Spring brings rain, and flowers, and bugs. We pull out shorts and flip flops, start planning picnics and a trip to the beach. We count down the days until school is out.
In the dance world, spring often means Recital! For students, recital is the biggest event of the year. They work toward this performance in class, try on costumes and learn choreography. The program should demonstrate their achievements or progress during their 9 or 10 months of classes.
Dance is defined as a performance art. Google did not offer much information on how or when the tradition of dance recitals started. It has been happening for a long time. I did dance recitals as a child and have organized 24 student performances in my career as a dance educator.
Maybe a better question is why? Why is there a “recital”?
Just as soccer players have tournaments and football players have games, dancers have performances! From learning the first eight-count of choreography in class to the final bow on stage, the dance recital is a highlight of a dancer’s year.
Dancing on stage in front of an audience builds confidence in young performers. They feel pride and joy when they exit the stage, having delivered their best effort. Dancers also learn how to make a commitment to a class or team and work toward a goal. The recital provides a sense of accomplishment.
A recital also creates memories. Most dancers remember their favorite costumes and dancing on the stage. I can personally still remember the choreography to our school’s fight song performed at basketball and football games as pom team member. I remember my “doll” costume, Superwoman (oh boy) and the blue tutu I wore as Alice In Wonderland’s sister. Many dancers store their costumes as keepsakes.
Learning to dance isn’t all about teaching skill. It’s also about making friends and working as a team. Students practice for hours together to create an entertaining piece of art. Soloists work with a teacher and learn to bring someone’s concepts to life. Recital pulls everyone together as a team.
Dance recitals are also a wonderful activity for family and friends. It’s a great way to support the arts and small business in your community. Recitals bring people together.
This year, Upstage Center of Performing Arts will present “Legends” as an outdoor performance. Our goal is to celebrate our dancers in a festival atmosphere. We can’t wait to see everyone put their best foot forward on May 22 in front of our studio.
View our 2020 outdoor recital here:
View our 2019 recital here: https://www.dropbox.com/s/n7jkp49zkptpa0g/Upstage%20Performing%20Arts%20Recital%202019.mp4?dl=0
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