How to Expect the Unexpected on the Dance Stage

It’s great to acknowledge that while dancers feel a high when performing, things don’t always go as planned. Like anything, with practice comes experience and after several performances, IT issues, costume mishaps or flash photography become less of a surprise. Have a read below of some of the issues that often arise for new and seasoned dancers.

Music Issues

A common occurrence when performing no matter if at a new or old theatre, are technical issues particularly with a dancer’s music. Before a competition, listen to your teachers instructions given each competition has its own syllabus and set of rules to abide by. At Victorian competitions, digital mp3 uploads to the competition’s account are often required before performances, but as a back up plan we suggest bringing along a USB on the day of the competition in the case of technical glitches. It’s also worth noting that some competitions allow you to play music from a phone or restart the piece to give you a second opportunity. Bare in mind in the worst case scenario, you may have to dance your little heart out without music. It would be great to use this same approach for annual concerts.

Floriane wears the Maya Mesh Leotard in Black and Révélation Ballet Shoe - Tech Fit in Tan.

Costume Mishaps

Unfortunately, costume mishaps are bound to happen, although preventative steps can be taken. When you’ve received your costume, rehearse in it at least twice in the studio and once on stage. Reason being as rehearsing in activewear is different to performing in costume which you will only discover once you’ve practised in them. Some flimsy straps, hair accessories, leg lines or materials may not be appropriate for the intensity of that jazz dance or may simply not be secured well enough. In that case, it's important to bring a sewing kit on the day of the performance as back up and we also suggest not wearing any/ample jewellery to avoid sequins, beads or mesh getting caught. Be weary of unstable head pieces and ensure you have secured them by using bobby pins and hairspray. Additionally, we offer a range of undergarments with low back designs, adjustable straps and high leg lines to be worn beneath costumes to provide support even in the event of a costume mishap.

Jasmine wears the Seamless Convertible Body Stocking in Tan.

Shoe Mishaps

It goes without saying that all stages are made from different surfaces. These can include harlequin or sprung timber floors, although it means you don’t always know what the surface will be like up until you perform. In this instance, look for rosin which is often placed side stage for dancers to use in case the stage floor may be slippery. As well as this, right before going on stage, ensure your pointe shoes ribbons are tied properly as due to the impact of your beautiful choreography, ribbons can unravel and become a slipping hazard. Similarly, it would be worth double-checking to see if your tap plates and ballet elastics are intact.

Tawhia wears the Avery Classic Track Pant in Black and the Tap Boot - Slip on Neoprene in Tan.

Props Left Behind

It doesn’t take much for feathers, sequins or sometimes shoes to fly across the stage unintentionally. If this occurs at your dance schools concert, someone is most likely going to clean up after the performance. Although, if at a competition, you often don’t have much control over being able to clear the stage. A tip would be to scan the stage prior to performing and most importantly use your peripheral vision. In the event of the prop being a major hazard, we suggest kicking it side stage or downstage if your choreography allows it. This subtle movement could prevent accidental falls for those in your troupe or even upcoming dancers.

SCIMM Platforms Youth Company - photographed by Elly Ford for Energetiks

Stage Awareness

Something to be mindful of is your spacial awareness on stage, particularly where upstage and downstage is located. If performing at amateur theatres, the stage may not be raised, although, several stages are. Often when dancing, our eye level is towards the adjudicator, box or more generally the audience which is an excellent way of building stage presence. However, before going on stage take note of where the stage ends to avoid potentially losing your footing and falling off stage. A tip is to look for marks on the stage such as fluoro tape or lights which can be incredibly helpful.

Regardless of where you’re performing, try to grasp as much information as you can about the space if your teacher or another dancer has not already briefed you. Small preparations like packing a few days in advance and rehearsing in different spaces prior to the performance date can be beneficial. Remember, the more experience you gain performing, the more confidence you’ll have on stage.

Article by Lara Divitcos

Photography by Elly Ford

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