TAKE IT FROM THE TOP! Five, six, seven - EIGHT!
The legendary Fred Astaire was reputed as the King of Dance and a demanding perfectionist as well. The routine was deemed ready by its 40th rehearsal, yet the 41st rehearsal determined the final level of "Astaire perfection." While this trait was commendable, it could also leave one grinding their teeth out of frustration.
As a trained Fred Astaire rhythm dancer who trophied twice in the Latin Division, just color me ecstatic in this vein. I am reputed as the "ham that can't be cured." For me, the bigger the audience, the better. I've been performing since the age of four years old. My first performance was a slice of cake because I was comfortable with my routine and my dance instructor.
No two people are the same. Next to your Graduation or Wedding rehearsal, preparing for your first dance performance is the second most important thing to you right now. You've practiced long, hard hours to make the routine your own and now the time is approaching for you to SHINE out there.
Learning steps are easy, but dancing from your heart and through your heart is what makes dancing fun and meaningful. Whether you are performing in a small room or the Great Stage, it is about FEELING the music and only then, sending the message to your viewing audience. If you are partnered up, you have already been told to maintain total eye-contact with him/her for direction. Do not glance at the audience for it will throw your center-balance off, disrupt the momentum and trash your entire performance. If you are doing a solo (contemporary, jazz or ballet), then dance as though you are alone in a room or studio, focusing on self-expression while telling your story.
The main ingredients in preparing for your first dance performance include comfort, chemistry, connection, styling and technique, all of which constitute the "selling point" of a successfully executed dance routine. The time-frame for preparation of a performance is usually four to six weeks. During this time, you have much to do. You must select the type of dance, the music or CD and the costume-fitting. Once the steps are perfected, a dance coach might be brought in for the recommended styling and technique. Loosely fitted comfortable clothes such as sweatpants or jeans are recommended for rehearsals and, if possible, a second pair of dance shoes for backup. You have bottled water to stay hydrated and eating light meals for easy digestion. Dancers must be light in weight as well on their feet.
Preparing for your first dance performance includes dress rehearsals. This is a test-run for costume longevity. Every inch of your costume should match every inch of your bodily comfort. Do not continue with the fleeting thought "oh, well, it will only be a minute on the stage, I can deal with it." WRONG! The last thing you need is a wardrobe malfunction "out there." Make certain to alert whoever is custodian of costumes to fix the problem or adjust the comfort level immediately. Hairstyles and manicures should be decided in advance. For the Big Night, remember to pack a medium-sized tote bag with extra hosiery (fishnet, nude), along with decorative costume jewelry. Cartier and Tiffany stay home that night. Things get lost. Clip-on earrings make for faster costume change; ripping a pierced-earring from a bloody ear between performances is not the way to go. Pack the Rolaids or Tums to settle the pre-jitters; toiletries for "staying fresh" and hair spray for survival of the festivities. For the guy, a small duffle or travel bag is fine; extra socks, toiletries and hair products to keep you human and "fresh" for the duration.
At any given time during the rehearsal sessions, if you are uncomfortable or do not understand a dance step, styling or technique, share this with your instructor or partner immediately; better now than flubbing the performance come Show Night. Your partner or instructor will thank you and respect you for voicing your concern. Having the routine down COLD' and COMFY" is the secret to a flowing, flawlessly and seamlessly executed performance. You will find yourself polishing the dance routine to ultimate perfection up to and, possibly, including the night of the event. Back stage, apart from the mini-Hollywood hubbub, you will find a designated room for "warm up" before the actual performance. Do not over-think or tax your brain on the day/night of the Show. Your brain also needs some breathing space.
It's the night or day of the Event, FULL HOUSE and you are scheduled to perform within minute. Okay, your heart is beating like Tito Puente's drum on Latin Night and your stomach is doing flips worse than pancakes at IHOP. It is suggested and acceptable for the stage-fright performer to take that small sip or two of "liquid courage" before entering the dance floor. It DOES NOT suggest drinking one's self into oblivion and staggering to the dance floor. This method is merely to sooth the nerve endings and take the "edge" off. However, since the controversy ensues, each performer knows what's best for them, including deep breathing. Hugs are the min-Hollywood traditional among performing fellow-students and instructors. Everyone is in it together.
The Master of Ceremonies is ready to announce: Places, everyone. The houselights dim, the music begins, you don't hear the audience because you are totally focused whether partnered up or about to solo.
Preparing for your first dance performance is about to pay off. Tonight YOU are a STAR. GET OUT THERE AND SHINE!