How to Prepare Your Young Dancer for Recital Season at Dance Academy of Virginia

Recital season is one of the most exciting times of the year at Dance Academy of Virginia (DAV). It’s a moment when months of dedication, practice, and passion come to life on stage. Whether it’s your child’s first performance or they’re a seasoned performer, recital season is both thrilling and demanding. As we gear up for another incredible showcase, our founder, Katherine Horrigan, and our dedicated team of instructors are here to support every dancer’s journey to the stage. Here’s how you can help your young dancer feel confident, prepared, and ready to shine.

1. Keep a Positive and Encouraging Mindset

Recital season can bring excitement but also nerves. At DAV, our instructors focus on fostering confidence and positivity in every class. Katherine, a former professional dancer herself, understands the balance between discipline and encouragement. She ensures that every student feels empowered, reminding them that mistakes are part of the learning process and that growth happens through perseverance. Parents can reinforce this at home by celebrating small achievements and reminding their dancers to enjoy the process.

2. Prioritize Consistent Attendance and Practice

Every rehearsal is a stepping stone to success. DAV’s structured classes help dancers build muscle memory, refine their technique, and gain stage confidence. Working together as a "team" in class to prepare their choreography for stage is important. Missing class can disrupt a dancer’s progress and the flow of group performances. Our instructors work closely with each student to ensure they feel ready and prepared, but regular practice at home also helps solidify what they learn in the studio. Encourage your dancer to run through their routines, practice transitions, and work on their expressions—because storytelling is just as important as technique!

3. Get Comfortable with Costumes and Stage Readiness

One of the most exciting parts of recital season is wearing a beautiful costume! However, it’s essential that dancers feel comfortable and confident in their outfits. We recommend doing a “dress rehearsal” at home—have your child practice in their full costume, including dance shoes and hair accessories, to ensure they can move comfortably. This also helps prevent surprises on recital day, such as itchy fabrics or loose straps.

4. Take Care of Their Bodies and Minds

Dancing is a full-body workout, and proper nutrition, hydration, and rest are key to peak performance. Leading up to the recital, make sure your dancer is eating well-balanced meals, drinking plenty of water, and getting enough sleep. DAV’s instructors also emphasize mindfulness techniques, such as deep breathing exercises and visualization, to help dancers stay calm and focused before they step onto the stage.

5. Be Prepared for Recital Day

Recital day at DAV is a magical experience, and we want every dancer to feel their best when they take the stage. Here are some essentials to pack in your dancer’s recital bag:

• Dance shoes (double-check that they fit well!)

• Tights & costume accessories (please note the color of tights required!)

• Extra hair ties, bobby pins, and hairspray

• Healthy snacks that don't stain (we love pretzels!) and a water bottle

• A positive attitude!

Our entire team works tirelessly to create a seamless recital experience, from rehearsals to the final bow. We want each child to walk away feeling proud of their progress, no matter their experience level.

6. Enjoy the Moment!

Above all, recital season is about celebrating your child’s growth, hard work, and love for dance.  Remember that anything can happen in a live performance! Perfection is less important than students going out on stage trying their best and feeling great about themselves and their accomplishments.

At DAV, we strive to make every dancer feel special, valued, and supported. Whether they dream of becoming a professional dancer or are simply dancing for the joy of it, our goal is to help them build confidence, discipline, and lifelong memories.We can’t wait to see our talented dancers take the stage this recital season. Let’s make it a performance to remember!

Interested in learning more about recital season at DAV? Follow us on social media or visit our website for updates, important dates, and behind-the-scenes looks at our dancers in action!