It’s important to know how to properly act at dance recitals. Many dance teachers will send out a list of specific rules that apply, such as only giving flowers to performers after the performance. However, there are some good general rules that are appropriate for every dance recital.

Do not touch or move a costume or prop, even if it looks out of place. You don’t know whether a dancer will come back looking for it and won’t be able to find it. Don’t risk the chance of leaving a dancer out of the performance or stalling the show while they look for it.

Stay in your designated area. Its annoying to have to be restricted to one spot, but they have areas designated for a reason. If it says stay out of this side of the building or the backstage area, don’t ignore it.

Don’t shout out names when you see your child or friend on stage. It is disruptive to the performance, and aggravates the dancers. It also quickly ruins the mood of an otherwise beautiful and touching dancing piece.

Keep all socializing to appropriate times. Talk before, after, or during intermission. Even whispering during performances can reach those around you, and disrupts the performance.

Most dance recitals are performed in opera houses or nicer places of performing arts. Be respectful and courteous to these establishments. Dress in formal or dress clothes if the dress code require you to.

Be responsible for yourself and only yourself. If you notice disorderly students, allow a teacher or someone of authority to handle it. Unless you are specifically put in charge of the students its best to leave them alone.

Conclusion Whether it is your first recital you’ve been to or your thirtieth, don’t forget to show the proper etiquette and behavior there. Your dancer will appreciate the well behavior. And your neighbors around you will as well.

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The fifties provided a lot of fun dances, and many of them can be used for children’s dance recitals. Some of these dance moves are still regularly used, such as swing dancing. Here are a few dance ideas from the 50′s that you may enjoy teaching your students for a dance performance.

The Swing- Students will have a lot of fun with swing dancing. Although swing originated from the 1920s, the Lindy Hop was still a popular dance in the 1950s. Swing dancing features the combinations or triple steps and a delayed approach to rhytmic timing.

The Bop- The Bop is a popular dance move that is still used in many areas of England. Bop dancing relies a lot on heel and toe tapping. Have the children dance apart from one another with out holding hands while they alternate between dancing with one foot and tapping with the other.

The Stroll – The stroll requires two lines of dancers, where dancers do a step pattern to advance the line forward. There can be solos done through out the lines, and eventually the lines can eventually join together at the end. You can continue this type of dancing through out the song, with a fun finale at the end tying it together.

The Hand Jive – This 50s dance works well with rock and roll or the rhythm and blues music of the 1950s. This style involves a lot of hand moves and claps, as well as sometimes imitating the percussion instruments of the movies. This dance is sure to be fun for dancing students due to the fun thigh slapping, fist pounding, and elbow touching moves. If you are looking for inspiration for your choreography, check out the movie Grease’s musical display of the song “Born to Hand Jive”.

The Cha Cha – This dance is named after its Cuban music under the same name. Use classic 50s Cuban music to make the dance more authentic. This is a fun dance that shows a lot of energy with its steady beat.

Rock and Roll – Don’t forget classic rock and roll dancing, made famous during the 50s. Put on some Elvis songs and do the jailhouse rock. Partners no longer had to formerly dance together, but could dance in more twists and have choreographed dance moves similar to the Lindy Hop.

The Madison – Another fun dance style made popular in the late 50s to mid 60s. Look for examples of The Madison in the movie Hairspray. They use a lot of their songs and dance routines from The Madison era.

Hip Hop 50′s Shop specializes in Children and Adult Poodle Skirts, crinoline slips, saddle oxford shoes and complete 50′s costumes. We are passionate about Sock Hops and the 1950′s, so our experts share tons of advice and tips on our blog. Come visit anytime.