Why We Feel Down After a Big Show?

I just recently finished a big performance, which I spent several months getting ready for. It was fun. It was challenging. And it went great. I stood outside the theater after the end of the show, and felt like I was flying. It was that good. And the next day… I woke up feeling down in the dumps. Why?

The thing is - this was not the first time I’ve felt sad after a big performance, competition, or show. Though I am naturally a pretty happy person, this feeling of post-event sadness happens to me every single time. However, this time I decided to do some research. And it turns out that feeling down after a big event (any big event, not just dance-related) is pretty normal, even though this phenomenon is not often talked about. This state of events is pretty common - and there’s a good reason for it.

The “Post-Event Sadness” Phenomenon

In a Psychology Today article, titled Do You Experience Post-Event Sadness?, Therapist Claudia Skowron describes this as post-event sadness - a natural emotional low that can follow any major experience, like a performance, wedding, or even a long-awaited vacation.

It’s not weakness, tiredness, or burnout. It’s your brain and body recalibrating after an extended period of excitement and focus.

1. The Dopamine Drop

In the weeks leading up to a performance, your brain’s reward system is highly active. Every rehearsal, costume fitting, and countdown to show day releases dopamine - the “anticipation” chemical that keeps you motivated and excited.

When the show is over, the source of all that stimulation disappears. The sudden drop in dopamine can feel like a small emotional crash - a hollow space where the excitement used to live.

2. The Loss of Purpose

For many dancers, a show isn’t just a date on the calendar - it’s a purpose. It gives us structure for our practice, our week, and even our self-image. We live and breathe our steps, music, presentation. If you are anything like me, you may do research on your dance or role to see how other dancers have approached it, what you can do better, and to get inspired.

Once it’s over, the goal that guided our daily routine is gone. That sense of “what now?” can leave us feeling adrift, even if the event went beautifully. Which is exactly what happens to me every time.

3. The Quiet After Connection

Dance shows are full of shared energy - you bond deeply with partners, teachers, and fellow performers. The hours spent rehearsing, messing up the choreography, fixing and cleaning it, commiserating about the difficult steps, complimenting one another on tricky steps gone well… it may all feel stressful, but there is a deep sense of excitement and comradery that accompanies all this. But once the show is over, everyone disperses, and the sudden quiet can feel like emotional whiplash.

That missing sense of belonging can translate into loneliness or nostalgia, especially for dancers who thrive on connection.

4. Personality Plays a Role

As I mentioned before, the post-show blues are pretty common, but it turns out that some people experience this more strongly than others. It all comes down to your personality, but not necessarily in the way you’d think. Skowron notes that those who are high in openness, creativity, or goal-driven focus (common traits among dancers!) are more likely to feel a deeper emotional dip when the excitement fades.

In short: if you love anticipation and thrive on growth, you may feel the absence of a big project more intensely.

5. It’s Completely Normal

Most importantly - this feeling is normal. Your nervous system simply needs to rebalance. The key is recognizing it, allowing yourself to feel it, and preparing gentle ways to transition into your next phase.

In the next post, we’ll explore how to move through this phase with care - and even use it as fuel for your next creative chapter. But for now, take a well-deserved break (but not too long of a break - dance technique waits for no one!), remember the good times, and think about your next dance goal. All of these actions are what makes the post-show transition more emotionally balanced, and keeps you on track with your dance journey.

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!