Prepping for a Recital

It's that time of year. We have just announced our student recital theme and are ready to answer the No. 1 question we get after announcing a recital: "How do I put together a routine!?" 

While there is no right or wrong way to start, we've put together a few tips from those of us who have put together a few routines before. 

1. Pick a song first. While you may have some elements you want to have in the routine, many of us cannot put together a routine until we have a song. That allows us to figure out a theme and a feel for the routine. Is it slow and sad or is it fast and happy? 

2. Choose a song that fits your abilities. This is a showcase, a chance to show off the best of what you can do. If you haven't performed before, don't try to go too far outside of your comfort zone. If you prefer slower songs and more graceful movements, find a song that works with YOU. If you connect with the music, it makes it that much more enjoyable. 

3. Ask for help! There are many of us at the studio, from instructors to our Level 2 and AURA students, who have performed many times before. If you are stuck, can't think of a transition, opening, or skill to fill a hole, ask someone for some help. 

4. Be prepared to practice! You will need to know your routine inside and out. You will want to be sick of the routine by the time the recital comes around. Come to open gym (we've adjusted requirements to allow anyone working a routine to attend if working on their routine). Be ready to slow down on learning new skills and embrace the opportunity to truly master the skills you choose for your routine.

5. Don't be afraid of change. If something just isn't working, don't be scared to change it up. Maybe you really wanted to drop a flick-flack, but you cannot find a way to work it into your routine. Either drop the skill or be ready to change things around. You want your routine set at least a month before the recital. Until then, try something new if a skill or sequence doesn't work the way you hoped. 

6. HAVE FUN! Beyond anything, be ready to have some fun. Performing is one of the goals of aerial silks studies and showing your friends and families how far you have come, either since the last recital or since you started, is our goal. 

Let us know if you need help choosing a song, putting together a routine, or helping you perform to your song. We can't wait to see you in the air in April! 

Keep on flying, 

Lauren