All You Need To Know for Recital Day!

All you need to know about The Big Day! 

Practice videos: Most dance classes have practice videos so your dancer can practice the dance at home. Videos can be accessed here.

Your costume: 

Your dancer’s costume(s) are in your brown recital bag. You will need to bring this bag with you on recital day – DO NOT THROW IT AWAY. The costume was not made to individual measurements, but from a general sizing chart provided by the manufacturer, so you may need to make some alterations.  You will be responsible for making any needed alterations. We recommend that your dancer try on the costume when you get home, as well as wear them to costume week before costumes. Please hang up your dancer’s costume so that it is not wrinkled – steaming is ok but no ironing!

When? 

The show date is Sunday, December 13, 2026

Please allow extra time to park, check-in, take pictures, etc.

Where:

University of Denver, Robert and Judi Newman Center for the Performing Arts

2344 E Iliff Ave, Denver, CO 80210

Check-in: 

Check your dancer in on the west side of the building; look for cherry balloons on the exterior or wayfinding signage if you have already entered the building. Expect check-in to take about 30 minutes.

Your dancer will receive a name tag if he or she is performing in a 2-3, 4-5, 6-8 combo dance, 4-5, or 6-8 hip hop dance. If he or she is not in one of these classes, you will still need to check in so we know that all dancers are present before the start of the show. You will need to check your dancer in with the CCD staff member or representative.

There will be books to read, pages to color, and puzzles to entertain dancers backstage. ****Parents will not be allowed backstage, or behind the scenes at any time during the show unless working as an authorized volunteer. 

What to wear: 

Please have your dancer dressed in costume with hair and make-up done when you arrive at the venue. Wear your tights with no underwear (Pull-ups/diapers are okay and encouraged for any dancer who is not fully potty-trained). If your dancer is in multiple numbers, please have them dressed in their first number.

• Hair:

  • Hair should be nicely styled in any of the following options: pulled back in braids, ponytail, bun, or nicely curled or straight.
  • All ballet students should have their hair pulled back in a tight bun covered by a hair net (not a crocheted bun cover).

Any hairpieces provided should be bobby-pinned into the dancer’s hair. 

• Make-up, if any, should be in light, neutral tones.
  

• Dance Shoes:

  • All combo students must have black tap shoes with black laces and pink ballet shoes. Dancers who indicated they identify as male for the recital costume must have black tap shoes with black laces and black ballet shoes.
  • Musical Theatre students will need tan jazz shoes
  • Jazz/Tap 6-8, All jazz classes tan jazz shoes.
  • All hip hop students must wear these tennis shoes, available for purchase in our retail store.
  • All lyrical students must have foot thongs.

We sell all necessary footwear in our retail store – please make sure to purchase what your dancer will need well before recital day.  No shoes will be available to borrow on the day of the show.  

*** If your dancer is in multiple dances in one show, please wear the first costume listed in the show order.

What to bring: 

• BRING THE PAPER BAG your dancer’s costume came in with all that your dancer will need for the show; it helps us make sure we get their dance shoes and change of costume (if needed) back to you.
• Appropriate tights and shoes. Make sure your dancer’s First and Last name is written on each shoe and all costumes. All combo dancers should wear tan tights.
• Water bottle labeled with First AND Last Name
• Extra diaper/Pull-up

What NOT to bring:

• NO backpacks
• NO jackets
• NO jewelry, toys or any other personal items

We are not responsible for lost items. We cannot guarantee the return of personal items left at the venue.

Dismissal: 

When the show has finished, your dancer will be available for pickup. PLEASE NOTE THAT NO PARENT WILL BE ALLOWED TO COLLECT THEIR DANCER BEFORE THE SHOW HAS FINISHED. To expedite dismissal and for your safety and your dancer’s safety, only the guardian who dropped the dancer off may pick them up. We will give all paper bags to your dancer before you arrive. Don’t forget to take your dancer’s bag home with you when you leave. ALL OTHER FRIENDS AND FAMILY MEMBERS MUST WAIT AFTER DISMISSAL TO GREET THEIR DANCER.

Applause, accolades, and pictures:

Cherry Creek Dance provides several ways for you to commemorate your dancer’s performance. We sell trophies,  flowers, candy filled dance shoes, and more. If you have purchased any of these items prior to the show and have not picked them up at Cherry Creek Dance, they will be available for pick-up on the day of the show.  You can purchase items in our online retail store here.

Professionally produced videos are available and are included in your recital registration fee. Video links will be available usually 6-8 weeks after the performance.

During the show, you are welcome to take photographs and video, but you will have to stay in your seat to do so. For the safety of our dancers and as a courtesy to other guests, electronic devices with a light-up screen and flash photography are not allowed.