Ask anyone who performs ... do they get nervous.

You may find a wide range of responses from "of course not" to "I want to vomit".

Whatever your reaction, YOU ARE NOT ALONE!, and never judge yourself by someone else's standards as you are your own person, and you must deal with your stage fright in a way that is unique to you. That's not to say that nobody else's tips will work for you. I've seen people chew gum, chant, smoke, have a tug on a mickey (seriously, but I don't recommend this one), pace and meditate.

I was once told by someone that I was "unprofessional" for actually admitting to feeling nervous prior to a performance. I came to the realization that she, too, was nervous ... she just wouldn't admit it. I then went in search of information on stage fright ... what I read I found very helpful ... and I realized I was not alone. One of the articles I read advised that a sign of nervousness means you care, and caring is a good thing.

Do I still get nervous? Of course of I do. How do I deal with it? I practice at home. I practice at home in my costume. I practice at home in my costume, with my props. I practice at home, in my costume, with my props in front of my husband (distracting, but I don't get nervous) in front of my dog (more distracting) and my cats (very distracting ... they love the fringes I wear and try to take off with them WHILE I'm wearing them). I also take deep breaths before I perform. I don't "focus" on the audience. If I tried to focus on faces 1 - will I see a friendly face; and 2 - will the audience be seeing a very unattractive squinty face? Number 2 is the more likely scenario. I try not to concentrate on my emotions while I'm out there (Oh God!!! What if I fall off the stage?) I try to concentrate on the physical, on the routine ... I try to dance as if I am dancing for myself.

I haven't (yet -- fingers crossed, knock on wood) had to deal with any costuming mishaps. I really admire the dancers who have something fall off and they keep on going. When I was out of Province (No, I won't say where this happened), I was at a Belly Dance Hafla, and one of the dancers had her corset belt fall off. She gracefully kicked it to the side, and continued on. I really admired her ... she didn't get the "Oh ... S***" face, and didn't run off the floor crying in hysterics. She majestically carried on. I just hope that if I ever have something happen that I can carry on in the same graceful fashion.

Below are some articles on this very subject. I hope they help you, as they have helped me! If you have any you would like to add, please feel free to email me.

Enjoy!

Resources:

• Conquer Stage Fright, by Alyssa Roenigk (Dance Teacher Magazine)
• How to Overcome Stage Fright
• Overcoming Stage Fright, Creating Confidence During Performances, by Ramona Klein
• Overcoming Stage Fright, by Michelle
• Pulling Back the Curtain on Stage Fright
• Stage Fright Tips (bulletin)
• Surviving Stage Fright, Jasmin Jahal (March 2000)

Videos:

• Belly Dancing Blooper (you have to admire the fact she got back up and danced).
• Bloopers from Dancers, for Dancers. Okay, this one was FUN.
• Jajira Drum Solo Blooper I've included this one, mostly because of the comments. Her belt slips, but most of the people commenting didn't notice the slippage. What may be "big" to you, may not event be noticed by the audience.