? for anyone with kids in dance recitals (program related)

[AnnetteF]

My DD is 4 and in has been taking ballet/tap in a class for 3-4 year olds since September. In June there will be a recital and we just got the form if we want to place an add in the recital program.

I'm just not sure what kinds of things people put in these. They say we can put a picture, but as far as text, is it usual to just say something like "We love you and are very proud of you! Love, Mommy & Daddy". Do you ususally put their first name or their first and last name? My husband thinks this is all crazy because she can't even read, and he feels she won't even be aware of it, but I still think shell get a kick out of seeing her picture in there.

Any thoughts?

 

[KirklandTutu]

I would put in exactly what you said, but only use her first name.

Yes, it is a bit silly, but there's a good reason to do it.

Putting on dance recitals is an extremly expensive. Ticket sales rarely cover the cost and one way to help cover things is to sell add space. If you can afford it and believe in the programs that the school offers, then I would seriously consider it.

 

[luvmy2sams]

That's exactly what the bulk of the ads in DD9's recital programs say.

 

[BuzznBelle'smom]

Our studio has icons you can put in also--you know, of pointe shoes or a ballerina or something. I'm too cheap to do it, I think it's totally pointless. I think they're trying to make some parents feel obligated to do it, like your DD will somehow think you don't love her as much as another mom. Also, if you do it this year, you'll likely feel obligated to do it every year.

OTOH, if I had a business, I would buy an ad in a dance program.

FTR, I do donate to the school's scholarship fund as well as volunteer my time. I just think the program thing is silly--I'd rather give $ straight to the studio.

 

[golfgal]

Our marching band does this for their show program. Most of the parent use first names only. Since they are high schoolers they tend to put a baby picture and a high school picture in there but not always. It is a HUGE fundraiser for the band. They sell ad space to area businesses and then the parent ads. They raise about $6000/year doing this.

 

[CJMZ]

My daughters dancing school requires you to buy 2 ads @ $30.00 each.
It is mandatory, and on the registration form so you are aware of it in September. The cost to put on a recital is very high, and even though tickets are expensive at $23.00 each, it still doesn't cover the costs - lighting, sound, janitor, rental fee etc. My friend works in a school office and told me the average price is 1800.00 just for the rental x2 if you do a dress rehearsal.

 

[AnnetteF]

Thanks everyone. Wow, I never thought about all the money involved in putting on a recital. This is all new to me so I appreciate the advice. I'm going to put in in just as said above. Thanks again.

 

[CraftyMouse]

DD15 has been dancing for 10 years. In the beginning I got caught up in the hype and put an ad in the program. For the last 7 years, however, I have not. I actually consider it a huge waste of money. She knows that we love her and are tremendously proud of her. An ad in a program isn't going to prove that to her. I'd say that if you want to put one in go ahead, but please don't feel pressured to do so.

 

[Savsmommy]

DD8 took dance for 2 years when she was 4. For her first one we just put Congratulations on your first dance recital. We are so proud of you. Love Mommy and Daddy etc...

Then we also bought her flowers for after her performance.

 

[BuzznBelle'smom]

See, now we have a fundraiser that sells flowers at the recital itself. $5 for 3 carnations with greens and baby's breath. I always get those, one bouquet for each of my dancers, and MIL also gets a bouquet for each dancer. Not only do my kids get pretty flowers, but someone is raising some money for a good cause--win-win. Of course, you're welcome to buy flowers off-site, and some people do, but it's nice to have them right there. Besides, last year I had 3 kids in 10 numbers, dress rehearsal plus 2 performance days. I had NO time to run to a florist!

 

[SydneyBristow]

We never do those ads.

 

[stinkerbelle's mom]

We do those ads all the time. Grandparents, aunts & uncles love doing them too.

It really doesn't matter about putting first and last names in there because most programs list the child's full name anyway. Some people just use a nickname for their child.

Even though your child can't read now, it makes for a nice souveneer when she's older & can.

 

[stinkerbelle's mom]

Btw, some of the things people might say are:

To (insert name) our favorite ballerina love mommy & daddy

(insert name) keep reaching for the stars, you make us so proud. love mommy & daddy


Some people really do a dedication to their children in there.

 

[puffkin]

LOL, I would love to put these in the program for my mom's recital.....I would get all the relatives to put one in as well I am going to have to call her school and see how much they are.....

My mom (53) has always wanted to take tap dance, so she signed up. Her recital is in June and of course we are all going.....too funny. She really likes it though, and I bet she would get a kick out of the ads...

The other night they did a run through of their one song for the advanced tap kids....she said it was hysterical watching the 10 year olds trying not to laugh at all the "old" ladies....

 

[pansmermaidzlagoon]

DD15 has been dancing for 10 years. In the beginning I got caught up in the hype and put an ad in the program. For the last 7 years, however, I have not. I actually consider it a huge waste of money. She knows that we love her and are tremendously proud of her. An ad in a program isn't going to prove that to her. I'd say that if you want to put one in go ahead, but please don't feel pressured to do so.

I agree. We have not had that type of program - yet. We would probably do it for the first and then save it for special times (solo, great part in a play, then senior year performances). We won't be doing it for every opportunity in between. Many of DD's activities require soooooo much fundraising that I wouldn't feel compelled to do it every time!!! If this did happen to be the one or one of only a few ways they ask parents to give needed funds, it would be different!

though I will admit to looking over the High School playbills for cute ideas!!!!

 

[MELSMICE]

Coming from a studio owner...................

We don't have programs any more, but memory books, which are a dance yearbook that contains the show program also.

People can purchase picture ads in them, the smallest being $10, all the way to a full page if they want. They can also do written patrons without pictures.

The memory books contain one line memories for each class from each child saying what their favorite part of class is. We also have class pictures of the students in their costumes which are taken on picture day (like you'd see in a school yearbook) & many pages of candid pictures. In the back of the book are business ads that the students solicit.

The money raised helps to pay for the cost of the books, ticket printing & school rental, etc.

I have to give myself a little pat on the back for it, actually, it takes me hours & hours of work every year, but it really turns out nice and the kids love them.

 

[luvmy2sams]

Coming from a studio owner...................

We don't have programs any more, but memory books, which are a dance yearbook that contains the show program also.

People can purchase picture ads in them, the smallest being $10, all the way to a full page if they want. They can also do written patrons without pictures.

The memory books contain one line memories for each class from each child saying what their favorite part of class is. We also have class pictures of the students in their costumes which are taken on picture day (like you'd see in a school yearbook) & many pages of candid pictures. In the back of the book are business ads that the students solicit.

The money raised helps to pay for the cost of the books, ticket printing & school rental, etc.

I have to give myself a little pat on the back for it, actually, it takes me hours & hours of work every year, but it really turns out nice and the kids love them.

This is a fantastic idea! I bet the parents and dancers love it.

DD's been dancing for 5 years, and I'd much rather have something like this than a program that most people just toss. DD's so excited because she's finally getting an ad this year. It's become a competetion for the bigger, the better ads, and we decided not to buy into that. The studio gives a 5 year award, so DH and I decided we'd only do ads at award time. At $120 per ad we're not interested in keeping up with the Joneses.

 

[BuzznBelle'smom]

Coming from a studio owner...................

We don't have programs any more, but memory books, which are a dance yearbook that contains the show program also.

People can purchase picture ads in them, the smallest being $10, all the way to a full page if they want. They can also do written patrons without pictures.

The memory books contain one line memories for each class from each child saying what their favorite part of class is. We also have class pictures of the students in their costumes which are taken on picture day (like you'd see in a school yearbook) & many pages of candid pictures. In the back of the book are business ads that the students solicit.

The money raised helps to pay for the cost of the books, ticket printing & school rental, etc.

I have to give myself a little pat on the back for it, actually, it takes me hours & hours of work every year, but it really turns out nice and the kids love them.

This sounds like an AMAZING thing to do and to have! My only problem is, if I suggested this, you know darn well that I would be the one putting it all together! But it would be so cool to have this for my kids, through the years. I already tear up when I see my DD12's preschool dance photos--you know, back when I was just hoping she wouldn't fall off stage or wet her pants. Now she moves with such poise and grace--I can't help but think, where did this young lady come from?

 

[MELSMICE]

This sounds like an AMAZING thing to do and to have! My only problem is, if I suggested this, you know darn well that I would be the one putting it all together! But it would be so cool to have this for my kids, through the years. I already tear up when I see my DD12's preschool dance photos--you know, back when I was just hoping she wouldn't fall off stage or wet her pants. Now she moves with such poise and grace--I can't help but think, where did this young lady come from?

Thanks! It really does turn out nice, if I do say so myself & the kids all love to go through it as soon as they get it to - especially to look at the candid shots to see which ones they are in. It's so funny to see them all at rehearsal going through the books & signing them for each other.

Plus, they have lots of fun all year long getting their pictures taken during class. They can really ham it up when they want to.

It does take a lot of time, so if you'd be the one stuck with the project, then you better be sure it's something you'd want to do. Pictures get taken all year, I start gathering memories in January so they can be entered & proofed. Any pictures that are used need to be edited before being imported into the book.

My picture day is May 10 so on May 11 & 12, don't get near me, as I'm editing & putting in all the pictures that were taken on picture day to get them in the book, as it goes to print on Wednesday of that week. It takes about 2 weeks to get printed & then it's ready to be distributed the week of the show.

Also, our picture patrons can be of the kids on picture day in their current costume. I've seen books/programs that have kids in previous year's costumes, but I like having them current.

OK - I'm done bragging!

 

[BuzznBelle'smom]

I may seriously consider doing this. I love photography and was editor-in-chief of my HS yearbook. Not to mention, I have 2 DD's in dance (my DS took tap for two years but stopped this year). Plus, our dance "studio" (the one I'm thinking of doing this for--DD12 actually takes at two studios) is run by the PTSA, through our school. I could probably tap the yearbook people for a printing place, possibly even get some older students to do some of the work. Now you've got me thinking...

If I decide to do something like this, would you mind if I PM'd you? I promise I won't do it the second week of May...

OP--Sorry for the hijack.