Helping Our Tiny Dancers Shine During Recital Season

The Best Ways to Support Growing Dancers

If you have ever attended a professional ballet performance, you may recall the experience as the dancers begin their show. The lights start to dim, the curtain rises, and the audience is immediately captivated by the beautiful performance unfolding on the stage. The dancers appear to be floating; their movements are effortless and ignite the stage with magic.

Although the dancers make the performance appear easy, behind all the rhinestones and tutus there is dedication, passion, and hard work. As a parent of a dancer, you get to experience firsthand the amount of effort your little one puts into their performance. They pour their hearts into every plié and every twirl. Because our dancers work so hard, there are several ways we can support their progress.

Help Your Child Prepare

Recitals begin off the stage. Preparation is the key to a smooth performance and a happy dancer. It is beneficial to allow dancers to rehearse at home or in a comfortable space. Some ways they can accomplish this include watching videos, listening to the music, or running through their routine. Recording your dancer during class and allowing them to watch the recording, dance along, or listen to the music is extremely helpful in familiarizing them with their routine.

Before the recital, make sure you are organized and set aside enough time to be completely prepared before the show begins. Setting out costumes, bags, snacks, and other necessities the night before helps alleviate some of the stress you may feel on the day of the recital. An important suggestion to note is to give yourself more time than you think you will need to get ready.

Building Confidence

Being confident is not as easy as it sounds, but there are several ways you can help your child feel more secure during performances. One way is to ensure they receive ample practice. Practicing at home, watching videos, and attending classes regularly are great ways to build confidence through preparation. Another way to build confidence is by offering kind and encouraging words when a dancer steps outside of their comfort zone. Lastly, a fun way to make recitals less stressful and more enjoyable is to perform mock recitals at home. Using pretend play and family members, you can easily simulate the recital environment and put on an imaginary show.

Avoiding Unnecessary Pressure

It is no secret that recitals can be stressful, but keep in mind that children are highly responsive to the emotions of their caregivers. If you are worried, it may affect their feelings as well. Gently remind yourself and your dancer that they are doing something that brings them joy, and that is what matters most. Perfection should never be expected. Neither the dancer, nor the caregiver is perfect, and it is okay to make mistakes. Make the most of every moment and share in the joy of dance!

Celebrating the Growth

Children are most receptive to positive reinforcement. Encourage your little one by celebrating small wins. When you give special attention to specific areas of growth, your child is more likely to respond positively. This helps them learn and grow in a sustainable and enjoyable way.

Celebrate the Occasion

One thing I will always encourage is celebrating the occasion, not the performance. No matter how good or bad the show is, always let your little one know how proud you are and that you are celebrating their special day. Avoid placing emphasis on performance skills; instead, compliment how beautiful they look in their costume or how fun it was to apply stage makeup. After the show, it is always enjoyable to have a family dinner, visit a dessert shop, or host a small recital after-party. These moments help make the recital a special and memorable experience. The most important part is creating memories that last a lifetime.

Registration for Bravo Bash January 17, 2026 closes on December 17, 2025.

To register, please visit your Parent Portal or sign up with your Tutu Teacher at the studio!