5 Tips to Overcome Stage Fright for Dancers
Image credit: Miami HEAT Dancers
Game days are always exhilarating when you're a professional cheerleader. Big crowds are cheering, and cameras are everywhere. As you approach the field, your heart starts to race, and you feel the chill all over your body. It's a nerve-wracking experience.
Such feelings during a performance are totally normal. In fact, everyone, even professional dancers or public speakers, experience some degree of anxiety before they perform.
Performance anxiety, commonly called stage fright, is not a mental disorder. Instead, it is a normal reaction of our bodies when we're in a stressful situation. But some people experience higher levels of anxiety which can cause them to shake excessively, feel nauseated, and eventually back out of the performance.
Stage fright is caused by your fear of failure. Performing in front of random strangers can make you feel vulnerable, and you may fear that they will see you as a failure when you make mistakes. But don't fret! There are several ways that can help you overcome it.
Here are some tips to minimize your performance anxiety.
1. Practice Beforehand
One of the common causes of stage fright is self-doubt. To avoid this, practice as much as you can. Prepare yourself and master your dance routine before you perform. With this, you will gain more confidence in yourself.
Read more: How to Handle Pre-Performance Nerves on the Big Day
2. Take deep breaths
Mastering your dance routine can help you be more confident, but it cannot totally stop the adrenaline rushing in your body. If you still feel like your heart is gonna explode, take long, deep breaths.
It may seem so simple, but it's very essential. Taking slow deep breaths increases the oxygen supply in your brain, which promotes a state of calmness. It also helps your muscles to relax and your heart to beat more slowly.
3. Focus
Sometimes cheer dancers get stage fright because they're too focused on the audience's reaction. Instead, focus on yourself and your team. Concentrate on a focal point, so you don't have to deal with looking directly at the audience.
4. Release that nervous energy
Your body may tighten when you're anxious during a performance. So, loosen yourself up by stretching. Take a walk. Jump or shake your muscles. Doing this can make your body become more stable afterward.
Read more: Feeling Insecure About Your Dancing? Build Your Confidence With These 6 Reminders
5. Visualize
Rehearse in the venue where you will perform. Doing this will help you visualize yourself on stage performing. Imagine that you are giving an outstanding performance. Your practice will be more effective, and you will gain more confidence.
6. Have a support system
Don't hide your stage fright. Let your families and pro cheer sisters know that you sometimes experience performance anxiety. If they know that you're suffering from stage fright, they can help you relax and get back on your feet.
Conclusion
Remember that it's okay if you make a mistake during your performance. Even veteran pro cheer dancers make mistakes. So again, it's totally normal. But if you have severe performance anxiety, seek help from mental health professionals. Taking sessions with therapists can also be beneficial.
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