Preparing for a national competition is a lot of pressure. This is true whether you’re representing your studio for the first time or you’re a Finals pro. Competition is exhilarating, and taking the stage with confidence makes a big difference. Confidence is built on and off the stage, and no one knows better how to tackle competition nerves than a veteran of some of the world’s most prestigious stages.
Judine Somerville is a former Rockette with an intimate knowledge of New York City dance. She has performed in five original Broadway musicals, including The Dynamites, Hairspray, On the Town, The Life, Crazy for You, and Late Nite Comic. Judine knows all kinds of live audiences from early morning to late night TV. She has danced on The Today Show, The View, Good Morning America, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Late Night with Conan O’Brien, the Tony Awards, and in NBC’s Hairspray Live! She serves as faculty at The Ailey School and Ailey Extension. She knows the stage better than most, and as a Showstopper Dance Competition judge, she knows the ins and outs (and ups and downs) of taking the stage for dancers of any age.
We asked Judine to give her advice on owning the Finals stage. As someone who watches every dance, she sees the deep breaths, the victory chants, and even the tears that dancers bring to the stage. These are her tips for building confidence, so you can get the most out of your Finals experience, from flawless performances to powerful memories you’ll have for a lifetime.
“Confidence is a state of mind and is necessary to be able to perform on stage with ease and fun.”
Judine recommends believing in the audience as much as you believe in yourself. “When performing for a crowd of any size, think of the audience as family and friends,” she said. If you can feel close to the audience, you can communicate with them. Remind yourself, “They want me to win.”
“Before each rehearsal, remind yourself of a positive affirmation that motivates you and puts you at the head of the class, as you prepare.”
Where do you want to be? How do you want to feel when you perform? For Judine, a winning attitude doesn’t appear after you have a trophy in hand. It blooms before you dance the first steps of your routine. She advises thinking confident thoughts like, “I am winning. I see myself performing beautifully, all is in order with joy.”
“Performing a routine that you absolutely LOVE as well as being connected to both lyrics and music is going to elevate the routine to the next level.”
It’s hard to be confident in a routine you don’t connect to. When you’re just going through the motions, your performance will be dull as a result. Confidence comes from knowing that the story you’re telling is yours. “Add in emotional connection,” Judine said, “and the seed of confidence begins to bloom.”
“Having a conversation with your choreographer can also build your confidence.”
The relationship between dancer and choreographer is so important for creating a performance you can be confident in. Judine reminds you that the routine belongs to both of you. “The strategy that you both create and continue to refine in the rehearsal process can be very rewarding, which can give way to dancing from the inside out….NOTHING LIKE IT.” Get invested! Communicate and create something incredible together.
“In the rehearsal process, practice the way you see yourself performing, with joy, energy, determination, and love. “
“Hear the roar of the crowd,” Judine advises. Every moment in the studio is leading up to the cheering and clapping of the audience. Keep them in your mind as you practice. Those moments in front of the mirror are performances, too!
“…see how beautiful a character you have created.”
Remember, confidence comes from the small moments as much as the glitz and glam of the spotlight. Connect with the dance by dancing it for yourself at least once. “Once you have completed the choreography and are confident in the story you are telling through movement,” Judine recommends. “I have found it a good idea to practice in hair, makeup, and costume, facing the mirror.”
“The more you continue to work on your ballet technique, your confidence will begin to soar. “
No matter what genre you perform in, the basics are a foundational way to make every move seem flawless. Do the exercises. Drill the details. Judges like Judine will see the difference. “As you will begin to rise to the next level, your leaps, pirouettes, jumps, lifts, forte, and turns will do the same.”
“And remember… Everything is Possible WHEN YOU BELIEVE.”
The best thing you can do before any performance is convince yourself that it is possible. Confidence is about trust. Trust your choreographer. Trust your teammates. Trust yourself. After that, everything happens in an instant.
