8 Tips For Surviving Picture Week at the Dance Studio

Picture week at the dance studio is an exciting time for dancers and their parents. It’s a chance to capture the hard work and progress that has been made throughout the dance season. As a dance parent, you want your child to look their best in their dance photos. Here are a few things you can do to prepare for picture week at the dance studio.

Picture Week Tips

Picture Forms

If possible, get these from your studio in advance. Look at the package options, think about your budget and fill them out ahead of time. This will be one less thing you have to worry about on the actual picture day. Some studios have pictures set up so you may preview the pictures and place your order. To keep things moving along and to keep your budget on target, make a list of the photos you think would like – group shots, individual shots, etc.

Review The Schedule

Before picture week, make sure you review the schedule and know when your child’s class is scheduled for their photo. This will help you plan ahead and avoid any last-minute rushing.

Prepare Costumes and Tights

Make sure you have your accessories for each costume, the costume itself, the proper tights and shoes put together the night before pictures. A simple way to keep up with costume accessories is to place them in a ziploc bag and insert the top of the hanger through the plastic bag. Also, don’t forget to label all of the items. Quick changes can sometimes lead to things getting mixed up between dancers.

Hair

If you are trying a new style or putting your child’s hair up for the first time, allow extra time or make sure to do a test run prior to picture day. There is nothing worse than thinking you have it all figured out only to find out that it takes longer to do than you thought and you need to be at the studio in 30 minutes. Also, if you are changing hair styles for different pictures, plan in advance if it is doable with amount of time you have to change hairstyles between pictures. A stressed out dancer will not present her best self for the photographer.

Makeup

If you are applying makeup to your dancers face for the first time, be prepared for the possibility that they may love it or they may resist a bit – particulary with mascara. If it is not a pleasant experience for your child and your studio is flexible about how the dancers look in their pictures, there is always the option of going without makeup or applying just a little. Again, allow some extra time to keep this process as enjoyable as possible for everyone.

Get Plenty of Rest

Make sure your child gets plenty of rest the night before picture day. A good night’s sleep will help them look and feel their best.

Pack A Bag

On picture day, make sure you pack a bag with all the necessary items. In addition to your costumes, shoes and accessories, you may need hair accessories, makeup, a water bottle and a no mess snack if you will be there a while.

Arrival

Arrive at the studio a few minutes early. This will help the photographer stay on schedule, which will allow everyone to get in and out in a timely manner.

Follow these tips and your picture day should be picture perfect!