2025 TCSD Recital
The Art of Dance
Saturday, May 31, 2025
2 Shows | 1:00 & 3:30 p.m.
ISU Braden Auditorium
Experience the passion and storytelling of movement with TCSD
at The Art of Dance – where every routine turns into masterpiece!
This year’s annual Twin Cities School of Dance (TCSD) recital will again be an all-school event at ISU’s Braden Auditorium,
featuring all recreational classes (except for technique-only classes) and
Twin Cities Ballet Company, Competition Team, and Ascension Dance Company groups.
| LOCATION | | ISU PARKING |
| PERFORMANCES & REHEARSALS |
| BACKSTAGE | *new | DROP-OFF/PICK-UP | *new
| ATTIRE/HAIR & MAKE-UP | | TICKETS |
| FLOWERS | PICTURES/FILMING/VIDEOS |
| APPAREL || COSTUME WEEK |
*Updated 5/28/2025
Where will the 2025 TCSD Recital be held?
- Braden Auditorium inside the Bone Student Center @ Illinois State University (100 N University St, Normal).
Where is the best place to park at ISU during recital week?
- The Bone Student Center pay parking lot (located on the north side of the student center) will be under construction.
- There are several other lots that are close and will be free for our guests.
- See the ISU's Bone Student Center Parking Update for parking options.
- ***UPDATE: ISU will not charge a fee for using the North University Street Parking Garage.
PERFORMANCES & REHEARSALS |
When are recital performances?
Performances
@ ISU Braden
|
Show
Times
|
Show
Arrival Times
|
Saturday,
May 31
|
1:00 p.m.
|
12:30 p.m. (All dancers)
|
3:30 p.m.
|
3:00 p.m. (All dancers)
|
How do I know which performances include my dancers?
- Show 1 at 1:00 p.m. includes all Ballet companies and Ballet classes.
- Show 2 at 3:30 p.m. includes all other recreational classes, plus all the Competition Teams and Ascension Dance Company (ADC).
When are recital rehearsals?
Rehearsals
@ ISU Braden
|
Dancers
|
Rehearsal
Arrival Times *updated
|
Wednesday,
May 28 p.m.
|
Only Ballet Dancers in
the 1:00 p.m. Show 1
|
4:30 p.m. (All Ballet Dancers)
|
Thursday,
May 29 p.m.
|
All Dancers in
the 3:30 p.m. Show 2
|
Varies by Routine
See Show 2 Line-up (in email) *sent 5/21
|
Saturday,
May 31 a.m.
|
All Dancers
|
8:30 a.m. (all Ballet Dancers)
9:45 a.m. (for routines in 3:30 p.m. Show 2)
|
Is there a list of routines and rehearsal times for the dancers?
- Watch for the “2025 Recital Show Line-ups” by email only. *updates sent 5/26
On Saturday (5/31), will dancers need to leave Braden Auditorium in between morning Rehearsals and afternoon Performances?
- Yes, ISU requires all non-staff members to leave backstage during non-scheduled rehearsal/performance times per safety/contractual committments.
- Due to the short time between rehearsals and call times for the 1:00 p.m. show, dancers may stay onsite and eat in the loading dock area until time to go backstage again.
Are parents allowed to watch rehearsals?
- No, Braden Auditorium will be closed during rehearsals.
Are parents allowed backstage during rehearsals or shows?
- Again, this year, backstage capacity will be primarily for dancers. We ask that only one (1) adult per dancer be in the dressing rooms during rehearsals and performances, only if needed for younger dancers.
- Parent volunteers will be available in each dressing room to assist all dancers. (Please contact us at [email protected] if interested in volunteering.)
What should dancers take backstage with them at Braden?
- Their costumes.
- A small bag for shoes and accessories. (No large dance bags, please.)
Is food and beverage allowed backstage?
- Yes, water only and non-messy snacks will be allowed in the dressing rooms.
Where should dancers be dropped-off for rehearsals and performances?
- The stage door at the loading dock (near corner of University & College).
- Parking in the loading dock by non-staff is strictly prohibited.
- *Note: The Bone Student Center Lot is under construction and closed, so plan ahead if you need to park to drop-off. (See ISU PARKING section for more details.)
Is pick up after rehearsals and performances in the same location?
- Yes, parents should pick-up their younger dancers in the loading dock immediately after rehearsals and performances. (approx. 75 minutes after the start of rehearsals/performances)
- If parents want to pick up their younger dancers when they are done but before the end of a rehearsal/performance, please notify TCSD staff during drop off at the security/check-in table inside the loading dock.
Should dancers be dressed and ready when they arrive at Braden?
- Hair and make up should be done and “stage ready” upon arrival.
- Dressing rooms will be assigned to groups of dancers for costume and shoe changes, bathroom breaks, and waiting time between routines and/or performances.
What should dancers wear to rehearsals and performances?
- Dancers should wear their costumes to all rehearsals and performances.
- Nudies are also encouraged for discretion in the dressing rooms during costume changes.
What shoes should dancers wear?
- Dancers should wear the shoes they normally wear to class for each routine.
Should dancers wear make-up to Braden?
- Yes, dancers should be "stage ready" with make-up (and hair) done upon arrival.
How should dancers wear their hair?
Unless otherwise instructed by your Company director or class teacher, please see the following hair instructions for each rehearsal and show. (*Reminder: dancers should be "stage ready" with make-up and hair done upon arrival for all rehearsals and shows.)
- Rehearsals/Show 1: Ballet Company dancers should plan to wear their hair in a tight ballet bun, positioned in the middle of the back of the head.
- Rehearsals/Show 2: All dancers should wear their hair with a middle-part/low-ponytail.
When do tickets go on sale?
- Recital tickets will go on sale Wednesday, April 30, at 8:00 a.m.
How do I buy tickets for the recital?
- Purchase tickets in-person at the Braden Box Office (check building hours online).
- The box office is located at The Welcome Desk on the east side of the first floor concourse of the ISU Bone Student Center.
- The box office no longer permits ticket sales over the phone and accepts credit and/or debit cards only.
- Tickets can also be purchased online via Ticketmaster (with additional fees).
What are the details for the tickets?
- Tickets are $18 per ticket per show (plus a $4.00 ISU facility fee for each ticket).
- Children 2 and under are free (when sitting on a lap).
- There are two (2) separate shows, requiring 2 separate tickets. (ISU staff will clear the auditorium in-between shows.)
- Audience seating will be by seat assignment made at time of purchase. (not general admission)
How do I know which shows to buy tickets for to see my dancers?
- Show 1 is at 1:00 p.m. and includes all Ballet companies and Ballet classes.
- Show 2 is at 3:30 p.m. and includes all other recreational classes, plus all the Competition Teams and Ascension Dance Company (ADC).
Note: Use the above show descriptions to help determine your ticket needs (for one or both shows). The 2025 Recital Line-up this year is coming soon and will still help you understand what order your dancers will perform in each of the 2 shows and what time to arrive for rehearsals before the shows.
Do I need a ticket for my dancer if they are done and want to watch the rest of their show from the auditorium or watch the other show?
- Yes, tickets are required for anyone to enter the auditorium.
Will there be an option to purchase flower bouquets for recital dancers?
Will Recital pictures be taken this year?
- Yes, pictures will be taken during rehearsals by our professional photographer, Running N Heels Photography, and will be available for sale through a secured gallery after the shows.
- More details on viewing and ordering will be shared after the recital.
Will personal filming during performance be allowed in Braden?
- No, personal filming or flash photography will not be allowed during performances.
Will videos of the performances be available after recital?
- Yes, this year’s recital performances will again be filmed by our professional videographer with WolfHaven Video Productions.
- The cost of the video is now included in your yearly fees, so no additional purchase is necessary.
- Video links to both Saturday recital shows will be sent by email after recital. (DVD options are no longer available.)
We are excited to partner with another local business to offer spring apparel for our upcoming recital!
- Orders are due May 16 (and will be ready the week of May 23).
- Please place your order using the link below.
- If you select “PICKUP” at checkout, your order will be brought to the studio when ready for pick-up.
ttps://www.thedreamersclubshop.com/shop/twin-cities-school-of-dance/Z37FNK34OHSIK2U5TONVSTSU
Thank you for your continued support!

This year’s Recital Costume Week will begin tonight, Monday, May 12, and run through Saturday, May 17, where all dancers will try on their costumes in-studio so our teachers and staff can confirm fittings and accessories!
- Dancers will try on costumes during each scheduled recital classes.
- One (1) adult per dancer is invited to come into the studio at the beginning of these classes to help their dancers and to take costumes home after fittings.
- Dancers are encouraged to wear nudies for changing discretion, since there are limited bathrooms and private spaces in-studio.
- If costumes need adjustments, we will have in-studio support each night to assist.
More 2025 TCSD Recital details coming soon...
*TCSD Dance Families: Check out the 2024 Recital page for a preview/reminder
of all the info you need to know for our annual recital!
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