dancingleaf | teaching/ class recital?

/I have a small group. But they're a fun group. The beginners are just so darn cute. It's so nice to see someone finally get something or struggle with something that after all this time seems so... easy to me but so hard for them. :)

My feet are killing me. Even in my dance shoes those concrete floors are hell after teaching for 2 1/2 hours. I wish I could find a better space - with sprung wood floors *dreams*, but the rent is cheap, *sighs* - after costs... I need to make a little something.

I raised the idea with my 'advanced' class of maybe doing some sort of class recital.... they seem interested. The logistics of it could be a problem though. Would I charge for rehersals? Would I sell tickets for the recital? Ideally of course I'd do neither but the space won't pay for itself. I would be happy to spring for the cost of the recital but...if I provided door prizes and/or refreshments in addition to having to pay for the space.... it could really add up.

Those of you who have done this before... tell me how it has worked for you... I'm rather naive about these things. The only performances I've done have been solos at free events (so far)

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I have to confess the following.

1. I've never organized anything to that magnitude.
2. I've only been to one dance recital in my life.

That said, here's what I think.

I think that having a recital is a great idea. Put the rehearsals in during class time, or even make it a follow-up mini class. Depending on how many are in your class, aim the cost of it to cover:

1. Cost of rehearsal space.
2. Cost of recital space.

Next, issue tickets, and set a minimum for your dancers to sell to friends, family members, (coworkers?), etc. Five minimum, depending on how many are in the class, and what funds that you still need to raise.

Regarding refreshments, make it a class thing. Everyone brings in a platter of something, ideally desserts. Cookies, brownies, bars, cakes, cupcakes, baklava, whatever, or something similar in that vein, maybe even themed to the evening's recital. If that doesn't work (and I can't see why not), you could check out a caterer or hit up friends/family that would like to showcase their cooking abilities. As for drinks, maybe frozen punch/juices, water, coffee/tea?

Door Prizes. I don't like 'em personally, but if you want to do them...maybe raffles/included in the ticket cost. Keep them small. You could also talk to stores nearby and ask if they'd like to donate something (like a small gift certificate or something) in return for some advertising. All of the dancers could also chip in, too. bringing in something small.

Could do up a program, as well, but that's not too hard and can be pretty cost effective. Type 'em yourself (or set your hubby to it), get some semi-thick paper, print 'em off. Again, sponsors may be willing to help here. They may be willing to back this for advertising.

But budget, budget, budget, budget, budget. Do up a list of expenses that have to be met, then go accordingly for revenues that you need. It would be nice to make something out of it, so make that a goal.

Make sure you write out what all will need to be done and will need doing on the big night. You'll need a mistress/master of ceremonies (presumably yourself), someone to run the music, someone (or two someones) to help with refreshments, setup, any decorations, cleanup, etc.

I know the above seems kinda heavy on corporate backup/advertising/sponsorship, but those're just suggestions.

Don't depend on said sponsors too much, just in case they won't pony up. The smaller stores probably will be willing to kick in something small for advertising/prizes, etc.

Hope this helps. At least someone will get the benefit of my university education. XD

It would be tough for me to do the MC bit, and perform, and run the music. Ideally I'd have someone that could do some of those things for me... or at least trade off with me.

For prizes I was just thinking a music CD, maybe a veil/hip scarf, maybe a small gift certificate for a local food place, or free lessons.

Believe me - I'm not going to do this if it will cost me big money. I don't make much after my expenses now. It depends on how much of a production the students want it to be. If we want to make it just a low key - invite close family & friends to the last class or..."an EVENT"

Thanks for your help.

*Nodnods*

I wasn't sure if you wanted to perform or not, so assumption there on my part.

Those sound like great prizes. :D

And that sounds good. Hope to hear how it goes. =D

I haven't done it before so I don't know. :)

I think a wood floor is much better for your body, though, in terms of dance. My back and feet used to kill me when I'd work out on a carpeted concrete floor.

A class recital sounds good. When I took piano, we had class recitals and they really helped build confidence for performing.

I'd love a wood floor but every where I've checked around here is concrete. I rent from a former grade school, but I also checked the local seniors center and the high school/aquatics centre. All concrete.

Except the fitness place (has an aerobics studio- carpeted floor but cushy) I tried to talk to the owner and after expressing tremendous interest in having me there initially - she wouldn't return my calls - so... - whatever.

The way ours works:

We have a $5 admission fee to help cover costs. They used to be held in a church basement, now they're more local in a better venue with guest teachers (Gypsy Caravan is on schedule for April).

Food, everyone is asked to bring a covered dish item. We supply bottled water and soda. Not everyone brings food, and there's always food left over.

Rehearsals are at the dance studio on Monday Evenings (there aren't classes scheduled then) and Saturdays after the morning classes. No extra fee for the rehearsals since the studio is, I assume, rented monthly.

Gypsy Caravan!?!?!?!

where are you again??? checks profile how far is that from here?

p.s. Thanks for the info - just what I needed. People invite their friends? family etc.?

Let's see, takes me 14 hours to drive to Chicago so that's probably a good guess (for anyone else's info - just outside of Philadelphia, PA).

The Belly Jams are open to the public with vendors (I sell chain maille) and lots of fun. I think the recital is just open to friends and family.

My first teacher used to have "dance parties" at the end of each session. She taught back to back classes and would just use the 8th class of an 8 week session as the party. People brought munchies and the two classes would perform for each other. When she started teaching on other nights, those classes would come to perform too. Then people would sometimes do solos or other professional dancers would drop in. It was free since it was space that was already paid for (since it was the last class of the session.)

hmmm. That's a good idea too.

teaching/ class recital?

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