Five tips for Dealing with Stage Fright and Performance Anxiety

Do you dread the thought of getting on stage and performing? If your answer is YES, then you are not alone. A lot of people suffer from performance anxiety, commonly known as stage fright. No matter what style of dance or stage performance you do, whether it’s a small shopping centre performance or an eisteddfod or concert - nerves can kick in at any time.

ADDCo’s Journey to Becoming the ‘Most Outstanding Dance Studio’ in the Liverpool, 2170 Region

In May this year, Australian Dance & Drama Company was nominated for the Local Business Awards for the 'Most Outstanding Dance Studio' section for the Liverpool, 2170 region! Over the next month, our goal was to get as many individual votes on our Local Business Awards page to secure a spot as a finalist. To do this, we used social media, in studio signage and email marketing to spread the word to our families and friends to vote for us!

We were holding our breath, not sure if we'd get over the line as a finalist or not. A couple of weeks after voting had closed, we received an email letting us know that ADDCo had made it through as a finalist!!! We were absolutely over the moon, but this meant that a lot of work had to be done.

The next stage of judging involved a judging panel. This section of the awards was quite daunting as we had to prove why ADDCo was the 'Most Outstanding Dance Studio' in the Liverpool, 2170 area and surrounds to a panel of people who were out of area and didn't know anything about ADDCo. One section of the judging was to submit a complete business plan outlining every aspect of the business. From cleanliness, staff training, business success, customer service, quality of tuition, POS & more!
One major aspect of the business plan that was being judged was marketing. Marketing ROI, what had been done previously and what the future of marketing looks like for ADDCo. KS MarComms Co. provided an extensive, in depth marketing plan. Including every medium that ADDCo utilises such as social media, website, SEO, print, signage and more.

An important part of ADDCo's marketing strategy this year was the rebrand of our logo. This was extremely well received, given the old logo didn't represent what the studio stood for anymore. But the submission didn't stop there. There was a lot that had to be done on the forefront of the studio to showcase ADDCo in the best light! So this meant, ADDCo needed a renovation!!! The 5th studio that was coming together slow & steady, quickly appeared. New floorboards, tiles, front desk and a lick of paint was needed, so the ADDCo team were put to work!

We had been advised that a 'Mystery Shopper' would be coming into the studio over the next month or two to ‘enquire about enrolling’. That 'Mystery Shopper' would be a panelist who wouldn't reveal themselves. During their time at the studio, some of the aspects they would be looking at included cleanliness, safety, customer service, comfort level, waiting areas, facilities, equipment being used, sound level, type of flooring, availability of parking, ease of access to the studio, friendliness of students and parents, signage and so much more. We were sure we would pass this section with flying colours given how friendly everyone is and how we prioritise health and safety.

On Tuesday the 6th of August, the time had come to attend the Local Business Awards Ceremony for the Liverpool, 2170 area. The event was held at the Holiday Inn in Warwick Farm at 7pm. When the time came for the 'Most Outstanding Dance Studio' to be revealed, we were shaking in our shoes!!! One after another, each finalist was revealed on the big screen. Then the words were heard.. The MOST OUTSTANDING DANCE STUDIO IN THE 2170 AREA is...... Australian Dance & Drama Company!!!! Absolutely stocked, our studio principal - Debra Atkins hastily rushed to the stage and gave a wonderful speech thanking the sponsors, our families and her team.

We want to take this opportunity to thank everyone involved with ADDCo who made achieving this award possible. From the team of teaching staff, the cleaner, the kitchen help, the admin team, the marketing coordinator, the odd jobs team, the junior teachers & all the students & their families. These are the people that make ADDCo who we are. Safe, welcoming, friendly, non-judgmental, clean & an all round happy place to be. So this award belongs to all of you. It takes all of this to be the ‘Most Outstanding Dance Studio’ in the Liverpool, 2170 area.

Want to become a better dancer? Here are 10 important tips to help you get going.

1. Wear Proper Shoes

Choose your dance shoes properly. There are specific shoes that are required for specific dance styles. These shoes will not just protect your feet but will also allow for proper movement. It’s also important to ensure shoes are the correct size, length and width wise. So ensure that you have the correct dance shoes for your chosen style.

2. Perfect your Posture

Slouching shoulders, crooked stance? Not some of the attributes you would want to have as a dancer!! One of the first things a dancer should learn is how to properly hold her/his body. Learn to maintain that posture throughout the day, even when you’re not dancing.

3. Practice, Practice, Practice

It’s a no brainer - practice is the key to mastering anything. You may be a natural dancer, but you need to practice regularly if you want to become a better dancer. It also boosts your confidence so you can reach the next level. Make time to practice what you learn in class.

4. Love What you are Doing

Remember, you’ve got to love whatever you do. If you want to dance, you’ve got to love it. Moreover, dancing is meant to be fun, not something that feels like a chore.

5. Have a Goal

Have a goal and work towards it. Your goal could be to compete in an eisteddfod, know your time steps off by heart or even learn how to over split. Setting a goal will keep you motivated.

6. Stretch

Stretching is important for any dancer as it improves a dancer’s strength by reducing tightness in the muscles. Ultimately it makes your body much more flexible. Just remember to follow the correct technique when stretching to avoid injury.

7. Take Dance Lessons Consistently

Taking dance classes on a regular basis gives you an opportunity to improve. Ensure you attend every class and arrive early to go over the previous weeks work or stretch.

8. Record Yourself

Set up a tripod and a camera and record yourself learning a new skill. Then watch it back and critique yourself. This will help you discover what you need to do better to improve. You could also ask your teachers to review your dance videos.

9. Dance with People who Dance Better than you

Dancing with experts will push you outside your comfort zone and challenge you to adapt better and pick up things quicker.

10. Find the Right Dance Teacher

Last but not least – choose the right mentor. Pick a teacher who not only teaches you the craft but also brings out the best in you. Your dance teacher should be someone who also corrects your mistakes. If you’re looking for a dance studio in Liverpool who can help, guide and push you to a higher level, reach out to ADDCo!