WORKING TOGETHER TO ACHIEVE THE BEST RECITAL EVER!

Dear Parents and Students,

Since 1992, McKinney Dance Academy has provided students with an exciting performance experience through its June recital.  The annual staple of the dance school, the recital, conjures images of childhood and Americana for many.  It’s a rite of passage for thousands of youngsters, a chance to shine in front of family and friends that they anticipate with nervous excitement. 

The recital offers our students a professionally directed performance that allows them to present to their families and friends the results of a year’s hard work, dedication and progress. 

A big part of the dance training process includes learning through performance.  The experience helps build self-esteem, self-assurance and contributes to a sense of confidence.  Although performance opportunities can help prepare some students for a possible career in dance, they, also contribute to children’s success in non-dance activities.  That onstage experience can result in better in-school presentations, improved social skills and strong interview skills for future college or job opportunities.  The rehearsal process is a tremendous learning experience as well.  It helps the children develop retention skills, and by working with their classmates on a group performance, they learn the positive aspects of working as a team to create the best end result.

Dedication to recital commitments is the responsibility of both students and their parents.  We’ve created this handbook in an effort to clarify what we expect from you in terms of commitments and responsibility to the annual recital, the school and other students and parents.

Sincerely,
Dari Partaine
Director

Recital Updates:
As the season progresses, additional recital information or updates will be posted on this site, in monthly newsletters and on the academy’s bulletin boards.  Make it your responsibility to keep abreast of this important information.  It is our goal to make the recital experience organized and exciting for all involved.  It’s a team effort; students, their parents, the teachers and the director are key players in the success of the show.

Home Study:
To ensure that the students feel confident about their performance, we ask parents and guardians to encourage them to rehearse their recital choreography on a regular basis.  A copy of your child’s dance music will be available at the start of the choreography season.  Bring us a blank CD or we’ll make one for you at a charge of $5.

Costumes:
We spend many hours determining the correct costumes for each class.  They are always age-appropriate and of the highest quality possible.  Preschool students and Level I will need one costume; all other students will need one costume for each subject they train in.  Costumes include all accessories (hats, gloves, tights, etc.).

• Deposits
  In an effort to ensure that costumes are delivered in time for the academy photographs and an organized distribution to our students, costume orders are placed during the December holiday break.  Costume manufacturers do not accept cancellations or offer refunds; therefore the academy does not refund costume deposits. 
• Recital & Costume Fee Schedule
  • Costume payments are as follows (each costume):
  • Deposit due in November, usually $40 for each costume.
  • Extra Large Adult costumes are $10 more.
  • Balance due in December.
  • Recital Fee of $60 due in February.

Costumes will not be ordered until they are paid for in full.  Parents or guardians accept full responsibility for all expenses, including surcharges and postage for costumes that are ordered late.  McKinney Dance Academy is not responsible if costumes are not received in time for the recital due to late payments.

• Sizing
  Costume measuring begins during the last week in November, during scheduled class time.  Each child will be measured in order to determine his or her proper costume size(s).  During the first week in December you will be required to sign a confirmation form stating that you agree with the size(s) to be ordered for your child.  You can make adjustments on the form; however, your signature indicates that you take full responsibility for any alterations.

• Alterations
  If alterations are needed after the costumes have been distributed, they will be the sole responsibility of the student’s parent or guardian.  Please contact McKinney Dance Academy office for recommended dressmakers.

• Distribution
  Costumes will be distributed when all outstanding balances for the season (including tuition) are paid in full.  Deadline for all balances due is May 1st.  Class photos will be taken at the studio the week before recital.

• Withdrawal
  No refunds will be made if the parent or guardian withdraws a child from class after costumes have been ordered and prior to the recital.  Parents or guardians may pick up purchased costumes at the Academy at the time of general costume distribution and up to 15 days after the recital.  Costumes not picked up after 15 days will be donated to charity.

• Costume expense
  $75 for; Pre-school, Level I Combos, and HLC classes.
  Clogging is $40.
  Level II Combos are $85.
  All other classes will be posted sometime in November and December.
  
  Any special orders, including extra-large sizes, may require an additional charge (determined by the costume company).  Additional charges are the sole responsibility of the parent or guardian.  Accessories, such as headpieces, gloves and tights are included in the cost of the costume.  Shoes are not included.

• Costume care
  We recommend that your child’s name be placed in all costumes, shoes, accessories and tights.  Place costumes in a garment bag with your child’s name on the outside.  Pack accessories in a clear plastic bag with your child’s name on the bag and on each item.  Hats should be stored in a hatbox or similar container
  to prevent damage. If your costume is extremely wrinkled, steam is a good solution.  Please do not wash costumes in a washing machine; dry-clean them only (after the recital).

• Shoes
  The following shoes are required for all students, unless stated otherwise:
  Girls:  Pink ballet shoes, black tap shoes, black jazz shoes
  Boys:  Black ballet shoes, black tap shoes, black jazz shoes

Dress Rehearsal
The dress rehearsal allows the students to become familiar with the auditorium surroundings and feel comfortable with their performance, costume(s) and being onstage.  Lighting, music cues, set changes and all other logistics for an organized and professional performance are rehearsed so the students make the best impression possible.  Participation in the dress rehearsal is mandatory. 

Recital Photographs
Class photographs will be taken the last week of classes at the studio.  Dates and times are subject to change.  All students are required to be present for their class picture.  There is no obligation to purchase photos.  Please arrive at least half an hour before your child’s scheduled time.

Props
All props are the property of McKinney Dance Academy and are to be returned to the backstage prop master after the performance.  Props include such items as canes, parasols, beach balls, etc. 

Award Ceremonies
Every child will receive one trophy after the Finale of their show.  Our 1st and 2nd year students receive the same trophy then the trophies get larger for 3 consecutive years and up.  MDA is very proud to reward every child with a trophy and wants to keep up the tradition but when we have parents and dancers upset with us because they believe they should get more, it makes us doubt we are doing the right thing.  Please help us keep this wonderful event by explaining to your child our policies.