Over the past few months, everyone has been working hard to produce a fantastic show! We are so excited to show everyone the wonderful routines we have been working on.
This document is mainly for anyone who has a child performing in the show, but also for our Adults who are performing.
Everyone performs in both the Matinee & Evening Performances
We hope the following information will help you to prepare your child/yourself for Rehearsals and Show Day!
Please ensure you read the document fully, and please complete the Statement of Fitness form at the bottom of the page!
Check out our Meet the Team Document- feel free to show your child so they can recognise faces!
ANIMALS
During the rehearsals & show day, each group will be described by an animal - we will be introducing the Animals into classes over the next few weeks. We’ve popped the animal names on Class Manager as well! The group is described by the day of the class they attend, the age group and the venue (e.g. Mon Mini King).
FULL COSTUME LIST
Please find links to a printable copy of the Running Order- which hairstyle, shoes and extra items that are needed for each dance.
The costumes & items you are hiring from TDC will be at the venue ready for you.
We are providing:
- Costumes,
- Mini’s (Ducks, Sheep, Rabbits, Horse) Socks
You will need to provide:
- Dance Shoes
- Tights/ Socks
- Anything in the ‘Please Provide’ column
If you are unsure, please drop us an email.
SHOES
Please ensure your son/daughter has the appropriate shoes for their dance. If you are unsure, please contact us.
Go to www.taylorsdancecompany.co.uk/tdcfamily to find out where to purchase uniform. Please ensure if you purchase the shoes elsewhere, they are the same style & colour as we advertise.
Please remember to give your dance shoes a little clean before the big day!
Please ensure any flat ballet shoes have elastics (not ribbons)
FINALE OUTFIT
Everyone will need to wear the following in the finale-
TDC T-shirt, your own brightly coloured leggings/ shorts, and trainers. (Bright can be any colour other than black/navy)
TDC T-Shirts can be purchased via www.taylorsdancecompany.co.uk/tdcfamily
The following groups will NOT need leggings/shorts- Dolphin. Tiger, Shark, Fox, Parrots & Koala.
They will just pop their T-shirt over their last costume. If it says to arrive in Finale outfit, please wear your TDC Tshirt, and any colour bottoms (please don’t buy anything new)
UNDERGARMENTS
Some costumes are made from thin material and therefore can show underwear underneath, we also do not want to spoil the look of the costumes.
With this in mind, could our pupils please wear-
Younger Pupils
Plain (no patterns) Flesh Coloured/ White underwear.
Older Pupils (Juniors+)
Bra/ Crop Top- a flesh-coloured multiway bra, with plastic back/straps.
Flesh Coloured Seamless Underwear or a Flesh Coloured Thong.
Boys
Plain Underwear- doesn’t need to be nude. Lighter colours preferred, as some are wearing beige trousers.
TAN/SKIN COLOUR TIGHTS
If you/your child needs Tan/Skin/Shimmer Colour tights, you can purchase these via our dancewear via our Amazon Page. Links can be found on www.taylorsdancecompany.co.uk/tdcfamily
Tights need to be Skin Colour or darker than skin colour.
MAKEUP
All performers (young and old) will be asked to wear ‘Show Make-Up’. Without make-up, professional lighting causes performers to look very pale on stage.
Please could all performers wear the following-
Foundation
Brown/Gold Eyeshadow
Bright Red Lipstick
Feel free to wear more make-up, including eyeliner, mascara, blushers etc.
BOYS- Please wear a foundation base.
Please ensure make-up is applied before you arrive at the venue.
We are asking children NOT to bring spare make-up. We will have spare if necessary.
If your child is allergic to certain make-up please pop it in your form below. (Seniors & Adults may bring their own make-up.)
JEWELLERY
No Jewellery to be worn, other than wedding/engagement rings, plain small studs if earrings cannot be removed, and any piercings that cannot be removed easily. If unsure, please check with Niki.
Please remove anything on wrists- e.g. smart watches, bracelets, concert bracelets or similar before arriving at the venues.
HAIR
Please arrive at rehearsals/show with your first dance hairstyle- please check the 1st Half Running order. If you are unsure please check with other parents/TDC Team.
The most important thing is to make sure the hair is off the face (no fringes), so hairspray, hair gel and kirby grips are essential! If you struggle with hair, please don’t be afraid to let us know and we can do it for you (remember to arrive as early as possible).
Boys- please have tidy and slick hair, so it does not fall in your son’s face.
REHEARSALS & SHOW DAY
We have 196 children taking part in the Show, plus adult performers, and staff. Please be patient and understanding at all times with our Backstage Team.
Our aim at all times is to ensure everyone is safe and happy. It takes hours and hours to organise the backstage to ensure it runs smoothly.
Every child must be signed in & out at every rehearsal & performance by a parent/guardian. We have implemented a password system this year. You will pick a password and enter it into the form at the bottom of the page. You will need to give this to the Chaperone when collecting your child.
If you are running late please TEXT Grace on 07868 656307, with your child’s full name, your name and how long you will be. We will keep the children safe at the venue.
We will have staff in High Vis Jackets to help direct you.
SIGN IN
We will have separate Colchester & Braintree sign-in desks, and these will be arranged in surname order.
SIGN OUT
Each group will have a designated sign-out adult, who will bring the children to their designated sign-out area. We will have people around to direct you. Hopefully, this will mean everyone is signed out as quickly as possible. Please do not take your child without signing them out. You will need to give your Password to collect your child.
We always try to be as fast as possible; the children’s safety is our priority, and this does take time.
Rudeness, aggressive behaviour, and inappropriate language will not be tolerated under any circumstances.
TIMINGS
SUNDAY 14th JUNE – 8.30am- 4.30pm- Colchester County High School for Girls, Norman Way, Colchester, CO3 3US
Individual and Group Photos will be taken. There will be a chance for mixed groups to practice together.
Colchester Girls High School- Please park in the car parks and walk to the main entrance of the school.
Please arrive with Makeup and Hair ready.
Please bring your finale outfit. (groups who don’t need one, can wear black bottoms if they have nothing bright)
To Arrive at 8.30am
Adult Tap (Monkey & Panda)
Chaperones/ Supervised Adults
To Arrive at 9am-
Penguin
Bear
Rabbit
To Arrive at 9.30am-
Parrots
Koala
Elephants
Sheep
Horse
Shark
Jellyfish
Hedgehog
Wicked Megamix
To Arrive at 11am
Zebra
Giraffes
Lion
To Arrive at 12noon (please arrive in finale outfit)
TIgers
Dolphins
Ducks
Fox
Squirrels
Starfish
COLLECTION TIMES
Collect at 1pm
Adult Tap (Monkey & Panda, unless helping)
Penguin (other than Acro/Elite/Wicked)
Bear (other than Acro/Elite/Wicked)
Rabbit
Parrots
Koala (other than Acro/Elite/Wicked)
Elephants (other than Acro/Elite/Wicked)
Sheep (other than Acro/Elite/Wicked)
Horse (other than Acro/Elite/Wicked)
Collect at 2pm
Shark
Jellyfish
Hedgehog
Wicked Megamix
Collect at 3.30pm
Dolphins (other than Acro/Elite)
Tigers (other than Acro/Elite)
Ducks (other than Acro/Elite)
Giraffes (other than Acro/Elite)
Collect at 3.45pm
Zebras (other than Elite)
Collect at 4pm
Lion
Squirrels
Fox
Starfish
If you would like a sibling/ family group photo, please complete the form at the bottom of the page.
mercury theatre
SIGN IN
Please make your way around the front of the Mercury, past Jumbo Water Tower on your left, towards the back of the Mercury, to Stage Door.
SIGN OUT
Sign out will be from the Stage Door Area.
Please do not crowd around the door and remain behind the cones until you are called. This helps keep the process safe and orderly for everyone.
We will work as quickly as possible; however, safety is our top priority, so we appreciate your patience.
We also remind all adults collecting pupils that respectful behaviour is expected at all times. We received reports of rudeness and impatience last year, which will not be tolerated moving forward.
FRIDAY 19th JUNE- 4.15pm – 9.15pm - MERCURY THEATRE, COLCHESTER
Backstage Team & Chaperones- -If you are able to please arrive from 3.30pm.
Everyone else is to arrive between 4.15pm - 4.45pm.
We understand people will be coming straight from School/Work and travelling from different locations. Please arrive as promptly as possible- if you are unable to arrive before 4.45pm- please complete the form at the bottom of the page.
We would recommend children eat a School Dinner/hot meal for lunch and bring a packed lunch for dinner!
During our last show in 2024, some parents chose to collect children from school a little earlier. If you need a supporting letter, please click for a printable copy or contact us for a personalised version:
We will be having a Health & Safety Briefing for the whole school at 5.00pm. We will then practice the finale and then start the Show.
This Rehearsal will be a straight run-through of the Show- basically the show with no audience! During each dance Rob, our photographer will be taking Live photography shots.
Please arrive with Makeup and Hair ready for your first dance & in your Finale outfit.
If you need help with hair & make-up, please complete the form at the bottom of the page.
Mini Pupils (Sheep, Ducks, Horse, Rabbits)
Please arrive to collect your child at 7.45pm- please be patient and stand in the designated areas for your child’s group. Please listen for directions from our backstage team.
Everyone Else-
Please arrive to collect your child at 9pm - please be patient and stand in the designated areas for your child’s group. Please listen for directions from our backstage team.
SATURDAY 20TH JUNE- SHOW DAY- 1pm- 9.15pm - MERCURY THEATRE, COLCHESTER
Backstage Team & Chaperones- If you are able to please arrive from 12.30pm
Everyone else please arrive between 12.45pm and 1.15pm.
Please arrive with Make-Up and Hair ready for your first dance.
If you need help with hair & make-up, please complete the form at the bottom of the page.
Please collect your child at the end of the Matinee Performance at approximately 4.45pm.
Children can leave their belongings in the venue during this time.
EVENING SHOW
Please arrive back at the venue between 5.45pm & 6pm.
Please collect your child at the end of the Evening Performance at approximately 9.15pm.
If you are unable to collect your children between Shows- please let us know in writing beforehand.
PLEASE NOTE – Only members of our backstage team will be allowed to enter the venues. Please prepare your children beforehand.
IF YOU ARE UNABLE TO ATTEND A REHEARSAL OR ARE ONLY ABLE TO ATTEND FROM A PARTICULAR TIME, PLEASE EMAIL INFO@TAYLORSDANCECOMPANY.CO.UK
WHAT TO BRING
We would recommend bringing a Rucksack/named box/mini suitcase- this is so the children can put all their belongings in the box during the day. The children must be able to carry this themselves!
Please make sure EVERYTHING is named!!!
Please bring the following items-
+ dressing gown/cover up- to wear over costumes- nothing that goes over the head due to hairstyles. We recommend an old Shirt or T-shirt cut down the middle to make a jacket, cooler than a dressing gown.
+ hairbrush
+ dance shoes
+ finale outfit (TDC T-shirt & bright coloured bottoms)
+ Packed Lunch/Dinner, snacks & plenty of drinks
+ Games or Crafts (to avoid boredom)
+ Medication if needed (to be handed in at sign in desk, clearly named with dosage instructions)
+ Seniors & Adults- may bring spare make-up, hairspray etc.
FOOD & DRINK
Please ensure you have packed enough food & drink for your child for the whole rehearsal/showtime.
We would prefer for you NOT to include the following items in your child’s refreshments (costumes and the below do not mix well!)
- no chocolate
- no cartons/ cans
- no strong coloured drinks (avoid fizzy, ribena, blackcurrant etc.)
- no food items containing nuts (we have a child with a nut allergy onsite)
- no chewing gum
MAKE UP- MINI/ PRIMARY/ JUNIORS
We ask our younger pupils NOT to bring spare make up/hairspray/gel. We will have spare make up/hairspray etc. if we feel it needs touching up. If your child has allergies to make up please pop it in the form below and we will contact you to discuss.
Our Senior Pupils and Adults are welcome to bring spares.
ENTERTAINMENT
Although the day will go quite quickly, to avoid boredom, please make sure you pack some simple games & crafts.
- Please do not bring felt pens, paint or glue
- Please do not bring anything you would be upset to lose or get broken (children are children at the end of the day)
- Please name everything
THINGS TO REMEMBER
- Please do not bring anything of value or sentimental value to rehearsals.
- Please no electronic items, phones, ipads, kindles, smart watches or fitbits etc.
- Please no strong coloured or staining foods/drinks
- Please bring a cover up/dressing gown
- Please bring a box/suitcase to store items.
- Games & Crafts- no paint, glue and felt pens
- Please NAME everything (may have said this a few times!!!)
MOBILE PHONES/ ELECTRONICS
Due to safeguarding guidance, mobile phones and electronic devices are not permitted in dressing rooms.
We kindly ask that children, particularly younger ones, do not bring electronic items with them. Older children who do need to bring a device must hand it to their chaperone upon arrival. These devices will be securely stored in a designated box and may only be used at allocated times under supervision.
Please ensure that all phones and electronic items are clearly labelled with your child’s name.
The safety and well-being of all children is our top priority, and we appreciate your understanding and support in following this policy.
SHOW VIDEO
Magic at the Musicals will be filmed at the Mercury Theatre.
Remember the children don’t get to see the show at all, or their own dances!
It’s a lovely memory for them to keep throughout their lives.
You can either purchase a DVD, Blu-Ray, USB, or Online Streaming!
There will be a QR code in the programmes on the day too!
The password is tdc0626 (tdc zero six two six)
This must be purchased by Sunday 5th July 2026.
These will be ready at some point in July/August- we will provide a collection point in Colchester/Braintree.
As I am sure you can imagine, this is a very busy and stressful time for the TDC Team. Please save this page somewhere safe, please talk to your fellow Dance Parents to ask questions & lastly use the Facebook pages to ask questions- another parent may be able to answer more quickly than us!
We understand some parents’ concerns about the length of time the children stay on site. In previous shows, our youngest performers of two or three years old have had a lovely time, staying awake the whole time! It is a one-off special occasion, and if your child is really distressed or upset, we will call you.
STATEMENT OF FITNESS FORM
Please complete the below form to comply with safeguarding procedures:
+Adults please complete your name in the child’s name section, and put n/a in the parents/guardians section
+Please provide two emergency contacts where possible, please put n/a if you are unable to provide a 2nd contact.
+Please ensure your/your child's name is spelt correctly- this will be what we use for the Programme & DVD.
TERMS & CONDITIONS
We reserve the right to make changes to schedules, casting, or arrangements where necessary.
All personal belongings are brought at your own risk; Taylor’s Dance Company cannot accept responsibility for any lost or damaged items.
Taylor’s Dance Company takes every reasonable precaution to provide a safe environment and experience for all participants. This includes ensuring that all equipment, props, and dance spaces are suitable for use, maintaining appropriate public liability insurance, and carrying out risk assessments, which are available to view upon request.
All photographs and video recordings taken during the show may be used for marketing and promotional purposes; should you wish to opt out, please email info@taylorsdancecompany.co.uk.
Parents and guardians are responsible for informing Taylor’s Dance Company of any allergies (including food or skin-related) or medical conditions prior to the show period. We cannot be held responsible for any claims relating to injury, damage, or loss where this information has not been provided in advance.
All pupils are expected to follow instructions and behave appropriately at all times to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all participants.
By agreeing to take part in the show, you confirm acceptance of these terms and conditions.