Welcome to the Weehawken Dance Parents Hub — your one-stop place for schedules, show info, dress codes, and contact details.

Contact Us: 
questions@weehawkenarts.org
970-318-0150

When you call, please leave a message so we can call you back! We don’t hold regular office hours — we’re usually in the studio dancing!

We do most of our correspondence with you by email.

Please add the following information to your contacts:

    • For questions that are not urgent, email is preferred and we check our email regularly. If we’re teaching, we won’t be able to answer the phone — please leave a message, and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible. Natasha will not answer the phone if it’s a number she doesn’t recognize so leave a message or text her and she will get back to you as soon as she is available.

If you need to get in contact with your dancer’s teacher, please use their Weehawken email:

Teacher Bios

Parents Visitation Week, 4/20 - 4/24

All About Pointe

WEEHAWKEN DANCE PRESENTS ALICE IN WONDERLAND, MAY 2024

  • What Does "On Pointe" Mean? Being “on pointe” refers to a dancer performing on the tips of the toes while wearing pointe shoes. Once a student is fitted and approved for pointe shoes, they are considered “on pointe,” regardless of formal experience.
  • Pre-Pointe classes, taken in ballet flats, focus on building the strength, flexibility, and technique required for safe pointe work. These classes are typically completed before transitioning to pointe shoes.
  • Pointe classes are conducted in pointe shoes and require additional ballet training. Once students begin pointe work, they must attend two ballet technique classes per week in addition to their pointe class.
  • Pre-Pointe/Pointe Classes: Many classes on the schedule are labeled Pre-Pointe/Pointe. These classes are designed to prepare students for pointe shoes by focusing on strength, flexibility, foot preparation, and overall readiness for pointe work. Some students in these classes will be working in ballet flats, while others may have just transitioned into pointe shoes. The class supports both groups as they progress in their training.
  • Placement & Approval: Some students may begin pre-pointe or pointe work as early as Level III (depending on their physical readiness and instructor approval). Under no circumstances may a student wear pointe shoes or participate in a pointe class without prior approval from an authorized instructor — pointe work demands proper preparation for safety and alignment.
  • Once students have their pointe shoes, they must participate in at least 2 ballet technique classes per week in addition to pointe classes. Pointe can be very dangerous to students not maintaining proper technique, strength, and coordination. No exceptions. Students not maintaining proper conditioning or missing too many classes will be asked to not participate in pointe class. It’s up to you to show up to class ready to dance and to continue to recondition at home. If you are injured, you need to take a break from pointe.
  • Students not dancing the previous semester (or in summer) will not be allowed to participate in the pointe section of class at the beginning of the semester. After 1 month the teacher will evaluate whether or not the student is ready to return to pointe class.

Need Pointe Shoes? Know Before You Go

  • Schedule a fitting appointment — expect this to take at least one hour.
  • Wear a fitted leotard and convertible tights (we recommend purchasing a pair ahead of time if you don’t already own them).
  • Trim toenails and ensure clean, well-prepared feet.
  • Pointe shoe fittings should be done by an experienced fitter. Regardless of where a dancer is fitted, all pointe shoes must be checked and approved by a Weehawken pointe instructor before being sewn and worn in class.
  • Most dance stores cannot accept returns once pointe shoes have been sewn or worn. Because of this, dancers should bring their new shoes to class and let their teacher know ahead of time so we can take a few minutes to check the fit before ribbons and elastics are sewn.

Recommended Brands & Fitting Tips:

  • Nikolay (Grishko) 2007 or ProFlex
  • Virtisse Apogee (comparable to Grishko 2007)
  • Bloch models

Fitting Locations

It’s best to visit a well-stocked store where you can be professionally fitted. Here are a few options in Colorado and Utah:

Here are some options:


Denver Area

Salt Lake Area

  • Pat’s Dancewear
    • 105 S. Main Street
    • Bountiful, UT 84010
    • (801) 292-7287

Grand Junction

Additional Equipment You’ll Need

  • Padding:
    • Padding: Ouch Pouch (or similar), minimal thick so you still feel the floor
    • Toes spacers (only if necessary)
    • Gummies or other tiny padding for blisters or other uncomfortable spots
  • Ribbons: Preferred style is tendonitis ribbons with elastic back, though plain ribbons are acceptable
  • Elastic: Thick or thin according to your fit
  • Other things to have:
    • Toe nail clippers and nail file
    • toe tape
    • stitch kit and tiny scissors

Click to Download

Observing Classes

WEEHAWKEN DANCE PRESENTS THE NUTCRACKER, DECEMBER 2022

Classroom Viewing Options

  • Each semester we will have a parents visitation day where parents with students in levels primary-level 2 may come and observe the last part of class and ask any recital or class work questions. You can find this semester’s dates on the dates to remember page. 
  • At the Montrose Field House and Flex Rec location- Classes may be observed from the TV in the lobby
  • At Black Canyon Gymnastics- you can view aerial classes from balcony. No camera access.

Taking/Posting Pictures and Videos

  • After an absence: If approved by your teacher, you may videotape the last 5 minutes of choreography time the week you return from an absence so you may practice at home. The video may NOT be posted to social media and are solely for the purpose of allowing your child to practice at home. Please check with your teacher before taking video during class.
  • Posting to Social Media for fun: If you would like to take a video and post it to social media, please check with the teacher ahead of time for approval, and please tag Weehawken Dance in the video.
  • #weehawkendance
  • #weehawkencreativearts

Weehawken Dance Presents "The Nutcracker" 2024

Show Information

Cinderella Show Week includes 6 Performances, 3 Full Dress Rehearsals and 4 Split Dress Rehearsals at the Montrose Pavilion.
The buttons below are organized by day of the week, so you’ll want to know your dancer’s performance date and dress rehearsal date. Click the day(s) that match your dancer’s schedule to view call times, arrival instructions, and show-day notes. Performances are split cast. Please review your dancer’s dress rehearsal and performance details in the personalized email from Lexi (lexi@weehawkenarts.org). If you can’t find it, please check your spam/junk folder.

MONDAY, May 4, Dress Rehearsal
TUESDAY, May 5, Dress Rehearsal
WEDNESDAY, May 6, Opening Night Performance
THURSDAY, May 7,  Performance & Dress Rehearsal (Show 2)
FRIDAY, May 8, Performance & Dress Rehearsal (Show 3)
SATURDAY May 9, Perforamance & Dress Rehearsal (Show 4 & 5)
SUNDAY May 10, Performance & Dress Rehearsal (Show 6)
Level 5/6, Leads and Secondaries Information HERE

Class Casting Cheat Sheet--- not sure which show your class performs in? Click here!

About Nudies & Show Tights

Weehawken DOES have CLASSIC PINK TIGHTS AND SHOES, NUDIES, AND “NUDE” FOOTLESS AERIAL TIGHTS AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE.

Nudie Leotards- what are they and why do you need one?

  • Nudie leotards are tan leotards that go on as a base layer for under costumes so dancers are never nude while changing costumes or into street clothes before, after and during the show.
  • Dancers may borrow a nudie leotard to use as a base layer for their costume, BUT these MUST be turned in at costume check in, which means you will be responsible for finding a (private) place to completely change after the performance and bringing clothes to change into.
  • If your dancer is enrolled in level 1 and up (year round) or is enjoying class and you anticipate registering them for dance classes again, we suggest purchasing your nudie leotard. This will keep your arrival to the show and costume check in much more simple as they can change almost anywhere, and can keep their base layer on and take it home. Nudies may be purchased from Weehawken using the link below for $23, and we will pull from our current inventory according to your dancer’s costume size.
  • All nudie leotards will be sent home with dancer’s costumes. If you pay for your nudie, just remember to take it home with you to keep for future performances. If you only plan to borrow, remember to turn it in at costume check in. We will make sure it’s marked on our costume check-in spreadsheet whether or not your dancer paid and is keeping or borrowing.

We will have them at the rehearsals as well as the performances
Best-practice would be to get what you need in advance on our website! 
Do not choose shipping on our 610 website. We will deliver your order to your dancer’s class or rehearsal at the Pavilion.

Ballet Tights

What does it mean If your costume information says your dancer needs classic pink tights or tights that match skin tone?
Classic pink is more of a nude pink that matches ballet slippers, and is the classic ballet look. It also matches more of a fair skinned dancer’s skin tone. However, as the ballet world is evolving, so are our dancewear companies that now offer tights and ballet shoes in more colors so ALL of our dancers may find appropriate dancewear in their appropriate shade.

Here’s an article from Dance Magazine if you are interested to learn more.

For Classic pink tights, order from 610.
We do have classic pink tights & ballet shoes in stock, as well as uniforms for every level.

For Skin tone tights & Ballet shoes we recommend Dancewear Solutions.
Here is a link to dancewear solutions where you can order more colors and styles in ballet shoes and tights. 

Aerial Silks & Lyra Tights

All aerial dancers must wear tight-fitting leg coverings that ensure safety and a clean performance look.

  • Ladies: Wear footless or convertible tights (with the foot exposed) if your costume does not cover the leg to the ankle. Acceptable options include natural-colored footless tights or Classic Pink convertible tights from Revolution Dancewear or an equivalent brand. You can order these from the 610 site.

  • Men / All Genders: May wear fitted dance pants or leggings in solid black, tan, or a color that coordinates with the assigned costume. Pants should be snug at the ankle, free of logos or pockets, and allow full range of aerial movement.

When you order from 610, we will deliver your order to class! No need to ship or show up at the Ridgway store.

Black Fishnet Tights

Black fishnet tights are needed for some dancers. This will be listed in your costume information.

Weehawken sells black fishnet tights with a rhinestone back seam in adult sizes. If your youth dancer is close enough to an adult size, we recommend purchasing them from us — they’re about half the price of the Capezio brand in youth sizes.

ORDER TIGHTS & Nudies FROM 610 (our store) HERE
ORDER SKIN TONE TIGHTS & BALLET SHOES  (for dancers of color) HERE
ORDER YOUR NUDIE FROM 610 (our store) HERE
ORDER Fishnet Tights FROM 610 (our store) HERE- Adult Sizes
ORDER Fishnet Tights FROM Capezio HERE - Youth Sizes

Preparation Tips for Your Costumes Before the Show

Costumes are costly investments, and we strive to recycle them for future use. Please keep the tags intact and remember to check them in after the performance.

WEEHAWKEN DANCE PRESENTS ALICE'S SWEETS, MAY 2024

How to Fluff Your Tutu and Smooth Out Wrinkles Before the Show:

  • Although we've steamed your tutus once, they may need some extra attention upon arrival. When you get home, carefully remove the tutu from its bag and hang it upside down on a hanger. Ensure it has plenty of space and isn't compressed by other clothing; a doorway makes an ideal spot.
  • If you don't have a steamer, you can create a makeshift one by hanging the tutu in the bathroom while you shower. The steam will naturally help release wrinkles and restore its fullness.
  • Remember to place the bag back over the costume when transporting it to keep it safe and pristine until showtime

  • Take a moment to inspect your costumes before showtime. If they're wrinkled, consider ironing them for a polished look. For tutus, give them a gentle fluff to ensure they're voluminous and ready to dazzle.
  • Keep your costumes in a secure location away from your pets to prevent any accidental damage.
  • Organize all additional costume items alongside your outfit for easy access during the show. This may include tights, dance shoes, bobby pins for hairpieces, leggings, or an extra layer, especially if the performance is outdoors.

Things to note/bring to dress rehearsals & performances

WEEHAWKEN DANCE PRESENTS ALICE'S SWEETS, MAY 2024

TO DO:

  • Prepare in Advance: Collect all necessary supplies for rehearsals and performances ahead of time.
  • Order Costume Accessories: If any costume accessories are needed as per the "costume needs" list, ensure they are ordered and delivered before the show. This may include tights, shoes, etc.
  • Label Everything: Write your dancer's name on all belongings to prevent mix-ups. Please note that any items left behind will be kept for one week after regular dance classes resume, after which they will be donated to a charitable reseller.
  • Review Etiquette with Your Child: Discuss proper behavior and etiquette with your child before showtime. Students are expected to follow the rules, and failure to do so may result in removal from the show.

TO BRING:

  • Arrival Attire: Arrive in your base layer with clothing or a robe over it, as there will not be changing facilities available.
  • Costume in Bag: Ensure your dancer brings or wears their costume in the bag provided by Weehawken, with their name clearly labeled.
  • Accessories in Zip Lock Bag: Place all necessary accessories, such as shoes, bobby pins, and show tights, in a zip-lock bag on the hanger or inside the costume bag for easy access.
  • Rubbermaid or Basket: Bring a Rubbermaid container, laundry basket, or box with an attached lid to store all your child's belongings. Label the container with your child's name.
  • Robe or Adult Clothing: Each dancer should bring a robe or adult clothing item with an open, but closable front, to wear over their costume for eating and playing while protecting the costume.
  • Costume Return: Costumes will begin to be sent during Parent’s Visitation Week and will continue until show week. Costumes must be returned onsite after the final performance to avoid restocking or replacement fees.

Here’s a video on how to get ready for a Weehawken Dance performance.

Here is a handy check off list you can print (or have handy) while getting ready

Check List

COSTUME INFORMATION:

  • Costume Care: Costumes are expensive, and it's vital to handle them with care. After your final performance, you must check in your dancer's costume on-site. Failure to do so will result in a restock or replacement fee of up to $200. Costume check-in will occur directly after each performance and opening after intermission.
  • Tag Preservation: Please do not remove the tags from costumes. We recycle our costumes and require the tags to know the size for future use. If a tag is itchy, simply cover it with a piece of masking tape.
  • Return Protocol: Dancers should return costumes to Weehawken in the same condition they received them. Please bring the costume with the hanger and bag, ensuring all pieces are loaded in the bag or on the hanger. We meticulously check in each piece, and it's essential to return all items.

Hair & Makeup

WEEHAWKEN DANCE PRESENTS ALICE IN WONDERLAND, MAY 2024

Makeup

  • Not Required for Dress Rehearsal, but is mandatory for performances.
  • Preparation: Makeup should be applied prior to arrival, and children should not be sent with unsupervised makeup, especially lipstick. Do NOT use the public restroom at the Pavilion for a prep area.
  • Makeup Requirements: Girls should wear light foundation, powder, blush, lipstick, brown eyeshadow, black eyeliner, and mascara. Boys should wear powder, a brownish blush, and brown eyeliner.
  • Lipstick Recommendation: For ballerinas, a long-lasting, matte lipstick is recommended to avoid messiness. Here’s a great lipstick for young ballerinas: Maybelline SuperStay 24 2-Step Liquid Lipstick Makeup, Infinite Petal. 
Purchase on Amazon

Makeup Tutorial for Young Dancers

WEEHAWKEN DANCE PRESENTS ALICE IN WONDERLAND, MAY 2024

Hair

  • Styled Hair: Hair should be styled prior to arrival for the dress rehearsal and all performances.
  • Secure Hairstyles: Ponytails should have two elastic bands, and buns should be secured with a hair net matching the dancer's hair color to prevent flyaways.
  • Hair Products: Gel and hairspray are recommended for keeping hairstyles in place on stage.
  • Have plenty of bobby pins handy for headpieces, bangs & buns.

    Click to Download

BALLET MAKEUP DO’S & DON'TS

DO:

  • Practice before the performance. False eyelashes can be particularly tricky to apply, so it's best to be familiar with the process beforehand.
  • Start with a clean face to ensure a smooth application.
  • Inventory your makeup supplies before performance day to avoid any missing or empty items.
  • Clean your brushes and other supplies after each performance to maintain hygiene.
  • Thoroughly clean your face after each performance to remove sweat, bacteria, and old makeup.
  • Use foundation as the base for your makeup art to counteract the washing out of color under stage lights.
  • Remember that the further people are away from you, the more makeup you need, so stand back or ask someone in the audience for feedback during dress rehearsal.
  • Set your makeup with powder and a setting spray to ensure it lasts throughout the performance.
  • Check your makeup and blot perspiration when/if you get a chance during the performance.

DON'T:

  • Share makeup products like mascara, lipstick, eyeliner, brushes, and combs to avoid sharing bacteria.
  • Trust new makeup products without doing a skin check first.
  • Treat your skin roughly; it's important to care for it well for long-term health.
  • Stay up all night before a performance, as being well-rested will help your makeup look its best.
  • Overdo your makeup; aim for a natural look unless your character requires otherwise.
  • Forget to apply foundation to visible areas like the neck, ears, etc., to avoid a mismatched appearance.
  • Wear your costume while putting on makeup to prevent staining; opt for a shirt that buttons or zips over the costume instead.

These tips will help you achieve a flawless ballet makeup look while maintaining hygiene and professionalism.

We have a blog article about stage makeup with tips, tricks, and helpful information—click here to read!

About Performance Tickets

WEEHAWKEN DANCE PRESENTS THE POLAR EXPRESS, DECEMBER 2021

Performance Ticket Information:

  • Tickets are non-refundable and non-exchangeable. Please confirm your dancer’s cast and show number before purchase.
  • Digital Tickets Only — No paper tickets will be issued. Please present your ticket on your device upon arrival.
  • Seating Policy — We do not reserve rows for groups; seating is first-come for general admission. 
  • Pre-Sale Access — Parents may purchase tickets prior to public on-sale. Parents and supporters are encouraged to purchase seats early. 
  • Additional Charges — Phone orders incur a $1.00 convenience fee per ticket.
  • Lap Seating Rule — Children under 3 may sit on an adult’s lap (provided they do not block the view of others). Any child occupying a seat requires a purchased ticket.
  • Guarantee — Purchasing a ticket is the only way to ensure seating for your dancer’s performance. Dancers will be backstage during the show; a live-feed monitor will be available in the dressing room.
  • No Ticket Holds- We do not hold tickets without payment.
  • Sales Final- All sales are final at the time of purchase. While we encourage trading or exchanging tickets with peers, Weehawken Dance will not exchange tickets for a different performance.

Ticket Outlets:

  • By Phone- Reserve your tickets by phone with a credit card at 970.318.0150. Please note there is a $1.00 convenience fee per ticket for all in-person/phone orders.
  • Online- Purchase tickets online with a credit card. Both reserved and general seating options are available.
Cinderella Family Ticket Links

Reserved Section Seats Available:

  • Weehawken offers reserved seating for our audience members in the center rows 2-15.
  • Upon arrival at the theater, all reserved seats will have the buyer's NAME assigned to them by Weehawken.

Performance Photos, Video & Live Stream

Photography:

  • Flash Photography Prohibited: Please refrain from using flash photography during the performance.
  • Community Photography Contribution: We welcome contributions from our talented friends and supporters who are skilled photographers. Live action shots will be shared on our Facebook page as photographers share them. If you capture great moments, we encourage you to share your show pictures and tag Weehawken Dance in your Facebook post. Everyone loves to see the magic you capture at our performances!
  • Social Media Tagging: Once the show has opened, if you wish to post on social media, please remember to "tag" @weehawkendance and/or @weehawkencreativearts. Thank you for your cooperation!
  • Posed Photos: Families are invited to take posed photos against a Weehawken-themed backdrop in the Pavilion Lobby.

WEEHAWKEN DANCE PRESENTS ALICE IN WONDERLAND, MAY 2024

Livestream & Videography:

  • Livestream Tickets: Livestream tickets will be $20 and will be available for purchase on show day.

  • Digital Video for Purchase: After the show, we will offer digital videos for purchase. More information will be available once editing is complete.

Past Performance Videos

WEEHAWKEN DANCE PRESENTS ALICE'S SWEETS, MAY 2024

Did your dancer perform in a Weehawken show, but you missed downloading the video? Check out what's available online!

Volunteer

Volunteers Needed for Upcoming Performances!

We need your help to make this production unforgettable!

Volunteer Roles Include:

Important Notes:

  • Some roles require attendance at the dress rehearsal and both shows for the assigned cast.
  • Siblings and extended family are welcome to volunteer!
  • Many roles allow you to still watch the show, so there’s a fit for everyone.