Recital season is here--it is the crazy time of year for dancers and their parents that can cause a lot of stress.  We at Dance Stuf do our best to alleviate the stress level--especially when studios invite us to their location for rehearsals, maybe allowing for a little less running around to find a pair of tights or shoes.  All of the owners of Dance Stuf have been there--all of us have had children in recitals and shows and understand the stress of costumes, long rehearsals, tense instructors, tense parents, and dancers who just want to enjoy the excitement of the show.  We have also observed through our 11 years--that a positive attitude can achieve a less stressful rehearsal or recital day.  So here are few tips: Parents:  1.  It will always take longer then the time frame given.  Double the time that is planned, and be happy if it is shorter.  When a theatre group is performing a 2-hour show, they rehearse for weeks and spend a great deal of time using the venue in which they will be performing, with a crew of tech people..  Your studio is coming into a venue with miniminal time and must coordinate the stage, props, sound and lighting--eeek.  2.  Make it an exciting time for young ones--bring lots of coloring books, allowable snacks, and hand-held games. 3.  Make sure you comply with the requirements of the instructor in regards to proper costume attire; correct color of tights, placement of hair and make-up will make dress rehearsal much more pleasant. Relax & enjoy--somehow through all the bedlam--the recital becomes a wonderful memory. Oh yes...and you dancers who are too old for a stage-mom--you know the drill--help those little ones by setting a great back-stage and on-stage example--they are watching. ...anything to add? ...read more