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Hi,
Is there any ettiquette (too many tttt'sss : )for the order of performances as in - Who opens/ends the show?
Is there any ettiquette (too many tttt'sss : )for the order of performances as in - Who opens/ends the show?
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South Africa
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Re: student show performance order
Thu, November 5, 2009 - 5:12 AMAlison I"m not sure what kind of show you have, just YOUR students, or any students? Or do you just mean like a regular hafla/show with assorted dancers? If costume changing is not an issue you can do any order you want to, there's no etiquette about it really.
You can think about the pace of the show, having a contrast of slow and fast numbers; or mixing up the levels and styles. On the other hand, you could group them together in segments.
It's nice to start with an upbeat number, someone who knows how to engage the crowd. And the 'best' doesn't always have to be last either, but I wouldn't put a total newbie last :-) not only is waiting hard for them, but it's nice to end on a high note, with a more experienced performer. I try to get the beginners on early so they don't have to wait long.
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Re: student show performance order
Thu, November 5, 2009 - 7:20 AMI agree with Anthea. I put together alot of showcase nights (about 5 a year plus a big festival).
When making the lineup, I try to take a couple things into account... Yes, newbies should be put out of the waiting misery quickly! They come away for the night feeling better if they get to relax and enjoy most of the evening.
First person on should be a high-energy engager for the crowd.
Vary the tempo, styles (if you have more than 1) and props for interest.
Yes, I do try to show respect for our most esteemed dancers by putting them on last. Although all ours here are gracious enough to be happy placed anywhere in the lineup, it's important to me to convey to the audence (who may not know them) that they are really something special!
Mahin
www.shes-got-hips.com
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Re: student show performance order
Thu, November 5, 2009 - 9:28 AMSomething we have found with our Haflas over the past years....
Seba teaches multiple levels, Usually Level 1 being the largest. Its very common for the level 1 students to have never performed before and to have family/friends come to watch them. Level 2 is similar but often much smaller. Usually we split the show into two halfs. With level1 and 2 both in the first half interspersed with guest dancers. Then the Student troupe and other guest dancers finishing with the Host Troupe/Teahcer in the 2nd half.
We often lose many member of the audience after the first half... at first that bothered me but then I realized that they really were only there to see their friend/daughter/sister/girlfriend etc dance. It actually makes the experience more comfortable for them not to wait. No problem.... just an interesting difference between a student showcase and a festival show. -
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Re: student show performance order
Thu, November 5, 2009 - 9:49 AMThank you!
We have a haflaish show wich includes performances by all our students and 2 guest dancer numbers - friends and family are invited and there are breaks between performances for costume changes, dinner etc. Last year we only had 9 performances which made it easy to space them out with regard to tempo etc.
This year we have 19 performances with some dancers performing in several numbers with crazy costume changes. I dont want to have too many breaks as that will make the evening too long so Im trying to group the performances into 20 minute sets so everyone gets to perform in each set and theres still enough time for changes. -
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Re: student show performance order
Fri, November 6, 2009 - 9:49 AMWe used to have a rule that performers could be in no more than 2 numbers, just so our organizer could manage scheduling - now we let folks perform in as many groups as they want, but if the schedule is too close for their costume change or they have a ridiculously complicated, time consuming costume issue- tough, they will have to step out. It is enough of a nightmare for a scheduler with a big show to worry about who needs an extra 10 minutes to change. As a result, we have had folks occasionally step out of a group number, and we have also facilitated a 45 second costume change between numbers- we timed it, it CAN be done!
another thing we are willing to consider (especially for folks performing in only one number!) is allowing folks with special needs to go first- children under 12, nursing mothers, dancers with health issues are generrally put at the beginning of the line up so they don't have to spend 2 hours in costume.
&, as organizer, I would reserve the right to put my strongest dancers at the end of each set- so right before intermission, coming back from intermission and closing the show, you want your strongest numbers. period. If it's your show, you do get to decide!
a couple other considerations- 19 numbers does make for a long show- in the end, people do what you lead them to expect to do. If you want a reasonable length show, you do need time limits, and people need to know that if they are not ready to go when they get their cue, they will not go on. Seems harsh, but the audience is generally happier with a shorter show, and if performers know before hand that that is the case, they have no one to blame but themselves! We do a lot at our shows to help it run smoothly- we're happy to have extra pins, water, etc backstage & help folks get ready, and we know weird things can happen & we try to help, but performers have to be motivated to make the show work too.
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Re: student show performance order
Sat, November 7, 2009 - 7:26 AMummm, that is too many? lol
Guess it's too late for you to change it now, but the show's going to be an endurance event for the audience! Maybe in future you could plan for a lower-level hafla, and a showcase for the more expienced performers - sounds like you have no dearth of performers!
And I agree, planning costume changes is a b****! Really have to cut down on who does what dance to make costume changing easier. -
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Re: student show performance order
Sat, November 7, 2009 - 8:05 AMI probably sound daft - but I only realised it was so long when I sat down to make the programme! Long shows are not my favorite!
Thanks for all the help! : ))
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Re: student show performance order
Sat, November 7, 2009 - 5:52 PMI host both formal and informal shows here. For the informal small shows, we just do the luck of the draw or the who wants to go first. My larger shows with bigger audience - I do put a stronger act as the first and last. I do agree to put the newbies in the 2-4 slot but not the opening as that is scary too...and a larger show needs something strong to pick up the energy and get the crowd warmed up. When I mention stronger....that could be a professional or troupe performance or just the more experienced class/student but someone who will not be scared or taken back if the crowd is not clapping right off.
Just a thought.....the wrap up is usually a guest or sponsor but not always.
Have fun!
