About Our Recitals and Performances


DANCE RECITALS are an important part of the training process, but are non-mandatory at our studio. Talent is showcased as students are given the opportunity to perform in front of an audience. We spend most of the year teaching students how to become better dancers and performers before teaching a dance routine. Students who choose not to participate in recitals still get value from the lessons. Even the youngest student will know how to do each, proper French names for the ballet.


Recital fees and costume prices kept low and realistic. The Hirschl School always puts effort into the true definition of a "recital"; showing off what the students have learned during the prior year, and giving them the opportunity to perform in front of a live audience. We do not hide the talents of the performers behind glitzy costumes and give all performers an equal opportunity on stage.


Our costumes, choreography and musical selections are always tasteful and age-appropriate. As proof, we will happily get you a DVD of last year's production at no charge or obligation. Come in to pick one up, or give us your address and we'll send one to you.


Sunrise Ballet productions are separate from HSDA recitals and presentations. Recitals are primarily set up to give students the opportunity to present what they have learned in classes. The Sunrise Ballet is a dance company that produces full length performances designed to entertain the public.


Competitions: We are competitive in that we stimulate our students to strive for self-improvement. We do not participate in "competitions". We treat dance as a physically demanding art form, rather than a competitive event. All HSDA students are taught to compete only with themselves in a continuous state of growth & progress. Anyone who loves to dance and has chosen to do so is already a winner.



HSDA Recital Non-Participation Information


Question: “Is recital participation mandatory?”

Answer: No. Our recitals are never mandatory.

Question: "If my child is not in recital, do they still learn the dance?"

Answer: Yes, if they are in a participating class, they do. The dances are broken into small parts, and the technique of each individual step is corrected on all students that take the lessons, whether they are in recital or not. They still derive benefit and progress as students in classes. And they still dance during lessons: There is no "sit time" just because they are not in the actual dance. In addition, we also have several classes in each level that are non-participatory. In this way students can do makeup lessons, and we can accommodate any new students starting during this time.


Question: "Does my child need to be in the Nutcracker?"

Answer: No. The Nutcracker production is not a recital, and is not done by the Hirschl School of Dance. It is a full-length ballet production, produced by the Sunrise Ballet, a 501C-3 non-profit organization. They hold free & open-to-the public auditions- students from several OC studios perform with Sunrise Ballet. They use our studio facility for rehearsals. Normally about one quarter of HSDA students perform with them.


Question: “Do all classes have a dance in the recital?”

Answer: No. During recital practice time (February to the end for May) we keep a few classes open as "non-participatory" for students that choose not to participate, for all new students that start during this time, and for participating students that still want a growth/technique class.


Hirschl Ballet is one of the longest running family operated charter services in Anaheim. For us, boats and boating is much more than our career - it's our passion. We've managed to pass down a passion for the water and a love of boating through three generations, hoping for a fourth.

As of 12-4-19: To purchase tickets, you can come in to the studio where the SB rehearses, or you can get tickets the day of performances. Ticket box office opens one hour before each performance. The Theater is located at 1952 west La Palma in Anaheim, near the corner of Euclid.