Stagefright!

[MadamSamba]

When it comes to dancing, especially a dance I know well, I don't care who's watching, but yesterday someone was telling me that the instant they get an inkling someone is watching them, they freeze up. Worse still, I've seen it happen.

Does anyone else suffer from fear of performing? For those of us who don't (and instead might love the limelight), what advice to you have from more hesitant dancers among us for getting over their fear of performing for/to a crowd?

[pygmalion]

Hmm. I love performing, so it's kinda hard for me to break it down, and figure out what I do to make myself comfortable.

Get there early -- get used to the venue. Dance in front of people you're comfortable with -- mom, dad, best girlfriend -- just casually. "Here, let me show you this new step." Dance in groups -- like formation teams. Keep eye contact and/or make conversation with your partner, to keep yourself from thinking about the people watching ....

(Trying to apply the public speaking techniques to dance, here. And they actually translate pretty well.)

[youngsta]

When I was a kid I was pretty shy, but anytime I was on a dancefloor I became a big time ham! Now I'm definitely not shy anymore, but the ham is still there! :lol: I love being on the floor with a partner with all eyes on us. Thing is when we're out there it seems like she and I are the only two people in the whole place, so it never feels like all eyes are on us to me.

[dancin_feet]

I love performing, but I think if you ever get to the stage that performing in front of people doesn't make you at least a little nervous, it may be time to give it up.

I usually find that I'm OK on the lead up to the performance, even changing into costume, I'm fine. It's the 10 seconds or so before I actually hear the music that I freak out. Usually have a desperate need to run to the toilet, even though I may only have just come from there! Have learned to expect it and go with it. Once I'm out there, it seems to dissipate (at least enough for me to be able to do what I need to do).

I just try breathing exercises and remind myself that I'm not going to die if something goes wrong. It's not the end of the world if I fall on my ass, just made a mistake. Everybody does it at times. May be embarrassing :oops: but it's all a part of the performing game.

I went to see a performance of Singin in the Rain, and the male lead actually slipped over in one number and fell to the floor. He just got straight back up and went on as if nothing ever happened. When he finished the number, though, I did notice a wry smile on his face! Even professionals stuff up, no-one can get it perfect every time!

[ShyDancer]

Some good advice in here :)

I will try to remember some of it!

I am the queen of stagefright! As soon as I feel someone watching I stop dead. Cant help it.

Im SO nervous about my medal exams, even though they are still a few months away....
I remember clearly the day I had try outs for my state basketball squad. I was one of the best on my team but come time to show the selectors my stuff I could barely handle the ball, I made it anyway, BUT I still carry the same fear when it comes to my medal exam!

[dancin_feet]

I have a medal exam coming up too ShyDancer, so I know what you mean.

Had a mini comp last year within the studio that I danced in. Was fine right up until they called my name to get on the floor with my instructor. I was shaking like a leaf and completely missed the first turn (was doing waltz). My instructor then started to sing to me during the rest of the comp. Relieved my nerves considerably. Next performance will be better.

Do you get a good warm up before exams? Make sure your instructor puts you through your paces beforehand to shake out the nerves. I've already told my instructor this and he's prepared to schedule my exam to put aside an extra 5-10 minutes beforehand to help me with this. That way the adrenaline is already pumping and you're ready for what comes next!

[ShyDancer]

I will ask about a warm up beforehand, Thanks dancin_feet! :D
Never thought about that before......might even get a 1/2 private lesson in...

[BayAreaBallroomLady]

Now this is a subject I'm an expert on.
I have several methods that I've forced (YES< FORCED) myself to utilize to help me overcome debilitating shyness at an early age.

Two of the most effective, yet most difficult were:

To get over my general shyness, I volunteered with groups to do fundraising door to door as well as man booths in local fairs. I took jobs that forced me to put myself into the public eye. I found that if I were doing it for someone else or for my job that it made it somehow easier to talk to people.

To get over the BIG one.. fear of performing in public took an intriguing turn. I actually found a tiny local bar nearby that had Karaoke every night. I would go when NO ONE was there on like Monday and Tuesday nights. I would MAKE myself sing.. but then I do love to sing.. Until I was 35 years old, I had been terrified of doing in public...even after years of voice lessons. I constantly tried new songs as a challenge. After about 4 months of doing it every week. I found that I could walk in on the busy nights and actually be brave enough to put in song ticket. (don't use alcohol as a crutch though) Now, I'm confident enough to walk into almost any environment and sing a song. After that... dancing in public is nothing.

What I'm saying is that you have to start somewhere. :banana:.anywhere that you feel free to dance without pressure. Do it often and don't judge yourself, nor allow yourself to judge others. Just do it because of the feeling it gives you. You will soon be so wrapped up in the joyous feelings that you will no longer remember that there are people watching.

[msc]

The kicker is, in ballroom, not only can you not have stage fright, but you need to actively project to the audience. I still have problems with that one, although I'm slowly improving in that area.

[MadamSamba]

Welcome to the Forums, BayAreaBallroomLady! I loved your answer...I'm like that. When something scares me, I go right out there and face it (still haven't been able to do it for my deathly fear of heights though).

I can't sing, so karaoke is definitely out, but I remember my fear of doing anything in public and I think dancing really brings you out of your shell. I've gone to the other extreme now. I'll dance anywhere, regardless of who's looking...now I just don't give a damn, let alone care what anyone things of me! :)

[Auzzie_Dancer]

Well ill tell my story

I was new and was really nervous dancing in my second competition and ended up being the only dancer ( since i was not register with a partner yet) dancing in my 6 dancers.

I was really nervous and thought i did really badly but when i got up to get the medals, i got the biggest round of appluase and got congratulated by all the judges for having and go and dancing alone. It gave me a huge confidence boost.

[Sagitta]

You see!!! Taking the plunge is the tough part! Once that is done it isn't too bad. :)

The moment I knew I had a problem with stagefright I went out and started doing things that thrust me in the public eye. :)

[pygmalion]

Well ill tell my story

I was new and was really nervous dancing in my second competition and ended up being the only dancer ( since i was not register with a partner yet) dancing in my 6 dancers.

I was really nervous and thought i did really badly but when i got up to get the medals, i got the biggest round of appluase and got congratulated by all the judges for having and go and dancing alone. It gave me a huge confidence boost.

Excellent story, Auzzie dancer. And kudos for having the courage to go it alone. :D