‘Twas the week before Expressions dance recital, when all through the studio, not a dancer was stirring, not even a teacher. I just had to throw a little Christmas spirit into this article, of course.
I have been dancing longer than I have been in school, so to say I have my routine down for a recital weekend is an understatement. From the strongest hairspray to my stretching routine, here are my tips for making every recital weekend the best it can be.
- hairspray
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A slicked hairstyle makes or breaks a recital weekend. Not only is it distracting to people watching when flyaways have gone wild, but hair can also get in a dancers way when performing. Use any of Tresemme’s hairspray with a 4 or 5 on the hold scale and you will be regretting putting it into your hair come hair wash time.
- Red lipstick
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A red lip is a dance recital classic for me. While most dancers I know prefer to steer clear, to me, there is nothing more satisfying than a bold lip on stage. In terms of a brand, I do not have a preference, but buy something matte. You will thank me later.
- shoes
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Nothing is worse than rolling up to recital with cold feet, especially during these winter shows. So wear those UGGS, or fuzzy boots, or slippers, or literally anything that looks absolutely ridiculous with your dance outfit but will keep your feet warm.
- warm up music
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Music makes or breaks my mood on a daily basis, even more so on a show day. Luckily for me, I am in charge of warm ups and stretching this year, so music is completely under my control. A few must have songs for my warm up playlists include, “Karma” by Taylor Swift, “Pretty Girl Rock” by Keri Hilson, and “Bright Lights Bigger City” by CeeLo Green.
- stretching
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A lengthy full body stretch is always necessary and beneficial before jumping into a two hour recital. But if there was one stretch I had to choose to recommend, it would be the frog. While a lot of flexibility goes into dancing, I could argue that it really comes down to a dancers hips. Without properly warming up and stretching them, you could bear the consequences later. So sit in the frog for a couple of minutes and enjoy the burn.
- time management
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I am a very “look good, feel good” type of person, and with looking good comes a few hours of preparation before leaving for a recital. So give yourself that time, because there is nothing worse than spending so much time helping friends get ready and then putting off your own makeup and hair routine just to be left rushing and not feeling good about yourself. Even if you have to sit in your helmet head hair and false lashes for an extra hour, do it. You will be in a lot better head space arriving at the show.
These are just some of my secrets that I have gained over the past 18 years of performing that I am happy to share with you all. As I walk into my second to last dance recital, I am enjoying reminiscing on all of the memories I have made and knowledge I have picked up along the way. The end of an era is coming soon, but in the meantime, I will continue with my rituals to prove successful on stage.
HCXO,
Gabby