Location: APA Oak Creek Studio – 9160 S. Pennsylvania Ave. Oak Creek
Dates: June 16-18th
Rehearsal Times: Listed below on the Showcase Costume Index (next to dancers show time)
→Oak Creek Spring 2026 Showcase Rehearsal/Show Times
→Franklin Spring 2026 Showcase Rehearsal/Show Time
Schedule & Expectations
- No regular classes starting Tuesday, June 16th.
- Monday, June 15th will have normal classes to make up for Memorial Day closure.
- Arrival: Dancers should arrive 15 minutes before their scheduled rehearsal time in full costume with hair and makeup done. Please note: This time will be different from your dancer’s regular class schedule, as we need to coordinate with the photographer and accommodate all classes in one location.
- Bring all costume pieces and correct shoes to ensure proper fit.
- Rehearsal Process:
- Dancers will run through their routine multiple times.
- Immediately after, they will have their professional photos taken in another studio. These photo proofs will be emailed out to parents within 2 weeks if anyone is wanting to purchase.
- The full process will take approximately 25-35 minutes from their scheduled start time.
Please note: This is a closed dress rehearsal. To help keep the building clear and ensure a smooth flow, parents will not be allowed inside during rehearsals and pictures. While we love welcoming our families into the building, too much foot traffic can overwhelm our younger students and create unnecessary distractions. We’ve found that having parents wait outside is the best way to support a calm and organized environment for everyone.
Missed Rehearsals?
- If a student misses their scheduled rehearsal, they may still attend June 16-18 from 4:00-7:00 PM to have their individual photo taken.
Parent Guidelines
- Rehearsals are closed to free up space in the lobby.
- Parents may enter the building only when assisting with costume changes.
- Staff will direct parents to the designated pick-up area upon arrival.
If you have any questions, please reach out. Thank you for your cooperation.
Costumes/Music Selection: Our teachers select the music and costumes for each class. For the Spring Showcase, music and costume choices must be approved by the studio director to ensure they are age-appropriate. Spring costumes are the same as winter costumes.
– Franklin Costumes
– Oak Creek Costumes
Costume Measuring: To save time, students are measured during one of their first classes. If a dancer is absent, we ensure they are measured when they return. New students who enroll after measuring dates will be measured separately. Costumes are ordered with room for growth.
Costume Fees: (Plus Tax)
Gr. 1st & younger: $70/class
Gr. 2nd-5th: $78/class
Gr. 5 & up: $83/class
Costumes are ordered in the fall and used for both the Fall and Spring Showcases. A separate costume fee applies for each class your dancer participates in, as listed above.
For Ages 3-4 and Grades K-1st Ballet/Tap classes, dancers will perform two routines in the same show using the same costume.
Costume Ordering Deadlines: February 15th
Orders placed after February 15th will incur a $10 individual shipping fee, if the costume is still available and can arrive on time.
Some costumes are in stock, while special orders may take 2-3 months to arrive. Students will be measured by front desk staff. Payment is required before ordering. *New students have one week from their first class to decide without a shipping fee.
Shoes & Accessories: Each class requires matching shoes. A free pair of tights and a hairpiece will be provided with each costume.
Showcase Required Shoes: *all shoes must be purchased from APA or approved to wear by the teacher
Ballet – Leather Pink Ballet Slippers (Target does not sell these!)
Jazz & Poms– Tan Jazz Shoes
Hip Hop – Age 3-4 any solid white tennis shoes (provide on your own). Grades K-5th – silver sparkly tennis shoes purchased at APA. Grades 5th-up – white canvas shoes purchased at APA. Boys: purchase any type of black tennis shoes.
Tap – Tan Tap shoes
Contemporary – Ask the teacher (foot thongs, barefoot or jazz shoes)
*Grades 2nd-8th Combo classes, please ask your teacher.
Costume Delivery: Costumes will be handed out in class as they arrive. Some may not be available until mid-May. Consistent class attendance is important to ensure students receive their costumes.
Please check your May/June newsletter on how to sign up to volunteer backstage.
On Sale Ticket Dates:
May 11th
Tickets will be available HERE!
Ticket Prices:
Standard $11.00 ![]()
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Pre-Order Merch Items:
Make Their Day Extra Special!
Looking to pre-order flowers, slideshow messages, recital t-shirts or APA Merch to surprise your child with on their performance day? Click HERE to order! Items can be picked up from our concession table before and after each show!
See a preview of the Spring Show Dancemallow that will be available for purchase!!:



Q1: Does my dancer have to drop out of class if they choose not to participate in the recitals?
A1: No, participation in recitals is optional. Regular classes will continue as usual, with recital routines practiced at the end of class. Your dancer will still learn and refine the routine alongside their classmates. Many students enjoy learning the choreography even if they cannot attend the showcase due to scheduling conflicts.
Q2: Will live-streaming be available for purchase for family members who cannot attend in person?
A2: No, we will not be live-streaming this event. However, all recreational performances will be provided as digital copies for families to view and share. This option is only for our spring recital.
Q3: What if we have to leave immediately after our student performs?
A3: Yes, students are permitted to leave after their performance.
For safety purposes, a parent must check in with a backstage parent volunteer before removing their child. Volunteers are stationed at the main classroom doors for both the Little Kid Room and the Older Kid Room.
If you plan to leave early, please return to the same backstage drop-off area where you brought your student. From there, walk down the hallway to the end where the Little Kid and Older Kid classrooms are located. Staff members will be stationed in the hallway and can direct you to the appropriate area.
Our Spring Showcase will be held at the Oak Creek Performing Arts & Education Center (OCPAEC) located at 340 E Puetz Rd, Oak Creek, WI 53154.
Recreational Classes Recital Date: Saturday, June 20th, 2026
We will have 4 shows on Saturday, June 20th at 9:00am, 11:45am, 2:30pm & 5:15pm
Competitive Team Recital Dates: Friday, June 19th, 2026 – 6pm Show
To see your student’s schedule, view the linked document(s) below, by class location for your child’s class time and teacher. From there, you can find their picture/rehearsal time and performance schedule.
A few key points to remember:
- Each class is assigned a specific performance time.
- Shows last about 1 hour and 45 minutes with a short intermission.
- Young dancers (4 and under) can leave at intermission if needed.
- Students stay backstage for the entire show with parent volunteers.
- No costumes allowed in the auditorium to prevent glitter/sequins residue.
- Rehearsals and performances start on time—late arrivals won’t be accommodated.
→Oak Creek Spring 2026 Showcase Rehearsal/Show Times
→Franklin Spring 2026 Showcase Rehearsal/Show Time
→Competitive Teams Spring 2026 Showcase Times
→Show Performance Order
Arrival Time
Students should arrive 30 minutes prior to their scheduled show time.
Important: Dancers are not allowed to enter or sit in the auditorium while in costume. The OCPAEC strictly enforces this policy to prevent glitter or sequins from being left behind.
Drop-Off Door
Please drop off dancers at the back entrance of the Performing Arts Center (not the main high school entrance).
Dancers will go straight backstage from this entrance.
An APA staff member will be present to direct families.
Only one adult may enter with their dancer to help them get ready. All other family members should proceed directly to the main lobby.






Backstage During Recitals
Dancers remain backstage with parent volunteers throughout the recital.
If a parent is needed, an announcement will be made in the auditorium.
Backstage Guidelines
Do not send jackets, boots, or street shoes backstage. Parents should take these items to their seats.
Students should arrive in full costume and dance shoes.
Please label shoes and costumes to avoid mix-ups.
If your dancer has multiple routines, pack costumes, shoes, and accessories in a labeled bag so items stay together.
Backstage volunteers will assist with quick changes when needed.
Dancer Pick-Up After the Show
Grades 6th & younger: Pick-up is backstage at the same drop-off location. To reduce congestion, only one adult may go backstage for pick-up. Our staff will direct you.
Grades 6th–Teen classes: Pick-up will be in the west corner of the lobby.
Showcase Required Shoes: *all shoes must be purchased from APA or approved to wear by the teacher
Ballet – Leather Pink Ballet Slippers (Target does not sell these!)
Jazz & Poms– Tan Jazz Shoes
Hip Hop – Age 3-4 any solid white tennis shoes (provide on your own).
Grades K-4th – black sparkly tennis shoes purchased at APA.
Grades 4th-up – white canvas shoes purchased at APA.
Boys: purchase any type of black tennis shoes.
Tap – Tan Tap shoes
Contemporary – Foot Shield
*Grades 2nd-8th Combo classes, please ask your teacher.
We have shoes and extra tights available for sale at the studio, but you are not required to buy them from us.
Showcase Performance Hair:
-All Recreational Classes: High, curled ponytail
-Team Students: Required team hair.
Check your newsletter or check with your team coach if you are unsure what the required style is. Video tutorials are available on the team page.



Curled Ponytail Examples
Make-Up:
Make-up is optional for students in recreational classes. If you’re comfortable with your student wearing make-up on stage, we encourage applying a little lipstick, blush, and eyeshadow to help prevent them from looking washed out under the bright stage lights and to enhance their expressions. However, we completely understand if you prefer not to have your younger student wear make-up.
Competitive Team Students – are required to wear their performance makeup on stage.
Photos:
School & Sports Pictures will be at our Dress Rehearsals. You will be emailed a proof 2-3 weeks after your student’s rehearsal to see if you would like to purchase anything.
Feel free to take any photos during the show WITHOUT your flash-on as this can be distracting to students.
Digital Video of Performances:
Everyone will be emailed a digital copy of each APA Showcase approximately 1 month after the performance FREE of charge! Please remember that this will not be a zoomed-in image on your child and will showcase all dancers on stage. Families are also welcome to videotape the performances as well as long as you are not in the way of another family.
Will be available the week of the recital for parents to view.
