How to Get Ready for a Performance: A Guide for Adult Beginners

Whether it’s your first studio showcase, a small community performance, or a big-deal show, preparing to dance in front of others can be both exciting and nerve-wracking. The good news? You don’t need to be a professional to enjoy the experience. With a bit of preparation, self-care, and the right mindset, performing can become one of the most rewarding moments of your dance journey.

1. Understand Why You’re Performing

Ask yourself: Why am I doing this? Maybe you want to challenge yourself, celebrate progress, or share the joy of dance with others. Having a personal reason helps keep things in perspective and turns nervousness into motivation. And remember that you don’t need a big life-changing reason. Just wanting to try performing is valid and enough.

2. Start Early and Practice Intentionally

Give yourself enough time to feel comfortable with the choreography. Practice regularly, but avoid perfectionism. Work on technique if you have time - three weeks before the show is sufficient, three days before means you’ve got what you’ve got. If the show is coming up, focus on musicality and presence - the qualities that will make your dancing stand out, regardless of imperfections.

3. Simulate the Real Thing

If possible, rehearse in your costume and shoes, and always rehearse your entrance and exist, not just the dance itself. Invite a few friends to watch. Practicing in “performance conditions” helps your body and mind adjust to being observed. 

Filming yourself is another great way to notice small details and build confidence. Remember to take videos throughout the rehearsal process, not just the final rehearsal. This way you can spot mistakes and imperfections with plenty of time to work them out, and you get the bonus of watching yourself progress and improve.

4. Take Care of Your Body and Mind

Rest, hydrate, and stretch. If you normally cross-train (as you should), cut your training by at least three quarters a week or two before the performance. You want to be rested. A tired or tense body won’t perform its best. 

Calm your mind before the performance with breathing exercises or a few quiet moments backstage. But don’t get all bent out of shape if you are still nervous! Nervousness is normal, and it reads as energy when you are on the stage. Remember that your audience wants to feel excited about your dancing, so give them something to see!

5. Prepare Mentally for Mistakes

Every dancer, no matter the level, makes mistakes on stage. What matters is how you recover. Remember that the audience doesn’t know your routine. Chances are that most of them will not even notice the mistake. Keep moving, and concentrate on the rest of the dance. Even a stumble or a fall just means you are human. It is not a reflection of your dance ability. A stumble reminds the audience that what you do is hard! And a warm smile can turn it into a moment of charm.

Still mortified at the thought of making a mistake? Think about this - most people watching you are not even brave enough to try dancing, let alone performing. And here you are doing it - in front of an audience. So what if you make a mistake? You are already way ahead of the curve!

6. Enjoy the Experience

Performing is always a bit stressful, but don’t forget to have fun! This is your moment to share something beautiful - your effort, your courage, your joy in dancing. You’ve worked hard to get here. You’ve juggled practice, learning the choreography, getting the costumes together… heck - you’ve done your hair for this! Now be present in the experience, and have a good time with it!

Final Thoughts

Getting ready for a performance is about more than steps - it’s about mindset, preparation, and self-compassion. Every time you step onto the floor or a stage, you grow as a dancer and as a person. Remember - there is a reason people pay money to see live shows. They are not looking for perfection, but for an experience. Don’t show your audience perfect, show them why you dance.

Feeling inspired to explore the world of dance? Dance Flavor offers live and on-demand classes in various styles. Don’t be shy - contact us with any questions, or to try a private class in the dance of your choice!