When I started bellydancing, I was a shy person. I couldn't imagine dancing alone, on stage, or even making the short beginning-of-show announcement without breaking into a sweat! Even taking a speech class didn't help ease my nerves about being the center of attention. The last few years have taught me how to be confident in front of people in a way nothing else could. Here are some tips I've learned from my wonderful teachers, dance sisters, and my own experience:
Before you perform
Be Prepared. This is the most basic and essential point. If you are using a choreography, know it well, and if you are free styling, you should spend time practicing on your own and getting to know the music. Know some 'thinking moves' (Thank you SAM), that you can use if you lose your way.
Know your music. If you know everything about your song, it will tell you how to dance, even if you forget what you were going to do! Is it pop or folkloric? Are the lyrics about happy things or sad? Figure out the rhythm and use moves that fit.
Know your dance personality. Your dance persona is there to help you. Spend some time thinking what she is like, what kind of attitude she has, and how she would show it. Make up your mind that she is confident (even if you aren't!). When you get ready for a performance, remind yourself that you are becoming Her, and when you step on stage or into a restaurant, you are that talented, confident woman. People are there to see you, and you have a dance worth sharing.
Hydrate. This might sound silly, but you need to drink plenty of water the day of a performance. It will help you regulate your temperature better and be less distracted at showtime.
Don't skip meals. Hunger is also a nasty distraction. Listen to your body and eat what it needs: protein, whole grains, fruits and veg as well as healthy fats. Don't eat junk, that will just make you feel bloated (which doesn't feel pretty, does it?).
At show time
Get in the mood. Listen to dance music that makes you want to move.
Stretch.
Realize that everyone makes mistakes. What's the worst that could happen? Probably just that you make an awkward movement and feel embarrassed. Is that really so bad? Think of your favorite dancers; I bet they have made worst mistakes, and on camera! It happens. It's not the end of the world. I've been there and I promise. Ask me some time if you need an embarrassing story to make you feel better.
Breath. Start regulating your breath; take deep breaths in and out while you remind yourself that your dance personality is taking over.
Change your posture. Go ahead and get into your dancer's stance. Shoulders down and back, head up, pelvis tucked, knees bent. This helps you get into the right frame of mind. You are a dancer, and the way you carry yourself proves it.
Give yourself one last pep talk. YOU are looking and feeling wonderful. Think of how beautiful you look with your costume on, and all made up. You've prepared and you know what to do. You know a dance and have a talent you WANT to share with your audience. Most of them don't know how to do it, so they will be in awe of what you can do; be confident in that knowledge, and know that nobody else can do it exactly the same way you do.
As you step out, head up, confident in your preparation, you can give your all. Feel the music, and enjoy the dance!
No comments:
Post a Comment