If the dance classes your child takes will culminate in a recital soon, it’s natural to feel excited. Keeping recital etiquette in mind allows you to enjoy the event without any distractions or disruptions that can affect surrounding audience members and even the dancers. Review the following tips to make this upcoming dance event even more enjoyable. 

What Are the Etiquette Rules for Dance Recitals?

1. Mute All Devices

Most recitals start with asking audience members to mute their devices. Phone ringtones, app notification sounds, and other device alerts are disruptive, as are the blue lights that smartphones and tablets emit. Silence your devices immediately, as any noises could distract the dancers while they perform their routines.

2. Move From Your Seat in Between Routines

Getting up from your seat while a routine is being performed can obstruct the views of nearby audience members who are trying to look at the performance. Depending on how close you are to the stage, it can distract the dancers who see you getting up as well. Unless it's an emergency, wait until the recital break to use the restroom, make a phone call, or grab snacks to avoid disrupting others' view. 

3. Provide Entertainment Options for Young Siblings 

Younger children can become squirmy from sitting through their older siblings’ events, especially when the events seem long. If your older child takes dance classes and the younger one wants to attend the recital, it is wise to provide entertainment options that prevent fussiness, such as small toys, a book, and puzzles. Should your child need a break from the recital, wait until a routine ends to lead the little one out of the concert hall. 

Dance classes for children aged 18 months and up are available at New Hampshire Academie of Dance. Since 1969, this studio has served the Greater Derry and Londonderry, NH, areas, providing age-appropriate instruction and choreography that includes periodic recitals. Call (603) 432-4041 or visit the website for more information about dance classes.