Cheer or Dance Stage Fright?

The International All Star Federation (IASF) and the United States All Star Federation (USASF) only host two competitions a year, The Cheerleading Worlds and The Dance Worlds. The event producers of premier national championships sponsor their best teams to compete at these competitions. Cheer and dance teams from all over the world are chosen to compete in their divisions/categories.  This is an event that will make even the strongest competitors a little nervous.  I have seen some competitors pretty shaken up prior to going on stage.  So how do you keep yourself in control and not let the anxiety and fear take over?

Remember, you have been training all year and were chosen as one of the best teams to compete at this event.  If you made it this far, you can perform just a well at this event.  Learn to control your stage fright and make it your friend.  Understand that this could happen and prepare for it.  Actually, stage fright isn’t the most accurate term for the nervousness that occurs before a performance. In fact, most of the fear occurs before you step on stage. Once you’re up there, it usually goes away.

Try to think of stage fright in a positive way. Fear is your friend. It makes your reflexes sharper. It heightens your energy, adds a sparkle to your eye, color to your cheeks and adrenaline in your blood. 

So what are the symptoms?  Each person is affected a differently, but in general the symptoms are dry mouth, tight throat, difficulty speaking, sweatiness, shakiness, nausea, and a fast pulse.  This sort of sounds like the flu, but you are perfectly healthy.

Here are some easy to implement strategies for reducing your stage fright. Not everyone reacts the same and there is no universal fix. Don’t try to use all these fixes at once. Pick out items from this list and try them out until you find the right combination for you.  Concentrate on how good you are and remember the routine that won your team the bid.  Remember how great if felt during your performance when you knew you were right on and the excitement the team had when you won.  Consider this just another time your team is competing and perform for the audience.  Show them what you are made of or you could just picture them in their underwear!    

During practice, put everything you have into your practice time and be prepared.  Listen to your coach or instructor and take note of their advice.  They are there to help you and lead you to success.  These are intimate moments for your team.  Be a team, love each other, have spirit and support each other.   

Before you go on stage, talk to your team and keep each other calm.  If you are feeling a bit insecure, check your makeup, hair and bow.  You look marvelous!  Watch the other teams perform and concentrate on what is going on around you.  Don’t compare other routines to your own, concentrate on your team’s performance being the best.  Do not focus on the nervousness, stay occupied.  Take some water and breath deeply, evenly and slowly.  Know you can do this and remain confident. 

Once you’re on stage, the fear should subside during your performance.  Find a friendly face in the crowd and keep eye contact.  Focusing on your facials always helps because you are busy being just a little bit silly.  Perform to the crowd like you will never be performing again.  Pretend it’s your farewell tour and you must enjoy every moment of your routine.  Remember, this is such an honor and you should be so proud to be at Cheerleadingand Dance Worlds Championship!