Backstage diaries

La Diferencia performed at the last summer Breeze last night.
Tamara, La Diferencia’s team member shared her backstage experience with you!

The feeling of the actual performance is magical. It’s addictive and makes you feel absolutely on top of the world. There is that moment like being inside lightning; it’s an absolutely amazing feeling. Nerves are something that never disappears just gives that extra x factor. Here are 5 steps to help deal with nerves!

Quick and easy Steps to help deal with pre performance nerves

Step 1 – Be Prepared!

Before any performance being prepared is the most important factor.  Rehearsing and knowing exactly what you are doing will give you piece of mind and you will automatically relax.  If you are unprepared there is a possibility that you may freeze in front of the audience, which will increase your anxiety levels.  You can never have enough practise, because remember. Practise makes perfect!

Step 2 – Look after yourself!

Keeping healthy, eating properly and getting enough sleep are all areas that slip a little when you have a big performance on it’s way from rehearsing so much.  It is so important to keep these things in check, as all these factors will keep your stress hormones low.  The last thing you need is to become ill during your performance as this will stress you out even more!  By drinking lots of fluids, eating healthily and making sure you don’t have too many late nights, you will keep yourself in top condition ready for that performance!

Step 3 – Get into the zone!

Psych yourself up for your performance!  If you get into the zone, your focus and concentration will be the perfect distraction from your nerves.  If you commit yourself 100%, you can block out any thoughts of worry or anxiety.  You will find a sense of confidence which is always a good way to feel, when tackling any challenge.  Having a quiet moment to yourself and running through the performance in your head will get you in the right head space.  Everyone will focus in different ways, best to try a few techniques and find out the correct one for you.

Step 4 – Find ways to Relax!

Learning how you as a person likes to relax is such an important thing to know, as relaxation will keep you feeling good and stress free.  Many people have individual preferences of how they relax and it is about learning what works best for you.  Suggestions include; meditation, listening to music, breathing techniques, playing sports, reading a book, exercise etc.  These are only a few examples and there is never a right or wrong way to relax.

Leading up to a performance, breathing exercises are the usual relaxation technique to be adopted.  Filling your diaphragm will increase your air supply, which in turn gets more oxygen to your brain. The more oxygen you take in, the clearer you will think and the less nervous you will be.

Find an exercise bellow that I always do to prepare myself before performance:

Exercise 

a) Standing tall – exhale.

b) Breathe in for a count of four.

c) Hold for a count of four, and breathe out for a count of four.

d) Repeat this as many times as you need. Your energy level is going to explode!

Step 5 – ENJOY IT!

Remember to enjoy yourself!  Performing should be a fun and exhilarating experience.  As you long as you are completely rehearsed and feeling confident, then the audience will love you!  If you are happy and at ease, then the audience will feel the same.  What is the worst that can happen?  If things do go wrong remember that the audience will never know as long as you dont show it, just carry on as if nothing has happened.

HAVE FUN AND ALWAYS KEEP SMILING!