Performance Information

Before Show Week

• Review every assigned rehearsal and performance date.
• Order required tights, shoes, base layers, and accessories.
• Prepare costumes and follow the care instructions before steaming.
• Practice your dancer’s assigned hairstyle and makeup.
• Label belongings and review backstage expectations together.

What to Wear When Arriving

Follow your dancer’s daily-page instructions. Dancers may be asked to arrive in costume or in their base layer with costumes ready to put on.

• Wear the assigned nudie leotard or other required base layer.
• Use a labeled robe or loose, front-opening garment to protect the costume.
• Choose street clothing that can be removed without disturbing finished hair or makeup.
• Arrive with performance hair styled and secured.
• For performances, arrive with makeup finished unless you receive different instructions.
• No jewelry. Stud earrings are okay.
• Remove nail polish before arriving, and leave nail polish at home.

Please complete hair and makeup at home. The Pavilion’s public restrooms are not dressing or preparation areas.

Packing Checklist

• Complete costume: On its original hanger, inside the provided bag.
• Base layer: Your assigned nudie or other required layer.
• Tights and dance shoes: Every pair needed for every role.
• Street shoes: Dance shoes stay indoors. Outdoor dirt and grit damage the dance floor.
• Accessories and hair supplies: Hairpieces, gloves, extra bobby pins, hair ties, a matching hair net, and small pieces in a labeled zip-top bag attached to the hanger or inside the costume bag.
• Storage container: A labeled Rubbermaid-style container, laundry basket, or sturdy box with a lid.
• Robe: A labeled robe or oversized, front-opening garment.
• Water: A labeled, non-spill bottle, already filled.
• Clothes to wear home: Especially after the final performance, when borrowed costumes and nudies are returned.
• No jewelry. Stud earrings are okay.
• Leave nail polish at home: Do not bring nail polish to the Pavilion.
• Makeup touch-ups: Keep makeup out of young children’s reach. An adult should supervise any touch-ups.

View & Print the Show Checklist

Food & Snacks

For a long rehearsal or performance call, send a simple snack if your dancer will need one.

• Choose food that does not stain, melt, drip, or crumble.
• Avoid chocolate, brightly colored food, sticky candy, and staining drinks.
• Send water for drinking backstage.
• Dancers must cover costumes with a robe before eating.

Label Everything

Write your dancer’s first and last name on shoes, tights, base layers, robes, street clothes, water bottles, costume bags, accessory bags, and storage containers.

Unclaimed items are held for one week after regular classes resume. Remaining items may then be donated to a charitable reseller.

Backstage Expectations

• Follow directions from teachers, staff, and volunteers.
• Stay with the assigned class or backstage group.
• Keep voices quiet backstage and in the theater.
• Respect other dancers, belongings, costumes, and props.
• Avoid behavior that distracts performers or disrupts the show.

Students who cannot follow backstage or performance expectations may be removed from the performance.

Before Leaving

Wait until your dancer has completed their required dances and bows, cleaned their area, and been released by staff. Follow the daily page’s pickup instructions.

After your dancer’s final performance, return all Weehawken-owned costume pieces, accessories, hangers, bags, and borrowed nudies before leaving. Bring street clothes and shoes for the trip home. Purchased nudies stay with you.

Watch: How to Prepare for a Performance

Check Your Dancer’s Costume Information First

Required items vary by role. Check the assigned base layer, tights, shoes, and accessories before ordering.

Weehawken carries classic pink tights and ballet shoes, nudie leotards, and natural-colored footless aerial tights through 610 Arts Collective.

What Is a Nudie?

A nudie is a tan, camisole-style leotard worn underneath costumes. It helps dancers change costumes or put on street clothes without being undressed backstage.

Dancers may purchase one for $23 or borrow one from Weehawken.

• Purchased: It belongs to your dancer. Keep it for future shows.
• Borrowed: Return it at costume check-in after your dancer’s final performance. Bring street clothes so your dancer can change privately.

Nudies are sent home with performance costumes, rather than immediately after ordering. Costumes begin going home during Parent Visitation Week, with distribution continuing as needed through Show Week.

If you ordered a nudie and have not received it, first check whether your dancer’s costume has gone home. Purchases and loans are recorded on the costume check-in list.

For dancers continuing with Weehawken, purchasing a nudie can make arrival, costume changes, and returns easier.

Purchase a Nudie Leotard

Ballet Tights & Shoes

Classic pink is a light nude-pink shade that coordinates with traditional pink ballet slippers. Classic pink tights, shoes, and uniforms are available through 610 Arts Collective.

If your costume information asks for tights and shoes that match skin tone, choose the shade closest to your dancer’s natural skin color. Dancewear Solutions offers a wider range of shades.

Aerial Silks & Lyra

Aerial performers need fitted leg coverings that protect their skin and allow safe movement. Follow the assigned costume requirements.

• If the costume does not cover the legs to the ankles, wear footless tights or convertible tights with feet exposed.
• Options include natural-colored footless tights or classic pink convertible tights from Revolution Dancewear or an equivalent dancewear brand.
• Fitted dance pants or leggings may be worn when assigned. They should coordinate with the costume, fit snugly at the ankle, and have no pockets or large logos.

Shop Aerial Tights

Black Fishnet Tights

Only purchase fishnets if they are listed in your dancer’s costume information.

Weehawken sells adult-sized black fishnets with a rhinestone back seam. For dancers who fit the adult size, these are approximately half the price of the Capezio youth version. Smaller youth sizes may be ordered from Capezio.

Need help finding the correct item or placing an order? Email lexi@weehawkenarts.org.

Costumes Are Borrowed

Unless your costume information says otherwise, costumes belong to Weehawken and must be returned. Caring for them helps us reuse them for future productions.

Leave costume tags attached. We use them to track sizes. If a tag is itchy, cover it with a small piece of masking tape.

When Your Costume Comes Home

1. Open the bag carefully and read the costume information.
2. Check that all listed pieces are included. Report missing pieces or fit concerns before Show Week.
3. Label personal items, including shoes, tights, nudies, robes, and storage containers.
4. Keep required shoes, tights, hairpieces, and accessories together with the costume.
5. Store costumes away from pets, food, drinks, makeup, and younger siblings.

Fluffing a Tutu

We steam tutus before sending them home, but they may need room to regain their shape after transport.

1. Carefully remove the tutu from its bag.
2. Hang it upside down from a sturdy hanger.
3. Give it space so other clothing does not compress it. A doorway can work well.
4. Gently separate the layers with clean hands.
5. Put it back in its bag for transport.

Removing Wrinkles

• Some costumes can be gently steamed. Keep the steamer a safe distance from the fabric.
• Alternatively, hang the costume in a steamy bathroom, away from direct water.
• Do not place an iron directly on a costume.
• Avoid high heat on tulle, sequins, rhinestones, appliqués, and delicate synthetic fabrics.
• If you are unsure, ask before steaming, ironing, washing, or altering anything.

Please Ask Before Making Changes

Do not wash, dry-clean, permanently alter, cut, glue, sew, or attach anything to a costume without specific instructions or permission.

If something is missing, damaged, or does not fit, contact your dancer’s teacher or Weehawken before attempting a repair.

Transporting Costumes

• Use the original hanger and provided costume bag.
• Clearly label the bag with your dancer’s name.
• Keep small pieces in a labeled zip-top bag secured to the hanger or inside the costume bag.
• Check all pieces before leaving home for every rehearsal and performance.

When Are Hair & Makeup Required?

• Dress rehearsal: Performance hair is required. Makeup is normally not required.
• Performance: Performance hair and stage makeup are required unless you receive different instructions.
• Featured or character roles: Additional instructions may apply.

Finish hair and makeup before arriving. This helps dancers settle in and keeps preparation products away from costumes.

No jewelry. Stud earrings are okay. Remove nail polish before arriving, and leave nail polish at home.

Please do not send young dancers backstage with unsupervised makeup, especially lipstick, eyeliner, or mascara. An adult should supervise makeup application and any touch-ups. Public restrooms are not hair, makeup, or dressing areas.

Why Stage Makeup?

Bright lights and distance can wash out facial features. Stage makeup helps the audience see your dancer’s face and expression. It may look stronger up close than everyday makeup—that is normal.

Basic Stage Makeup

Traditional Feminine Stage Makeup

• Foundation or an even base
• Powder to reduce shine
• Blush
• Brown or neutral eyeshadow
• Black eyeliner and mascara
• Visible, long-lasting lipstick

Traditional Masculine Stage Makeup

• Powder to reduce shine
• Natural-looking or brownish blush
• Light brown eyeliner or eye definition
• Natural lip color when needed

Adjust for Your Dancer’s Age

• Young performers: Simple, age-appropriate makeup visible under stage lights.
• Elementary-aged performers: More definition around eyes, cheeks, and lips.
• Tweens, teens, leads, and upper levels: Full stage makeup may be appropriate. Some roles require lashes or character makeup.

Lipstick

Long-lasting matte or stain-style lipstick helps prevent smearing onto costumes and other performers. One option used by Weehawken families is Maybelline SuperStay 24 2-Step Liquid Lipstick in Infinite Petal.

View the Lipstick Recommendation

Performance Hair

Follow the hairstyle in your dancer’s costume information or show email. Not every dancer needs the same hairstyle.

• Style hair completely before arrival for rehearsals and performances.
• Keep hair secure and out of the face.
• Secure ponytails with two strong elastic bands.
• Secure buns with hairpins and a matching hair net.
• Use gel and hairspray to control bangs, flyaways, and loose pieces.
• Bring extra bobby pins for headpieces and accessories.
• Practice moving in the hairstyle so it stays secure during turns, jumps, floorwork, and aerial work.

Makeup Tips

• Practice the look before performance day.
• Start with clean, moisturized skin and clean supplies.
• Test unfamiliar products on a small area of skin in advance.
• Use an even base, blush, lip color, and eye definition appropriate to the role and age.
• Set makeup with powder and setting spray when appropriate.
• Blot perspiration rather than wiping.
• Remove makeup gently and thoroughly after performing.

Protect Skin & Costumes

• Do not share mascara, eyeliner, lipstick, brushes, combs, or personal products.
• Avoid rough scrubbing or skin treatment.
• Apply makeup before putting on the costume.
• Keep lipstick and foundation away from costume fabric.
• Blend visible areas such as the neck and ears when needed.
• Avoid glitter eyelashes; they distract under stage lights.
• Help your dancer get enough rest before performing.

New to Stage Makeup?

Our full guide includes age-appropriate suggestions, professional tips from Miss Rachel, a parent cheat sheet, and a recommended tutorial.

Read the Complete Stage Makeup Guide

Nutcracker 2026 Tickets

Ticket links and on-sale details — Coming in October

Ticket Policies

• All sales are final.
• Tickets are digital. Present them on your phone or another device.
• Tickets and seats cannot be held without payment.
• Families may arrange private ticket trades, but Weehawken does not manage exchanges.
• Parents generally receive access before public sales. Purchase early for your preferred show and seating.
• Buying a ticket guarantees admission. Seats may not be available at the door.

Does My Dancer Need a Ticket?

Performers do not need a ticket to perform in their assigned show. A live-feed monitor is available in the dressing-room area.

A performer sitting in the audience needs a ticketed seat, including during an act in which they are not performing. Follow their daily-page instructions about backstage attendance and keep costumes covered with a robe.

Reserved Seating

Reserved seating is generally in the center section, rows 2–15. Seats are labeled with the buyer’s name. Purchase adjacent seats together in one order if your group wants to sit together.

General Admission

General-admission seating is first come, first served in the designated area. Rows and sections cannot be held for groups. Arrive together to find seats together.

Young Children

Children younger than 3 may sit on an adult’s lap without a separate ticket, provided they do not block another person’s view. Any child using their own seat needs a ticket.

How to Purchase

Online: Use the official production ticket link when posted. Credit and debit cards are accepted.

By phone: Call 970-318-0150 for credit-card purchases. Phone orders include a $1 convenience fee per ticket. Please leave a message if we are teaching.

Photography During Performances

No flash photography. Flash can distract dancers and aerialists and create a safety concern.

• Turn off flash and silence your device.
• Dim your screen.
• Remain seated and keep aisles clear.
• Keep everyone’s view of the stage unobstructed.

Posting Photos & Clips

Please wait until the production has officially opened before posting performance photos or clips, so we can preserve the surprises.

If sharing, you’re welcome to tag us:

• Facebook: @weehawkendance and @weehawkenarts
• Instagram: @weehawken_dance and @weehawkenarts
• TikTok: @weehawken-dance

Family Photos

Families can take posed photos at the Weehawken-themed backdrop in the Pavilion lobby. Keep costumes covered with a robe while eating, waiting, or moving through crowded areas.

Livestream

Livestream access is generally available for family and friends outside the theater. Tickets are $20 and available on show day.

Nutcracker links and purchasing instructions will be added during Show Week.

Digital Recording

A professionally edited recording may be available for purchase after the production. Purchase details will be shared after editing and uploading are complete.

Revisit the Magic

Browse complete productions through the Weehawken Arts and Sherbino Vimeo archive. YouTube includes highlights, trailers, studio videos, and selected older productions.

Available titles, prices, and viewing options vary. Not every past show is permanently available.

Looking for a specific production? Check both libraries by title, show number, or cast name.

Nutcracker Volunteer Sign-Up

Volunteer roles and sign-up link — Coming in October

Parents, grandparents, siblings, extended family, alumni, and community supporters are welcome to volunteer. Check each role’s description for responsibilities and required attendance.

Roles May Include

• Backstage class supervision
• Costume and accessory organization
• Costume check-in
• Lobby and audience assistance
• Ticket scanning
• Ushering
• Merchandise or concessions
• General Show Week assistance

Will I Be Able to Watch?

Backstage roles: Volunteers stay with their assigned class or area and may not be able to sit in the audience. A live-feed monitor is available in the dressing-room area.

Lobby and audience roles: Some allow you to watch part or all of the show after your duties. Check the individual description.

Volunteer Expectations

• Arrive at your assigned time and check in with the coordinator or designated staff member.
• Stay in your assigned area until duties are complete or you are released.
• Follow Weehawken and Pavilion staff instructions.
• Keep casting surprises, backstage information, costumes, and production details private until the show opens.
• Help keep the environment calm, supportive, and organized.
• Contact us immediately if an emergency affects your shift.

Every dancer supported and audience member welcomed helps make the show possible. Thank you!

Nutcracker Leads & Level 5/6 Information

For dancers cast in featured or lead roles and students enrolled in Level 5/6 classes: review additional rehearsals, agreements, scheduling information, and performance commitments.

View Leads & Level 5/6 Information