It is time once again to start planning for next
years show!
Over the years we have realized that no matter how
hard you may try you cannot please everyone!!! However,
we do our best to please as many as possible. We
are a big school and we do big shows – We
feel that our children should be exposed to the
finest venues this city had to offer. We understand
that this does not work for everyone – some
may like smaller classes and not so much production
for the recitals. In our attempt to please the majority
we are listing some of the concerns and issues and
would like to get your feedback.
One
show verses 2 or 3
For years parents have been asking for one show
that would include all the students. For several
reasons: -
# 1 - We have a lot of families and extended families
- Siblings, cousins, nieces & nephews were being
split between the shows making it hard on family
members, parents, grandparents, aunt & uncles
to decide on which shows to attend.
#2 - Parents of the younger students would like
to see more of the older students in their show.
So this was the year that we tried to make the show
work for everybody. In general I think most were
pleased but here are some of the drawbacks.
700
students in one show – an awesome task!!!
The show was longer and the
pieces were much larger meaning there were many
more students on the stage at one time. Due
to this fact and the fact that the stage was
much larger we had to have more rehearsals and
also additional parking fees.
The backstage wait was long
(however the students did get to see some of
the show from the balcony)
We had to go to a larger venue
to accommodate family & friends. This means
higher ticket cost (ticket master) and expenses
(parking). This also means higher production
cost such as a dress rehearsal at the venue
– union labor fees – etc.
When we split the students between
shows sometimes siblings are split and also
extended families. Last year when we had a separate
show for Mayfair Too, concerns were raised because
the advanced levels were not included.
Costumes
– This year the recital deposit
was requested earlier than usual (Dec). Many parents
felt that this was to close to Christmas. The reason
for early deposit was to ensure that all students
would receive their costumes in time for the class
picture. We order costumes from 4 different costumes
companies. These same companies service all of the
dance schools in the country so their production
schedule is extremely tight between January and
May. We have tried to enhance the look of the class
pictures as well as the Souvenir Program by taking
the pictures in color in full recital costumes.
For this reason costumes need to be received earlier
for pictures. There is only a short turnaround time
to take the pictures and have them ready for the
souvenir program to be given out on Show day. This
is also the reason why we have some problems disbursing
the class pictures because we usually don’t
get them back until a day or two before the show.
Please take the survey below and all
of your responses will be considered for next years
show. Thank you for
your participation!
