Recital Photo Week
Everything You Need to Know for Photo Week
Photo Week at McDonald-Wilson Dance Academy is an exciting part of our dance season! Our dancers participate in professional recital photos during their regular class time - capturing their hard work, growth, and confidence throughout the year.
📅 Photo Week Dates: Thursday, May 7 – Wednesday, May 13
📍 Location: Studio A/B – 5107 33 Street NW, Calgary
Who Participates in Photo Week?
All dancers are expected to attend Photo Week for their class photos and individual portraits.
Please note dancers who are not participating in recital will not have photos taken. However, they will still participate in the class portion during regular class time, as directed by their teacher
What to Expect on Photo Day
Photo Week takes place during your dancer’s regular class time.
Arrival
Dancers should arrive in:
Their regular dance attire
With hair and makeup already completed
With their costume and all accessories packed and ready
⚠️ Dancers should NOT arrive already wearing their costume, or regular street clothing.
During Class
The flow of Photo Week will generally include:
Changing into costumes at the studio
Group class photos
Individual portraits
Changing back into regular dancewear before dismissal
A portion of regular dance class/instruction
Because dancers will still be dancing during class time, it is very important that they come fully prepared with their regular dance attire and shoes.
Drop-Off & Pick-Up
Dancers should be dropped off as usual
Parents do not stay during Photo Week
Pick-up remains the same as regular class time
Our staff, volunteers, and Costume Coordinators will help guide dancers throughout the process.
Photo Ready Hair & Makeup Requirements
For Photo Week, dancers should arrive photo ready with a polished, clean, classical appearance.
Please note that Photo Week makeup requirements are lighter than recital stage makeup requirements. Photography lighting is much softer than theatre lighting, so dancers should have a more natural overall look while still appearing polished and defined on camera.
We ask dancers to wear makeup because professional lighting can wash out facial features in photographs.
Hair Requirements
Uniform hairstyles are required for all dancers unless otherwise instructed.
✔ Hair should be:
Clean and neatly styled
Slicked back securely
In a proper classical bun
Free of loose pieces and flyaways
✔ Important reminders:
No bangs
Short hair should be slicked away from the face
Use hair nets whenever possible
Use hair-colored bobby pins and hair pins only
No decorative barrettes or accessories unless part of the costume
A polished hairstyle makes a tremendous difference in the professionalism and consistency of class photos.
Photo Makeup Guidelines
Preschool, Pre-Primary, Primary & Junior Levels
(Preschool Dance, Pre-Primary Ballet, Primary Ballet, Junior Jazz/Tap/Modern/Hip Hop)
Please keep makeup soft and natural:
Light blush
Light mascara (optional)
🚫 No eyeliner or lipstick for younger dancers.
Ballet/Jazz/Tap/Modern Levels 1–4 & Hip Hop
Blush
Lip liner
Red lipstick
Mascara
🚫 No eyeliner.
Please keep makeup polished and camera-ready rather than dramatic or stage-heavy.
💄 Lipstick should be a true classic fire-engine red tone (not pink or brown-based reds).
A great reference shade is:
Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick – #725 “Love That Red”
Level 5 +, Intermediate & Advanced Levels
Light foundation/base and powder
Blush
Neutral brown eye shadow
Black eyeliner
Black mascara
Lip liner
Red lipstick
Please keep makeup polished and camera-ready rather than dramatic or stage-heavy.
💄 Lipstick should be a true classic fire-engine red tone (not pink or brown-based reds).
A great reference shade is:
Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick – #725 “Love That Red”
Tights & Shoes
Tights
To ensure consistency in photos and recital performances, dancers are required to wear:
BALLERINA PINK Mondor Convertible Ultra Soft Tights (Style #319)
These are the same tights required in the studio dress code.
Tights are available through:
City Dancewear in Varsity
Please:
Purchase new tights for recital/photo season if needed
Avoid washing or wearing new tights prior to photos if possible
Consider keeping a backup pair on hand
Shoes
Please ensure all dance shoes are:
Clean
In good condition
Free of dirt/scuff marks as much as possible
Clean shoes make a significant difference in professional photographs.
Costume Guidelines – Important
After photos, costumes will be sent home with dancers.
To keep costumes recital-ready:
Costumes must remain in the provided garment bags
Please do not wear costumes after Photo Week
Do not wash, alter, or adjust costumes
Store costumes safely in their garment bag until recital
Families are asked to ensure costumes are properly packed into garment bags before leaving the studio. Our staff will also do our very best to help ensure everything is organized and secured before dismissal.
How Do I Purchase Photos?
Please note the deadline to order photos and to receive them prior to the recital is Wednesday, May 13, 2026.
Do I Have to Purchase Photos?
No, there is absolutely no obligation to purchase photos.
Photographer Information
For all photo order related questions, please contact:
📧 Barb Yates – helenscott@shaw.ca
Please do not contact the MWDA office.