Stage Jitters: How to Shake Them Off!

Performances are a fun, chaotic hodgepodge of emotions and experiences. But it can bring on a sense of pressure that turns into anxiety/stage fright if not addressed. Even though performances are filled with energy and adrenaline, they do come along with pre-performance stage jitters. I have yet to come across a dancer (OR an instructor) who hasn’t had a case of these backstage tinglings.

So what do we tell our students who experience these emotions? 

1. Perform frequently. It seems counterintuitive but the only way to beat the fear is to do more of it. We encourage performances in our studio because it is the best strategy to get over the hump. We can practice for hours on end inside the studio walls but it's not the same as performing on stage in front of an audience. Lean into the discomfort and lean into it frequently. 

2. Preparation. Confidence builds as you become good at something. You get good at something by doing it often. Consistent practice will help master your craft and prepare you to step in front of hundreds of people. Preparing yourself for this experience will help you be assured that you know what you're doing. 

3. Visualize. Imagine yourself dancing on stage and giving it your all - your 100% on stage. When you can see yourself doing that very thing that scares you, it makes it easier to physically do the thing that scares you. It’s telling your brain that you’ve already done it. 

4. Get Into Your Zone. This might be taking a few minutes and finding a quiet area to get in a few deep breaths, it might be going through the routine in your head a few more times, or it might even be listening to a song that is not part of your dance routine . We all have different ways to get into our "zones". Wherever or whatever calms you down and brings you back to you will help get you into a comfortable state and your mind grounded. 

5. Positive Self Talk. This is the inner conversation we have with ourselves that can be used to motivate or bring us down. Repeating affirmations to yourself and telling yourself that you know your routine and are about to do great on stage will help you build up the confidence to do so. "I've practiced, I know what I am doing, I'm about to have a great performance." Saying these few lines can give you the extra boost to overcome the jitters. 

Performing and showcasing your skills/gifts is always a fun experience but can be scary if you don't do it often. Having a community and an experienced instructor can help you overcome these challenges. We do this every week in our classes as we get our students ready for different performances throughout the year. Performing is not mandatory but we have numerous opportunities for kids to adults. Check out a free class and see if this is for you.