Annual Recital · May 30 & 31, 2026

The Moment the Whole Year Builds Toward

Every class, correction, rehearsal all lead to this.

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The Encore Performers Annual Recital is where your dancer takes everything they have worked for and brings it to a real stage, in full production, in front of the people who matter most to them.

For some, it is their very first curtain call. For others, it is a chance to show how far they have come. Either way, it is one of the most important nights of their year.

Recital Weekend

Your Complete Recital Schedule

Everything you need to know about dates, times, and what to expect, organized by recital group.

Which Show Is Your Dancer In?

Which Show Is Your Dancer In?
RecitalWho Is In It
Recital AAll Munchkin and Mini classes
Recital BAll Junior classes, ITP C classes, and ETAP D classes
Recital CAll Tween and Teen classes, ITP A and B classes, and ETAP A, B, and C classes

Not sure which group your dancer belongs to? Check the running orders linked below or contact our front desk team.

Running Orders

Find your dancer's show below. Each running order lists every routine in performance order, along with dancer names.

Studio Dress RehearsalRun the Full Show

What
Full show run-through at the studio in costume, hair, and makeup.
Where
Encore Performers Studio, 4299 Henninger Ct, Chantilly, VA 20151
Studio Dress Rehearsal
RecitalDateCall TimeEnd Time
Recital A (Munchkin and Mini)Tuesday, May 195:00 PM7:00 PM
Recital B (Juniors)Wednesday, May 20Act 1: 5:00 PM / Act 2: 6:30 PM8:30 PM
Recital C (Tween and Teen)Thursday, May 21Act 1: 5:00 PM / Act 2: 6:30 PM8:30 PM

Please note

  • No parents inside the studio during studio dress rehearsal. Please drop your dancer off and return at pickup time. We cannot accommodate all parents and dancers in the studio simultaneously.
  • Dancers may leave after their number performs. Check the running orders to estimate pickup time, allowing approximately 3 minutes per routine.

Theatre Dress RehearsalPractice on Stage

What
Full show run on the performance stage, in costume, hair, and makeup. Arrive ready to perform from the top.
Where
Richard J. Ernst Theatre, 8430 Center Drive, Annandale, VA 22003
Theatre Dress Rehearsal
RecitalDateCall TimeEnd Time
Recital AMonday, May 265:00 PM7:00 PM
Recital BTuesday, May 27Act 1: 5:00 PM / Act 2: 6:30 PM8:30 PM
Recital CWednesday, May 28Act 1: 5:00 PM / Act 2: 6:30 PM8:30 PM

Please note

  • Parents are welcome to stay and watch from the audience during theatre dress rehearsal.
  • We cannot wait for late arrivals. Please plan your travel time to the theatre accordingly.
  • Dancers may leave after their number performs.

Recital PerformancesShowtime

What
All dancers perform twice, once on Saturday and once on Sunday.
Where
Richard J. Ernst Theatre, 8430 Center Drive, Annandale, VA 22003
When
Saturday, May 30 and Sunday, May 31, 2026
Recital Performances
RecitalArrive In CostumeShow Starts
Recital A9:30 AM10:00 AM
Recital B11:30 AM12:00 PM
Recital C3:00 PM3:30 PM

All dancers must be present for both performance days. Your dancer is a vital part of their group's routine and their presence matters.

Tickets

Get Your Recital Tickets

Seats are limited and shows sell out. We strongly recommend purchasing as soon as sales open.

Purchase Tickets Here

Tickets are available through our partner ticketing platform via the link above. If you have multiple dancers performing in different shows, you will need tickets for each performance you plan to attend.

Do dancers need a ticket?
Dancers do not need tickets for the show they are performing in. They will be in the backstage dressing rooms with our team while their family enjoys the show from the audience. If your dancer wants to watch one of the other recitals as an audience member, they will need a ticket for that show.
Dress Code

Recital Dress Code

Please review every requirement for your dancer's class style before dress rehearsal. Coming prepared means your dancer can focus entirely on performing.

Recital Dress Code
Class StyleShoesTightsHair
JazzTan Jazz Slip OnSuntanLow Pony, Center Part
Tap (Mini and Junior)Black Tap ShoesTanLow Pony, Center Part
Tap (Tween and Teen)Black Tap ShoesBlackLow Pony, Center Part
BalletPink Ballet ShoesPinkLow Bun, Center Part
Hip HopWhite SneakersNone requiredPonytail (Low or High)
ContemporaryPirouettes or Tan Ballet ShoesSuntan TransitionsLow Pony, Center Part
Broadway BoundTan Jazz Slip OnSuntanLow Pony, Center Part

Where to purchase required items: All required tights, shoes, and accessories are available through our recommended online retailer.

Shop the Encore Performers Dress Code Store

A note on hair

All styles must be fully secured and free of flyaways. Bobby pins and hairnets are required for bun styles. If you have questions about your dancer's specific hair requirements, ask their teacher at the next class before dress rehearsal week.

A note on makeup

Stage lighting requires makeup for all dancers performing under production lights. Your dancer's teacher will provide age-appropriate makeup guidance before recital season. If you have questions, reach out to the studio directly.

Young Encore dancer in a neon green costume resting on the studio floor before the show
From the Stage

Recital Night, in Motion

Two moments from this year's performances at the Richard J. Ernst Theatre.

Curtain call, Sunday 31 May 2026
Flowers for the faculty after the final show
FAQ

Recital Questions Answered

The questions we hear every season, right here in one place.

What show is my dancer in?+

Our recital is split into three shows. Recital A includes all Munchkin and Mini classes. Recital B includes all Junior classes, ITP C classes, and ETAP D classes. Recital C includes all Tween and Teen classes, ITP A and B classes, and ETAP A, B, and C classes. To find your dancer's specific number and order, check the running orders posted above.

Does my dancer need a ticket?+

Dancers do not need a ticket for the show they are performing in. They will watch from the backstage dressing rooms while family and friends enjoy the show from the audience. If your dancer wants to attend one of the other recitals as an audience member, they will need a purchased ticket for that show.

Do I need to attend both days of performances?+

All dancers must perform on both Saturday and Sunday. Each dancer performs twice and is a vital part of their group. Parents are not required to attend both performances. If you are not watching a particular show, you may drop your dancer off at check-in and return to collect them at dismissal after the show.

What if I have children performing in different shows?+

You will need tickets for each individual performance you plan to attend. If your dancers are in different recitals, make sure you have secured seats for each show separately when tickets go on sale.

What if my dancer is sick on show day?+

Please contact the studio as early as possible if your dancer is unwell. Do not send a sick child to perform. We will communicate any last-minute changes to the production team and do our best to accommodate the situation. If illness affects dress rehearsal attendance, notify us immediately so teachers can adjust accordingly.

Can I take photos or video during the show?+

A professional photographer and videographer will be present at all performances. Recordings and photos will be available for purchase following the event. We ask all audience members to be mindful of the sight lines of families seated around them during the show. Specific photography and videography guidelines will be shared with families ahead of recital week.

Ready to Cheer Them On?

Tickets go on sale. Seats are limited and shows have sold out in previous seasons. Do not wait.

Purchase Your Recital Tickets