Norwalk Dance Center, Huron Dance Connection, 419-663-3036. Dance, Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Tumble, Hip Hop
​Big Show Handbook 2026

Big Show Performance Date and Time: Saturday, May 9th @ 5:00
The Ernsthausen Performing Arts Center, 350 Shady Lane Drive, Norwalk, Norwalk High School

Mandatory In- House Dress Rehearsal-April 20th-April 24th
Where: Location- N*DC Studio, where you take classes
Time: During your dancer's regular scheduled class time
Dress Code: Costume, Hair & Make-up (DO NOT WEAR RECITAL TIGHTS)
*Parents are invited to class for the last 5 minutes for a brief meeting.


Theatre Dress Rehearsal Big Show ONLY
Participation in the dress rehearsal is mandatory. 
When: Monday, May 4th, 2026, at your allotted time on the sheet attached
Where: The Ernsthausen Performing Arts Center, 350 Shady Lane Drive, Norwalk High School
 
Theatre Dress Rehearsal Guidelines
  • We will run rehearsals as efficiently and on time as possible—your cooperation helps ensure a smooth, professional production.
  • Dress rehearsal is mandatory and allows dancers to learn spacing and staging for the recital. 
Arrival & What to Bring
  • Arrive 15 minutes before your class’s scheduled time
  • Dancers should arrive fully ready:
    • Costume
    • Hair & makeup done
    • Dance tights on
  • Bring dance shoes and put them on at the door 
Timing Expectations
  • Each class will rehearse for approximately 8 minutes per routine
  • Some classes may take slightly more or less time—please be patient
  • You may leave immediately after your dancer has completed their rehearsal 
If You Are Late
  • We will proceed with the rehearsal to stay on schedule
  • Late dancers may miss their run-through


Drop-Off
  • Enter on the LEFT side of the Performing Arts Center (signs will be posted)
  • An instructor will escort dancers backstage
  • Parents should stay on site and sit in the auditorium while dancers rehearse
  • Dances may be run up to two times
  • Photos and videos are allowed during rehearsal only
Pick-Up
  • Dancers will be sent into the audience area to find their guardian
Additional Notes
  • Immediate family only at dress rehearsal
  • If your dancer has multiple costume changes, a parent must assist
    • Staff will not change costumes
  • Please be patient and flexible—this is an important part of preparing for the recital 
See the attached page for your dancer’s assigned rehearsal time

Recital Day
Doors will be open 30 minutes before show time: 
Arrive with Costume, Makeup, hair, dance tights, and shoes on. 

WHEN TO ARRIVE AT THEATER: 
  • Arrive between 4:30 and 4:45 PM dressed and ready to perform.
    • Dancers may not be dropped off earlier than 4:30 PM.
    •  Theater doors open at 4:30 PM for audience seatinG
DROP-OFF 
  • Enter on the left side of the Performing Arts Center (same as rehearsal).
  • You and your dancer will receive a matching numbered stamp.
  • An instructor will escort dancers backstage.
DROPPING OFF A DANCER WITH MORE THAN ONE COSTUME
  • Inform staff at the drop-off that you have more than one dance
  • Escort the dancer to the dressing room and show them where their costume is stored 
  • Drop the dancer off in the holding room
  • A parent must come backstage after their first dance to change their dancer
  • The parent will need to come to the holding room to pick them up for their costume change
  • Change quickly, and return the dancer to the holding room
  • Parent will return to the auditorium

NOTE CHANGES – Recital Day Pick-Up*
  • No pick-up is allowed while dancers are on stage
  • Dancers may be picked up during intermission or at the end of the show only
  • This helps prevent distractions and allows all families to enjoy the performance 
Important Pick-Up Details
  • After performing, dancers will remain backstage in a supervised dressing room
  • Only 1 parent/guardian may enter the dressing area for pick-up
  • You must have the matching numbered stamp to pick up your child
  • No extended family or friends are permitted in the dressing area or hallways 
Curtain Call Reminder
  • All dancers will participate in a final curtain call at the end of the show
  • If your dancer is picked up at intermission, they will not return backstage for the finale 
If Your Dancer Joins You in the Audience
  • A ticket must be purchased for them to sit in the audience
Pick-Up Locations
  • During Intermission:
    Pick-up will be at the first door on the right
         (after exiting the theater and turning left--follow posted signs)
  • End of Show:
    Pick-up will take place on stage
  • Parents must enter through the side stage door  
    • (after exiting the theater and turning left--follow posted signs)
  • Do not enter from the front of the stage through the auditorium
  • Please follow all posted signs to the correct pick-up location
Costume Care Tips
  • Label all items with your dancer’s name:
    • Costumes
    • Shoes
    • Accessories
    • Tights
  • Place costumes in a garment bag for easy travel
  • Pack accessories in a clear, labeled bag
  • Bring an extra pair of tights for backup
Backstage Essentials
  • We highly recommend that dancers bring a labeled water bottle backstage
Hair, Makeup & Accessories — The Look
  • We strongly suggest all female dancers wear makeup for the recital to help their faces “pop” under stage lights
  • We respect your choice as a parent—please apply as much or as little makeup as you are comfortable with
  • No makeup for boys
Hair Requirements
  • Long Hair:
    • Bun should be low at the base of the head (not a high bun)
    • All hair must be pulled back neatly
    • Flyaways and bangs pinned and sprayed back
    • Bangs must be above eyebrow length and secured
  • Short Hair:
    • Two-sided French braids
Hair Accessories
  • Bun:
    • Secure with bobby pins and hairspray
    • Clips should be placed either on the right side of the head or right above the bun. 
      • The teacher will decide during the in-house dress rehearsal.
  • French Braids:
    • Secure with bobby pins and hairspray
  • Hats:
    • Must be securely bobby pinned
    • Criss-cross pins in an “X” for best hold
  • Staff will not do hair, but may:
    • Add hairspray
    • Secure loose pieces
  • Please let us know if you do not want hair sprayed
Makeup Guidelines
  • Eyeshadow:
    • Brown shadow along lash line, blended upward
    • Do NOT extend past the outer corner or line the inner eye
  • Eyeliner:
    • Thin black line
    • No wings
  • Mascara:
    • Black mascara (generous application)
    • False eyelashes optional
  • Blush:
    • Pink, applied to cheekbones
    • Build gradually
    • Do NOT apply below the lip line
  • Lips:
    • Dark pink (not hot pink)
    • Long-lasting lipstick recommended
  •  NO Makeup for Boys
Tights & Shoes (Girls Only)
  • Ballet: Pink footed tights & pink ballet shoes
  • Jazz: Tan footed tights & tan jazz shoes
  • Tap: Tan footed tights & black tap shoes
  • Tumble: Tan footless tights
  • Tights are available for purchase at the front desk
  • No tights will be sold at the recital
  • 1 pair of tights is provided with your costume when it is passed out
  • We recommend purchasing 1 extra pair
  • If wearing multiple tights:
    • Layer in performance order
    • Example: Tan tights first, pink tights on top 
Shoe Ribbons
  • Extra ribbons included with costumes are for shoes
  • Tie securely around the shoe elastic in a bow 
Jewelry
  • No jewelry permitted during dress rehearsal or recital - stud earrings are acceptable
Costume Alterations
  • Alterations available for $5.00 per costume
  • Payment is required before sending to the seamstress
  • Costumes will be returned before the recital
Dressing Room Etiquette
  • Respect others’ space and belongings
  • Keep dressing areas clean and organized
  • No food allowed
  • Water only — no gum
  • Label everything
  • No electronic devices
    • We are not responsible for lost, damaged, or stolen items



TicketsTicket Sale Dates
  • On Sale: Monday, April 20 at 6:00 AM (online)
  • In-studio sales begin at 4:30 PM
  • Sales End: May 8 at 6:00 PM
Pricing
  • Tickets range from $11.50–$18.00 + tax
  • Children 2 & under are free if seated on a parent’s lap
  • Day-of tickets: $20.00 (cash only, if available) 
Additional Ticket Information
  • Tickets available at the front desk or by phone through May 8
  • No admittance without a ticket
  • Handicap seating is available through the office
  • N*DC dancers will sit backstage with their class when not performing
    • If you would like your child to sit with you, a ticket must be purchased
    • Dancers may only be picked up during intermission 
Theater Etiquette
  • No talking while dancers are performing
  • Remain seated during performances
  • No running in aisles
  • Do not call out dancers’ names (this can distract them, especially younger dancers)
  • If you need to leave the auditorium:
    • Exit between routines only
    • Avoid walking, opening doors, or standing during performances 
Electronics Policy
  • No cell phones, cameras, or video recording during the performance
  • Please turn the ringer off
  • If you must use your phone, please do so in the lobby only



Backstage & Dressing Room Rules
  • No running, yelling, or leaving backstage areas
  • No family or guests permitted backstage or in dressing rooms
    • Applies during rehearsal, intermission, and after the show
  • Dressing rooms are private and supervised spaces
  • Only individuals with a proper bracelet are allowed backstage
  • Please remind guests:
    • Meet dancers and give flowers in the lobby after the show
Pre-Sale Flowers
  • It is tradition to present dancers with flowers after they perform
  • Pre-orders available at the front desk through Hearth N Home
  • Payment options:
    • Cash at the front desk
    • QR code ordering
  • Please submit all order forms with payment to the office
  • Limited flowers will also be available at the recital
    • First-come, first-served
Concessions
  • A concession stand will be available in the lobby
  • Per the Ernsthausen policy:
    • All food and drinks must remain in the lobby
    • No food or drink is allowed in the theater
Video & Photography Policy
  • No personal video recording or photography during the performance
Reasons for this policy:
  • Protects the privacy of our dancers
  • Camera flashes are dangerous and distracting on stage
  • Recording blocks the view of other audience members
  • Audience recordings often result in poor video quality
  • Photography and video are allowed during dress rehearsal only
Important Note
  • This policy is not for profit
  • N*DC does not make money from recital videos
  • A professional solution is provided so families can preserve these memories 
Overdue Tuition
  • Students with outstanding tuition balances will not be permitted to perform in the recital
Questions
  • If you have any questions, we are here to help
  • 📧 Email: [email protected]
  • 📞 Call: 419-663-3036
Picture Day Details
  • Location: All pictures are taken at our Norwalk Studio
  • Date: Tuesday, May 5, 2026
  • Please refer to the attached schedule for your dancer’s assigned time
Arrival & Timing
  • Please arrive 15 minutes before your assigned time
  • We will be running on a strict schedule
  • If you arrive late, we will proceed without your dancer
  • Our goal is to keep this process efficient so you can enjoy your evening
  • This is NOT the recital performance order
What to Wear
  • Arrive in:
    • Full costume
    • Hair in a neat bun
    • Light makeup (optional) 
Photo Information
  • All dancers will be included in the group photo
    • (even if you are not purchasing photos)
  • Individual photos will be taken after the group photo
  • Photos are optional, but group participation is encouraged 
Important Reminders
  • No picture retakes
    • If you are late, your dancer will miss the group photo
A private online gallery link and password will be provided for viewing and purchasing once the pictures are ready. Usually 2-3 weeks after recital. We will send an email.