6 WAYS TO SPEND YOUR TIME WISELY BEFORE A DANCE PERFORMANCE

We are just three days before our winter showcase and as we are finalizing the last minute details in preparation for the event, I decided to share some thoughts about what to focus on as well as how to spend your time more wisely these next few days before show time. This is the busiest week in the studio because everyone is trying to schedule that extra lesson that apparently will make a big difference on how to execute the routine even more perfect. Although practice is an important component on our way to a great result it is certainly not just about doing it over and over and over again...

As we come to the end of this journey, it is important to take time to look back and acknowledge all the accomplishments we have gained so far but also to remind ourselves of the few little things that “WILL” for sure, make a difference when the time to perform arrives. Below you will find six recommendations on how to prepare your self for an awesome performance between now and Saturday night:

1.  Rehearse your Showcase number in front of other fellow students and instructors… even if it is just one or two people, let them watch you. That little moment of “stress” will help you practice your confidence and make you feel more secure about your performance every time you practice it.
2. Memorize your routine to the point you can do it by your self with the music so when you get to practice with your dance partner you do not have to think about the choreography so you can focus on your connections. If you have any free time, listen to your song as much as your time allows you to and go through the routine in your mind trying to remember it.
3. When dancing with your partner, put all your strength on your legs, tighten your abs and try to remove tensions from the arms. Distribute 30% of your body’s energy to your arms so you can have them toned and the other 70% towards the legs including the abs. This will help your toes to stay in contact with the floor throughout as you push down onto the floor. Also, always stand up tall, project forward from your chest and keep your chin up… take pride! A great posture will help you move more elegantly around the dance floor as well it will feel better between you and your partner.
4. If something goes “wrong” do not freak out. Remember that you are not dancing alone so your partner is there to help you along the way. Whether you are leading or following you are only 50% responsible for the total execution of the performance. Exercise your team-player skills and think about the few things you can do to make your partner’s job a little bit easier; trust me, it would be much appreciated.
5. Own your routine; this “IS” your routine! You must tell a story directly from your heart. Sure, there will always some minor technical issues but that should not be an impediment for you to convince your self that this is your time to express and feel the emotions that the music is providing you… Be an actor! The audience must believe your performance and you must catch their attention as soon as you step on the floor. They are not there to evaluate your technique; they are there to enjoy the show as a whole and be moved by dancing!
6. Finally, have a good time. Let all the worries go and enjoy this opportunity you have been given to do something so special and meaningful. Relax, have fun and laugh because all the hard work has already been done and now it is time to collect the fruits of our labor. Feel good about your self because you have made it to the end of this road. Enjoy the culmination of this chapter and get excited to start a new one. Meditate about all the emotional, physical and spiritual benefits you brought into your life through this experience. 

At Daza Dance, we are extremely proud of you as well as grateful for having had the opportunity to get to know you better and share this memorable experience with you. Thank you so much for all your support and love!