This is Sophie’s third year of dance classes, but this was my first time volunteering to help manage the kiddos backstage on recital day. Sophie is in an Itty Bitty dance class where they do tap for the first 20 minutes of class, have a 5 min break for water / shoe change, and then spend the remaining 20 minutes doing ballet. We love that she’s getting exposure to both types of dance, but this means that her class has two performances on recital day! Since their dances aren’t until later in the program and are spread out a bit, I knew we’d have some time to kill backstage. However, you can’t bring *just anything* as snacks or entertainment due to keeping costumes clean for their performances.
It’s only my first time doing this, but I thought I’d share some ideas in case you also find yourself volunteering to wrangle a group of young ladies (for reference, the girls in my room were aged ~5-8).
Additionally, I have the curated list of everything in her regular dance bag as well as the backstage recital items available here.
ENTERTAINMENT
I chose things that [I hoped] would keep their attention, but wouldn’t stain / damage their costumes (avoiding things like markers, crayons, slime, play-doh, and chalk). The coloring pages were a huge hit!
Coloring Books
(we tore pages out so everyone could color!)
Blank Sheets of Printer Paper
(in case they wanted creative freedom)
Colored Pencils
(that don’t need sharpening!)
Stickers
(everything is better with stickers!)
WikkiStix
(for when they got bored of coloring)
iPad *with shows and movies pre-downloaded in case the WiFi situation is lacking
(as a last resort if all other activities had been expended; I didn’t end up needing this, but I’m glad I was prepared)
…
SNACKS
I chose foods that weren’t crumbly, excessively sticky, drippy, etc. and I didn’t bring anything containing nuts in case of an allergy.
Apple Slices
(I cut up three Cosmic Crisp apples and they were completely gone by the time the girls’ performances were over! This reusable container was perfect)
Pretzels
(not-so-crumbly option 1)
Granola Bites
(not-so-crumbly option 2)
Fruit Snacks
(you can never go wrong with gummies; I saved these for closer to the end of the recital)
I also recommend bringing some disposable towel napkins with you, just in case.
…
MISCELLANEOUS
Extra Hair Styling Items
(bobby pins, hair ties, gel, hair spray, brushes / combs)
Extra Makeup
(just blush and lipstick for this age group)
If you are an expert backstage mom, please sound off in the comments with more ideas and recommendations for those of us that are still novices!
Sending big [twirly] hugs —
xx, Natalie
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