Some perform because it motivates them to improve, because they love the stage, or because they rarely get the space to dance with their whole heart. Sadly, many others are intimidated by the stage, and miss out on the the joy of performing for others. If you’ve decided to take the plunge however, here’s how to get ready your next dance performance.
1. Simulate your performance experience
Would you climb a mountain without practicing with a boulder first? When preparing for a dance performance, it’s important to create conditions similar to the event itself. A dress rehearsals or two is a must, to make sure there’s no risk of wardrobe malfunctions. Ask about the size of the performance space, and stay within those dimensions when you practice. Check with people who’ve performed there before for important details, like if the floor is slippery or sticky.
2. Organize the things you need early
Organize everything you can before your dance performance, and save yourself from the ‘chicken with it’s head cut off’ routine. Make a list of things you will need, and pack them up the day before. A few things worth including:
- iPod with fully charged batteries, loading with music and earbuds
- CDs with your music – bring two so you have a backup copy
- Costume
- Shoes, Half-soles, etc.
- Make-up, towelettes, and make-up remover
- Hair supplies, like bobby pins, rubber bands, hairspray
- Sewing kits with safety pins, super glue, fabric tape
- Nail clipper and file
- Protein bar and full water bottle
- Directions to the performance site
This might seem excessive, but all it takes it one broken strap and no rubber bands to turn a smoothly running performance into a nightmare.
3. Eat healthy, high energy meals
Healthy eating is just a good idea for both your body and your dancing. Assuming you are human enough to indulge from time to time however, at least make sure you get a good combination of carbs and proteins in your meals the day of the dance performance. A few fast recommendations are high-fibre cereal, oatmeal, bananas and strawberries (try having the last two in a smoothie together!) And for goodness sake, don’t skip breakfast!
4. Arrive early
Nothing’s worse then flying on stage last minute, and having to perform while your brain’s still running to catch up.
Show up at least a hour before show time, to give yourself plenty of ‘oh sh*t!’ time if needed.
5. Warm-up
The last time my dance partner had to perform without a warm-up, she pulled her leg muscle badly enough to keep her limping for a month afterwards. Light aerobic activity, stretches, yoga and pilates are all useful ways to prep your muscles for a strenuous routine, and keep you from getting a muscle spasm at the worse possible time.
6. Get in the zone
The greatest athletes always have some strategy for ‘getting their mind in the game’, whether it’s visualizing the movements, listening to music, or sitting on stage imagining a screaming crowd. Find your own way to stay calm and focused until show time. It’s okay to be nervous, but let it motivate you, not paralyze you.
‘This is all well and good,’ I hear you say, ‘but what about when I’m actually ON stage? How do I keep myself from freaking out then?’ Next week, I’ll show you how to overcome those on-stage jitters and become a brilliant performer.
Credits
Dance Magazine
Onstage Dance
Tour De Fit
WikiHow
About the Author
Ian Crewe has been dancing ballroom for almost 20 years, and has a Licentiate in American smooth and rhythm. His passion for dance and his endless seeking for ways to reach new audiences eventually led him to blogging and the World Wide Web. Ian currently teaches ballroom at the Joy of Dance Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada.