teaching/ class recital?

[dancingleaf]

/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)  

Comments

[mish55.livejournal.com]

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

[dancingleaf.livejournal.com]

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.

[mish55.livejournal.com]

*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