Q: How can I help a student overcome stage fright before competitions?
Q: How can I help a student overcome stage fright before competitions?
—Justine Sullivan, Penbrook, PA
A: First and foremost, I have my students rehearse their routines several times before they go on and make sure they do a full warm-up. I also make sure they have time to stretch on their own.
Everyone is different—some of my kids prefer to be by themselves before performing. I have a 10-year-old who doesn’t want to be near anyone, so whatever works best for her is okay with me, as long as she is completely warmed up. I have another student who is a phenomenal dancer but gets really nervous before she goes on. For her, it’s about doing the dance several times before she gets onstage. Sometimes the kids who are very nervous beforehand are the ones who shock you with a great performance.
My advice to teachers is: Do not stand in the wings. I was judging in Ohio recently and I saw a dancer freak out, and she was constantly looking into the wings because her teacher was standing there. Teachers should be in the audience. If students aren’t ready, they shouldn’t be onstage—which is something you just know as a teacher. There are plenty of kids who are talented enough, but aren’t ready to be onstage yet.
My partner and I like to let parents come backstage beforehand. We crowd our room with parents and senior students who help with hair, makeup and costumes and it’s like a support group for the performers.
Jay Barrett, along with his partner, Natalie Mossa, own MOBA Dance Academy in New Hyde Park, New York. He also judges competitions throughout the country.
