Nutcracker Frequently Asked Questions
What time are dancers required to arrive at the theater?
Dancers should be dropped off backstage 30 minutes before the show. Parents drop them at the check in table in the lobby area next to the auditorium. Please do not go into the dressing room with them because it will get very crowded. Intermediate/Advanced dancers will be required to attend a scheduled warm up.
What does my dancer wear to the show?
Dancers should arrive in their bodyliner (nude leotard that will go under the costumes) and pink tights. We ask dancers to please wear a robe or clothing over this when they are in the lobby area and before or after the show. We will bring their costumes to the theatre. Please have their hair in a high bun, and makeup done.
How should my dancer do her hair and makeup?
Young dancers need lipstick, eyeliner, blush, mascara, and sometimes eyebrow pencil. For girls age 8 and younger, please don’t send lipstick with them. Their lipstick should be put on just before they arrive. Below are some tutorials for reference but don’t feel they need to be followed to perfectly 🙂
Bun Tutorial
Recital Makeup Tutorial (young dancers)
Recital Makeup Tutorial (intermediate/advanced dancers)
Other important information:
- Clean nails, no fake nails
- Clean, run free tights
- No jewelry
- No moving hair
- No ribbon tails
Items to consider stocking in your dancer’s show dance bag (label everything):
- Hairspray, Bobby pins, safety pins, bandaids
- Hairnets/hair elastics in color closest to hair color
- Make-up remover (wipes are easy!)
- Makeup box in case the dressing room parent needs to touch up or fix make-up
- A small towel/blanket to lay out and organize their space
- Extra tights, if tights are being worn as part of the costume
- Water bottle, dry snacks like crackers and nuts (not peanuts) No orange colored snacks!
- A robe or extra large button-up shirt to put over costume or under garments in case dancers run to the bathroom, or eat or drink water in the hall
- A book, cards, quiet games, coloring book
Can we buy tickets at the door?
Yes, as long as the show is not sold out. We highly recommend buying tickets ahead of time. Purchase Tickets
What is the run time of the show?
The show runs approximately 2 hr 15 mins and includes a 30 minute intermission.
Can we buy tights at the shows?
Yes, we will bring tights for sale in case of last minute need!
Will you be selling snacks or flowers?
We will be selling flowers, snacks and cold waters before and after the shows and during intermission.
Can we eat food in the dressing room?
No. Only water is allowed. However, if the dancer needs to eat, she should take her food out to the hallway. Dancers never eat with their costume on! Bring something to wear over it if you must eat or drink while wearing a costume. Please do not bring orange colored snacks like cheetos that will ruin costumes and stain hands and faces.
What will my little dancer be doing during the waiting time to get onstage?
The dressing rooms are well supervised. We will have games and coloring pages. The time actually goes pretty fast for them.
How will you be dismissing the dancers?
Dancers can be picked up at the hallway where you dropped them off.
My family member is in a wheelchair or is frail.
We like to sit handicapped people first. Please see a Greeter when you arrive.
What if my dancer has lost her shoes or something else at the show?
We will have a lost and found box that will be on the check in table in the hallway.
Will the show be professionally videotaped?
Yes, each show will be taped, edited, and provided to families as a digital download.
Where do volunteers go?
Dressing room volunteers go to the check in table where students are dropped off and get a name tag and find out their room assignment. Please arrive 45 min before the show. Greeters check in at the Will Call window to get programs. Greeters should arrive 30 minutes before the show and need to stay for 5-10 min after the show starts to seat latecomers.
Additional Questions?
We are here to help! Please email us frontdesk@parkerdance.com