Practise THIS every single rehearsal
A roadmap for the final stretch before recital
Happy June, ballet friend !
If you’re getting ready for recital, I hope the sunny afternoon rehearsals have been treating you well. ☀️ This time of year has me reminiscing about spring and summer performances and the seemingly endless, sweaty rehearsals that paved the way to the stage.
In my time dancing and teaching, onstage performances have been incredibly rewarding mountains to climb. The challenge of shining out your personality to a room full of people is a powerful way to grow as a dancer and connect deeply with your artistic self.
Dancing for an audience can also be nerve wracking — especially if you're living with tough feelings about your body, abilities, or the myriad of other things that can make you feel like slamming the breaks on your ballet journey.
When I started performing, I wasn't even sure I liked being onstage. Thankfully I had plenty of opportunities to get my feet wet, and performing grew into something expansive and joyful, that I couldn't wait to do again and again.
It took a lot of confidence boosting from my teachers, and personal reflection on what I really wanted dancing to mean for me.
When I started working with adult ballet dancers, choreography and rehearsal direction became important parts of the job -- but I think my biggest impact was sharing the little tricks and mindset shifts I'd picked up on my own journey.
Pack extra snacks.
Drink electrolytes.
Write down the choreography to figure out where your memory gaps are, and what you need to ask in rehearsal.
Tune into what’s uniquely you, and how you want to share it with the world.
Where are the dance steps or moments in the music that make you feel like YOU? Where can you shine a little brighter, or draw inward for a moment? Write it all down. Review your notes before class.
Make it a habit to bask in that ballet joy every. single. rehearsal. Come back to that mindset when the big day comes, and you’ll find your onstage confidence every time.
Enjoy the chaos,
Natasha