Getting ready to dance on stage can be so exciting — the costumes, the music, the lights! But for many young dancers, it can also feel a little bit scary. Butterflies in the tummy, shaky hands, and big nerves are all part of something called stage fright.
As dance teachers, our job is to help little performers feel brave and ready to shine. Here’s how you can make the stage feel like a fun, safe, and magical place for your young dancers.
1. Tell Them It’s Okay to Feel Nervous
First, let your dancers know that it’s totally normal to feel nervous before a show. Even professional dancers get the jitters!
You can share a story about a time you felt nervous before a performance — and how you got through it. When kids realize everyone feels that way sometimes, they start to see nerves as just another part of performing.
2. Practice Calm Breathing
Before going on stage, do a quick breathing exercise together:
“Smell the flowers” — breathe in through the nose for four counts.
“Blow out the candles” — breathe out slowly through the mouth for four counts.
Repeat it a few times. Breathing helps calm racing hearts and gives dancers something positive to focus on.
3. Make the Stage Feel Familiar
If possible, take your dancers to see the stage before the show — let them walk on it, practice where to stand, and look at the audience seats.
When the stage feels like a friendly place instead of a mystery, it helps take away fear. You can even play a “pretend show” game during class to practice bowing and smiling at an audience.
4. Focus on the Fun!
Remind your students that dancing is about having fun and sharing their love of movement — not about being perfect.
Tell them: “If you smile, the audience will love you no matter what!”
Encourage them to think about the music, their friends on stage, and the joy of dancing, instead of worrying about who’s watching.
5. Use Kind Words and Praise Effort
After rehearsals and shows, celebrate every dancer for their courage. Say things like:
“I loved how big your smile was!”
“You looked so confident out there!”
“You did your best, and that’s what matters!”
When kids feel proud of trying, they build confidence for every future performance.
6. Celebrate the Moment
After the recital, take time to celebrate! Have a little post-show party, hand out fun certificates, or let students share their favorite part of performing.
The goal is to make the stage a happy memory they’ll want to relive again and again.
Stage fright doesn’t mean your young dancers aren’t ready — it just means they care! With your encouragement, practice, and lots of love, those butterflies can turn into excitement. Before you know it, your students will be running onto the stage with smiles instead of nerves.
Break a leg everyone!
Merde!
Jess
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