Show A Handbook 2026

Small Show A Performance Date and Time: Saturday, May 9th @ 12:00 NOON
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.

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 11:30–11:45 PM dressed and ready to perform.
Dancers may not be dropped off earlier than 11:30 PM.
Theater doors open at 11:30 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

• 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
    

Tickets

• Tickets are assigned seating
  
• Available online and in-studio
  
• Purchase online at: www.northstardancecenter.com
  

Ticket 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: Wednesday, May 6, 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.