Guest Post: Dance Performances and Staying Positive

Many of us love to dance, and we often want to share that joy with others as well, whether it’s at a social, a group lesson, or one on one practice with a dance partner. Other times we want to share it with a wider audience by performing on a big stage. With that, however, come many mixed emotions. Some dance performances may result in a very rewarding feeling of accomplishment, and other times we are left disappointed in the outcome, whether it be a result of not enough practice, making mistakes on stage, or possibly an injury. If the outcome of performing has left you disappointed, or even afraid to step on stage again, how do you get back up in front of an audience after such an experience? Here are a few tips to keep a positive perspective on future dance performances, and build more positive experiences on stage.

Focus on past successes rather than failures: 

Try not to worry too much about the times things have gone wrong, but rather, focus on the times you did a really amazing job. It may not even have to be a dance performance, but could be any other accomplishment in your life. Remember how it felt and try to attribute that feeling to dance performances. Remember that everyone is capable of accomplishing their goals if they keep a positive state of mind and keep striving. Furthermore, remember that having an experience that seemed negative does not make it a negative experience, but a learning experience, which leads into the next point.

There is no such thing as a negative experience:

Whatever your experience may have been, treat it as a wonderful challenge for you, to become a better dancer and a better performer.

For example, an injury is a way of telling your body that you need to eat better, go for frequent massages, or partake in other forms of therapy. It does not mean the injury may recur, but it may mean you may need to take a bit of time away from performing to let your body heal, and in the future, it’s important to know how to protect against future injury.

This may involve choreographing a dance performance that does not place a lot of pressure on the previously injured spot, or avoiding specific movements that may place your body at risk again. Any injury should be addressed immediately, or it may result in long-term consequences.

PRACTICE:

Make sure you practice frequently. Even if you’ve been in numerous dance performances previously, there are always different scenarios that may present themselves (sound issues, sticky floors, etc.). If you’re performing with a partner, practice together to get used to each other’s instincts and how you both react when you make a mistake. Social dance together too and improvise while dancing. That way, if a mistake is made on stage, you both have an idea of how to help each other get back on track.

Make sure you practice in your costumes and on the stage that you will be performing on. Try to have an audience watch you while you practice, as well. It helps you get used to having people watch you dance, to the point where it may even become second nature to you. Generally, the more you practice, the more confidence you gain.

Next week, I’ll cover 3 more ways to create more positive experiences at your dance performances. Until then, happy dancing!

Irina has completed a 16 month teacher training program in International Ballroom and has experience performing and competing in Latin and Standard. She's looking to expand her dance by continuing to train and perform in various venues.