every dancer deserves to perform in front of a full audience.
Don't Forget
Pre-order flowers for your dancer
Rose bouquets available for pickup at the venue (Providence shows only). Deadline May 8.
Have questions about recital day?
Our staff is happy to help. Reach out to your studio location and we'll get back to you.