
Recital
Consistent attendance and home practice are vital to children's confidence on stage.
2026 season, 2027 dates coming
Recital 2026 information (2027 details will be posted in spring)
Recital 2026
This page contains important information you need to know for Recital. Please remember both consistent attendance and home practice are vital to children's confidence on stage!
Important Dates 2026
Please mark your calendars. Onstage rehearsals and performances are mandatory. If a student misses onstage rehearsal for any reason, they will not be allowed to perform.
April 3: Recital Packages and Keepsakes go on sale T-shirts, Wall of Fame "Stars", and Recital Bundle Packages.
April 10: Recital Ticket sales begin at 10AM.
- April 15: Order Deadline to get Keepsake Add-Ons
- April 20: Remaining Tickets available
April 25-May 1 : Early Childhood Recital Costume Week for all E.C. Classes
May 2: Early Childhood Recitals at John & Nancy Hughes Theatre at Gorton & No classes held at the studio.
May 9: Optional Recital Costume Photo Shoot with Sigler Photographics
May 18-23: In Studio Dress Rehearsals and Photos for Ages 6-18
- May 23: Last day of classes
- May 28 & 29: Run-through Rehearsals at LoMastro
May 30-31: Onstage rehearsals and Recitals for ages 6-18 at Stevenson High School PAC.
Watch this Tutorial
Watch this video tutorial to learn how to determine which show your dancer is in, order recital tickets.
How do I know which Recital my child is in?
The video tutorial above will show you how to view this in your account online. Students will receive a personalized "event confirmation" via email on April 3 which shows which Recital(s) your dancer is in.
Where do I find Recital details for the show my child is in?
After you know which Recital your child is in, click the links below for more info!
"Zootopia Rhythms" includes our Early Childhood recital classes for ages 3-6: Pre-Ballet & Tap I, Pre-Ballet & Tap II, Primary Ballet & Tap, Twirl and Tumble and Kids Bop. View Early Childhood Recital details.
Recitals 1-8 are for ages 6-18 and include Levels 1-8 and LCP: Elementary Combos, Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Hip-Hop and Contemporary classes.
View Recital 1-8 details.

On the Recital stage
Email Update Links
April 4 - Important Recital 2026 Details
April 10 - Recital Ticket Reminder
Recitals 1-8 are for ages 6-18 includes Levels 1-LCP: Elementary Combos, Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Hip-Hop and Contemporary classes.
The video tutorial here will show you how to view this in your account online. Students will receive a personalized "event confirmation" via email on April 3 which shows which Recital(s) your dancer is in.
TICKETS
Registration opens when 2027 dates are announced
Location
Recital 1-8 are held at:
- Stevenson High School Performing Arts Center
- 1 Stevenson Drive
- Lincolnshire, IL
- Recital Order Form – Due April 15
- Complimentary Recital Items (included for all students)
- 2026 Recital T-Shirt
- Digital video downloads of all their dances
- Photos downloads taken during in-studio Dress Rehearsal Week
To ensure we have the correct shirt size for your dancer, please complete the Recital Order Form by April 15. The form also includes optional keepsake items and performance add-ons for families who wish to purchase them.
One form per dancer is required. Thank you for helping us make recital day extra special!
Registration opens when 2027 dates are announced
Optional Recital Photo Shoot – Saturday, May 9 with SiglerPhotographics
Dancers have the opportunity to book a professional photo shoot in the costume(s) of their choice!
$49 per costume
Includes at least 3 professionally edited digital images
Option to purchase high-quality prints separately
One session per costume is required. If your dancer would like photos in multiple costumes, please register for a separate session for each.
Create a lasting keepsake of your dancer’s recital season! Limited spots available – reserve early!
Registration opens when 2027 dates are announced
How long is each show?
The length of the Recitals are as follows. The shows may run a little shorter or a little longer depending on how quickly the dancers move on and off the stage.
Recital 1 & 2 are 75 min.
Recital 3 is 90 min.
Recital 4/5 and 6-8 are 2.5 hours with Intermission
In-Studio Dress Rehearsals: May 18-23
The last week of class before Recital is an in-studio Dress Rehearsal during your normal class day/times. Dancers should arrive to classes just like they would arrive to the theatre. Full-stage makeup is not expected for In-studio Dress Rehearsal, however we will be taking group photos so a little makeup is encouraged. It is critical that everyone arrives ON TIME and READY.
Checklist:
Arrive dressed in your first costume with hair and light makeup done prior to arrival.
Bring your basket/bin to carry everything. Be sure your basket/bin is labeled with your name.
If you have multiple classes on the same day, bring all costumes you need in your basket/bin.
Everything should be labeled with your name.
Remember we're taking photos, so be sure to look your best.
In-Studio Run-Through Rehearsals: May 28-29
NEW for 2026: Run-Through Rehearsals will be held at LoMastro on May 28-29.
Dancers will receive their Recital T-shirts at rehearsal and will wear them for the Finale. During this time, we will run through each show in order with an audience of their peers, practice the Finale, and give dancers one final opportunity to prepare before heading to the theatre for performances.
Attire & What to Bring
Hair in a ponytail or bun
No makeup
No costumes
Wear leotard, tights, and black shorts or leggings
Bring all dance shoes and a water bottle in your basket/bin. Be sure your basket/bin is labeled with your name.
Dancers will receive their Recital T-shirt, which will be worn for the Finale
Thursday May, 28 @ LoMastro
Recital 2 Run-Through
Arrive at 4:15PM, Dismiss at 6:15 PM
Recital 6-8 Run-Through
Ballet 6+ Dancers arrive at 4:30 PM for ballet
Non-Ballet Dancers arrive at 5:45 PM
All dancers dismiss at 8:45 PM
Friday, May 29 @ LoMastro
Recital 1 Run-Through
Arrive at 4:30 PM, Dismiss at 5:45 PM
Recital 3 Run-Through
Arrive at 4:15 PM, Dismiss at 6:15 PM
Recital 4/5 Run-Through
Arrive at 6:00 PM, Dismiss at 8:15 PM
Stage Rehearsal
Stage rehearsal for Recital 1 is held immediately prior to the show and is mandatory without exception. If your child misses they will not be allowed to perform. Recital 2-8 do not have a stage rehearsal.
Costumes & Basket/Bin
Dancers must arrive dressed in their 1st costume. Costume changes, shoes, extra tights, and a water bottle/snack, must be carried in a small laundry basket/bin labeled with their name.
Costume Care
Label costumes, shoes, accessories, and tights with the student’s name.
Place costumes in a garment bag with the student’s name on the outside.
Carry costumes & shoes in a small laundry basket/bin labeled with student's name.
Pack accessories in a clear plastic bag with the student’s name on the bag and on each item.
Press or steam all costumes prior to coming to the theatre.
Please do not wash costumes in your washing machine; dry clean them only (after the recital).
Tights
Students are required to purchase their own tights to wear with their costumes. Tights must be new or in like new condition. Students must have a second pair of tights in each color in their basket/bin as a backup.
Sansha brand PINK tights are required for ballet and ballet & tap combo classes.
Tan "Skin toned" stirrup tights are required for contemporary classes.
Tan "Skin toned" tights are needed for all other classes.
NO FOOTLESS TIGHTS.
Tip: Layer Tights! Dancers should wear Tan tights and layer Pink tights on top for ballet. This makes costume changes easiest.
Tights are available at the academy, from dancewear stores or online merchants. Please purchase new tights for the recital.

Shoes
Please check the dress code for your class to make sure you have the proper shoes for recital.
For Tap different shoes are required for different levels.
For Hip-Hop Black sneakers with white soles preferred. Can be any style, if there is an accent color it must minimal and preferably white or grey. Example
Ballet Leotards
Leotards (Ballet 3-8, LCP + Open): In an effort to keep costume costs down, and to present a classic and elegant appearance, Ballet 3+ costumes are created by accessorizing the students’ dress code leotards with a skirt and headpiece. Skirts & Headpieces will be distributed during In-Studio Dress Rehearsal Week. Leotard color must match those in our boutique (see chart) and must be in good condition (no rips, stains, holes, or faded color). Leotard style must be camisole/spaghetti strap or thin tank. Stage lights will enhance any color discrepancies.
Undergarments
A nude colored camisole leotard/basic may be worn under costumes for comfort and added privacy during costume changes. This should be worn closest to the skin, instead of underwear.
Tip: NO UNDERWEAR should be worn under costumes (that is what tights are for).
Nude colored camisole leotards are available at the academy, from dancewear stores or online merchants.
Hair
All female students must wear their hair in a tight bun (with hairnet and bobby pins). Dancers with short hair must pull their hair away from the face and slick it down. A French braid is a good option for dancers with hair too short for a bun.
Bun video tutorial
Tip: Pack extra hair supplies: hair gel, hair nets, bobby pins, and hairspray.
Male students should have their hair neatly combed.
Stage Makeup
Makeup is necessary otherwise facial features will be washed out by the stage lights.
Female students: red lip-stick, blush, eye shadow (brown), and mascara.
For the boys, a little bronzer/blush, eye shadow (brown) and tinted lip balm, works well.
Complete makeup instructions and video tutorials.
Tip: Pack extra make-up in your basket/bin for touch ups
Nail Polish
Remove nail polish. Nails must be “polish-free” for the Dress Rehearsal and Recital.
Jewelry
Remove all jewelry. No earrings, no bracelets, no necklaces. If you have permanent jewelry plan to have it removed before the show.
Phones / Tablets
Dancers may not use cell phones or other electronics backstage or in the dressing rooms during the Stage Rehearsals or Recital. These items are easily lost and distracting, but more importantly we need to protect our students from being photographed while costume changes are going on. If a dancer is seen using a electronic device backstage it will be confiscated and the dancer can retrieve it after the rehearsal/performance.
Recital Drop-Off + Pick-up
Parents or guardians should bring the students to their assigned dressing rooms, where they will be checked in and placed under the supervision of LPAA staff and volunteers. Students will remain backstage for the entire performance. Parents are not allowed in the dressing rooms after the children have been checked in for the recital. We will have a record of where each student’s family is seated in case of emergency.
Note: ID Badges will be given to parents during Check-in for Age 9 & under. These badges will be required to pick-up the students at the end of the performance. Ages 10 & up will meet parents in the lobby.
IMPORTANT NOTE:
Please do not attempt to pick up your child during the performance, we are unable to safely dismiss students until the after the show has ended. All students will be under the supervision of LPAA staff and will be safe for the length of the performance.
Recital Tickets
2026 season, 2027 dates coming
Recital Tickets
Recital Tickets
Recital Ticket Sales will begin April 10 at 10:00 AM.
Watch the video above to learn how to purchase tickets, then login to your account to order online.
Tickets: Tickets are $23-32 in advance, reserved seating. Tickets are non-refundable.
Everyone needs a ticket. If younger siblings would be uncomfortable remaining seated, please don’t bring them to the recital. Children who are running around the auditorium are distracting to audience members.
Thank you for your attention to these details—we can’t wait to see you at the show!
FAQs
2026 season, 2027 dates coming
"Zootopia Rhythms" includes our Early Childhood recital classes for ages 3-6: Pre-Ballet & Tap I, Pre-Ballet & Tap II, Primary Ballet & Tap, Twirl and Tumble and Kids Bop.
The video tutorial here will show you how to view this in your account online. Students received a personalized "event confirmation" via email on April 4 which shows which Recital(s) your dancer is in.
Registration opens when 2027 dates are announced
Zootopia Rhythms performances are held at:
- John & Nancy Hughes Theatre at Gorton Center
- 400 E. Illinois Rd
- Lake Forest, IL
- Directions
- Photos downloads taken during in-studio Costume Week
- Registration opens when 2027 dates are announced
All Early Childhood shows are approximately 40 min.
Early Childhood Costume Week: April 25-May 1
The last week of class before Recital is an in-studio Costume Week during your normal class day/times. Dancers should arrive to classes just like they would arrive to the theatre. Full-stage makeup is not expected for costume week, however we will be taking group photos so a little makeup is encouraged. It is critical that everyone arrives ON TIME and READY.
Remember we're taking group photos, so be sure to look your best.
Stage rehearsal for Early Childhood Recitals is held immediately prior to the show and is mandatory without exception. If your child misses they will not be allowed to perform.
Tights
Sansha brand TAN tights are needed for all other classes.
Undergarments
Hair
Stage Makeup
Nail Polish
Jewelry
Phones / Tablets
Recital Drop-Off + Pick-up
Recital Tickets
Ticket Limits: Tickets are limited to 6 tickets per student through April 19, to ensure all families an equal opportunity. On April 20 all remain seats will become available and families are welcome to purchase additional tickets. We expect our Recitals to sellout, so don't wait to get tickets.
Hair and Stage Makeup
How to create a proper bun
Please note the image below for proper bun placement. Note, the bun should be centered between the top of the ears and the top of the head. The technique of dividing the ponytail in two sections is helpful with very long or thick hair.
Female Stage Makeup
You can ignore the specific color names, but the tutorial is excellent. Be sure all makeup is matte finish and is free from sparkle or sheen. Feel free to skip the white liner with younger dancers.
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO WEAR STAGE MAKEUP FOR DANCE PERFORMANCES?
DISTANCE BETWEEN THE PERFORMER AND THE AUDIENCE
The distance between the performer and the audience prevents them from seeing your facial features, and therefore the emotions on your face, unless you enhance your features with makeup. Your makeup must to be dark enough for your features to be visible to the first 8 – 12 rows of the theater.
INTENSE STAGE LIGHTING
Stage lighting can really “flatten” your face and take away all of the dimensions that help the audience see your expression clearly. Emoting is a huge part of any performance, so improper makeup can really diminish in the audience's experience. You don't want your features to disappear when the lights hit you!
Male Stage Makeup
For males use earth tones (no green, pink, red or blue tones). Be sure all makeup is matte finish and is free from sparkle or sheen. For younger boys skip the contour and eye liner.
- Foundation
- Loose Powder
- Eyeshadow (brown and white)
- Mascara
- Blush
- Lipliner
- Lipstick