How to do a Good Post-Show Wash-Up

The show’s over, and your dancers have traded glitter and tights for flip-flops and sun cream. But before you switch off for a well-earned summer break, there’s one last step that can make a world of difference next time around: the post-show wash-up.

A wash-up is simply a moment to reflect on what went well and what you’d do differently next time. It doesn’t have to be formal or take hours – 20 minutes with a notebook and a cuppa can be enough to capture the most valuable insights before they fade.

Here’s how to make your wash-up simple, honest and genuinely helpful:

1. Celebrate What Went Well

Start by recognising the wins – big and small. Ask yourself:

• Which parts of the show really worked?
• Were the dancers confident and well-prepared?
• Did the running order flow smoothly?
• Did everything feel organised on the day?
• Did everyone turn up on time, in the right place, ready to go?

Write it all down. These are the things to repeat next year – and sharing them with your team is a lovely way to acknowledge everyone’s hard work.

2. Note the Pain Points

Next, think about the moments that felt stressful or clunky. No judgement – just curiosity. For example:

• Were there last-minute panics?
• Did you need more rehearsal time?
• Were any instructions unclear – for helpers, dancers or parents?
• Did any routines feel too long or overly complex?
• Could drop-off and pick-up have been smoother?

Being honest now helps you avoid the same issues next time – or at least be better prepared for them.

3. Ask for Feedback

You don’t have to do this alone. Ask assistants, older students, chaperones or supportive parents what they noticed. A quick message, voice note or debrief chat can reveal perspectives you might have missed.

You may discover that a backstage moment you were stressing about actually went really well – or that a small issue had a bigger impact than you realised.

Remember: it’s not about blame – it’s about learning.

4. Ask Yourself: What Would I Change?

With everything fresh in your mind, ask the big question:

Knowing what I know now, what would I do differently?

Be specific. Don’t rely on scribbles or shorthand – make your notes clear enough that future-you knows exactly what you meant.

5. Save It Somewhere Sensible

This might be the most important part: don’t let all these golden insights disappear into the summer haze.

Choose a system that works for you:

• A dedicated “Show Notes” document in Google Drive or your planner
• A physical notebook you return to every year
• A folder with your running order, notes, and feedback all in one place

These notes will be your best friend when show time rolls around again – a shortcut to less stress and an even smoother production.

6. Give Yourself Credit

Before you wrap up, take a moment to recognise everything you achieved. Shows are a huge undertaking – creatively, emotionally, logistically. You did it. Your dancers shone, your team pulled together, and the audience had a great time. That’s worth celebrating.

Now... Rest. You’ve Earned It.

Once your notes are done and the show tunes finally stop looping in your head, it’s time to switch off. As dance teachers, it’s easy to start thinking about next term before you’ve even finished this one – but a proper break isn’t a luxury. It’s essential.

Here are a few gentle ways to unwind and recharge this summer:

☀️ 1. Embrace Doing Nothing

Give yourself permission to slow down. Watch something silly, read books that have nothing to do with dance, or lie in without guilt. You don’t need to be productive to be professional.

🎧 2. Soak Up Quiet Inspiration

If your creative brain starts to fizz, follow it without pressure. Visit a gallery. Watch a performance just for fun. Listen to music with no choreography in mind. You might stumble across next show’s theme without even trying.

🗂 3. Do a Little Prep (if you fancy it)

If you do get the urge to prep, keep it relaxed:

• Refresh playlists
• Update warm-ups
• Pop key dates into your calendar

Small bits of prep now can make next term easier – without eating into your break.

🍦 4. Celebrate the Small Stuff

Take stock of how far your students have come – and how much you’ve done to help them grow. Maybe it was one dancer who finally smiled on stage. Maybe a group that nailed their timing. Or maybe… it was just you, juggling a hundred things at once and still delivering a great show.

Celebrate it all. You’ve earned that ice cream.

Looking Ahead

Next term will be here before you know it – but for now, give yourself the time to rest, reflect and reset. You’re not just recharging for September – you’re laying the foundations for your future.

Have a restful, joyful summer – you’ve more than earned it.