Annual Concert

Gotta Dance dancers perform in full costume at our large end-of-season concerts. The concert video above shows you what it would look like if we are able to perform at Raritan Valley Community College’s beautiful stage.  Due to Covid-19, Gotta Dance is holding on making a final decision on where and how our concert will be held.  What we do know for certain is that our dress rehearsals dates are  June 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th & 11th 2021 and our concert dates are June 12th, 13th, 14th, 15th, 16th, 17th, 18th & 19th 2021.  Get ready for yet another incredible show! 

Concerts are directed by our esteemed Concert Director, Gabriel Chajnik a graduate of the prestigious Julliard School. Gotta Dance produces highly artistic and professional concerts that wow audiences year-after-year.

For over 30 years, Gotta Dance teenage InTurns, Dance Educators and Staff come together to vote on the concert theme.  We will be announcing our 2021 concert theme this fall! Every class dance, from Rainbows-Workshop, Adult Tap, Adult Street Hip-Hop & Dancing Dads, will be inspired by this theme.

All Gotta Dance Concert Performances and Dress Rehearsals are located at The Raritan Valley Community College in the NASH Theater.  To view your Dress Rehearsal and Concert >COMING IN DECEMBER 2020!

The information below was for our 2019-2020 season where we created a fabulous virtual concert (see a condensed version below)!  One way or another we will always have a concert! We are Gotta Dance and We Got This!

Beginning in mid-March of 2020, we began following national, regional, and statewide guidelines as the COVID 19 pandemic began emerging. Both the CDC and Governor Murphy of New Jersey recommended that to reopen America we all would need social distance, which includes staying 6 feet away from others in shared spaces. Raritan Valley Community College (RVCC)  canceled all performances scheduled in May and as a result, we proceeded with our JUNGLE “Jump into the Wild” virtual dance concerts.

We fully understood and sympathized with how heartbreaking this was for your dancer(s), all of our dance families, and especially for our seniors, many of whom grew up dancing with us. We worked 24/7 since then to create an amazing, magical, and memorable virtual dance concert that we will be able to share and cherish for years to come.

We hired two talented professionals to help us produce our virtual dance concerts. Mike Delegal is a highly technical, professional television and motion picture editor from Same Day Productions in Los Angeles, CA. His most recent work includes editing Netflix’s Ozark and Outsider and Hulu’s American Saga. Todd Bright is a professional Illustrator and Digital Animator with experience working on Disney’s Hunchback of Notre Dame, Mulan, Tarzan, Lilo & Stitch, Brother Bear, and Universal Pictures’ Curious George to just name a few.

We refused to cancel another thing for our dancers who had so many things taken away due to the circumstances. Our dancer(s) earned the opportunity to perform all they had learned during their dance season and we were committed to making this happen. We worked together to make this experience special for our dancers.

This letter includes information about extending our dance season with online classes and other information to prepare for participating in our virtual dance concert.

How can I watch the virtual dance concert?
You will receive a link to your dancer’s virtual dance concert prior to their original concert date.

Can I send the concert link to my other family members & friends?
Yes! This link can be shared with all of your family and friends!

How long will the concert link(s) be live?
Your link will be active during your scheduled concert time and again from June 21st-July 15th.

Can I download the concert to keep forever?
Yes, if you have enough storage space on your computer.

Concert Costumes
Most costumes have been mailed out. If you have received them, we ask that you please hang them up to let all of the wrinkles fall out. If the costume is too large, we ask that you pin it or sew it because exchanging it for another size is not possible under the circumstances. If the costume is too small, please email us at office@gotta-dance.com and we will try to resolve this issue.

Please note that since there is a forced closure of costume companies, we cannot guarantee our usual level of costume exchange and service. However, we will do our best to solve most costume issues by mid-May. We will keep a careful list and be in touch with you on May 1st and May 15th.

Costume Guides
You will be receiving an email with your dancer’s costume information by May 10th, including how they should wear their hair, make-up and any other accessories.

Dress Rehearsal
Dress rehearsals will be held during online classes the week of May 16th through the 22nd. We ask that your dancer(s) wear their concert costume, tights & dance shoes plus hair and makeup during dress rehearsal.

Filming
We will be emailing out all filming information & instructions by May 10th!

Yearly Achievement Medals and Trophies
Our complimentary yearly Achievement Medals and Trophies celebrate our dancers’ commitment to dance. Dancers who have attended Gotta Dance for 3 years receive medals. Dancers who have attended 5, 8, 10, 12 or 15 years receive trophies (yes this includes you too Dancing Dads!). Please register for them now through your family portal. Log in to your family portal > Find Events > Select your year medal or trophy!

Syllabus Trophies
Dancers who participated in our Syllabus Challenge, which challenges their knowledge of syllabus steps, receive a Syllabus trophy. Your educator will honor each dancer receiving their Syllabus trophy during an online class.

How do I pick up my Medals and/or Trophies and Concert t-shirts?
We will be holding a pick-up day at our Branchburg studio on Wednesday, May 20th from 12-8pm. During this time, your dancer is asked to pick up their Achievement medals and trophies and/or Syllabus trophies and will have their photo taken holding their Achievement medals and trophies to air during the virtual concerts. Concert t-shirts will also be available for pick-up.

Concert Programs: JUNGLE “Jump Into the Wild”
Our concert programs provide dancers with a keepsake to remember their dance season 2019/2020. Dancers who participated in our various dance teams: Dynamite Dance Team, Immortal Dance Force, Nutcracker Dance Ensemble, Nutcracker Sweets Traveling Troupe, Heartbeat Dance Team, EDGE Dance Crew, Showstoppers Dance Company, Pathway Possibilities Destination Dance Leaders, Syllabus Award Recipients, High Syllabus Award Recipients, and our beloved Dancing Dads are all featured alongside photos from performances held.

We will mail you a copy of your program. We will also email a digital copy of our program so that you can share it with all of your family members and friends.

I am an InTurn what do I do?
First off, can we tell you how impressed we are with your dedication to your InTurnship? WOW! Thank you for your continued participation in the classes you InTurn for! You are welcome to keep logging on and joining class! You are more than welcome to use the concert link to watch the dancers in the class(es) you InTurn for perform!

Can we still get concert pictures?
Unfortunately due to the circumstances, we will not be able to have professional photos taken.

Why Postponing or Rescheduling is not possible
Sadly we cannot postpone or reschedule our June concerts for a number of reasons, which include but are not limited to the following:

  • The concerts at RVCC’s theater are scheduled one year in advance because there is an intense preparation period of 6-8 weeks required to produce our highly artistic and professional concert. We also spend 20 consecutive days at the theater in order to set lighting, hold numerous dress rehearsals and another full week of performances, which consists of 13 individual concerts. It’s important to note that our concerts require more preparation than a one-day event like a high school or college graduation.
  • The June dates were chosen in order to avoid conflicts as it relates to summer camps, vacations, weddings, beach homes and endless other summer plans.
  • We require a venue that can accommodate 1,000 audience members and approximately 500 children. An alternative venue is not going to be readily available on short notice nor for so many days.
  • Delaying the concerts until the late summer is not feasible since classes would also have to be extended through that time in order for the dancers to be prepared for their concert(s). Additionally, this is not a realistic option because of our families’ summer plans and many seniors leave for college in August.
  • Christmas/Holiday season concerts are also not a viable option since most everyone will have moved on to a new season of dance and/or new commitments.

In closing, as our dance season comes to an end, we remain optimistic and grateful to be focusing our energy on creating joyful and memorable performances by our talented dancers for your family and friends. Our entire Gotta Dance team of Dance Educators, Professional Associates, Choreographers, Creative team and Office team are committed to providing a gorgeous virtual dance concert.

With Love,
The Gotta Dance Office

Practice, Practice, Practice!

When you login to your portal you will find a link with your JUNGLE concert music. Have fun practicing, you’ll be on the stage before you know it!

Concert/Costume Fee

A $136 concert fee is a one-time fee billed in January per class. The fee covers your dancer’s costume, four concert tickets and the fees associated with a full-scale professional production which includes, lighting, set rentals and design, a stage and sound crew and a professional theatre.  If Virtual this concert feee includes Costume, Virtual Dance Concert, Professional Production Team includes Video Editors & Animator, Complimentary download,  & a Complimentary Concert Program.

Dress Rehearsals

Please arrive 30 minutes prior to your dancer’s dress rehearsal in full costume and ready to run through their dance on the stage with their class. You are welcome to watch your dancer’s dress rehearsal and take as many pictures and videos as you’d like. We ask that you don’t take any photos/videos during concerts. Flashes are distracting to our dancers and can compromise performance quality.  We appreciate your understanding.

Concert Tickets

Complimentary tickets; Dancers automatically receive four concert tickets for each concert fee paid. Tickets are available for pickup at your dancer’s dress rehearsal. Please note: Your dancer’s tuition must be paid in full in order to receive tickets.

Please remember to be respectful to our ticketing staff in the case that extra tickets run out during dress rehearsals. All families are guaranteed their four tickets as promised when they paid the concert fee.

Extra Concert Tickets

Extra tickets will be available to purchase for $25 per ticket at Raritan Valley Community College’s Nash Theatre beginning SATURDAY, JUNE 6TH AT 8:00AM. Remaining tickets will then be sold at all dress rehearsals as well as one hour before concert time. According to Raritan Valley Community College’s guidelines and regulations, every person must purchase a ticket upon entering the theater.  This includes children of all ages (including infants), even if they are seated on an adult’s lap for the entire performance. Cash or check only. We always sell tickets on a first-come-first-served basis. All tickets are final sale. There will be no refund issued for purchased tickets. An hour before each concert time, remaining tickets will be sold and current tickets can be traded up as per the availability. As a result, more tickets are likely to be available at this time. Gotta Dance has been able to seat everyone for 30 years!

Concert Costume

Dancers receive their costumes in dance class. Dancers may only exchange their costumes once, and it may only be done the day that you receive the costume in class. Please be absolutely sure that you would like to exchange the costume for a different size because once it is exchanged, it is yours to keep! Once the costume leaves the studio, it cannot be exchanged for any reason. Please double-check that all of the costume’s accessories are included when you first receive your costume.

Everything your dancer needs for their concert is listed on the Concert Guide! Check back in the Spring to view your dancer’s guide by clicking on their class schedule on our homepage.

Costume Sizes

We measure dancers in October and sizes are based on individual dancer’s measurements with room for growth figured in. Costumes are standard sizes and not custom-made to your dancer’s measurements. Some dancers may find them big in the waist or a little long in the body. You are free to alter your costume if you would like a custom fit. Costume pants can usually be cut to your dancer’s height rather than hemmed.

Concert Group Moms

Backstage Group Moms are greatly appreciated and essential to our performances. Every year a creative backstage experience is set up for dancers that adds both structure and fun to their concert experience. Group moms do not need a ticket for the show, as they will be working backstage overseeing the dancers.  Healthy snacks including water and gluten-free Pirate Booty snacks are offered to all dancers backstage. On the day of the concert, please arrive 1 hour and fifteen minutes early to help assist dancers. View Group Mom’s Guide.

Concert Day

Please drop off your dancer one hour before the start of the show at the Welpe Theater. The door is marked “Dancer’s Entrance”. Upon arrival, dancers will be asked if they are receiving any awards, performing in Dad’s Dance and/or if they have any costume changes. If your dancer has a costume change, our Gotta Dance backstage staff will explain the procedure and support all dancers with costume changes and hair. Gotta Dance Educators and backstage staff will be present to take attendance and answer any questions.

Concert Ushers

Did you know that Ushers don’t need a ticket to the Concert? 10 ushers are required for each concert to work before the show and about 20 minutes into the show seating latecomers. After that, ushers are welcome to sit or stand in the back and watch the show.Ushers are asked to:

  • Arrive at RVCC 1 hour prior to showtimes
  • Wear white shirts and black pants.
  • Meet in the coatroom when you arrive. This coat room is on the main level in theater lobby near the men’s restroom (to the right).

Yearly Achievement Trophies

Yearly Achievement Trophies are awarded to students who have attended Gotta Dance for 3, 5, 8, 10, 12 or 15 years. Please register for your dancer’s trophy in advance.

To register:

When receiving an award, dancers can decide which concert they would like to receive it in.  They even have the option to walk across the stage and receive it in all of their concerts if they would like.  Before each concert, dancers visit the Check-In Table to let our Gotta Dance Team know if they will be receiving an award during our Pre-Show.  The award they receive in their first concert is their award to keep and bring home.  If a dancer would like to receive their award again in the next concert they are performing in, they will once again let our Gotta Dance Team know at the Check-In Table when they arrive.  However, they will borrow an award from us for this concert.  This borrowed award can then be returned to their Dance Educator or another Gotta Dance Team member when they return to the backstage area.

Can we purchase a JUNGLE “Jump into the Wild” Concert t-shirt?
Yes, you can order your Concert t-shirts through your portal for $25 each. These will be made to order. Log into your portal > Find Events> Order your T-shirt size. You can find a sizing chart for t-shirts below. The deadline to order a t-shirt is May 8th.

Tights and Camisoles-

Tights and Camisoles will also be available to purchase during all dress rehearsals at the Raritan Valley Community College.

Camisole Picture:

Child Camisole Sizes:

Adult Camisole Sizes:

Children’s Tights Size Guide:

Adult Tights Size Guide:

View Bun Making Video Tutorial

Only cash or personal checks please for purchases during dress rehearsals!

Concert Makeup Guide (Optional)

Dancers wear makeup during their performance so that the audience can see the performers better. We have recommended some make-up brands.  However, it is not necessary to purchase additional makeup if you have something comparable at home. It is completely optional and not mandatory to wear makeup during your dancer’s concert, especially if your dancer is allergic to makeup and/or the brands listed.

Rainbows-Stars

  • Red Lipstick (either Revlon Red, Mac Red or Mac Russian Red are great)
  • Blush
  • Mascara

Garnet level & Older

  • Red Lipstick (either Revlon Red, Mac Red or Mac Russian Red are great)
  • Lip Liner (a Cherry lip liner, really red, not dark red)
  • Pink or Rose Blush, Cream or Peach Eyeshadow, Brown Eyeshadow, Black Eyeliner and Mascara

Eyes:

Apply eyeshadow to the entire eye, then apply brown eyeshadow to the crease of the lid. Make sure to BLEND well! Apply eyeliner to top and bottom of eyes. Apply a light layer of mascara to both your lashes.

For Blush:

Apply blush to the apple of the cheek in a circular motion.

For Lips:

Line the lips with the liner. Then apply the lipstick, blot and add another coat of lipstick.

Dad’s Dance 2020-

Every year, our dancing dads await their time to shine in our Dad’s Dance that performs in our June concerts. Dancing Dads are director by Gotta Dance’s Miss Linda!  We are looking forward to another exciting and fun-filled season!

Dancing Dad’s Rehearsal Schedule:

Dates: (Fridays)  April 17th, April 24th, May 1st, May 8th, May 15th & May 29th (Note: No rehearsal Memorial Day Weekend)
Time: 7-8pm
Location: Gotta Dance Warren Studio (45 Mountain Blvd Warren, NJ 07059)
Dress Rehearsal (at RVCC Theater): Sunday, June 7th, 8:15-8:35 pm

**Dads may attend any or all rehearsals/concerts that fit their schedules. Gotta Dance daughters and sons are invited to the May 29th rehearsal to learn the Dad’s Dance Finale! There is no fee to participate.

To register:

  • Login to your family portal
  • Click Find Classes
  • Filter Category 1 as Dancing Dads
  • Place your dancer’s name in the registration section, but confirm that you are listed as a contact in your portal.

Concert Photographs

Reflections Studio will be present at all dress rehearsals to take class photos onstage as well as individual photographs in the lobby area. You can come at any time during rehearsal day to be photographed in the lobby, but it’s best to come after your dancer has already rehearsed on stage.

To preorder photographs, go to reflectionspreorder.com and choose “Gotta Dance Preorders.” All preorders will be submitted online this year. When you Pre-Order photos you will save $12.00 on individual portraits and $5.00 off group purchases!

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