“Proud and Happy;” the importance of performing at the All That Jazz annual recitals

All That Jazz recital and self-esteem

“Proud and happy!”  I receive many emails after our recitals each year, but this particular one really resonated with me last year.  This family had moved here in January from Israel and the girls had performed in their first ever recital.  Their parents had no idea what to expect and they were thrilled and enthralled by the whole experience: The energy, professionalism, and joy — It was a huge success! On the way back home, we asked the girls how they felt and they answered: “Proud and happy!” – That says it all!”

An important element to learning how to dance is learning how to perform.  Our annual dance recitals give our dancers the opportunity to complete their yearly dance journey with a huge bang- dancing on stage, in front of their loved ones and the most supportive audience ever!  I was talking with a group of 2 year old parents a couple weeks ago and I asked them if they understood even what a “dance recital” was, let alone all it entails to perform in one.  Their answer was a pretty resounding “nope!”  It is my job and responsibility to make sure that all of our families, whether this is your 1st or 15th year at All That Jazz, know what to expect as it pertains to every aspect of our end of year performances.  For now, I just want families to fully understand why your child should participate in our recitals.

I have already emailed a couple different documents regarding our recital specific information, as well as the benefits of performing.  W
hen a child participates in the performing arts it boosts their self-esteem and encourages creativity. Performing on stage gives students an opportunity to showcase their work in public and in front of their peers and family. On-stage performances teach a range of skills that go beyond the performance itself and can be applied to other areas of learning and life beyond school.

Another favorite story from last year’s recitals actually was relayed to me by my husband, Todd.  We require parents to pick up your 2-4 year olds in the lobby immediately after their dance performs.  Todd said that every single parent was in tears as they greeted their child last year!  Like, openly weeping at the overwhelming emotion of watching their little one beaming from the stage.

I am always happy to answer any questions you might have, especially when it comes to the end of year performances.  The last point I want to make is a personal one.  For 15 years, I was given the mom pleasure of watching my daughter shine, grow and just thrive as she performed at our recitals.  I wouldn’t trade any of those moments for anything in the world and now I look forward to many more years watching all of our new families experience this wonderful pleasure as well.

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