Show Season Survival

The air is buzzing with excitement, the costumes are sparkling, and the music is cued... show season is officially upon us!

It’s an exhilarating time for your students, but for you, it can bring a whirlwind of logistics, checklists, and last-minute dramas. Don’t worry — we’ve got your back.

Introducing your Show Survival Kit — your backstage buddy packed with practical tips to help you glide through show season with more ease and less stress.

Create a Performer Checklist

Before show day, make a checklist for each dancer — costume, shoes, accessories, tights, hair bits, and any extras. Print a few spares for backstage. Someone will forget something, so be ready with backup.

Pack a Quick-Fix Kit

If you do one thing, do this. A well-stocked fix-it kit is your secret weapon for saving time and sanity. Tailor it to your needs, but include essentials like:

• Safety pins
• Needle & thread
• Double-sided tape
• Pen
• Pencil
• Paper
• Scissors
• Clear nail varnish (for laddered tights)
• Spare hair grips and bobbles
• Wet wipes
• Plasters
• Sanitary products
• Tights
• Lip gloss
• You get the idea...

Pack everything in brightly labelled zip-lock freezer bags — easy to spot, quick to grab. Place one in each dressing room and one on either side of the stage.

Store Smart

In each dressing room, hang costumes in performance order, grouped by dancer. Our labelled costume bags make this super simple — you can even add scene numbers or emojis! Set up quick-change rails and rehearse them. For props and accessories, set up a props table either side of the stage. Use white tape to mark labelled squares for each item (example here).

Backstage Zen

A calm and organised backstage equals a smooth show. It helps your students feel more secure and keeps you focused. Assign helpers, build in extra time, and bring snacks and water. When in doubt: deep breath, big smile, glitter at the ready.

Embrace the Unexpected

Despite the best planning, unexpected hiccups can happen. Don't let them phase you. Mentally preparing for potential last-minute changes and having backup solutions in mind will help you stay calm and collected. Remember, there isn't an event (large or small), where something unexpected doesn't happen!

Remember why you are doing this

For some students, this might be their first (or only) time on stage. That memory will stay with them for life. Forget the missed steps or little mishaps — the bigger picture is magical. Keep it fun for them, and fun for you. That’s what they’ll remember.

You’ve got this. 💪 💖

✨ Deep breath — showtime magic awaits! 🪄