So you’re ready to plan a winter dance show. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, don’t worry, we’re here to help with all the ideas you need for performing a perfect (and fun) winter dance show.
Type of performances
Classic winter-themed dance performances
No matter how often you see a classic winter-themed performance like the Nutcracker, it never fails to delight. So here are some options if you want to go the traditional route.
Nutcracker
The classic Christmas ballet, this option is sure to be a hit. Bring wonder and awe to your audience with dancing snowflakes and the Sugar Plum Fairy.
Frosty the Snowman
This is a classic story that almost everyone knows about. Of course, children will understand and enjoy watching the performance, but there’s plenty in the show to entertain adults and make them laugh.
Original themes
As much as people appreciate classic winter-themed dance performances, don’t be afraid to be creative and create your own performance. Here are some examples:
Home for the holidays
Create your own choreography around different scenes that explore what it means to be home for the holidays: seeing old friends, experiencing nostalgia, and understanding that no matter where you go, there’s no place like home.
Cruising for Christmas
While most people are home for the holidays and it’s full of Christmas lights and holiday traditions, explore what winter would feel like traveling on a cruise ship somewhere tropical. Instead of the classic red and green costumes, you can mix things up with tropical music, Hawaiian shirts, and surfboards.
Winter around the world
Show what winter is like in various parts of the world. Depict blistering storms and unique winter traditions in your winter dance show, and highlight the one theme that brings us together: love and family.
Get it scheduled
The theme is the fun part, but once you have that selected, a lot of behind-the-scenes work goes into putting together a winder dance show or recital. Here’s what you need to know.
Determine Your Budget
Your budget will be the foundation of everything, so determine your budget ahead of time. This will save you from taking on more than you can afford. If you have a small budget, don’t worry. Parents don’t care about the production value as much as they care about seeing their children perform.
Research venues
If you’re going to have a performance, you’ll need to find a venue first. Winter is a popular performance season, so you’ll want to start early and book a venue as soon as possible to ensure you get a date that works well for your studio.
Set a date
Once you have a venue selected, you’ll be able to select a date for your performance. So mark your calendar, and start promoting this, so people don’t double book their schedules on the performance date.
How to Plan a Show
Now that you have a budget, venue, and date, it’s time to get to work. Work backward, and create a task list to prepare your performance by the scheduled date. Here’s a short checklist to get you started:
Select music
Once you have a theme determined, figure out your music, and share it with your dance instructors.
Create choreography
Allow your instructors to come up with choreography based on the music you selected.
Put together informational packages for parents
Parents need to know all the details about the performance, including how much the costumes will cost, when the event will take place, and what’s required of them to make the show happen. Create informational packages to share all this information with parents and keep them in the know.
Do auditions
If you’re doing auditions for your show, you’ll want to do this early so you have time to select the performers and get their sizing early so you can order their costumes.
Select performers
Once auditions are complete, you’ll need to work with your team to select the performers and which roles they will play within the show.
Get performers sizes
As soon as the performers are selected, work to get all their sizes so you can order their costumes as soon as possible.
Determine costumes and set
Costumes can take time to make and get delivered, so it’s important that you don’t put this task off. When performers are selected, get them sized and put in the order for your costumes.
Order costumes
Costumes can take time to get delivered, so make sure you get this on your task list sooner than later. Once people have auditioned and you’ve confirmed their participation in the show, work to get their sizes and payments so you can order their costumes.
Look for vendors
Don’t forget about booking day-of vendors, including photographers, florists, and videographers.
Create marketing materials
You’re spending a ton of time planning the show, but don’t forget to market it. Decide how you will sell tickets and create the marketing materials and a marketing plan for promoting your show.
Create programs
As the show gets closer, make sure you create programs and triple-check them for accuracy. Plan to have them printed and delivered a week before the performance just to be safe.
Recruit volunteers
You’ll probably need help on the day of the event to ensure everything runs smoothly. Start recruiting volunteers early so you’re not scrambling at the last minute.
Costumes delivered and tried on
When the costumes are delivered, make sure they get tried on as soon as possible, and if alterations need to be made, those are scheduled well in advance of the free rehearsal and performance.
Sell tickets
Don’t forget to sell tickets to your event, and remember, people often wait until the last minute so try not to stress too much if people don’t buy them the first day they are available.
Get help
Finally, consider reaching out to a seasoned studio owner if you’re feeling overwhelmed. They may be able to guide you and offer support and best practices when you get stuck.
