Aug 10
2
We’ve all seen it. The dance performances where the children just stand out front and stare awkwardly at the audience. Everyone in the audience laughs and cheers at the sweet 5 — 6 year olds in their adorable childrens dancewear, standing or barely swaying to the tune. It’s a lot more uncomfortable though for the 11 or 13 year old who, may be a wonderful dancer in rehearsal, but has a bad case of dance recital jitters. They may never have shaken that uncomfortable feeling when on stage with the bright lights and audience and are worried about what their friends might think if they mess up. Stage fright can be a stressful moment but don’t think your child is the only one that suffers from it. Many dancers, beginner to advanced, suffer some degree of nervousness when performing.
Besides completely freezing up on stage, there are several other indicators of stage fright. Some of which include; giggling, nervous talking, rapid heart beat, frequently running to the bathroom, quick short breaths, withdrawal from conversation, dry mouth, sweating and becoming short tempered.
Overcoming stage fright is not an easy task but it can be done!
Help your child by:
1. Always providing positive encouragement.
2. Allow them to practice or do small performances to an approving audience like yourself, family members or friends.
3. Encourage them to use a Dance Journal to help them remember choreography, combinations and as a source of personal self reflection.
4. Remind them that if they mess up, no one in the audience will know the difference.
5. Encourage positive self talk. “I can do this”, “I am a great dancer”, “I know this”.
6. Let them practice as much as they want until they feel confident that they know the material to the point where they no longer have to think about it.
7. Provide them proper childrens dancewear or recital costume to build their self confidence and self esteem.
8. Remind them that you will always be proud of them.
Overcoming stage fright may take some time but with positive encouragement and experience over time, it will soon fade away.
