Located at 1521 Washington St, Midland MI
Contact us at eacdance@outlook.com
SHOWCASE 2025
Under the Big Top!
Last updated: April 29, 2025 - with the following: *Showcase Packet #3 Items *EAC: Beyond the Lobby with Pam & Joe podcast episode re Packet #3
Favorite this webpage and check back often for all things EAC Showcase 2025! If you have questions after reviewing the information, please send us an email. It is likely others have the same question. We have created FAQs and will update periodically.
**Please REFRESH THE PAGE each time you visit to make sure you are seeing the most recent information**
NEW: EAC-Beyond the Lobby with Pam & Joe PODCAST! We’ve created a fun, AI-generated podcast to help you absorb key info from Showcase Packet #2. It’s not required — just an easier, more entertaining way to catch the highlights! We know it’s a lot, and we appreciate all you do to help Showcase run smoothly. Be sure to double-check official EAC communications (packet & webpage) for full details. Give it a listen — you’ll learn a lot and probably laugh at the parts where it’s clearly AI 😉
Costume Base Pieces
With your costume, you should have also received base costume info (tights, shoes, etc.). This information is also available on the Showcase website and in the EAC Family GDrive, including any notes about hair pieces or accessories.
BASE COSTUME PIECES must be in hand by May 5th! If you still need to purchase any of the Base Costume Pieces, we recommend one of the following:
Showcase HAIR
FEMALES: The EAC Studio Bun (slicked-back high ponytail --> braid ponytail --> wrap FLAT around itself --> bobby pin & hair net).
SHORT HAIR: Single french braid
TIPS:
*NO BUN FORMERS
*Hair net should match your root hair color
*Use hair gel, wax sticks, and hair spray to get rid of fly-aways
*No part
*No bangs
*If in Acro - make sure the bun is high, but not high enough to impede a headstand
MALES: Hair slicked back and out of face.
^^HAIR TUTORIAL: Studio Bun^^
^^HAIR TUTORIAL: Short Hair^^
Showcase MAKEUP
ALL (INCLUDING MALES):
*Mascara (black - waterproof)
*Blush
*Setting spray
FEMALES - AGES 3 - 5:
All the above, PLUS:
*Stage make-up eye shadow (purples or blues)
*RED Lipstick
FEMALES - AGES 6-10:
All the above, PLUS:
*Black liquid eye liner (waterproof)
FEMALES - AGES 11+:
All the above, PLUS:
*Foundation / contour
^^MAKEUP TUTORIAL^^
Recommended Makeup Products (or something similar... does NOT have to be these exact brands):
RED LIPSTICK TIP: Do NOT apply at home. Send in a plastic ziploc bag to have applied in dressing room before going on stage.
Picture Day
Thank you to everyone who participated in Picture Day this year! Such a great success with so many amazing dance photos! Your photos are now available via the EAC Family GDrive.
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Individual Photos: In each class folder, you should find 2 headshot photos per costume, and 2 or 3 upstanding poses. If you see that your child only has two (vs three) standing poses, it is likely because they opted not to have a third one taken (they were given the choice).
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Group Photos: You will also find group photos in the class folder.
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Feel free to download to save/share as you'd like. Photos will remain available in the GDrive until June 30th, after which they will be removed from the GDrive. Please ensure you have saved your own photos before June 30th.
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Professional Prints: If you'd like to order any prints or statuettes, please email natalie.schweikert.photography@gmail.com.
Showcase Tickets
Showcase / EAC Gear
If you placed an EAC Gear Order – thank you! We have received it! We are catching up on invoices; you will see those come through via email soon. If you submitted a gear order form, though, we did receive it and gear is on its way! Once the gear arrives at the studio, we will let you know.
For those who ordered EAC Showcase Teddy Bears that designated Showcase pickup: You will be able to pick up your gift-wrapped bear & wooden rose near concessions during pre-show, intermission, and post-show of Friday’s performance. IMPORTANT – Teddy Bear pickup will happen only during FRIDAY’S showcase.
Showcase Run-through Week
Week of May 5th... StudioBookings will be updated with this schedule by April 14th
Monday, May 5th 5:00 – 8:00pm *See below for arrival/departure time
5:00 – 5:25pm Jazz 2 (arrive BEFORE 5:00pm and stay until 8:00pm)
5:25 – 5:55pm Acro 2 Thursdays (arrive BEFORE 5:25pm and stay until 8:00pm)
5:55 – 6:20pm Jazz 1 (arrive BEFORE 5:55pm and stay until 8:00pm)
6:20 – 6:40pm TT Tap AND Caterpillar Acro & Miss Lily (arrive BEFORE 6:20pm and stay until 7:30pm)
6:40 – 7:00pm Bows practice and Ballet 4 ensemble (only those who are already at the studio)
7:00 – 8:00pm Run through routines in order (only those who are already at the studio; TT Tap & Caterpillar get to leave at 7:30pm)
Tuesday, May 6th 5:00 – 8:00pm *See below for arrival/departure time
5:00 – 5:40pm Acro 3 AND Tap 2 (arrive BEFORE 5:00pm and stay until 8:00pm)
5:40 – 6:00pm Ballet 3 (arrive BEFORE 5:40pm and stay until 8:00pm)
6:00 – 6:20pm Ballet 1 (arrive BEFORE 6:00pm and stay until 8:00pm)
6:20 – 6:40pm Acro 1 (arrive BEFORE 6:20pm and stay until 8:00pm)
6:40 – 7:00pm Bows practice and Ballet 4 ensemble (only those who are already at the studio)
7:00 – 8:00pm Run through routines in order (only those who are already at the studio)
Wednesday, May 7th 5:00 – 8:00pm *See below for arrival/departure time
5:00 – 5:20pm Acro 2 Tuesdays (arrive BEFORE 5:00pm and stay until 8:00pm)
5:20 – 5:40pm Contemporary 2 (arrive BEFORE 5:20pm and stay until 8:00pm)
5:40 – 6:00pm Tap 1 (arrive BEFORE 5:40pm and stay until 8:00pm)
6:00 – 6:20pm Ballet 2 (arrive BEFORE 6:00pm and stay until 8:00pm)
6:20 – 6:40pm Kinderballet & Miss Evelyn (arrive BEFORE 6:20 and stay until 7:30pm)
6:40 – 7:00pm Bows practice and Ballet 4 ensemble (only those who are already at the studio)
7:00 – 8:00pm Run through routines in order (only those who are already at the studio; Kinderballet get to leave at 7:30pm)
Thursday, May 8th 5:00 – 8:00pm *See below for arrival/departure time
5:00 – 6:00pm Acro 3 AND Tap 2 (arrive BEFORE 5:00pm and stay until 8:00pm)
6:00 – 7:00pm Ballet 4 (arrive BEFORE 5:30pm and stay until 8:00pm; only for those actually in Ballet 4 class)
7:00 – 8:00pm Ballet 4 ENSEMBLE (Ballet levels 1 – 3) welcome to join, but not required. Run through Acro 3/Tap 2 and full Ballet 4 routine/ensemble
Extra Practice Tuesday, May 13th
The following classes will have an additional rehearsal on Tuesday, May 13th at the EAC Studio. Please wear regular dance practice attire appropriate for that class/routine. Please remember to bring any and all props utilized for that routine.
5:30pm – 6:30pm Ballet 4 (ALL dancers – Ballet 4 class + ensemble Ballet levels 1 – 3)
6:30pm – 8:00pm Acro 3 / Tap 2
Elite Arts Expressions Contest
Entry AND artwork due by Thursday, May 8th at 8:00pm.
While dance is EAC’s main form of art, we certainly know it’s not the only form of art out there – or the only form of art our EAC family members enjoy! This gallery and competition allows all EAC Family Members (dancers, family members of dancers, other EAC supporters) to create their own piece of artwork (painting, photography, sculpture, etc) to help further express this year’s Showcase theme – Circus!
Performance Order & Quick Changes!
“Quick Changes” are defined as costume changes with 3 number or less in between. Those who have an official Quick Change MUST change into their second costume backstage. We will have Quick Change Coordinators (QCCs) located stage right and stage left, as well as pop-up changers to help things move quickly and smoothly.
Important Information for those with a Quick Change:
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Quick change MUST happen backstage with the QCC.
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During Showcase Runthrough Week: Dancer will receive a printout to attach to their quick change hanger. This will list their name and everything that needs to be included for that quick change (costume pieces, accessories, etc.)
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Dress Rehearsal: UPDATE- Dancers will now be able to practice their quick change at Dress Rehearsal! With the exception of those quick changing into Acro 3/Tap 2 and Ballet 4, all other quick changes will be practiced during Dress Rehearsal. (Acro 3/Tap 2 and Ballet 4 will be rehearsed first during Dress Rehearsal, which is out of normal order). Upon arrival at dress rehearsal, dancer should bring quick change hanger (brought from home – which should have quick change handout plus all costumes/accessories/etc.) to the backstage area to meet with the QCC. The QCC will show dancer where to hang up costume and walk through the quick change so that everyone involved knows what to expect. At end of Dress Rehearsal, all quick change costume pieces/hangers MUST be taken home! EAC is not responsible for any items left at Bullock Creek after Dress Rehearsal.
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At Showcase Arrival: Dancer should bring quick change hanger (brought from home – which should have quick change handout plus all costumes/accessories/etc.) to the backstage area to meet with the QCC. The QCC will show dancer where to hang up costume and walk through the quick change so that everyone involved knows what to expect.
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Initial all costume pieces
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Dance shoes should be placed in bag and looped around the hanger – unless they’re needed for a routine earlier in the line-up.
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If possible, we suggest wearing a tan leotard with thin clear or thin tan straps under their costumes. This helps to make the quick change more seamless.
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Between Shows: After Friday night’s performance, quick change costumes can be re-hung up backstage so that they are already ready for Saturday’s show.
IMPORTANT: Please review the Showcase Performance Order and Quick Change list. If you are aware of a quick change not listed there, please let us know ASAP so that we can add dancer to the list.
Dress Rehearsal
Wednesday, May 14th
Dress Rehearsal
Wednesday, May 14th
Bullock Creek Auditorium
4:30 Doors open
4:30 – 5:00 Arrival / Sign-In: Please arrive no later than 5pm as we will start introduction as soon as possible after 5pm
5:00 – 5:20 Welcome & Important Information (Lobby) / Tour of Facilities
5:20 – 5:40 Finish getting ready / warm up
5:40 – 5:55 Bows run-through (Everyone)
5:55 – 6:15 Acro 3 / Tap 2 run-through (DO NOT NEED TO BE IN ACRO 3/TAP 2 COSTUME, but should be in safe acro clothing. All should have jump ropes. Tap 2 should have gloves)
6:15 – 6:20 Break – Those in Ballet 4 / PrePointe change
6:20 – 6:40 Ballet 4 run-through (Ballet 4 AND all ballet levels… Ballet 4 & Pre-Pointe needs to be in costume, but all other ballet levels can be in either their Acro 3/Tap 2 costume or their first number costume)
6:40 – 6:45 Break
6:45 – 8:30 Run through Showcase in order of routines (except Acro 3/Tap 2, Ballet 4, & Bows will not practice again)… DANCERS CAN LEAVE AFTER THEIR LAST ROUTINE, except for Shadow Competition
8:30 Latest Dress Rehearsal will run for those not on Shadow Competition
8:30 – 9:00 Shadow Competition special run-through for recording purposes
Arrive In (Dress Rehearsal)
ALL dancers should arrive in the following:
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ARRIVE WEARING:
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IF IN ACRO 3 / TAP 2 – Please arrive wearing comfortable/safe acro practice clothing. Should have jump rope and Tap 2 gloves (if applicable) readily accessible. Even if you are in Ballet 4 (class or ensemble), please arrive wearing comfortable acro practice clothing.
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IF IN BALLET 4 CLASS (and not in Acro 3/Tap 2) – Please arrive wearing your Ballet 4 costume.
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IF IN BALLET 4 ENSEMBLE (Ballet levels 1 – 3): Please arrive wearing your first showcase routine costume (refer to Showcase order)
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All others: Please arrive wearing your first costume AND all base costume pieces (correct tights, hair piece, etc.)
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EVERYONE: OUTSIDE SHOES. Dance shoes should not be worn outside. But please do not forget your correct dance shoes. INCORRECT/NO DANCE SHOES = NO STAGE.
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EVERYONE: Hair done (including any hair pieces for the costume you arrive in)
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EVERYONE: Makeup done
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NOTE: To help with the ride over, we suggest wearing loose-fitting clothes over top of costume. If wearing a glitter costume, can utilize a trashbag to help minimize glittering your vehicle.
Sign-In/Out (Dress Rehearsal)
Sign-In:
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Parent must sign in dancer upon arrival
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Each dance family MUST have one parent that stays at dress rehearsal. We will be providing notes to parents over the mic if makeup/hair/costume needs to be changed in any way for Showcase; the parent in the audience will help ensure these notes are caught.
Sign-Out:
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After dancer’s LAST dance, you can leave. EXCEPTION: Shadow dancers – we would like you to remain until the end.
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NOTE: You are not required to leave after your dancer’s last dance; you are welcome to stay to watch the rest of the Dress Rehearsal.
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Parent MUST sign dancer out for security purposes (the clipboard will be at auditorium exit). If you don’t sign out, we will be required to call at the end of the night to make sure you have your child with you….
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Don’t forget to take ALL your belongings with you and throw away any trash.
Important Information
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Each dance family MUST have an adult present for Dress Rehearsal. This is for safety
AND note-taking purposes.
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During Dress Rehearsal, EAC Instructors will call out over the mic if a dancer is in incorrect attire, or if hair/makeup changes need to be made. It is important for Parents to take note of this and adjust for live Showcase.
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Parents are responsible for keeping track of their children during Dress Rehearsal
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Dancers/Parents can wait in either the dressing room OR the audience until your number is called backstage.
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We will call dances backstage 3 -5 numbers prior to their own dance. EAC “Runner” will notify dressing rooms when numbers are called. If you are in the Auditorium, it is your responsibility to listen for line-up calls over the mic.
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Parents – once your dancer is lined-up backstage, you can go back to the audience to watch them. After dance is done, please go backstage to pick your dancer back up.
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No food or drinks in the Auditorium.
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If dancers are hungry during Dress Rehearsal, they need to eat in the lobby or in the dressing room (with something over their costume or else in regular clothes!)
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During live Showcase, there will be an intermission providing ample time to eat purchased concessions. Dancers will not be allowed in lobby during Showcase intermission, though.
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NO GLITTER in the Auditorium. For Jazz 1 Magicians - This means that if dancers want to be in the auditorium during Dress Rehearsal, they should either be in regular clothes (after they’ve performed) or sit in large trash bags to contain the glitter. EAC will be bringing a large box of trash bags.
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Parents are free to sign-out and leave after dancer’s LAST dance. Don’t forget to pick up all trash and take all belongings with you. You are also more than welcome to stay until the end.
Showcase Parent Volunteers
THANK YOU to all of those parents who elected to volunteer! Final volunteers have been chosen for both Showcases. (NOTE: Just because you elected to volunteer does not mean you have been selected to actually volunteer for one of the shows.)
Below is the list of dancers who require an adult (age 21+) representative for Showcase volunteer duties. If your dancer's name is listed below, you will receive an email by April 7th with more details.
FRIDAY PARENT VOLUNTEERS - FEMALE representative (age 21+) of the following dancers: Finch, Ever Helwig, Amelia Tanner, Madalynn Kelley, Lana Jones, Kennedy (Markie) Heinzelman, Nora Martinez, Cambria Bartuszevige, Abigail Sullivan, Lila Garn, Evelyn Burrow, Mackenzie Williams, Averie Peterson, Reagan Cole, Kennedy Urbaniak, Kenzi Kearly, River Pettipas, Scarlett Mavis, Harper
FRIDAY PARENT VOLUNTEERS - MALE representative (age 21+) of the following dancers: Christy, Caleb
SATURDAY PARENT VOLUNTEERS - FEMALE representative (age 21+) of the following dancers: Koehlinger, Mirriam Gibson, Hailey Davenport, Luna Anderson, Josephine Confer, Katherine Verhaeghe, Clara Simonetti, Gianna Cannon, Jolene Engelby, Quinn Wendt, Sarah Snyder, Nora Mengeu, Hudson Bloch, Martha Bauer, Kensley LaLonde, Sophia Meyers, Kiera Duhoski, Maya Smith, Briella
SATURDAY PARENT VOLUNTEERS - MALE representative (age 21+) of the following dancers: Rojas, Mia
DRESSING ROOM ASSIGNMENTS
For Dress Rehearsal:
•Dressing Rooms 1 & 2 (Green Rooms): Shadow Competition
•Dressing Room 3 (Green Rooms): Boys
•Dressing Room 4 (Band Room): All Others
For Showcase Performances (BOTH):
•Dressing Room 1 (Green Room): Shadow – Sr Elite and Jr Evolution (incl Julia)
•Dressing Room 2 (Green Room): Shadow – Jr Compete
•Dressing Room 3 (Green Room): Shadow – Mini Movers
•Dressing Room 4 (Band Room)*: Ballet 2, Acro 2 Tuesdays, Acro 2 Thursdays, Tap 2, Jazz 2, Contemporary 2, Tap 1, Jazz 1 *unless already listed for another dressing room
•Dressing Room 5 (Teacher’s Lounge): Boys
•Dressing Room 6 (Classroom): Kinderballet – those that are only in Kinderballet
•Dressing Room 7 (Classroom): TippyToes Tap & Caterpillar Acro
•Dressing Room 8 (Classroom): Ballet 1 & Acro 1
•Dressing Room 9 (Classroom): Ballet 3 & Ballet 4 class
**Dressing Rooms #4–9 will each include at least one pop-up changer. Additional pop-up changers will also be available in the common area near the green room bathrooms for any dancer who prefers more privacy or would rather not change in their assigned dressing room.
SHOWCASE PERFORMANCE!
ACTION REQUIRED BY MAY 4TH:
For the safety and security of our dancers, we have a secure process for picking up your dancer from dressing rooms at end of Showcase. Please complete the Approved Adults for Showcase Pickup form to let EAC know which adults are approved to pick up your dancers. Approved Adult MUST bring Photo ID with them when they go to pick up dancer(s).
Timeline (Showcase)
Friday, May 16th Showcase #1
4:30pm Volunteers arrive (can bring dancer with you)
4:45pm Shadow Competition arrives
5:00pm Anyone with a Quick Change arrives
5:15pm Those in Dressing Rooms 4, 8, and 9 arrive
5:30pm Boys and all Kiddo Classes arrive
5:45pm Lobby/Atrium open for art gallery
6:00pm House opens
6:30pm Showcase starts!
Saturday, May 17th Showcase #2
1:00pm Volunteers arrive
1:15pm Shadow Competition AND anyone with a Quick Change arrives
1:30pm Anyone with a Quick Change arrives
1:45pm Those in Dressing Rooms 4, 8, and 9 arrive
2:00pm Boys and all Kiddo Classes arrive
2:15pm Lobby/Atrium open for art gallery
2:30pm House opens
3:00pm Showcase starts!
NOTE: Saturday Showcase will have the awards/scholarship announcements at the end of bows
Sign-in/Out (Showcase)
Sign-In:
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Upon arrival, Parent will drop dancer off at their designated dressing room and sign dancer in.
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NOTE: Before arriving, Dancer MUST have first costume on (along with base costume pieces), hair done, and makeup done. The only exception to this is Shadow Competition team members – they should arrive with hair and makeup done, but may get dressed after arriving.
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Once Dancer enters the dressing room, they are not allowed to leave without Class Parent or EAC Volunteer’s permission and will only be allowed to go to the restroom, utilize practice acro mat, or to line-up for performance.
Sign-Out:
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After awards / end of Showcase:
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NEW THIS YEAR - ALL DANCERS WITH A DRESSING ROOMS IN A CLASSROOM/TEACHERS LOUNGE (Dressing Rooms 5 – 9) WILL REMAIN ON STAGE behind closed curtain after bows. ONE APPROVED ADULT must sign out their dancer at the long hallway leading to backstage, then follow that hallway to backstage/onstage to pick up dancer. Dancer & parent should then exit through the auditorium and can then loop around to their dressing room to pick up stuff. Dancer will not be allowed to go to their dressing room unless an approved adult has picked them up. Only exception is for those 18+. Adult will not be allowed to sign dancer out unless they are on the Approved Adult list AND can show matching photo ID.
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NOTE: “Approved Adults for Showcase Pickup” form is included in this packet. Please complete form by May 4th.
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All other dancers: Will be escorted back to their dressing rooms (green rooms or band room). ONE APPROVED ADULT must sign out their dancer at the long hallway leading to backstage, then follow that hallway to dressing room to pick up dancer. Dancer & parent should then exit through the stage and auditorium. Adult will not be allowed to sign dancer out unless they are on the Approved Adult list AND can show matching photo ID.
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NOTE: “Approved Adults for Showcase Pickup” form is included in this packet. Please complete form by May 4th.
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Approved Adult MUST show Photo ID in order to sign dancer out for security purposes.
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Don’t forget to take ALL your belongings with you and throw away any trash.
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At the end of Saturday’s show, Parents will pick up their year-end packets during sign-out – there’s some really good stuff in there this year, so you won’t want to miss picking this up!! Happy 5-year anniversary, EAC!
Important Information
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Once Dancer is dropped off by parent at applicable dressing room, dancer is not allowed to leave backstage area without EAC Volunteer’s permission and will only be allowed to go to the restroom, utilize practice acro mat, or to line-up for performance.
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To eliminate disruptions, Dancers are NOT allowed to watch the Showcase. (Dancer’s may watch the Dress Rehearsal if they would like.) There will be monitors in some of the dressing room areas showing the live performances.
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There will be an intermission with snacks and drinks to be purchased by donation. Dancers are not allowed to leave dressing rooms/backstage area during intermission. A dance parent can purchase something to bring back to dancer if they wish.
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No food or drinks in the Auditorium
Arrive In (Showcase)
ALL dancers should arrive in the following:
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WEARING first costume AND all base costume pieces except for dance shoes (correct tights, hair piece, etc.)
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NOTE: To help with the ride over, we suggest wearing loose-fitting clothes over top of costume. If in a glitter costume, utilize a trashbag to minimize glitter transfer to the vehicle.
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Only Exception – EAC Shadow Competition Dancers can arrive in their base costume as costumes will already be in the dressing room.
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OUTSIDE SHOES. Dance shoes should not be worn outside. But please do not forget your correct dance shoes. INCORRECT/NO DANCE SHOES = NO STAGE.
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Hair done (including any hair pieces for first costume)
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Makeup done
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What to Bring (Showcase)
Below is a list of REQUIRED items to bring to Showcase:
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Correct dance shoes for each routine
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Water bottle (cannot drink in the auditorium)
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NOTE: Due to the potential to stain costumes, ONLY WATER is allowed backstage and in dressing rooms. Any other liquid (juice box, Gatorades, milk, pop, etc) WILL be thrown away.
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Hair brush / comb
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Extra hair ties / bobby pins / net / hair spray
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Extra makeup
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Extra dance tights
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For Quick Changes: Hanger with Quick Change Note
Below is a list of RECOMMENDED items to bring to Showcase:
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Dancer/portable hanging racks
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Larger/loose-fitting clothes to go OVER costume for when you want to snack
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Regular clothes for once you are done performing
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Healthy peanut-free snacks (cannot eat in your costume or in the auditorium)
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Phone / music player with headphones for practicing routine
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Activities to do in the dressing room while waiting (coloring books / crayons – NO MARKERS, games, etc.
SHOWCASE DVD ORDER
EAC is excited to announce that our 2025 Showcase will, once again, be professionally recorded! Preserve your dancer’s special moments with a keepsake DVD.
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1 DVD: $25
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4 DVDs: $85
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All orders must be placed by Sunday, June 1st.