Below is general information regarding our Spring Showcases.

2024 Information is posted here!

Our annual Spring Showcase is always an exciting event! Following the guidelines below have proven successful in the past, so let’s continue  to have many more successful shows! Some rules come directly from our venue, so please be sure to read them closely.

Meetings will be held in the Spring to review all details and answer questions to ensure the best experience for you and your dancer! Showcase meetings are required for new students, and encouraged for return students.

Guest Information and Etiquette

  • Absolutely no recording or photography is permitted. This includes cameras, cell phones, iPads, or any other devices. This is a safety hazard and privacy issue for our dancers. Our choreography is property of SESD, and we need to be cautious of where and how that is distributed. DVDs will be professionally recorded and available for purchase, and a professional photographer will be on site taking photos that you can purchase after the show!
  • DVDs and Show-themed shirts will be available for pre-order in the spring.
    • During Show 1, there will be reserved seating for soloists’ families. During Show 1 and 2, there will be reserved seats for any senior dancers’ families. Please do not take these seats as they have been reserved by SESD.
    • If your dancer is in show 1 and show 2, you may not leave personal items in the auditrorium No one except SESD Staff, performers, and volunteers will be permitted in the auditorium until “Doors Open.” Please do not try to enter and save seats before “Doors Open.” Any personal items left in the seats in the auditorium prior to “Doors Open” WILL BE REMOVED by SESD or Venue Staff/Security.
  • Guests should remain seated during all dances. If you must leave the auditorium, please do so in between dances–not when dancers are on stage.
  • Guests should plan to stay for the entire show; all our dancers work very hard to learn and polish their dances, and proper etiquette states guests should not leave early. No performers will be permitted to leave before the show ends.
  • All dancers are required to stay for the entire show, and can be picked up from the lobby after Curtain Call (bows) at the end of the show. This policy is not only polite theatre etiquette, but also allows SESD to ensure each dancer is picked up by their parent/guardian. Dancers will wait backstage with our staff so you can enjoy the show!
  • Only dancers, instructors, SESD Staff are permitted backstage pre-show, during the show, and post-show. Doors to the dressing room area will be locked to ensure dancers are in a safe place with an SESD volunteer.

Showcase Fees

  • Showcase participation is mandatory for all SESD students.
  • Showcase Fee:
    • $150/one student
    • $190/two students
    • $220/three or more students
    • Showcase fees cover the cost of venue rental, vendors, programs, staff, music licenses, props, guest artists, etc.
  • Costume Fees:
    • Creative Movement, Foundations, Ballet/Tap/Jazz 1, Intro to Acro: $75 (per class)
    • Levels 2-6, Beginner/Intermediate, Intermediate/Advanced classes: First costume $85 per costume
    • Spring Ballet Solo Costumes: $95
  • Showcase and Costume fees are included in monthly tuition payments August-December and are non-refundable.
  • Unfortunately, costume companies, showcase venues, vendors, and more have been forced to raise their rates in recent years. We are no longer able to cover the gap and have no other option but to raise our rates as well. We appreciate your understanding.

Performer Eligibility, Expectations, and Attendance Policies:

  • Eligibility:
    • The final month’s tuition and any other outstanding fees should be paid in full no later than 2 days prior to the show date in order for dancers to remain eligible to participate in the Showcase.
    • Dancers must attend each full cast (if applicable) and dress rehearsal to remain eligible to perform.
    • ALL performers: One parent must attend a Showcase meeting to remain eligible to perform.
    • Picture day, full cast rehearsals, and dress rehearsals are mandatory for all levels/classes.
    • Dancers who are absent from any full cast or dress rehearsal are not permitted to perform in the show. If you experience an emergency the day of a rehearsal, contact SESD ASAP.
    • Dancers may not leave full cast or dress rehearsals earlier than their designated dismissal time (All levels/classes).
  • Showcase participation is mandatory for all SESD students.
  • Attendance Policy: 
    • Creative Movement, Foundations, and Level 1 dancers are expected to attend regularly all season to remain eligible to perform in the Showcase, but there is no set number of absences for these levels. Parents will be contacted if attendance becomes a concern for younger students.
    • Levels 2-6: Any absences over the amount listed below could affect a dancer’s eligibility to remain in our program and/or perform in the annual Showcase. While it is possible to make up missed classes in another appropriate class, there is no guarantee that missed choreography can be “made up” and attending a lower level for an extended period is not permitted. It is imperative that dancers attend class regularly except in the event of illness according to our illness policy, emergency, or graded school event.
    • Dancers in Level 2 and 3 are allowed 6 excused absences August-December, and 6 excused absences January-May, three of which can be after March 1st.
    • Dancers in Levels 4-6 are allowed 10 absences all season, 6 of which can be missed January-May, 3 after March 1st.
    • The three weeks of “regular dance classes” prior to the show are absolutely mandatory for all participants except in the event of contagious condition (according to our Illness Policy) or graded school event.
      • This means weeks of class that we are actually dancing. Picture week and spring break are excluded. For example:
        • First week of April: Evaluations + regular dance class (Week 1)
        • Second week of April: Spring Break (does NOT count as Week 2)
        • Third week of April: Regular dance class (Week 2)
        • Fourth week of April: Regular dance class (Week 3)
        • First week of May: Picture Week / Showcase that weekend (does NOT count as Week 3)
      • Dancers who are absent the three weeks of “regular dance class” prior to the show may be pulled from their class dance if the instructor deems it more beneficial for the class as a whole. Dancers work very hard to retain their choreography, and it puts extra pressure on their classmates when students are routinely absent. We thank you for realizing how important regular attendance is and assure you that your dancer will be very glad they put in the time and effort when the big day arrives!
    • If dancers “miss” new choreography, it is their responsibility to learn what they’ve missed. We sometimes record new choreography, but dancers should NOT rely on videos–we recommend keeping a “choreography notebook” to write down choreography and meeting with friends before the next class to review what was missed. (Levels 2-6; not applicable to pre-school/kindergarten classes).
    • Picture day, full cast rehearsals, and dress rehearsals are mandatory for all levels/classes.
    • Dancers who are absent from any full cast or dress rehearsal are not permitted to perform in the show. If you experience an emergency the day of a rehearsal, contact Katherine ASAP. Dancers may not leave full cast or dress rehearsals earlier than their designated dismissal time (All levels/classes).

Performer Preparedness

  • Showcase Meetings:
    • Showcase Meetings are required for ALL PERFORMERS. One parent/guardian MUST attend ONE meeting per season.
    • Show day is VERY busy. It is extremely important to attend Showcase meetings and ask all questions prior to the show date. We want this experience to be as smooth and pleasant as possible, but there is no guarantee SESD staff will be able to answer phone calls, texts, or emails at any time during the event. Showcase meetings will eliminate most of the stress and confusion!
    • Please remember that volunteers and staff are following studio director’s instructions and are dedicated to making this show as wonderful as possible for all participants. Hopefully everything will run smoothly, but if a conflict or issue does arise, please remember that we are all here for the kids–it’s THEIR day to shine, not worry about adult problems. Please contact SESD after the show if you have any concerns; we want everyone to feel important and respected–because you are!–but in the middle of shows is not the best time to have such an important conversation.
  • Personal Belongings:
    • ***Label ALL PERSONAL ITEMS with dancers initials or first/last name. SESD and the Showcase venue cannot be held responsible for any items that become lost during showcase events. Only bring personal belongings that are replaceable.
    • ***Label the INSIDE of your dancer’s shoes with her initials or first/last name. They will most likely get mixed up backstage and we need to be able to quickly identify who they belong to.
    • Do not bring anything of value that cannot be replaced.
    • If an item is lost during Showcase weekend, please send us an email and we will do our best to locate and return it to you the following week.
  • *Costume Accessory Organization (Dancers in two or more dances): This is so important!
    • Place each costumes accessories in a clear Ziploc bag labelled with which costume it’s worn with. For example, Ballet 2 (Dolls) should place arm puffs, choker, and ribbons/headpiece in a plastic baggie labelled “ballet/dolls.”
    • Do not lose small hair accessories like diamond barrettes. We will be wearing all accessories and don’t want any dancer to be missing anything.
    • Costumes should remain in storage until Picture Week, Dress Rehearsal, and Showcase. This ensures no pieces become damaged or lost.
    • Costume accessories are generally irreplaceable.
  • Costume Box: No dance bags are permitted backstage
    • Does my dancer need a costume box?
      • Dancers in levels 2+ who are enrolled in multiple classes or with multiple costumes/tights/shoes are required to have a “Costume Box” which is large enough to hold all costumes, shoes, make up, etc. No dance bags permitted backstage.
      • Ballet/Tap 1 needs a shoe box-sized box to hold tap and ballet shoes.
      • Dancers in levels 2+ that are only in one dance may bring a small box for their street shoes/change of clothes if desired. These dancers may also leave personal items with a parent.
      • Creative Movement dancers do not need a box or dance bag; all personal items should stay with their parent.
    • What goes in a “Costume Box”?
      • Costumes and hair pieces/accessories, dance shoes, tights, red lipstick and other make up necessities, brush/comb, hair spray, hair gel, extra hair ties and bobby pins, band aids, water bottles, sealed snacks, and anything else your dancer may need backstage!
      • Be sure to label ALL items with your dancer’s name or initials.
  • Show Line Up:
    • For dancers in multiple dances: Please print and tape the show line up to your costume box. Highlight your dancer’s dances. This helps dancers feel prepared, and eliminates stress backstage. Line ups will be available by the Showcase meeting date.
  • Hair & Nails:
    • Clean nails, no colored nail polish. Nude polish and “French tips” are acceptable.
      • This includes toenail polish if your dancer will be barefoot (Acro, sometimes Modern)
    • Hair should be slicked back with gel and hair spray, no bangs or “fly-aways.”
    • *The ONLY hairspray allowed during Picture Week, Rehearsals, and Showcase is Andalou Naturals “Brilliant Shine” Hairspray (link to buy Amazon). We have students with various allergies, and this is a “clean” option that is safe for all. We will have bottles available at the venue during Show week if touch-ups are needed.*
    • Dancers with hair in a bun should use a hair net over the bun and plenty of bobby pins.
    • Hair styles are posted on the “Costume Boards” in the lobby.
  • Nude Leotard/Appropriate Undergarments:
    • All dancers in levels 2 and up should have a nude leotard with clear straps to wear under costumes instead of regular undergarments which could show through costumes. Nude leotards can be purchased at Carolina Dancewear or online.
    • Dancers do not need to wear underwear under costumes.
    • Ballet/Tap 1 dancers who are also in Intro to Acro should wear their tan footless tights under their pink tights so we don’t have to change their tights. They will also need a nude leotard under their tights/costume so they are covered at all times.
  • Jewelry:
    • No earrings, bracelets, necklaces, etc. are permitted.
  • Tights & Shoes:
    • Tights and shoes are generally the same as required by our Class Attire Policy; if different styles/colors are required, they will be posted on the costume board.
    • Please note, Foundations and Ballet/Tap/Jazz 1 will only use their Theatrical Pink (mesh/back seam) tights this year. No Caramel tights.
    • Tights should not have holes—we recommend purchasing a new pair before the show, and using them in class the next season.
    • Label the tag or inside of shoes with dancer’s initials or first/last name.
  • Make Up & Other Products:
    • Please do not bring spray glitter (or anything in a spray can) to the venue. Roll-on glitter or glitter that is applied with a brush/make up applicator is acceptable, if desired.
    • Scented lotions/sprays/etc. are prohibited as they are unsafe for students with allergies, asthma, etc. Products that do not contain “fragrance” are fine.
    • *The ONLY hairspray allowed during Picture Week, Rehearsals, and Showcase is Andalou Naturals “Brilliant Shine” Hairspray (link to buy Amazon). We have students with various allergies, and this is a “clean” option that is safe for all. We will have bottles available at the venue during Show week if touch-ups are needed.*
    • Creative Movement and Foundations classes should have Milani 07 “Best Red” lipstick. Other make up as desired by parent. We recommend light, natural blush and mascara.
    • Lipstick:
      • ALL PERFORMERS NEED RED LIPSTICK. Bright lights wash out dancer’s faces, and you can wipe it right off after the show!
      • The acceptable brands and shades are:
        • Milani 07 “Best Red”
        • Tarte Maracuja Juicy Lipstick “Cherry”
        • Urban Decay Vice Lipstick “Bad Blood”
        • Burt’s Bees 100% Natural Moisturizing Lipstick “Scarlet Soaked”
    • In addition to red lipstick, dancers need to wear stage make up:
      • Creative Movement & First Steps: Other than red lip, makeup is at parent’s discretion. We recommend a little blush and some nude/neutral shimmer eyeshadow.
      • Ballet/Tap 1 & Intro to Acro: Light stage make-up (blush, neutral eye shadow, and mascara)
      • Levels 2-6 and Beginner/Intermediate/Advanced Acro & Hip Hop: Full stage make-up (foundation if needed, blush, eye shadow, eyeliner, and mascara)
  • Make Up Tips:
    • Eyes: Traditional “smoky eye” make up does not always look best on stage. We recommend the same technique but with neutral colors. Eye shadow palettes are a great way to achieve this look and usually have instructions on the back of the package.
      • Choose a color theme: Gold/tan/dark brown, silver/light grey/dark grey, and mauve/light pink/off white hues usually work well together.
      • If in doubt, start light and add more color/shadow if needed.
      • Add some shimmer in the inner corner and inner-mid portion of the eyelid.
    • Blush: Follow the cheekbone instead of making a “circle” on the cheek. When in doubt, “less is more.” Start with a little, check it, then add more if desired. Soft pink tones usually look best for littles and fair complexions; while peach tones tend to look more “natural” with olive/darker complexions.

Dressing Room & Drop Off/Pick Up Policies

    • Dressing Room and Backstage Etiquette:
      • Throughout Showcase weekend, only SESD staff will be allowed backstage.
      • All performers will be expected to stay for the entire show and can be picked up after Curtain Call (bows). Performers will remain backstage with an SESD volunteer and doors leading to the backstage area will be locked—this is a safety precaution.
      • During the show, dancers should remain in their dressing room until they are called by the director or a backstage runner. There will be SESD Staff in the backstage area to help with costume changes and make-up and hair touch ups.
      • Dancers should keep the dressing room area tidy. Keep all shoes, costumes, hair pieces, etc. in your costume box, not on the floor.
      • After your last dance, dancers should quickly gather their things and begin tidying up the dressing room before bows. This is not our space, and we need to treat it with respect and leave it in better shape than we found it.

Rehearsal Information

  • Full Cast vs. Dress Rehearsal
    • Full Cast:
      • Only required for dancers performing in the Ballet portion of the show (Creative Movement, First Steps, Foundations, Intro to Acro, BT1, and Ballet 2-6).
      • Full Cast rehearsals are at SESD, not the Showcase venue.
      • Typically, dancers do not wear costumes—please wear regular ballet class attire unless instructed otherwise. Hair should be slicked back in a bun.
      • Dancers should arrive 5-10 minutes earlier than rehearsal start time so we can begin promptly. Dancers should wait quietly in the lobby until they are invited inside the studio room.
      • Full cast rehearsal schedules and current season details are posted here.
      • For general information regarding Full Cast Rehearsals (What is a full cast rehearsal? What do dancers do? Why are they important?), click here.
    • Dress Rehearsal:
      • Dress Rehearsal is for all dancers/classes. Detailed Call times and dismissals are posted here.
      • Dress Rehearsal is held at the Showcase venue, not SESD.
      • Dancers should arrive during their Call time with hair and make-up ready, in their first costume with a cover up.
      • All dancers check-in in the lobby.
        • Creative Movement & First Steps parents: Please wait in the lobby during rehearsal. These classes are in the first act and will be brought out to you after they dance. An SESD staff member will bring your dancer to you when they are ready to be dismissed.
      • Dancers in Show 1 (Ballet) should check in at their Call Time in the lobby for dressing room assignments. Dancers may be picked up from the lobby after their dismissal time.
      • Dancers in Show 2 (Variety) should check in at their Call Time in the lobby for dressing room assignments. Dancers may be picked up from the lobby after their dismissal time.
      • During Dress Rehearsal, dancers should stay in their dressing room or seats in the auditorium until they are called by the director or a backstage runner. There is no reason for dancers to roam around the auditorium, lobby, etc. unsupervised–even advanced students.
      • Dancers will not be permitted to leave their dressing rooms during Lunch Break. Please send a healthy lunch with your dancer. Dancers in levels 2-6 who will be rehearsing for more than 2 hours should bring healthy snacks and at least 2 water bottles. Please do not send food/drinks that could soil costumes. (NO dark or red-colored drinks!) Dancers should bring a cover up/other clothes to wear while eating.

On Show Day…

  • All dancers should arrive promptly during their Call Time with hair and make-up ready.
  • Parents and guests may wait in the lobby until Doors Open. Parents and guests should not go backstage or to any dressing room.
  • Creative Movement, Foundations, Ballet/Tap 1, & Intro to Acro:
    • Please arrive 5 minutes prior to Call Time to use the restroom. Then, please send 1 parent to quickly escort your dancer to the check-in desk. Dancers will be checked in and escorted to their Dressing Room by SESD staff.
    • Please arrive in first costume, hair and make-up ready. Bring costume boxes if needed and not already at the venue.
  • Dancers in levels 2-6:
    • Please arrive at designated Call Time with hair and make-up ready and check in at the desk. An SESD staff member will take dancers to their dressing rooms. Parents SHOULD NOT escort dancers to their dressing room.
  • When the show ends:
    • Creative Movement, First Steps, and Foundations parents may pick your dancer up from the stage—please only send one parent/guardian to avoid congestion near the stage.
    • All other classes: Please pick up your dancer in the lobby. Dancers will be escorted there by SESD staff after gathering their items from the dressing room.