This is an additional performance opportunity for preschool students who missed out on our August Concert this year.
WHEN IS THE (EXTRA) PRESCHOOL CONCERT?
Sunday 12 November 2023
Preschoolers only dance in one concert. Please note that dancers are required early as we hold a small rehearsal on stage prior to each concert. This rehearsal is super important as it allows the children to familiarise themselves with the theatre and have a practice on the stage. Parents are not permitted to watch the dress rehearsal (unless volunteering as a backstage guardian) so you will have time to go and get a coffee/take a walk. Most studios hold rehearsal on a separate day, but we like to make it nice and easy for you! We want to ensure all dancers feel confident on the day and it is important that no one feels rushed, so please be on time. Note that students who do not attend rehearsal may not be permitted to dance in the concert.
CONCERT
Dancers required at 9.50am for rehearsal, concert starts 11.00am)
Parents will need to collect performers at intermission (approx 11.50am).
WHERE IS THE CONCERT HELD?
Our (extra) Preschool Concert will be held at the Clocktower Centre which is located at 750 Mt Alexander Road, Moonee Ponds. Parking is limited so please plan ahead.
HOW MUCH WILL THE CONCERT COST ME?
An on-stage concert comes with significant overheads including venue, technical fees and charges, staffing, licensing, costumes and videography, however, we are committed to keeping the event as affordable as possible. In fact, we have chosen to absorb the cost increases since our last concert (in 2019) and keep your costs the same, because we think it’s really important that families have the option to participate in this event. Here is the breakdown:
Compulsory costs
$55.00 – Concert costume per class enrolment
Students get to keep their costume after the event$25.00 – Professional Videography
Digital download via password protected link$10.00 – Ballet tights
Not applicable for Hip Hop/Acro classes
Optional costs
Tickets to watch the concert can be purchased directly from the Clocktower Centre.
We will also have a professional photographer on site to capture stage/action photos. You can view and purchase these pictures after the event if you want to (not compulsory).
COSTUMES
We think it’s important to empower our students by giving them a choice in what they wear. So, we are offering two costume options – A & B. Simply chat to your dancer and ask them to decide which costume they would like to wear on stage. Two examples are below. OPTION A (left) and OPTION B (right). Please note that students will not be given a colour choice as classes will be allocated a colour by teachers.
Option B includes a lycra short and both options include ballet tights, which will be provided to ensure a colour match for all dancers.
Importantly, note that all Fairies & Pixies and Intro to Dance students are required to wear ballet shoes for health and safety reasons. If you do not yet have shoes, try our second-hand tub or purchase from Energetiks, Bloch or Dancewear Nation. Hip Hop students are required to wear runners/sneakers (colour TBC). Parents must provide shoes.
WHAT TO PACK
Here’s a quick checklist of things to bring on the day:
All students should come dressed in costume.
Dancers can put ballet shoes on in the foyer on arrival.
All students to arrive with hair and makeup, if opting in for makeup, done (see more on this below).
Backpack with child’s name visible on the outside.
Water bottle with child’s name (leak-proof).
Mess-free snacks (NO NUTS) e.g. sandwiches, popcorn, apple slices, crackers.
Makeup for backstage guardians to top up, if you are opting in for makeup (see more on this below).
Zip or button up jumper to wear over costumes while eating.
PARENT VOLUNTEERS (BACKSTAGE GUARDIANS)
Guardians have now been confirmed for this event. If you have not been confirmed as a backstage guardian, you are free to purchase a ticket and enjoy the show from the audience!
HAIR REQUIREMENTS
All students are asked to wear a Ballet Bun (or as close to a ballet bun as is possible for short hair!)
MAKEUP
Makeup is optional and absolutely not compulsory. We understand that some families will be against the use of stage makeup, so know that it is your decision and we will respect and support your choices.
If you are new to dance and theatre, makeup on a child can certainly be an odd concept and it is completely understandable to have reservations. Perhaps you are wondering what is the point?
We like to tell our dancers that the use of stage makeup is not to change how we look (we are perfect already as we are), but rather to enhance our features so they can be seen from the audience, and on the video, under harsh stage lighting. As students participate in more concerts, makeup then becomes something they associate with being on stage – something unique we do just on special concert days.
For those open to wearing makeup, we have prepared a video tutorial for you and also some product and colour recommendations. You can opt to do all or some of the video tutorial and we ask that you do makeup at home before arriving. If you want backstage guardians to top up light lipstick before the concert, please ensure you pack your own products in a sealed and named snap lock bag.
Again, remember makeup is optional. Any parents strictly against makeup must make this clear to their backstage guardian on drop off.
Makeup Product and Colour recommendations
VIDEOGRAPHY
Our concert is provided to all participating families as a digital download after the event. You will receive access to both concerts via a password-protected link. You can stream or download as many times as you wish. Digital download is a better quality product at a cheaper price and will enable you to view the footage from your computer, phone or tablet without restriction. You will no longer be restricted to the location of your DVD player or run the risk of damaging the disc. Physical DVDs will still be available to purchase at an additional cost for those who want one in addition to the link.
FAQ
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We have a strict ‘no push’ policy, which means students who are hesitant on the day are encouraged to watch from backstage in the care of one of our team. We will never push a child to go on stage if they are feeling anxious. It is important to remember that the concert experience is not just about those few minutes on stage. As a parent, it is easy to get caught up in this and of course we understand it can be disappointing if your child doesn’t make it on stage, but we encourage you to see it from your child’s perspective. Students gain so much from being part of the concert experience – the hype in the lead up, getting dressed up in a costume, seeing the theatre and backstage areas (likely for the first time ever) and feeling the excitement and joy during the event itself.
Our relaxed and student-led approach means it is rare that children don’t make it on stage, but we still ensure a positive experience regardless – and they come back more confident and 100% ready the following year! It’s important to focus on the long-term goals, not specifically the one day.
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A credit of $25 will be added to your account as a reimbursement of the professional videography fee.
Costume and ticket fees are non-refundable.
I HAVE A QUESTION YOU HAVEN’T ANSWERED
Please contact us by email if anything is unclear. Your feedback is welcome and your cooperation and patience is sincerely appreciated.
Happy concert season everyone – enjoy the magic!!
WHAT DO OUR PARENTS HAVE TO SAY ABOUT THE CONCERT EXPERIENCE?
“I’d like to take the opportunity to let you know just how much my daughter loved everything about the concert, she was one delighted little girl! And as a parent experiencing it for the first time, it was just wonderful.
I actually said to my husband on the way home from the concert that it had probably been one of the only times I’ve ever walked away from something feeling like I’ve been communicated to perfectly and that you and the team had genuinely considered every angle of the experience for families – you provided the perfect amount of information and in the right format without it being overwhelming for us.
You helped us to help you. And the planning and execution of logistics on the day… holy moly, you are all clearly exceptional humans! We fully appreciate that we stumbled onto something special when we joined the dance school at the end of our street.”
