TIPS & GUIDANCE

1. Mental
2. Physical
3. Emotional

1. Instructor
2. Dancers
3. Dancers parents/assistants

1. What do you need to have a good practice?
   Shoes, props, notebook, and pen
2. What do you want to focus on during that practice?
   Solos, duets, all routines, part of one routine
3. What announcements need to be made during practice?
   Time of performance, where, what costume
4. Does the instructor need help?
   i.e. Equipment

1. Get the attitudes up at the beginning. Don’t come in complaining about how bad you feel.
2. Use your time wisely. If you spend pre-practice time planning what your focus is, you should get the maximum benefit from this time.
3. The instructor who gives 300% in practice will receive 1200% in performance — Pat those danceres on the back. Let them know how much you appreciate them. Let them know when their bad, but praise them extra when they are good!
4. Build confidence during practice.
5. Break habits during practice.
   i. e. Chewing gum, looking at feet, concentration showing on face, body attitude, and posture.
6. If you know the dimensions of the stage you will perform on, now is the best time to adjust routines to fit the area.
7. Take notes during practice. What homework do you assign each dancer. Give them something to work on.
8. Don’t forget to make those announcements.

1. Arrive early.
2. Only one or two set up the stage.
3. Change into your costume before entering the area you will perform in.
4. Stay in group. Don’t wonder around.
5. Make sure your shoes are polished, hair is neat, girl- be sure to take extra hose, etc.
6. Have your music set up in the order you will dance it. There is nothing worse than to have dead time in a show because you can’t find your music.
7. Get the team psyched-up!!!!!!!!!
   Give them a big pep talk! No show is small, all shows are important! Have a good time!
8. Do some warm ups. Stretch out those calves. Do some shoulder, head, and ankle rolls. Don’t go on the stage cold — you won’t dance as well during the first couple of numbers. YOu should have some sweat before you even walk on the stage the first time.

1. Everything you have worked on so far should come naturally. This is not the time to make changes;it could cause your dancers to lose some of that self-confidence.
2. Project to the audience what you want them to feel. If you want the audience to be excited, you must first be excited.
3. ALWAYS publicly thank and recognize those who invited you to dance before and after you perform.

1. Keep your professional look- don’t untuck your shirt-tail and hang around the water fountain.
2. Don’t change clothes and rush off!!!
   Your costume is your meal ticket to other shows. Stay in a group for awhile, let people come to you and tell you how much they enjoyed your show — if you change clothes, they won’t know you anymore.
3. No matter how bad or good the sow was if you are complimented, always say “Thank you!” We loved being here! (or something to this effect.) You never know who may be watching and what offers may come out of an audience for further performances.
4. Be sure you have good manners. Don’t be rude if there are other teams dancing.

Hope this short paper has been informative. If you have any other question feel free to call or write.
~ Simone