Stepping onto the dance stage can bring a variety of emotions from nerves to excitement. Being confident on stage can help your performance look more intentional and clean. But confidence can be hard sometimes! Let’s explore ways to shine like the bright star you are on stage.
Positive Self Talk
Sometimes it all comes down to your mindset and how you look at the situation. When you notice yourself going to say something negative or letting fear talk, replace the idea with something positive. Think (or even say it out loud to lock in the thought), “I’ve worked so hard for this and I deserve to be here,” or “My best is good enough,” and “As long as I have fun…” Make sure to really emphasize the last one. Since, after all, we dance because we love it, right?
Embrace the stage
Getting familiar with where you’ll be dancing will help you feel more comfortable when you go to perform. So, if you can, go on the stage and feel it out. How does the floor feel? How far is the audience from the stage? How bright are the lights? That way when you go to perform you can do it with confidence and no surprises.
Focus on the music
Sometimes we can get so in our heads that we forget to just feel the music. After all, that is the best part of dancing. It allows us to pour out our emotions and let the music guide our movements. When you are on stage, it should be no different. Connect with each beat, sound, and rhythm of the music as you dance. Once you get into the movement, the nerves will start to get drowned out by the sound of the music.
Visualize Success
Your mind is a powerful tool. One of the best ways to use it in a way that benefits you is to visualize. Practice playing images through your head of you performing perfectly and having fun. You can even picture what it would be like to hear the audience cheer and clap for you when you’re done!
Take Care of Your Body
Make sure that before you go on stage, you are setting yourself up for success in every way that you can. Go to bed early the night before so you know you got a good night’s sleep. Eat enough to fuel your body and get the energy needed for dance. Stay hydrated by consistently drinking water before and after performing.
Support system
If performing on stage makes you nervous, lean on your support system. This could be your coach, dance family, parents, friends, or teammates. Embrace their support and the fact that they just want to see you go on that stage and have fun. Their positive energy and words can help you feel ready to take on the stage!
