Recital Guide 2026

We are so excited for recital season—it’s one of our favorite times of the year!

Below is everything you need to help your dancer feel confident and prepared for the big day. Please take a few minutes to read through this information before reaching out with questions. Make sure to download and login to the FCDC App for your check-in/check-out code. Apple Android

Important Dates

What Your Dancer Will Need

We also recommend bringing an extra pair of tights—accidents happen, and it’s always best to have a backup just in case!

Dancers in multiple classes and Acro 3: A skin-tone camisole leotard is REQUIRED to be worn under all costumes. This helps with quick changes and ensures proper coverage between dances.

These come in a variety of shades to match different skin tones and are available in our online store. We have sample sizes and colors in the office if you’d like help choosing the best option.

Hair, Makeup & Stage-Ready Details

  • Hair: All female dancers should have their hair in a bun. Click Here for Tutorial

    • Required: hair net, bobby pins, secure all headpieces with bobby pins. NO donut buns.

  • Makeup:

    • Please see the makeup tutorial for required stage makeup.

    • Required: Brown/natural eyeshadow (burgundy for darker skin tones), black eyeliner (ages 12+), black mascara, rosy tone blush, bright red lipstick. NO glitter or lip gloss.

    • Makeup is optional (but still recommended) for:

      • Preschool classes (Creative Movement, KinderCombo, Little Acrobats)

      • Boys

    • Stage lights are bright and can wash out facial features—we want to be able to see those big smiles!

  • Not allowed with costumes:

    • Nail polish (includes toes if dancing barefoot)

    • Jewelry: Clear earrings are okay.

    • Underwear

    • Hair or body glitter

    • Press-on nails

  • Glasses: If possible, we recommend dancers go without glasses on stage due to glare and movement. If your dancer needs them, please secure them with a clear or hair-colored band and pin them in place.

Costume Pickup (April 6–11)

Please plan to pick up your dancer’s costume at the beginning or end of their regular class.

  • Costumes are not sent home with dancers

  • All tuition through March must be paid in order to receive costumes

Once home:

Tutus:

  • Remove from the bag and hang them up

  • Gently fluff by pulling apart each layer of tulle one layer at a time

  • If needed, you may lightly steam or hang in the bathroom during a hot shower to release wrinkles (do not get them wet)

All costumes:

  • Keep all costume pieces in their labeled bag—these bags are color-coded and very important for keeping everything organized backstage

  • Store costumes safely away from pets, siblings, etc.

All costumes have been tried on and approved for fit. If you have a concern, please email us a photo and we’ll be happy to take a look.

Please note: We are unable to replace lost or damaged costumes or accessories, so be sure to store everything carefully.

Tickets

  • Premier Seating (first 10 rows): $16 + tax

  • Standard Seating: $12 + tax

Each family will receive an email on April 17 at 10 AM with:

  • A ticket link

  • A promo code for 2 free standard tickets

(If you don’t see it, be sure to check your spam folder—it comes from a third party, not the studio.)

A few important notes:

  • One promo code per family (one-time use)

  • Can be applied toward Premier seating ($12 discount on 2 tickets)

  • All tuition must be paid to receive your ticket link and code

You’re welcome to purchase tickets for your whole group or share the link with family and friends.

Tickets are non-refundable but may be exchanged for the other show if needed.

Need wheelchair seating?
Please email us by April 11 so we can reserve those seats ahead of time.

Dress Rehearsal – May 2 (Leavenworth High School: 2012 Tenth Ave)

Dress rehearsal will take place at Leavenworth High School. Click Here for Schedule

Please arrive at your assigned time

  • Dancers should come fully ready (costume, bun, makeup)

  • Please cover costumes with a robe or large button-up shirt

  • Don’t forget to pick up your recital t-shirt

What to Expect

During dress rehearsal, your dancer will:

  • Sit with their class in the auditorium

  • Go backstage with their class

  • Practice their dance on stage (spacing, lighting, music)

  • Take a group photo

  • Be escorted back to their assigned row in the auditorium

Parents are welcome to come down front to take photos/videos while their dancer is on stage. Photos/videos are not permitted during recital.

Dismissal

  • Once your dancer has returned to the auditorium, they are free to go

Reminders

  • There are no dressing room helpers at rehearsal—please stay nearby if your dancer needs help changing

  • No food or drinks in costume (water only)

  • No food or drinks are allowed in the auditorium

Recital – May 3 (Leavenworth High School 2012 Tenth Ave)

Show Lineup & Classroom Assignments

Click Here for Show Lineup & Classroom Assignments

Please review this information in advance so you know:

  • Which show your dancer is in

  • Which classroom they will be assigned to backstage

You will need your dancer’s classroom assignment for check-out.

Check-In

Your dancer’s QR code is required for both check-in and check-out.

You can find it in the FCDC App: Apple Android

  • Tap My Account on the home page

  • Open the menu (3 lines in the top right corner)

  • Select Student QR Codes

Please download the FCDC App and log in before recital day.

Check-in times:

  • Begins 1 hour before each show

    • 12:00 PM for the 1:00 PM show

    • 3:30 PM for the 4:30 PM show

  • All dancers must be checked in no later than 30 minutes before showtime

    • 12:30 PM for the 1:00 PM show

    • 4:00 PM for the 4:30 PM show

For everyone’s safety, only staff is allowed past the check-in point.


FCDC provides professional childcare backstage, so families can relax and enjoy the show knowing their dancers are well cared for.

Arrival & What to Bring

Dancers should arrive:

  • Dressed in their first costume

  • With hair and makeup complete

  • Please cover costumes with a robe or large button-up shirt

Dancers with 1 Dance

  • Bring correct shoes

  • Bring backup tights

Dancers with Multiple Dances

  • Arrive in first costume

  • Bring all additional costumes in the labeled costume bag provided

These labels tell us which dressing room the costume belongs in—they are very important.

Each costume bag should include:

  • Tights

  • Shoes

  • Accessories

  • Bobby pins for headpieces

All items must fit inside the costume bag. Additional bags are not allowed in the dressing rooms.

Label Everything

  • Label all items with your dancer’s name

  • Write their name on the inside of their shoes

While Waiting

Dancers may bring something quiet to do while waiting in their classrooms.

  • No markers

  • Phones/tablets are allowed, but FCDC and USD 453 are not responsible for lost items


Food & Drink

  • ONLY water is allowed while in costume

  • No snacks or colored/sugary drinks

Check-Out

  • All dancers remain in classrooms until after the show

  • After the show, one parent/guardian should line up for pick-up

  • Have your QR code ready

Please line up according to your dancer’s assigned classroom.


If you have multiple dancers, you only need to stand in one line.

Between Shows

To ensure a smooth transition between performances:

  • All audience members and performers must exit the venue after their show

  • Doors will reopen 1 hour before the next performance for check-in and seating

Thank you for your cooperation—we can’t wait to see our dancers shine on stage!