DANCE GALA 2026

Tickets on Sale:

April 26, 2026, at 10 AM.

Each dancer will participate in one or more of four unique shows.

Any issues need to go through tix.com our 3rd party
Dance Gala 2026 ticket sale provider. Tix 800 504-4849

Click on the tix image to be re-directed to their website to purchase tickets on sale date.

DANCE GALA FAQ

Welcome to Dance Gala!

Dance Gala is the culmination of our dance season and one of the most exciting events of the year. We understand that for many families this may be your first recital experience, and we know there can be lots of questions. Our goal is to provide a safe, organized, and memorable experience for every dancer and family.

Below are answers to some of our most frequently asked questions.

1. What is Dance Gala?

Dance Gala is our annual end-of-season performance that celebrates the hard work, growth, dedication, and accomplishments of our dancers throughout the year.

For many dancers, this is their opportunity to perform on a professional stage in front of family and friends. Dance Gala is more than a recital—it is a celebration of confidence, creativity, perseverance, and community.

2. What should my dancer wear?

Dancers should wear their assigned costume, appropriate shoes, and required hairstyle for the in-studio dress rehearsal and Dance Gala performance.

Detailed costume, hair, makeup, and shoe requirements will be distributed prior to the event.

Dancers do not need to wear their costume to Tech Rehearsal unless otherwise instructed.

3. How can I help my dancer prepare?

The best way to help your dancer prepare is to:

• Encourage regular attendance in class

• Practice choreography at home when appropriate

• Help your dancer arrive prepared and on time

• Encourage confidence, stage presence, and a positive attitude

Most importantly, help your dancer enjoy the experience and celebrate all they have accomplished throughout the season.

4. What is included in the Gala Participation Fee?

The Gala Participation Fee includes:

• A Dance Gala Program

• A participation medal

• Professional videography of the performance

The performance video will be available after editing has been completed and distributed through DanceBUG, our third-party media provider. Families will receive a password-protected access link to view and download the event video once it becomes available.

5. Who supervises my dancer backstage?

Safety is our highest priority.

Dancers are supervised backstage by That's Dancing faculty members, Student Ambassadors, approved volunteers, and event personnel.

Dancers remain under backstage supervision throughout the performance and are escorted to and from the stage as needed.

Professional security personnel are present at every Dance Gala performance to help maintain a safe and secure environment for all dancers, families, volunteers, and audience members.

Parents and family members are not permitted backstage unless they have been approved as volunteers and assigned to that specific show.

6. Should my dancer stay for the entire show?

Yes.

We strongly encourage all dancers and families to remain for the entire performance whenever possible.

Dance Gala is designed to be a complete performance experience, and all dancers are invited to participate in the Grand Finale at the conclusion of the show.

One of the most memorable moments of the event is seeing the entire cast come together on stage to celebrate a successful season. We want every dancer to have the opportunity to share in that experience.

Remaining through the end of the performance also ensures that every dancer performs in front of a full and enthusiastic audience.

7. Can I sign my dancer out before the end of the show?

Early sign-out is available only for families with unavoidable conflicts.

Please understand that early sign-out is intended as an accommodation, not the preferred Dance Gala experience.

If your dancer is signed out early:

• Their participation in the production has concluded.

• They will not participate in the Grand Finale.

• They may not return backstage.

• They may not re-enter the theater in costume.

• They may not move between the backstage area and audience during the performance.

Dancers in costume are performers, not audience members. Allowing dancers to sit in the audience while in costume creates distractions, causes confusion regarding who is participating in the production, and is inconsistent with our event procedures.

Families who anticipate leaving before the conclusion of the performance should select seating toward the rear of the auditorium whenever possible. Departures from front and center seating sections can be disruptive to performers and fellow audience members.

8. What time should we arrive?

Specific arrival times will be distributed prior to Dance Gala.

Please plan to arrive early enough to allow time for:

• Parking

• Check-in

• Costume adjustments

• Restroom visits

• Settling into your assigned area

Late arrivals create unnecessary stress for dancers and may impact the performance.

9. What is Tech Rehearsal?

Tech Rehearsal allows dancers to become familiar with the stage, lighting, spacing, entrances, exits, and performance procedures before Dance Gala.

Attendance is extremely important.

Dancers should arrive in dance attire with appropriate shoes unless otherwise instructed.

10. What should audience members know?

To help us create a positive experience for all performers and guests:

• Silence all phones and electronic devices.

• Photography is not permitted during the performance.

• Video recording is not permitted.

• Remain seated during performances.

• Enter and exit the auditorium only between dances whenever possible.

• Keep aisles and walkways clear.

• Cheer enthusiastically and support every performer.

Please remember that Dance Gala is a children's event. Kindness, patience, and respect for performers, volunteers, faculty members, security personnel, staff members, and fellow audience members are expected at all times.

11. Does everyone need a ticket?

Yes.

Every person entering the auditorium must have a ticket regardless of age.

Families with dancers performing in multiple shows must purchase tickets for each performance they wish to attend.

ADA Seating Information

ADA seating is available through our ticketing provider and must be selected at the time of ticket purchase.

Please note:

• ADA seating areas are wheelchair spaces and do not include a physical seat.

• Guests requiring a seat should purchase a standard reserved seat.

• Personal folding chairs, lawn chairs, or additional seating may not be brought into the auditorium.

• ADA seating accommodations must be arranged at the time tickets are purchased.

• Due to venue capacity, fire code regulations, and reserved seating assignments, ADA seating accommodations cannot be modified, expanded, relocated, or guaranteed after house doors open.

Guests requiring ADA accommodations are encouraged to arrive early and review all ADA seating information prior to the performance.

To ensure the safety of all guests and maintain fairness to ticket holders, event staff, ushers, security personnel, and venue representatives are not authorized to add chairs, block aisles, alter seating configurations, or reassign occupied seats after the auditorium has opened.

IMPORTANT: ADA seating locations are designated for guests viewing the performance from their own wheelchair or mobility device. These locations do not include a physical auditorium seat. Guests requiring a seat should purchase a standard reserved seat.

12. What happens after the performance?

Following the Grand Finale, dancers will return to their designated dressing room areas and will be released through the official sign-out process.

For the safety and accountability of all performers, dancers may only be released to an authorized parent or guardian through the designated sign-out location.

We ask for your patience during this process as the safe release of every dancer is our top priority.

13. Where can I find updates and additional information?

For the latest Dance Gala information, please visit our website and review all Gala communications sent throughout the season.

If you have additional questions, please contact the studio and we will be happy to assist you.

Thank you for trusting us with your dancer's arts education. We are honored to be part of your child's journey and look forward to celebrating an incredible season with you at Dance Gala.

GALA PROGRAMS THROUGH THE YEARS

GALA ARCHIVES

Dance Gala Information / archives

Tech Rehearsal

• All dancers in our Young Dancer Program, Level 1, Level 2, Boys Hip-Hop, Boys Tap and Latin Fusion Friday, Musical Theatre 7-10, and Latin Fusion Wednesday must be signed in and signed out by a parent/guardian at the designated sign in area. Please look for signs that will direct you to the designated sign in/sign out area. These dancers must also be signed out by a parent at their approximate dismissal time.

• Dancers in Level 3, Level 4, Teen/Inter, Inter/Advanced, Advanced, Advanced 1x, Advanced 2x, Musical Theatre 13 and Up, and Latin Fusion 11 and up will have to check in and sign themselves into tech rehearsal at the designated sign in area. Please look for signs that will direct you to the designated sign in/sign out area. These dancers are permitted to leave after their last dance and should sign themselves out before leaving.

• All dancers must enter and exit through the designated sign in/sign out area. Please look for signs that will direct you to the designated sign in/sign out area.

• Dancers should come dressed in appropriate dance attire and bring all of their shoes. Dancers DO NOT need to wear their costumes to tech rehearsal.

• Dancers should bring a water bottle, and bring all of the dance shoes that they need. Please label all shoes with your dancer’s first and last name.

• Tech rehearsal is closed to any observers. Parents are not permitted in the backstage area or the auditorium at any time during the tech rehearsal.

• All dancers will sit in auditorium quietly and observe the rehearsal process while waiting for their act to be called.

• Dancers will be escorted backstage with their class 2 numbers before they are scheduled to perform.

• Dancers are free to leave after they rehearse their last piece of the rehearsal order.

• All props will be located on the prop table on SL. This includes hats.

• Don’t forget to pick up pre-purchased items like trophies, Dance Gala shirts and Cats at concessions inside the lobby of the auditorium. o The lobby to the auditorium is located at the blue section of the building to the left of the designated dancer sign in/sign out area (if you are facing the building).

• Each dancer participating in Dance Gala 2024 will receive a digital download of their performance, a participation medal, and access to a digital program.

• Tickets are still available and can be purchased through the ticket link on our website. Scan the QR code above to be taken to the Dance Gala section of our website! o Please refer to the Dance Gala 2024 Young Dancer Program line-ups to help you make your seat selections. Line ups can be found on our website.

o A live stream option is also available for each show. You can find the live stream link on our website.

• Summer 2024 is open for registration and our 24-25 dance season will open for registration before Dance Gala. You can waive the $45 registration fee, if you register for the 2024-2025 season by June 15th!

Performance Day

• Dancers should arrive 45 minutes before show time dressed in their first costume with the appropriate hairstyle and stage makeup. Please have your dancer arrive dressed and ready to go on show day as parents will not be permitted backstage. Check our website for the program orders for each show to see which costume is first for your dancer.

o If you are a backstage volunteer, you must arrive 1 hour before the scheduled show time.

• Proceed directly to the designated sign in/sign out area to sign your dancer in.

• All dancers in our Young Dancer Program, Level 1, Level 2, Boys Hip-Hop, Boys Tap, Latin Fusion Friday, Latin Fusion Wednesday and Musical Theatre 7-10 years old must be signed in by a parent/guardian at the designated sign in area. Please look for signs that will direct you to the designated sign in/sign out area. These dancers must also be signed out by a parent at the end of their performance. o Please be patient during sign out as dancers must be dismissed from the stage after the finale and escorted back to their dressing room to collect their belongings.

• Dancers in Level 3, Level 4, Teen/Inter, Inter/Advanced, Advanced, Advanced 1x, Advanced 2x, and Latin Fusion 11 and up, and Musical Theatre will have to check in and sign themselves into the Dance Gala at the designated sign in area. Please look for signs that will direct you to the designated sign in/sign out area. These dancers are permitted to sign themselves out at the end of their performance.

• All dancers must enter through the designated sign in/sign out area. No dancers are permitted to enter the backstage area through the auditorium. Please look for signs that will direct you to the designated sign in/sign out area.

• Dancers in Level 3, Level 4, Teen/Inter, Inter/Advanced, Advanced, Advanced 1x, Advanced 2x, and Latin Fusion 11 and up, and Musical Theatre will be dismissed after the show through the Auditorium into the lobby. Family and friends should wait for their dancer in the lobby after the show.

• Dancers in more than one dance should come dressed in their first costume and bring the rest of their costumes organized in garment bags with all items labeled with their first and last name. The program order for each Gala can be found on our website.

• All dancers should bring snacks, water, hand held games or other things to enjoy any downtime you may have backstage during the performance. Remember: all dancers are required to stay backstage and under our supervision for the entirety of the show.

• If your dancer has any allergies, please email Nicole Smith at coleeg01@gmail.com. Please make the subject line: Dance Gala 2024 Allergy.

• Dancers should wear a cover up to protect their costume and help them stay warm during any downtime backstage.

• Our That’s Dancing Step and Repeat will be available for you and your dancer to take pictures in the lobby prior to the start of the show and after the end of each show.

• Make sure to label all of your belongings with first and last name.

• Only dancers and backstage chaperones with backstage passes are permitted in the backstage area and dressing rooms. All volunteers with backstage passes must have the proper show letter name on their badge when heading backstage.

• Dancers are not permitted to wander the backstage area or lobby at anytime during their performance.

• Dancers should remain in their assigned dressing room until it is time for them to perform.

• All dancers are required to keep the dressing rooms neat and tidy and clean up after themselves.

• Backstage volunteers will aid in ensuring dancers abide by the rules and are prepared to go on stage.

• Backstage chaperones will line up dancers and check each dancer to make sure their hair, makeup, costume and dance shoes are correct and that the dancer is ready for stage before escorting them backstage. Dancers are reminded to respect the chaperones as it is their job to ensure that everyone looks the same.

• Chaperones will help with any costume changes and they will also ensure that each class makes it to the stage on time. If you have a quick costume change, make sure that your backstage chaperone is aware and that you have a plan in place before the show starts.

• Dancers are not permitted in the lobby during any part of the show including intermission. Dancers are also never permitted to leave a dressing room unsupervised for ANY reason.

• When you arrive backstage to perform, you must remain quiet and listen for direction from the directors. • Before leaving the dressing room for the finale, all dancers should pack up all of their belongings to help speed up the signing out process.

• When you return to the backstage area for the finale - Any dancer receiving a special award (5, 10, 15, 20, 25 year students, graduating seniors and student ambassadors) will line up and go to SL to pre-set. All other dancers will take their places on stage for the finale. o Dancers receiving their 5 and 10 year awards will collect their award at their dressing room.

• After the finale, dancers will return back to their dressing room to be dismissed or signed out by a parent or to sign themselves out if applicable.

• After your dancer returns to their dressing room, BTC, BT, BTJ, YDP Acro, YDP Hip Hop, Boys Hip Hop, Boys Tap, Latin Fusion, Musical Theatre and Level 1 and 2 dancers will get signed out from the same person who signed them in at the designated sign in/ sign out area. Other levels of dancers will sign themselves out. o Please be patient, as there are many dancers being signed out after the performance. o Dancers are not permitted to leave the performance through the auditorium. All dancers must exit through the designated sing in/sign out area.

• Remember to take any awards that you may have received with you, along with your participation medal and all of your belongings.

• Parents should send dancers with plenty of snacks and water to stay hydrated. Young Dancer Program parents should send they Young Dancer with mess free activities for backstage.

CONGRATULATIONS!!! YOU DID IT! We are so proud of your dedication and commitment to dance! Now go and celebrate with your friends and family!

SEE YOU ON JUNE 4th FOR OUR FIRST INTENSIVE OF THE SUMMER! OUR SIX WEEK SUMMER SESSION STARTS JUNE 17TH! PLEASE VISIT OUR WEBSITE TO ACCESS OUR SUMMER SCHEDULE AND OUR 24-25 SCHEDULE!