Ready, Set, Recital! 6 Strategies for Dance Teachers to Prepare Students for the Stage
“Recital memories last a lifetime—let’s help them shine every step of the way.”
An Exciting Time for All
Recital season is one of the most exciting times in a dance studio’s year. It’s the moment students have been working toward—the chance to shine, celebrate their growth, and experience the joy of performance. As teachers, it’s our job to guide them to the stage with confidence and clarity.
Here are six strategies I’ve found especially helpful in preparing students for a smooth and successful recital:
Rehearse with Purpose
Once choreography is set, shift your focus to polishing. Break down challenging sections, reinforce transitions, and clean up formations. Don’t forget to rehearse entrances, exits, and how dancers should hold themselves between routines. The more familiar they are with the full flow, the more confident they’ll feel on stage.
Show and Tell Performances
One of our favorite traditions at Forte is hosting Show & Tell rehearsals. We gather multiple classes together so they can perform their recital routines for one another. It’s a fun,
low-pressure way to practice in front of an audience, build excitement, and strengthen the sense of community. It also helps dancers understand how their performance fits into the bigger picture of the show.
Elephant Awards – Celebrate Preparation
During Show & Tell, we love to hand out Elephant Awards—a fun way to recognize students who remember their routines well. We explain that “elephants never forget,” so remembering your dance earns you a special award! It’s a simple but powerful way to encourage home practice and celebrate effort in a meaningful way.
Practice Like It’s Showtime
Rehearsals should feel like the real deal. Have students run their full routines with performance energy, big smiles, and show-ready presence. To help set the stage, we cover our mirrors with white butcher paper and have each dancer draw an audience member.
This creative twist removes the mirror as a crutch and gives dancers a “crowd” to perform to. Practicing in “show mode” helps build confidence and reduces nerves.
Create Performance Goals
Set clear, achievable goals for both the class and individual students—like smiling throughout the entire routine, sticking a clean ending, or keeping arms strong and sharp. We use SMART goals in every class to track progress and highlight growth. I love to hand out small rewards—like stickers, buttons, or spring-themed goodies—for dancers who meet the goal of the day. These little celebrations go a long way in keeping students motivated and engaged.
Involve and Educate Families
Parents play a huge role in recital success. Keep them informed with costume checklists, clear communication, and friendly updates. We host a Parent Appreciation & Student Celebration Week where families are invited to watch rehearsals, hear important recital info from teachers, and cheer as their dancer receives a special award. The more supported families feel, the smoother the experience is for everyone.
Keep the Joy Front and Center
Above all, recital is about celebrating the joy of dance. Create space in your classes for laughter, praise, and reflection. Let your students know how proud you are of their hard work. Recital memories last a lifetime—let’s help them shine every step of the way.
The Perfect Place to be Inspired to Educate
The DanceLife Teacher Conference is the ultimate place to connect with fellow studio owners, educators, and leaders who understand your world. With seminars that inspire, tools you can take home, and a supportive community, it’s a must-attend event for staying motivated and empowered—especially during busy seasons like recital time.
