| A ballet performance or recital is a chance to | | | | to your tights and shoes. You should try |
| show everyone, including you, how far you've | | | | everything on to be sure that it fits well and |
| come as a dancer. Even though it is a very | | | | there are no holes or tears in what you will be |
| exciting time, it can also be very nerve wracking. | | | | wearing. You should have enough time to have |
| To cut back on your anxiety and help you really | | | | things tailored if they need to be, or to go out |
| enjoy your time in the spot light, you need to be | | | | and purchase articles you don't have or are not |
| well prepared. Here are a few tips to help you get | | | | up to par for performance. |
| ready for your début. | | | | - Say No to New Shoes: Never wear new shoes |
| - Make a Check List: Make a list, check it, and | | | | to your performance. While it is important to look |
| then double check it. Even if you pride yourself on | | | | your best, meaning clean and well put together, |
| a great memory and always being on top of | | | | the last thing you want to do is perform in front |
| things, even the best of us slip sometimes. This is | | | | of an audience in brand new Pointe shoes. You |
| a big deal and you owe it to yourself to take a | | | | need to be comfortable when you perform, |
| little extra time and care to make sure you're well | | | | anything less than comfortable will hinder your |
| prepared. Write down everything you will need | | | | ability to perform at your best. If your not sure |
| that day. Before you leave the house, look over | | | | your shoes will make it all the way to your |
| your bags and make sure everything you have | | | | performance, you should buy another pair well in |
| listed is making it to the theater with you. | | | | advance so you have the opportunity to wear |
| - Ask Questions in Advance: Don't wait till the day | | | | them in properly. |
| of your recital to ask your teacher for some | | | | - Be Early: Get to the theater early. Getting to |
| advice or extra help with positioning. Often times, | | | | the theater early is absolutely one hundred |
| your teacher is extremely busy with other details | | | | percent necessary. You need to be there at least |
| concerning the performance and won't have the | | | | an hour to an hour and a half early. This will give |
| opportunity to spend one on one time with you. If | | | | you plenty of time to grab a mirror and get |
| you have any questions or concerns regarding | | | | ready. Not only will getting there allow you to |
| your actual performance, make it a point to | | | | warm up, get your costume on, and make sure |
| address them well in advance. | | | | your hair and makeup are neat, but it will allow |
| - Prepare Your Costume: Get your dance | | | | you time to relax. The last thing you want to do |
| costume ready at least a two weeks before | | | | is rush around and stress yourself out. |
| your recital. Get everything together right down | | | | |