2026 Recital Hub
Your one-stop-shop for all things recital
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Recital Weekend General Details
Our annual recital weekend is the highlight of the Thrive season—the moment our dancers showcase 10 months of hard work, growth, and joy on a professional stage. We pull out all the stops to create a fun, seamless, and unforgettable experience for our dancers and their families.
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On recital weekend, we stage four shows that are essentially the same - Saturday at 1:00 pm, Saturday at 5:00 pm, Sunday at 1:00 pm and Sunday at 5:00 pm. While our Company Level dancers perform in all four shows, and Foundations dancers perform in two, all other classes will be assigned to one show and one dress rehearsal time slot. A few important things about recital weekend:
Opt-Out Event: We assume your dancer is performing unless you notify us otherwise.
Show Length: 2 hours each—no marathon shows!
Show + Dress Rehearsal Assignments: We take great care to place siblings and family members in the same show and same dress rehearsal time slot - know that it is always our intention and most years, we’re able to accommodate 95% of our families.
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Here are the details for this year’s show:
Location: The Ogle Center (4201 Grant Line Rd, New Albany, IN 47150)
Shows: Unless your dancers are part of our Foundations level or Company levels, your dancer(s) will be assigned to one of the following shows:
Saturday, May 30th at 1:00 pm
Saturday, May 30th at 5:00 pm
Sunday, May 31st at 1:00 pm
Sunday, May 31st at 5:00 pm
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Here’s what you can expect as we move toward recital weekend:
October 2025 -
Begin costume measurements in class (no action required)
Recital + costume fees posted to accounts
Dress rehearsal + recital assignments released
December 2025
Recital and costume fee payments are due by 12/15/25
February 2026
We begin working on recital choreography in class based on the steps we’ve been learning all season
March/April 2026
Costumes are sent home to keep!
May 2026
Dress rehearsals on 5/28/26 and 5/29/26
Shows on 5/30/26 and 5/31/26
June 2026
Photos (posed and action shots) and videos delivered to your inbox late June/early July
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There are two mandatory, non-refundable costs associated with participating in recital:
Recital Fee (includes 2 tickets to each show your dancer is in)
Families with one dancer - $75 per family
Families with two or more dancers - $100 per family
Costume Fees: $75 per costume (based on the number of classes your dancer is enrolled in)
Dancers in 3 to 4’s, 4 to 5’s. 5 to 6’s, 6 to 7’s and 7 to 9’s class will need one costume (expect $75 plus tax)
Dancers in Intermediate and Advanced Intermediate will need 2 costumes (expect $150 plus tax)
Dancers in Foundation s will need 3 costumes (expect $225 plus tax)
Dancers in our Company levels will need costumes for whatever classes they’re enrolled in that are participating in recital.
We want every dancer to experience the magic of recital — and we know that planning ahead helps make it possible. You’ll have the option to either pay in full or spread the cost out over 3 monthly payments — whatever works best for your family.
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This year, we’re introducing ticketing for our recital to help us cover the growing production costs that make the show such a special experience for our dancers and families. From lighting and sound to the theater space itself, ticket sales ensure that everyone gets a seat and that we can continue raising the bar while keeping Thrive’s mission of joyful, purposeful performance at the center.
Your Family Recital Fee already includes 2 tickets for each show they’re in so you’ll have seats reserved for your dancer’s biggest fans.Additional Tickets:
General Admission: $18
Senior (65+): $15
18 & Under: $15
Military: $15
Tickets will be available for purchase in early 2026, and you’ll be able to select your exact seats at that time.
Each class is assigned to a specific dress rehearsal and performance time slot so families can plan ahead. It is our priority and goal to ensure all siblings have the most convenient assignments and while it’s not always possible, we’re usually able to accommodate 95% of our families. If we’re unable to accommodate, we’ll reach out to you individually to talk through a few options.
Note - we do allow class swaps before 3/4/26 if we have openings in a class that has a more optimal dress rehearsal/performance time slot for your family. If you have a unique situation, we’re happy to work with you -please reach out as early as possible so we can work on a solution together.
Show Assignments
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Coming October 2025 - stay tuned!
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Coming October 2025 - stay tuned!
Costumes, Tights, Hair + Makeup
Keeping track of all the details that come together to make a professional show can be tricky. Each year we create a Recital Performance Lookbook that captures everything you need in one place for your dancer to feel confident and stage-ready.
What’s Inside the Lookbook
Class-by-Class Details: Photos of each costume with required tights, shoes, hair, and makeup.
Hair & Makeup Guidelines: Simple, age-appropriate instructions for each level.
Helpful Tutorials: Step-by-step videos and tips for common hairstyles and light stage makeup.
Performance Day Tips: What to do before you arrive, how dancers will be called backstage, and reminders for families about check-in and pick-up.
Click here to check out last year’s Lookbook so you know what to expect. The 2026 Lookbook is coming February 2026!
This year, we’re moving to a ticketing system for recital as part of our effort to keep creating the high-quality production our dancers deserve. From professional lighting and sound to the printed programs and signage to the beautiful theater space, ticket sales help us cover rising production costs while ensuring every guest has a seat. Most importantly, it allows us to keep Thrive’s mission of joyful, purposeful performance at the heart of the experience.
Tickets
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Your Family Recital Fee already comes with 2 tickets, so your dancer’s biggest supporters are guaranteed a spot in the audience. Additional ticket pricing is as follows:
General Admission - $18
Senior (65+) - $15
Aged 18 and under - $15
Military - $15
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Tickets will be available for purchase in early 2026 via the Ogle Center ticket system, with full seat selection at the time of purchase.
We’ll send the ticket link out as soon as it’s available. Families who’ve paid the recital fee will receive a discount code to use when selecting their seats.
Location and Parking
We carefully choose our venues to match the needs of our growing community, and The Ogle Center at IU Southeast checks every box for accessibility, comfort, and a polished recital experience.
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The Ogle Center is located at 4201 Grant Line Rd, New Albany, IN 47150 on the campus of Indiana University Southeast. It’s about a 25-minute drive from Thrive School of Dance and is easily accessible from I-64.
From Louisville: Take I-64 West, exit at Grant Line Road, and follow signs toward Indiana University Southeast.
From Southern Indiana: Use I-265 or I-64 East and follow Grant Line Road north to the IU Southeast campus.
Once on campus, follow the signs for The Ogle Center.
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Parking is free and plentiful at the Ogle Center. Once you arrive, you’ll see Thrive signage to help direct you to where you need to be.
Multiple surface lots are available directly next to the venue.
The lots provide quick and easy access to the main lobby and auditorium entrance.
Accessible parking is located close to the main doors.
Dancer drop-off and audience entrance are on the same level, just steps apart.
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Yes, this year’s recital will take place in Indiana—at the beautiful Ogle Center. Here’s why this space is the perfect fit for our Thrive community:
Easy to reach — just a quick 25-minute drive from Thrive School of Dance
Ample seating so every family can celebrate comfortably
Free, plentiful parking right outside the venue
Convenient layout — dancer drop-off and the auditorium entrance are on the same floor, only steps apart
Spacious lobby that is clean, professional, and easy to navigate
Second-floor lounge area with tables, desks, couches, and WiFi — ideal for families with multiple dancers or long recital days
Professional staff and ushers who make the experience smooth and welcoming for everyone
Volunteers
Our recital weekend is a big production, and we couldn’t do it without the help of our amazing Thrive families. Volunteering is a wonderful way to be part of the magic and ensure every dancer has a safe, smooth, and joyful experience.
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Student Check-In Champion: Love process, checking off items on a list and getting people where they need to go? Help man the entry to backstage and make sure all students get checked in and handed off to their Tiny Human Class Manager.
Tiny Human Class Manager: We'll have over 100 dancers backstage at each of our shows and we could not manage the traffic flow without our amazing Tiny Human Mangers! Each volunteer will be assigned to watch and help a group of no more than 12 dancers between the ages of 3 and 9.
Pre-Teen Class Manager: This is a special role that is best filled by a volunteer who has experience helping with hair and makeup, and who's not afraid to lay down the law to help keep our pre-teen dancers on task and ready to perform.
Manager of First Impressions: Love interacting with people and having an impact on their experience? We'd love for you to greet and direct people (students and audience members) as they enter the venue.
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Clear instructions and training provided before recital day.
A Thrive staff point person to support volunteers during each shift.
A chance to be part of the team that makes recital possible for our dancers (and see some of the magic that happens backstage!)
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Volunteer sign-ups will be available online in March 2026. Families can choose shifts that work best with their dancer’s show schedule.
We’re so grateful for the many hands and hearts that come together to bring recital to life.
Recital Sponsorship
Each spring, Thrive’s annual recital brings together over 1,000 dancers, families, and community members. Sponsorships help us provide a professional, memorable experience while giving families and businesses meaningful visibility.
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Your sponsorship does more than cover the cost of lights, sound, or programs — it ensures that every Thrive dancer feels the joy of stepping on stage, fully supported by their community.
When you partner with us, you’re:
Investing in the arts and helping children grow in confidence, creativity, and discipline.
Supporting families by keeping recital experiences accessible and meaningful.
Connecting your name or business with a loyal, engaged community that values local partnerships.
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Adopt-an-Item – Support specific recital needs like costumes, programs, or backstage hospitality.
Tiered Sponsorships – Choose from multiple levels with benefits ranging from social media features to on-site logo placement.
Event Sponsorships – Partner with Thrive to underwrite key pieces of recital weekend, like t-shirts, signage, or professional media.
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Choose Your Level – From shout-outs to principal sponsorships, there’s an option for every budget.
Submit Materials – Ads, logos, or messages are collected in spring for programs and displays.
Celebrate at Recital Weekend – Enjoy recognition across all shows and be part of the magic.
FAQs
When will we know the exact date and time for dress rehearsal and recital?
We release the exact dates and time assignments for both recital and dress rehearsal in early February. By this time, we have stopped enrolling new students and have all the availability from our staff to finalize the assignments.
How do I do my dancer's hair?
A good rule of thumb is to make sure your child's hair is out of his or her face so they'll be able to see on stage. We would LOVE if their hair could be in a ballet bun. We will release a detailed guide to recital hair in the spring.
What if we can’t or don’t wish to participate in the recital?
If you do not wish to participate or are unable to this year, please opt-out by emailing us at hello@thriveschoolofdance.com and we’ll make that note on your account. The earlier you let us know this the better!
What is the recital process timeline?
We begin the recital process in October by measuring our dancers. Recital and costume fees are due in December. We order costumes before the holidays to ensure they arrive in time for the show (yes, they do take that long). Dancers begin learning their recital dances in January/February. You’ll receive your costume in April, then our show is the first weekend in June.
Will there be photo and video opportunities?
We will have professional photography and videography available for purchase during recital season. Each dancer will get a professional posed portrait and you’ll have the option of purchasing prints or downloads. Our staff photographer (and alum) will be capturing action shots during the show and backstage. You are welcome to take your own photos and videos during dress rehearsal, but we ask that you do not during the performance.
Where do I buy tights?
You can get tights locally at Kinney Dancewear (we've talked with them, so they know exactly what color and type of tights we'd like) or you can get them online. One of our favorite online dance retailers is Discount Dance.
If I have a question on dress rehearsal or recital day, who should I ask?
Find a staff member with "The Fam" on the back of their shirt. The quickest way to reach us is by texting or calling 502-325-3818, or emailing hello@thriveschoolofdance.com.