I think I can help. I took dance for a few years (GO TAP!) and I know some things that might help you out.
Keep your mind on something else. I don't suggest imagining the audience in their underwear. One, that's disturbing, and two, that keeps your focus on them, then thoughts lead to thoughts and it all ends up as you thinking that your going to mess up and that they're all judging you. Focus on a spot in the room. Don't look at the people there, just drift off into space and think about other stuff.
Okay, I know everyone says this and that it's getting old, but have confidence! When you doubt yourself how can you expect anyone else to?-============================= ...Dang it, you, Ben! Get off the keyboard!
Sorry, where was I? Ah, yes, confidence.......................................... ERRG! *throws cat on floor*
AS I WAS SAYING! When I was in... 4th grade? 4th grade. I was the lead in a play and right before we started one of the teachers helping put the show on told me that if you hold your breath, pound on your chest three times, and exhale, it's suppose to make you less nervous. Do that a few times in a row and you really calm down. I'm not sure if it actually works or if it was a Placebo effect but, hey, it works either way!
Think about this, what's the worst that could happen? May be you forgot a step or two, you pick it up and keep going! And, only because I know it helps, I'll share an embarrassing story to make your situation look ideal. In 2nd year tap we did a dance to 'Got No Strings' from Pinocchio and to match the song we all had red, sequent covered marionette strings tied from our wrists to our ankles. There were two sizes, long and short. Personalized, isn't it? I thought mine were a little short but we were about to go on so I ignored it. We started and about 10 seconds into the dance one of mine snapped. So for most of the dance I had a bright red, sparkly strap trailing behind my every move. Wanna' know what's even better? Every person in the recital (Over one hundred people) had the option of buying the recital DVD/VHS which consists of every dance and the intermition. That means that every person who bought that recording gets to see my lovely moment in the spotlight. Ain't it great?
So compared to that what could happen? Just go out there and do your best.
Hope I helped!
2006-10-06 14:51:19
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answer #1
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answered by Anonymous
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I feel scared too before a performance but a few seconds after I start dancing I forget about it and enjoy the dance. I had a performance last spring and we had tambourines. At the beginning of the dance we put them on the floor, did other stuff after which we had to grab them and continue the dance. Well, when the time to grab the tambourine came I ran and almost grabbed someone else's after which I had to run fast to get mine. One other girl in the ensemble lost hers so she had to dance without it. The show was recorded and a lot of people who bought the DVD can see that. Well, that didn't make me any worse dancer. I'm on a better team now and I hope that I'll get even better as the times passes. I'm new at dancing but I love it and I will never quit, even if I'll be scared to death of performing.
One other story that a teacher told me: she was dancing a Hungarian dance with her company and they had to wear big skirts. Well, hers wasn't tied up very well and when she did a turn her skirt got caught into something and her skirt fell off. Imagine that! That would be so embarrassing. However, she never quit dancing and she still loves it. And now she even laughs at that experience.
DO NOT QUIT unless you hate dancing or you just feel like you will never be able to do it! Keep practicing, both in class and outside of class and go through the dance in your head before you go to bed at night. It will help you get better and remember the sequence. Ask your teacher for ways of improving and watch her/him do the moves and try to copy them the best you can. He/she will tell you if you're not doing well.
Also, don't think too hard about the moves or sequence once you practiced a lot and know it. Your body will do it without you thinking about it. And if you do make a mistake it's OK. No one will know it! Just smile big as if everybody else was wrong and you were right! :) Also, tell yourself that you can do it and that you're the best dancer in your team! It's actually true! No one else dances like you do. You're unique and your talent is irreplaceable.
One other thing; age or height don't matter. I am 26 and I started dancing a year and a half ago. If you work hard, are enthusiastic and love dancing than everything is possible.
Keep at it and don't give up! You might regret it for the rest of your life. Good luck!
2006-10-06 15:52:47
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answer #2
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answered by Dally J 3
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If you like dancing, don't think about quitting because you have to perform. I used to hate performing and was so nervous about messing up or looking ackward. The best advice i can give you is to practice your dance and be confident. If you know the steps and are having fun it won't matter if you mess up. Look like you are having fun and the audience won't notice. Just remember the audience are there to watch you not to judge you. Most of the people in the audience could never do what you do up there and are not going to notice if you miss a few steps. Your also not alone. Most dancers feel this way before a show. It's natural. Don't worry about the people think about your dance and keep smiling. After the first 30 seconds you'll forget the people are even there
2006-10-06 14:13:36
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answer #3
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answered by ginaween 2
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Sometimes when you actually start to perform, speak, dance, whatever, your fear drops away and you just have fun doing it.
Got to remember too that people watching really want you to succeed and are not going to get upset if you make a few mistakes. Everyone has to learn. No one is just perfect naturally, and I think the more you do it, the less performing will bother you. Maybe just pretend you are all alone dancing. Good luck, and don't drop dance just cause you feel scared. Bet most everybody up there will be just as scared or worse. They are all scared to death you'll do better than they do, cause you are older than them. And tall is good for a dancer. And it's good for a woman too. Julia Roberts is like six foot tall, and she is a knockout.
2006-10-06 14:10:12
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answer #4
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answered by krautlover2u 2
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Ok, this is what you do. Think that your sending a message out to people. Even know it's dancing it still will work. Plus, your the oldest person in the group and if you quit before the show then that would give bad repusentation to the little ones. They are probablly thinking the same thing, and they are probablly looking towards you. Just think, your not speaking infront of a crowd so you dont have to lose your breath. Look at yourself and believe that you can do it. If you believe in God or anyother religon, then pray to him. That's what i did for my oral presentation, and it worked out just fine. Trust me, it works.
2006-10-06 15:30:35
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answer #5
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answered by Kaitlyn W 2
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You will find more confidence as you learn the choreography after dancing it over and over again. Fright will go away eventually, before December. Of course you are not ready now, but now is October. Every time you get worried over it when you're not in the studio and can't really dance it, repeat the steps in your head, that will help you to get confidence.
2006-10-06 14:10:38
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answer #6
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answered by Snowflake 7
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ok, well ive been dancing for 12 years (im 15) and trust me, once you get off that stage, after your preformance, you will be so happy, and proud. so definitly dont drop out. just practice practice practice! if you know the dance perfectly, what is there to be afraid of. i dont think you should care that you are taller or older than the other girls in your class. i hope you stick with dance. good luck!
2006-10-06 14:13:45
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answer #7
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answered by Anonymous
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Ok....Take deep breathes, dont be scared. First learn a bible verse in the Bible. While u are performin, repeat the Bible verse in your brain, u will do great.
God is with u, dont be scared. The crowd are just humans just like u. So, Just do your best...and dont quit.
2006-10-06 14:27:00
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answer #8
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answered by sunflare63 7
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Don't focus on who is watching you...just concentrate on what you are doing.
Enjoy the dance..be happy with how well you are dancing and DON'T QUIT
2006-10-06 14:06:08
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answer #9
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answered by Grundoon 7
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Whenever you're performing on stage never look directly at the audience look a little above their heads.They think you're looking at them but you're really looking above their heads.Helps me a lot!!!!!!!
2006-10-06 14:10:40
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answer #10
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answered by Ali.D 4
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