For years, the end of show question at every dance school was simple: “How many DVDs would you like?”. Now it is a real decision. Plenty of families no longer own a DVD player, many new laptops have no disc drive, and most parents watch everything on their phone or cast it to the TV.
I film dance shows and school productions in Liverpool, and this is the question principals ask me most after “can you film it?”. Here is how DVDs, USB sticks and digital downloads compare, what parents actually use, and what to check on music licensing.
The short version
- Digital download is the best quality and the easiest for most families.
- USB sticks give a keepsake with full HD quality.
- DVDs are standard definition and fewer homes can play them.
- Offer digital by default, with a physical keepsake as an option.
- Music licensing rules differ between physical copies and online.
1. The formats compared
| Format | Quality | Good for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|
| DVD | Standard definition (720 x 576 in the UK) | Grandparents with a DVD player, a boxed keepsake | Fewer players and laptops, discs scratch, lower quality on big TVs |
| Blu-ray | Full HD | Families with a Blu-ray player or games console | Even fewer players than DVD, higher cost per disc |
| USB stick | Full HD or 4K file | A keepsake that plays on most TVs and laptops | Cost per unit, and files need a TV or laptop with a USB port |
| Digital download | Full HD or 4K | Phones, tablets, casting to the TV, sharing with family | Families need to save it, so give a clear download window |
2. What parents actually use
Think about how families will watch the show. For most, it is on a phone on the way home, cast to the TV that weekend, and a clip shared in the family group chat. A digital file does all of that. A DVD does none of it without a player and a spare evening.
But there is still a place for something you can hold. Grandparents, a boxed keepsake for a leaving year, a gift at Christmas. That is where a USB stick in a nice case beats a disc: it looks like a keepsake and plays in full HD.
3. How I deliver dance shows
I deliver through a private, password protected online gallery, so only the families you share it with can watch or download. It works on phones, tablets and laptops, and the file is full HD. If your parents want a physical keepsake too, ask and we can talk it through.
Private
Password protected, shared only with your families. Nothing public.
Full quality
Full HD, so costumes, faces and footwork stay sharp on a big TV.
Easy
One link for every family. No discs to burn, post or hand out.
Fast
No manufacturing wait, so families get the show while the excitement is still there.
4. Music licensing: check before you sell
Most dance shows use commercial music, and copying it onto discs, sticks or files brings in licensing. This is the part schools most often miss, so it is worth understanding the basics.
The Institute of Videography’s guidance is that physical copies such as DVDs usually need two licences: an MCPS licence for the composition, and a PPL licence for the recording. It also notes those licences do not cover putting video on sites like YouTube or Vimeo, which needs separate clearance.
My guide to getting your dance show filmed covers licensing alongside consent and booking, and live streaming your dance show covers the extra rules for streaming.
5. Selling the show to parents
- Take orders early. Pre orders at the same time as tickets give you numbers before the day.
- Keep the choice simple. Digital as standard, keepsake as an add on.
- Be clear on consent. Tell families the show is being filmed and how it will be shared, and handle any opt outs.
- Give a download window. Tell families how long the link lasts and remind them to save a copy.
Before the show
Decide
- Digital, physical or both
- How you will take orders and payment
- How long the download link will be live
Check
- Music licensing for the formats you choose
- Filming consent and any opt outs
- Venue rules on filming positions
Questions principals ask
Should our dance show be on DVD or digital download?
Digital download is the best quality and the easiest for most families. Offer a USB keepsake or DVD as an extra for those who want something physical.
What quality is a DVD of a dance show?
DVD is standard definition, 720 x 576 in the UK. A digital file or USB can be full HD or 4K, which looks much sharper on a modern TV.
Do we need a licence to sell dance show DVDs?
Usually, if the show uses commercial music. Guidance from the Institute of Videography says physical copies generally need MCPS and PPL licences. Check with PRS for Music and PPL for your situation.
Can we put our dance show on YouTube?
Licences for physical copies do not cover YouTube or Vimeo. Online sharing with commercial music needs separate clearance, so check before uploading.
How do you deliver dance show videos?
Through a private, password protected online gallery that families can watch and download from, in full HD.
More guides for dance schools: How to get your dance show filmed · Live streaming your dance show · How to plan a dance school photo day.
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