Feeding 60 Dancers and Surviving to Tell the Tale

This weekend was the big ballet recital — and guess who volunteered to handle the food for 60 dancers and staff?

Yep. Me. Armed with sandwiches, fruit, pasta salad, and 80 juice boxes, I thought I was well prepared. Turns out… I needed about 25% more of everything. And apparently, I accidentally catered for the Hunger Games.

Let’s break it down.

🎯 What Worked (Even Without a Master Plan)

Let me be clear: I didn’t roll in with a Pinterest-perfect food spread. I brought everything I had — snacks, juices, veggies, fruits, cheese — and figured I’d put it all out after the first show.

And honestly? It worked. The girls LOVED the food. They were excited. They ate. They smiled. Was it chaotic? Absolutely. Did it fuel the day? Also yes.

✅ The sandwiches were a hit — turkey, bocconcini pesto, and egg salad all disappeared faster than a tutu change.

✅ Storing everything in the venue fridge kept it fresh.

✅ Feeding everyone all at once? Not ideal, but it got the job done.

But I learned so much in the process, and here’s what I’ll do differently next time:

🔁 What I’ll Do Differently Next Time

🗓️ Start Planning 5 Weeks Ahead

I started food planning 3 weeks out, but that was tight once dietary restrictions, allergies, and kosher needs entered the chat. Next time? I’m starting 5 weeks in advance to gather info, shop smarter, and avoid the last-minute sandwich panic.

🍽️ More Inclusive Menu

This round included turkey, egg salad, and bocconcini pesto sandwiches — a good start, but not enough for those with allergies or dietary restrictions. Next time, I’m adding:

Vegan options

Gluten-free sides

Labelled allergen-friendly snacks

🧃 Juice Box PTSD Is Real

I brought 80 juice boxes. I repeat: eighty. They were gone before lunch. Next time? I’m bringing 120, splitting them between morning and afternoon, and I might post a sign that says, “Take ONE.” 😂

⏰ Better Food Timing

I served everything at once after Show 1. Looking back, I should’ve done this:

11 AM: Morning snacks

12:30 PM: Main lunch items

2 PM: Second snack wave

Dancers were starving by 11, and that hunger showed. Lesson learned.

❤️ Real Talk: It Wasn’t Perfect, But It Was Enough

I’ll be honest — I was tired, a little frazzled, and by the end of the day, I’d have traded my soul for a nap and a second coffee. But I did it. The girls were happy, fed, and supported. And that is what mattered most.

Also? I paid for it all out of pocket. Not because I had to — because I wanted to. I didn’t even think twice.

And in return? The bakery I manage got its logo featured in the recital program. Win for my boss. Win for the team. Win for the dancers.

(Okay, not a win for the juice count, but you get it.)

It wasn’t perfect. But it was enough. And honestly, sometimes that’s more than enough.

-Fabi