Christmas dance recital themes can be practically anything your studio can dream up. From the classic to the contemporary, there are loads of options available for any dance establishment that is looking to showcase their students in classy holiday style.
What to Look For in Christmas Dance Recital Themes
Recital themes are so diverse, often influenced not only by the head of the dance studio's preferences, but also by region, local culture, demographic of dancers, and many other pieces of pertinent information that are unique to each studio. When it's time for a holiday dance recital, the diversity broadens. Many dance schools choose to have a Christmas theme that is mainstream and applicable to those both religious and more secular in their lifestyles. From the three wise men to Santa Claus, there are plenty of cultural icons that can make a Christmas dance recital fun. However, most groups decide to narrow down the theme a bit - something that makes them more individual and notable as a dance establishment. Choosing a theme that will help you stand out in the crowd can be a lot of fun for your dancers, while also keeping your studio fresh in people's minds if they ever hope to enroll in classes themselves.
City Lights
If your studio is in the middle of a metropolitan area (or even if it isn't), "City Lights" is a great theme for Christmastime. Think of New York City during the holidays with Rockefeller Center, the Radio City Rockettes, etc. and let your imagination run wild. Design a cityscape decked out with a huge Christmas tree and snow frosted windows. All of the songs within the recital can be either about the holidays or city life.
The Christmas Song
Open up your show with an eye-catching and impressive number. For example, set the dance to The Christmas Song Holiday Remix by Christina Aguilera. This will set the theme for the rest of your dances, which will all be to Christmas music - remixed. Try Michael Buble for "Let It Snow" rather than going with something more vintage. Throw in some Trans Siberian Orchestra for your modern dance class, and continue rolling on with this theme until you have a remixed Christmas song for every level and discipline.
Step Into Christmas
Again, use Christmas songs, but also work in some legends that deserve to be remembered during the holidays - Michael Jackson, Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash - the list is endless. Mixing up holiday classics with just classic songs in general is a great way to keep your audience engaged during the entire recital, especially since most studio performances run well over the acceptable two hour mark.
Snow "Ball"
Transform your performance venue into a formal winter ball, complete with the invitation for your audience members to come dressed in semi formal or full out formal attire. Theme all of your dances after Broadway shows or classic movies that feature formal scenes - ballroom dancing, princess themed songs and dances, etc. Have your dancers vote on their favorite songs so that you can give each group of dancers a number that is relevant and fun for each age group.
After you have selected your Christmas dance recital theme(s), be sure to save a lot of time for advertising. Theme picking should begin over the summer so you have plenty of leeway with getting the word out to students and parents. Christmas is a very busy time for many families, and the further in advance they know about the recital, plus any pertinent information such as a theme to help "sell" it to their loved ones, the better.
