Nothing compares to the adrenaline and butterflies felt seconds before your stage entrance. Believe it or not, nerves are a sign that you actually care about your craft and are only temporary! Just like those unique pre-show rituals, we have a few extra strategies to help calm those reoccurring nerves prior to performing.

Deep breaths

If you practice meditation, you’ll know that breathing exercises are generally incorporated. While some may practice pre-show meditation sessions, we recommend at least a few deep breaths for those that may be time poor prior to going on stage. For example, breathe in for three counts, hold for three and release for three. Repeat twice more. By doing so, not only is it a form of mental relaxation, but your body is inclined to be positively impacted as well.

Warm up

Some dance concerts, recitals and competitions are scheduled in nice and early, meaning our body parts are barely awake. Just like one stretches before each dance rehearsal, take a moment for your muscles to release any tension to avoid injuries or niggles down the track; whether that be star jumps, head rolls or lunges. Put your favourite playlist on for a sense of familiarity, gather some friends around to join you and treat it like any other warm up.

Run the dance

One way we suggest reassuring ones self is by running the dance either alone or with your peers prior to performing. Going over the choreography with counts or music on the day of the concert is an excellent way to reinforce what you already know not only in your head, but in your body. This becomes crucial if the last rehearsal was over a week ago, or if there’s an injured group member missing. For example, perhaps those lifts, aerials or canons are best rehearsed with counts prior to performing. This process helps avoid blanking out throughout the dance and will assist muscle memory.

Surround yourself with your peers

This one is for all the troupes! There’s nothing better than having your fellow dance peers there by your side from the get go. Having a tight-knit group makes a difference. That’s why arriving, touching up makeup, warming up, rehearsing, going side stage, rehydrating and performing is best done in company. Building that rapport is incomparable and can also reduce those stress levels. Don’t forget that the closer you’re to your peers, the easier it is to transfer that relationship on stage. How so? Think about all of those interactions choreographed in your musical theatre routine, the trust you require to execute a lift or how dancing in unison elevates the performance. Many of these can be achieved when that bond is generated between dance students earlier on.

Remind yourself of your achievements

It can be hard to push away nerves, but to combat this, try reflecting on all you’ve accomplished and learnt in the lead up to the event. By this we mean your level of personal growth that we sometimes forget to recognise. There’s no denying you’ve tried your absolute best to get to where you are, so pride yourself on that. Think about all of your time spent in the studio perfecting that barrel turn or the chorus choreography. For troupes, think about your commitment and willingness to show up and be there for your teammates. Nothing goes unnoticed, so now it’s time to celebrate what you’ve achieved as a collective.

Whether you prefer taking one of these strategies on board to the other, you must remember that every performer has a different way of approaching a performance. While some are more reserved and go about things individually, others may be more outspoken and willing to surround themselves with other dancers. Either or, find a method that suits you and run with it. Chookas!

Article by Lara Divitcos

Photography by Elly Ford

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