Paralyzed by Stage Fright? 6 Ways to Beat Your Nerves

1.Embrace Your Nerves

Photo by Jim Lafferty for Pointe

Remember that it’s normal to feel nervous before a performance. Instead of viewing butterflies as negative, see them as beneficial: Nerves give you adrenaline that will help make your performance more dynamic. Sometimes, my coworkers and I ironically get worried when we are not feeling nervous enough because we don’t want to miss out on much-needed energy.

2.Figure Out What Is Worrying You

Photo by Jim Lafferty for Pointe

If you want the anxious feelings to pass, nail down what’s causing them. For example, if you’re nervous about hitting a particular step, visualize it going well, then try to think about something else. Repeat this every time your mind starts to worry.

If you’re worried about stamina, remind yourself that you’ve rehearsed the role and you are ready. Yes, you will get tired, but you will push through until the end. Provide your body with some fuel—eat foods that help you feel good before the show and drink plenty of water.

Then again, we often find irrational things to worry about. I used to plan how I was going to cover up mistakes that I didn’t even know I was going to make (and rarely did!). Early in my career, I also used to worry that I would forget how to dance as soon as I stepped onstage—not just that I would forget the choreography, but that I would literally forget how to dance. I finally got over this fear after voicing it to several of my peers—who assured me that it was ridiculous.

3.Find Quiet Time

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Give yourself a few minutes to relax before the performance. Take a nap, put your feet up, meditate. I like to lay down, breathe deeply and imagine oxygen nourishing each and every one of my muscles.

4.Get Yourself “In” Your Body

Abi Stafford in George Balanchine’s Divertimento No. 15.

Paul Kolnik, Courtesy NYCB

Just before the curtain rises, take time to ground yourself. I close my eyes and feel the energy in my legs connecting to the floor. Doing this can calm nervous energy that makes one dance “jittery.”

Also, remind yourself that you are “safe” onstage. It took me many years to realize that much of my nerves were caused by viewing the atmosphere onstage as an “unsafe” space. I was afraid to make a mistake, that the audience wouldn’t like me, that I wasn’t good enough, etc. My body would go into fight or flight mode—a terrible feeling just prior to stepping onstage.

But I also remembered being at my happiest while performing as a kid. To get back to that mindset, I began repeating to myself backstage, “The stage is my home. I’m safe out there.”

5. Have a Treat Planned

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Plan something enjoyable for yourself post-performance and shamelessly look forward to it. This can be anything: taking a bubble bath, watching trashy TV in comfy sweats, eating chocolate or dinner at your favorite restaurant or shopping online. During Nutcracker season, I look forward to my drive home: I roll the down the windows a bit, listen to Christmas music and revel in my post-performance endorphins.

6.Enjoy Yourself

Photo by Jim Lafferty for Pointe

Try to have fun! Remember that the nerves will pass. You will likely feel great after the performance is over and you will always be glad for these experiences.