Even though your preschool dancers will most likely stand in one line onstage for the recital, they need to practice getting to that position, and holding their spacing.
Spatial awareness is as important as teaching the steps in the recital dance and will continue to be crucial in their dance training as they grow up.
Here are some tips for helping them understand how to enter the stage:
Use single line-marley tape rather than spots in the classroom. Be sure to use a Glow tape line onstage.
In the studio, have them hold hands and walk to one side of the room. If not too dark, turn off the lights as the stage will be dim when entering.
Lead the dancers “onstage” holding the first dancer’s hand and walking them to their position. Hold hands and pull apart until their arms are extended. I like to tell them to have a “pretend dancer” in between each “real dancer.”
Have the dancers stop, let go of hands, and find their “starting position.” Dancers should practice in the same space each week in class.
Turn on the studio lights and say “dancers go” then play the music.
Most likely they will bunch up into each other the first time they practice this. Make sure to have them do it again so they can practice it the correct way.
Want more insights and practical advice? Join me for a dance studio owner weekend getaway to Pinnacle Dance Conference and Retreat this July 20-21, 2024 at the Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain.
Meet Tiffany Henderson
Tiffany Henderson is an industry leader and dance business expert. Tiffany owns and operates multiple Tiffany's Dance Academy locations in Northern California. Her video-based teacher training system and curriculum, Twinkle Star Dance, is currently implemented in 300+ dance studios worldwide.
