One of the questions that always comes up is what to do about stage fright.
First let me assure you that it only lasts until you are standing on the stage and the music starts. Then your practice and excitement kick in and it all becomes a blur.
However to help you out before that moment, As you are lined up in the Wings:
1) Force your face to have a big smile, This will flex the muscles above your ears which will connect to the muscles over the top of your head and release the tension. It will also trigger a learned response in your brain saying "Gosh, if she is smiling I think there is no danger" so you will relax.
2) Tell yourself “ I am excited, not nervous” This is a clinically proven method from psychologists.
3) Shimmy in place while you are standing there. It will burn off nervous energy and same as above your "Fight or Flight" instinct will think you are in action and will quit thinking about what could be wrong.
4) Force yourself to breathe deeply and S l o w l y while you are smiling and shimmying. This will saturate your brain and blood with oxygen and you will release tension with each exhale.
Good Luck, I hope this helps. Just know that you have done your best to prepare, forgive yourself in advance for any errors, know that you are performing in a loving and supportive atmosphere!
First let me assure you that it only lasts until you are standing on the stage and the music starts. Then your practice and excitement kick in and it all becomes a blur.
However to help you out before that moment, As you are lined up in the Wings:
1) Force your face to have a big smile, This will flex the muscles above your ears which will connect to the muscles over the top of your head and release the tension. It will also trigger a learned response in your brain saying "Gosh, if she is smiling I think there is no danger" so you will relax.
2) Tell yourself “ I am excited, not nervous” This is a clinically proven method from psychologists.
3) Shimmy in place while you are standing there. It will burn off nervous energy and same as above your "Fight or Flight" instinct will think you are in action and will quit thinking about what could be wrong.
4) Force yourself to breathe deeply and S l o w l y while you are smiling and shimmying. This will saturate your brain and blood with oxygen and you will release tension with each exhale.
Good Luck, I hope this helps. Just know that you have done your best to prepare, forgive yourself in advance for any errors, know that you are performing in a loving and supportive atmosphere!
-
Reposting Yikes Stage Fright!!
Fri, April 25, 2008 - 7:02 AMam re-posting this as we are getting closer to show time.
-
Re: Yikes Stage Fright!!
Fri, April 25, 2008 - 7:28 AMthanks so much! I read and re read b/f every performance and it helps so much. -
-
Re: Yikes Stage Fright!!
Fri, April 25, 2008 - 10:27 AMand just know that you have no NEED to be nervous.........you look great! ALL of you! And those butterflies really do dissappear once you hit the stage!
:)
Remember......its fun! You love to dance!
-