FESTIVAL HELP AND MAKE-UP ADVICE

This sheet has been put together to help those parents new to festivals. Below are a few hints and tips for a smooth first time!
I realise that it is very daunting and you probably feel more nervous than your child!! Just remember that once you have been through it a couple of times you will be an ‘old hand’ and hopefully you won’t be so worried.(famous last words)

It is best to arrive at least 30 mins to 1 hour prior to the section start time especially if your child isn’t in costume. (Some sections have been known to start early)

On arrival you will need to sign your child in and they will get a competitor sticker. You will also need to buy a ticket. Go to the changing room and look for the rest of the N.T.D.S team. There will usually be someone around you recognise, I will usually be around somewhere.

Ensure that you have your child’s music tape and that it is re-wound to the start of the dance.

An official will usually come around about 15-20 minutes before the start of the section to collect the tapes, you maybe asked if they start the dance on or off stage… your child will know.! If you are late and think that you may have missed them… go and ask someone.

Make sure that you have all of the required costume, shoes, tights or socks, ribbons, props etc.

Below is a picture of the best way to do stage make up. Remember that they will be on stage with bright lights on them and without strong makeup they will look pale and washed out.

If you dress their hair before coming make sure that you have applied plenty of gel and spray, grips etc to ensure that it won’t fall down on stage mid dance. Try to keep the grips hidden. Ask me how their hair should be for the particular dance. If you need help with hair ask one of the other mums who I am sure will be happy to help best they can!!!

Wait till you arrive before putting in hair decorations such as roses… nothing is as frustrating as hunting round a car park for a missing rose.!

If your child needs props on stage it is up to you to either put these on stage yourself or arrange for someone else who is around to do it for you.
You will need to know where they need to be placed so do ask me.

Finally when you are sure your child is ready, leave them and go to the front of the auditorium (remember you won’t be allowed in when another child is dancing so wait for the music to finish and the clapping to start before going in)and enjoy the show… hard the first time, you will be more worried than your child. Remember that they have practised it over and over again!!! So relax and be proud.

Return to the changing room after the presentation.