Why I volunteer?
Three years ago, I was asked to volunteer during one of the three recital performances. Not sure what I was getting into, I tentatively agreed. Today, I’m one of the first people to sign up for the volunteer list. In fact, if I only had one night available, I would probably pick volunteering back stage over seeing the performance.
Here’s why:
Watching the recital from the front of the stage is spectacular! You are able to see how all of the performers come together, their bright smiles and at times their tentative steps. But there is so much more to the story of the performance: a story that can only be gleamed from backstage.
When you volunteer, you get an insider view of the energy of the dancers. You are able to see their anticipation, hear their eager chatter as they wait, and celebrate their love of dance.
During the evening, I am able to get a glimpse on how the magic of the performance comes together. This includes the hustle and bustle of getting dancers ready for a quick change to the nervous energy as they wait for that call on stage.
If I didn’t volunteer, I would have missed:
· Seeing how a class came together to help calm one of their dancer’s nervousness
· The role models the older dancers have become as they guide the dancers towards the stage
· the delight that a four year has as they leave kiss marks on a piece of paper
· being able to hug your child both immediately before and after their dance
· how all of the hard work beautifully comes together
The team of volunteers all work together to ensure that each dancer is confident and ready to get on stage. From double checking their head band is secure to ensuring they have on the right pair of shoes. Yes, there are moments where we gently suggest a quieter activity or give a kind word to a child that is worried. But in all, this is the experience that makes it all happen.
As an added bonus, volunteers are able to support their child and classmates before, during and after the performance. It is wonderful to see your child on the stage. I love the beauty of the entire performance, but the true magic happens back stage.
Volunteering allows you to be an integral part of your child’s recital experience. I encourage you to share the joy of dancing with your child and sign up to volunteer.
Three years ago, I was asked to volunteer during one of the three recital performances. Not sure what I was getting into, I tentatively agreed. Today, I’m one of the first people to sign up for the volunteer list. In fact, if I only had one night available, I would probably pick volunteering back stage over seeing the performance.
Here’s why:
Watching the recital from the front of the stage is spectacular! You are able to see how all of the performers come together, their bright smiles and at times their tentative steps. But there is so much more to the story of the performance: a story that can only be gleamed from backstage.
When you volunteer, you get an insider view of the energy of the dancers. You are able to see their anticipation, hear their eager chatter as they wait, and celebrate their love of dance.
During the evening, I am able to get a glimpse on how the magic of the performance comes together. This includes the hustle and bustle of getting dancers ready for a quick change to the nervous energy as they wait for that call on stage.
If I didn’t volunteer, I would have missed:
· Seeing how a class came together to help calm one of their dancer’s nervousness
· The role models the older dancers have become as they guide the dancers towards the stage
· the delight that a four year has as they leave kiss marks on a piece of paper
· being able to hug your child both immediately before and after their dance
· how all of the hard work beautifully comes together
The team of volunteers all work together to ensure that each dancer is confident and ready to get on stage. From double checking their head band is secure to ensuring they have on the right pair of shoes. Yes, there are moments where we gently suggest a quieter activity or give a kind word to a child that is worried. But in all, this is the experience that makes it all happen.
As an added bonus, volunteers are able to support their child and classmates before, during and after the performance. It is wonderful to see your child on the stage. I love the beauty of the entire performance, but the true magic happens back stage.
Volunteering allows you to be an integral part of your child’s recital experience. I encourage you to share the joy of dancing with your child and sign up to volunteer.