How to REALLY be prepared for performances

Part of every dancer’s training includes the opportunity to PERFORM! It’s what most of us spend all year training for and those 2 and a half minutes on stage tend to be the highlight of our season. Performance is exhilarating, exhausting, nerve wrecking, and an absolute blast. Here are some rules to live by (and review) for every performance. 

1. Be on time- The studio typically gives dancers a “call time”; at that time it doesn’t mean you’re stuck in traffic, looking for a parking space or just checking out at Dutch Bros. This is when you’re expected to be at the theater with hair and makeup done, ready to dance. Dancers should arrive early (BEFORE call time) to warm up, stretch and be prepared to perform. 
   
2. Warm up- Most of the time at a performance your teachers will not lead a group warm up, so this falls on you. This doesn’t mean sitting in a circle with your friends in a straddle or butterfly and half heartedly stretching (we’re all guilty of this). A warm up begins with cardio to elevate your heart rate and warm your muscles, then you can take some time to stretch. Remember, static stretching for too long can actually weaken your muscles, so going through your normal class warm up and exercises is the BEST way to prepare your body for a successful performance.
   
3. Bring everything (and extras)- Have you ever settled down in the dressing room, put on your costume and then realized *GASP* your tights have a GIANT HOLE!? We’ve all been there, but isn’t it a huge relief when you can pull your backup pair out of your bag and spare yourself the embarrassment of showing that hole to the entire audience? Additionally, have you ever heard a fellow dancer running from dressing room to dressing room asking if anyone has an extra tan jazz shoe they could borrow because they lost theirs? Don’t be that dancer. Come prepared, bring extras, and help out those in need. 
   
4. Perform well- You’ve come on time, your body is warm, you’re fully dressed, now it’s time to PERFORM! You know your dance, (because you practiced a TON) but don’t forget to use your FACE! Listen to the music (and your teacher) and decide on a feeling to go with your dance, if it’s a fun jazz number consider a smile; I tell my lyrical classes to use their “Maddie Ziegler” face when appropriate. Just remember, the audience wants to see you enjoy dance and express your piece. 
   
5. No food, gum, drinks in costume- Do you really want to be the one who’s costume is stained on stage? No. So just don’t do it. Bring a jacket and sweats to wear over your costume if you must eat while wearing it. 
   
6. No tears- As Abby Lee Miller says “Save the tears for your pillow!” Don’t bring excess drama and feelings in the door, leave it all outside and bring only your best self in to the theater.
   
7. Always keep dancing- If your music stops? Keep dancing. If you messed up your choreography? Keep dancing. If your costume malfunctions? Keep dancing. You get the idea...
   
8. Wait quietly, respectfully, and out of the way- The theater is a moving production. Dancers come on and off stage through all wings and props move in and out as well. You should never be the reason that someone (or something) doesn’t make it on or off stage in time. Don’t block the wings or exits and NEVER sit on a prop backstage.
   
9. If you can see the audience, they can see you- and they should never see you before your moment on stage.
   
10. Always say “good job” to others- As dancers come off stage don’t forget to congratulate them on their performance! It’s so important to spread the love backstage!
    
11. No accessories or nail polish- Unless your teacher has instructed you to wear a matching accessory, you shouldn’t bring any with you to the theater. Take out your earrings, remove necklaces, anklets and anything from your wrists (including hair ties). Absolutely NO nail polish. When you dance in a group you need to look uniform, and neon nail polish does the opposite. 
    
12. CLEAN UP- When you’re finished with your performance it’s essential that you leave the theater in the same state as it was when you arrived. Pick up your trash and your mess of extra bobby pins and throw it away before you leave. Respect the theater and the people around you.
    

Most importantly, remember to HAVE FUN! We dance because we love this art form, make sure to enjoy every moment of your training and performance. Merde! 
Emily Goethel

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