How to Handle Pre-Performance Nerves on the Big Day
Photo source: topcats
Do you dread the thought of performing on stage, in front of the judges? You’re just imagining day 1 of the auditions but you’re feeling extremely nervous. “What if I don’t dance gracefully? What if my mind goes blank and I completely forget the dance moves I rehearsed?”
Performance anxiety happens to anyone -- even to the smart, talented, and confident woman. But just because you struggle with the jitters, doesn’t mean you can’t make the team. So how do you deal with that stage fright?
Don’t worry!! I’ve prepared 6 tips that help.
1. Acknowledge the fact that you’re not alone.
Hey, you’re not the only one who’s trembling! Remember that there are hundreds of women like you who feel the same. Bearing this in mind will somewhat neutralize your emotions and change your perspective of the entire audition experience.
2. Don’t drink coffee the night before or on the morning of the auditions.
Coffee contains caffeine, a stimulant. The effects of caffeine on your body are similar to when you’re feeling anxious. Avoid caffeine as you near the auditions - preferably beginning the night before the big day. Doing this will help you sleep soundly and lower the chances of a panic attack.
3. Use a high-power pose.
Photo source: Celtics Dancers
You’ve probably heard about power posing. The concept was introduced by Amy Cuddy in her 2012 TED talk. Striking a power pose improves how you feel in as little as two minutes. Simply stand tall with your chest out and hands on your hips. The idea is that body language shapes your thoughts and feelings.
4. Immediately get rid of negative thoughts.
If you’re used to entertaining poor quality thoughts, you might bring the habit to the auditions and then sabotage your performance. It’s important to keep these bad thoughts away hours or moments before you show yourself. Once you catch yourself thinking or failure, tell yourself “STOP!!!” in your mind.
5. Relax your muscles.
Relaxation has effectively helped people overcome stressful situations. Progressively relax your body. Instruct your mind to relax your shoulders, back, arms, chest, and palms one at a time. This brief exercise will calm yourself in seconds. Make sure that you practice this technique to get used to it.
6. Get to the audition venue early.
Arriving early than most audition contestants gives you ample time to adjust yourself to the place. You’ll feel more at peace and ready to tackle the audition with courage. Before anything else, research the assigned audition location. In fact, it would be best if you also visited the venue the day before.
Final Thoughts
Review this blog post if you have to. But don’t ever forget that the most important ingredient to feeling more confident and ready is to prepare in advance. You can’t fool yourself -- deep inside, you know if you stayed committed to your pro cheer prep goals (if you showed up each day to practice despite the temptations and challenges).
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