Survival Guide

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• The first thing to have with you before coming to the Opera House (OH) is patience. We try to run things on time, but glitches come up, the professional Opera House Crew takes mandatory breaks, music issues arise, and the staging needs to be worked out.

• Please be patient with us and your children. 

• Remember this is stressful for the kids. If you are relaxed, that will help them enjoy the experience. 

Parking:

• You will enter the OH via the backstage doors on Saunier Alley.

• The lot behind the OH and the church will tow, street parking and/or the Victorian Square

• Garage are recommended

Conduct:

• We expect dancers to behave with courtesy to others, and respect the teachers and OH staff

• Please don't shout and call out names during rehearsals and performances

• Speak softly and don't talk during numbers, especially backstage!

• Enter and exit rows with courtesy to others and in between dances, not during a dance.

Rehearsals:

• Leotard Rehearsal is Tuesday June 6th  at Lexington Opera House 

  • Please wear regular class attire for Leotard Rehearsal. 

  • Arrive 15 min prior to your rehearsal time for Leotard Rehearsal. 

• June 9th dress rehearsal - Rehearsal is at the Opera House and call time is 30 min prior to your first dance 

  • Arrive hair and make up ready and in your first costume

  • Only students are allowed backstage when a class is called.

  • Put your belongings in the dressing room and sit in the audience in the first costume. 

  • Students are called backstage 5 numbers ahead of time. 

Supervision of students, family members, etc.

• We ask that only the dancer and one responsible adult come to rehearsals. 

• Dancers must have an adult in attendance at all times. 

• Rehearsals are not a show for your guests and are not the finished product.

• Do not bring valuables. DESOD and OH are not responsible for lost or stolen items.

Performances:

• Backstage will open 1 hr prior to show time. Please arrive no less than 30 min to show time.

• Arrive with your dancers' hair and makeup ready. 

• Costumes are NOT to be worn in the audience. If a dancer is in the audience in their costume, you will be asked to go back to the dressing room and change.

• Please bring a cover up to wear while in the audience.

• The staff will gather dancers in the dressing room 5 numbers before their dance. At that time you may return to your seat to watch them perform.

• You will pick up your dancer after their number in the dressing room.

• You are responsible for dressing your dancers

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Additional Information

• No snacks or drinks in the auditorium. Only water allowed in the dressing room so as to not ruin costumes!!

Make-up

• We want all faces to be seen under stage lighting. So, make-up must be worn by all dancers.

• Everyone needs RED lipstick…… even the two year olds.

• All students from first grade and older must wear foundation, RED lipstick, pink/rose blush, brown or taupe eye shadow and mascara.

• If your child has light or barely visible eyebrows, use a brow pencil or brown shadow to enhance.

• If you can wear false eyelashes we encourage you to do so.

Hair

• Must be worn in a low bun; no bangs. Neatly pulled back and sprayed slick-no hair falling down etc.

• Your teacher will give you guidance on any hair piece with your costume.

Opera House Rules

• Every dancer/child must have a ticket to watch in the audience per Opera House Fire Code. 

• No helium balloons. A fine of $100.00 is assessed if a balloon escapes to the ceiling.

• No photography or videography during any performance.

• Please only enter or exit your seat between dances.

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Dressing Rooms: 

All dressing space is assigned.

• Downstairs - Terrific 2's, Ballet & Bop, Ballet, Bop, & Tap, Combo, and Hip-Hop and all teens. 

• Side-stage right area - all boys, see Kristy for directions to get there

• Dads dressing daughters, pregnant moms, and those with problems on stairs check in at the office area backstage and we'll take care of you and get you another dressing area.

• Each downstairs dressing room has multiple sinks and lavatories.

• NO photography allowed in the dressing rooms. You may take pictures in the common areas during rehearsals only. This policy will be strictly enforced to protect all of our dancers!!!!

Studio Suggestions

• Keep siblings at home during rehearsals.

• Use a garment bag, plastic container, wheeled case, etc. to transport your costumes, shoes, tights, make up, and hair accessories. Costumes on hangers lose parts and accessories if not contained.

• Do not wear panties under your costume. It's just like wearing a bathing suit. Miss Diana will notice any panties and ask to have them taken off.

• Put your child's name in all costumes and shoes please!