Shakira has conquered stage fright to emerge as an entertaining performer

Most of the international celebrities whom I taught to dance, I have always asked them how they fight “backstage jitters” just before a performance. Madonna, Shakira, Beyonce and even Kenny G have the same fears. My student, actress Kajol, once told me that due to stage fright, she can never do live performances.

It is natural for any dancer to feel nervous right before going on stage. Often this nervousness can hinder a dancer’s performance. As we become seasoned performers, we learn how to use this nervousness to our advantage. This tension comes from the adrenaline that naturally releases into the body. It is hard to feel calm once this happens! This will happen when a person embarks on a venture that requires a great deal of courage. Dancing on stage can be downright scary at times. One way to perform better is experience, which naturally makes you feel comfortable! This, unfortunately, isn’t an option for less experienced dancers. But there are a few things a dancer can do to lessen this tension and to use it towards the performance.

Be ready

Before you get called to the wings by the stagehands, practise breathing and stretching. Make sure you are completely warmed up, stretched and calm. Taking deep breaths is very important so you have a surplus of oxygen flowing through your lungs and muscles. By the time you get to the wings, you should be calm enough to handle last-minute nerves.

Never go on a stage without practising the piece at least twice. Being physically warmed up will assure a better performance and that should ease a little tension right there.

Make sure you have enough time the night before to sleep at least nine hours. This will help your performance and ease the tension.

Do stay hydrated and have some protein in your pre-performance meal. Don’t eat heavy but try to eat enough so that you feel energetic. Eat three to four hours before your performance so that it is digested for energy stores at the time you’ll need it. Do not eat sugar or drink caffeine. And absolutely no smoking or alcohol!

Make sure your dance bag, costumes, accessories and make-up are all packed and checked the night before.

Arrive at the venue at least an hour before you’re required to be there. This will give you time to practise in the stage area and will lessen your chances of any late arrival, which will, in turn, cause increased tension.

Try your shoes on the floor when it’s rolled out. Make any last-minute adjustments according to the floor.

Be focused

Make sure you listen to your music and visualise the performance before you go on stage. Visualisation is a very powerful tool and can relax the mind and body.

Don’t let a chatty friend take all your crucial last moments before a performance! Try to centre yourself and stay in a very focused state of mind.

Try to use whatever mood you’re feeling that day in your performance. Any energy is good energy.

This is the difference between a good dancer and a phenomenal performer.

Be positive

Backstage nervousness is also a twist of anticipation and excitement. Remember these other factors and keep your mindset positive. Anticipate your best performance yet, and enjoy the excitement of finally getting to perform this piece after all the hard work you’ve done! Enjoy it instead of dreading it! Be pro-active!

Dancers need to come together as a group in a positive light pre-performance. It always helps to pray together, massage each other’s shoulders or do a pep cheer! This pep cheer can be a team ritual that gets every one in the mode and into the spirit. It brings a positive energy to the group that translates on stage.

Have confidence in yourself! You have worked hard and know the choreography. You were chosen for this part because you earned it! Have pride in your part no matter how large or small it may be. This humble and thankful mindset will give off an inner happiness that will shine for your fellow dancers, your choreographer and your audience.

A dancer without jitters is a bird without wings. Use this energy towards your movement and know that it is normal. Enjoy this excitement and relish every time you are poised to take the stage. We can’t be dancers forever! So enjoy these moments. You are there for a reason, let it shine!