Urgh, how can I stop being so nervous during my ballroom dance competitions?

Question

I have been dancing for 3 years now, and I really do love it, but, like today, I just get really nervous during my competitions!

Today I had my dance showcase, no judging, it was for fun, but I was nervous. The other dancers in my formation group....weellll...they couldn't dance if their life depended on it! So I had to lead the group and make sure we were all in line, so all the presure was on me. The minute I got there, I was shaking, first my legs, all the way up to my jaw and then my temples started shaking, it was bad. The weird thing is, by the time I am on the floor, I AM IN THE BEST MOOD! I am still nervous, but I am just itching to dance. The weird thing is, when I am on the floor, my mind just goes into a blank bliss. I know exactly what I am supposed to do, but I don't remember anything afterwards, except the bad parts.

Pictures of me before the dance show me nervous and crabby, while the after pictures are happy and nice. How can I stop being nervous?

I get taught by a fantastic instructor. He has been dancing since he is 6, so he has about 30 years of experience. He lived in England and he has been to hundreds and hundreds of competitions.

He can always make me laugh and smile, he often says gibberish during the dance, which somehow help me dance, like during Pasa Doble "and in you come like a current bun," to the beat of the music, which gets me to smile during the dance. He also sometimes gives me hints on the next step even if I know what is going on, plus he makes funny faces so I burst out laughing and smiling, which is good during competitions.

So I know my dances perfectly....but I still get so nervous!

I get a good sleep, but after 3 hours of someone putting my hair up so tight I am sure I losing blood circulation in my brain. Plus I have several tons of makeup weighing down my face, plus my dress causes me to even avoid sitting down too suddenly or it will rip! It is kindof hard to relax after that...

Answer 1

So you say you are fine as soon as you are on the dance floor. My diagnosis: you are now nervous about being nervous. It makes you even more scared. So. Just tell yourself It's fine and normal to be nervous. After all, you know it that you will do fine even if you are nervous. BTW, I find it a lot more nerve-racking to do showcases vs competitions. But it's the same kind of thing - just acknowledge that you're nervous and it will pass. The harder you try to suppress it - the stronger you will shake. So just let it be.

Being a little nervous beforehand is actually good for your performance - it gets that adrenaline going.

Dress and all that makeup sure does make one feel funny and stiff because you can't even sit down or blink your eyes in a normal way. Tight strands in the hairdo annoy me a lot. I do my hair myself, this actaully helps a lot. Once my dress and makeup is on I don't get to relax. This is just how it is. Just be glad you're not wearing that tailsuit that guys get to wear. ;-) Our dresses are comfy compared to that.

Answer 2

The whole atmosphere of ballroom requires the best out of you. And though you may be a hard worker, you're still human. Take some tips or classes on yoga, meditation. Personally I enjoy Tai Chi. Listen to some of your favorite, non-ballroom music before you go on, relaxing your mind. Surround yourself with people who make you feel good about yourself and who are supportive in your endeavors. Remember, they're just competitions. And if anything else, they're good resume builders!

Answer 3

Take a warm bath and clear your mind before the competition. Then at the competition, most dancers that really get in to it get so in to their dance that they forget about the people watching them. Don't think about everyone watching, think that it's just a practice.

Answer 4

If you have a high alcohol tolerance, you might want to have a sip of champange to calm your nerves down. Deep breaths always helps!! And if possible, you might want to try to shut out the world when you start dancing. Pretend to be in your own world. It's not easy... but it helps... Good luck!!

Answer 5

So what's the problem? You sound just like everybody else. As you gain experience, you'll learn to recognize and use the energy, and it'll be less bothersome as you learn to use it as a tool instead of a distraction.

Answer 6

Deep breaths and smile and talk with your friends.
Nervousness helps boost your adrenalin levels so your performance is as enhanced as you can make it.
Good luck with your next competition!