The benefits of performing on stage

Dancers are given the opportunity to perform on stage in two main ways throughout their school year; Recitals and Competitions. Although their purposes are different, they have several great life takeaways in common.

1. Courageous Confidence

It's common for Dance students to feel they are not "fully ready" to perform on stage. As teachers, we encourage them that no matter what, they "are ready" to showcase what they learn in class and what they have been working very hard at. After students perform, they realize their own expectation is higher than everyone else's and that inspiring the audience with their love for dance, ultimately, is what matters most. Their experience on stage trains dancers to continue facing life courageously confident.

2. Sense of Belonging

Although some dancers may perform solo, it is more often that they perform in group. This requires a group preparation and effort. Therefore, dancers share feelings such as nervousness before going on stage and they practice supporting one another pumping each other up with motivation. They then share excitement and thrill to face the experience together. After they perform, they share the feelings of triumph and they celebrate together which creates impactful memories to last a lifetime.

3. Overcoming Fears

Perhaps this is the most powerful benefit of performing on stage. For some, just standing "on" stage alone is already a huge achievement. Life brings many unexpected events for which feeling fear is only natural. Being a dancer and performing on stage allows students to practice facing such fears. Dancers may be concerned about what the audience will think about their performance and feel fear. In the end, doing what they love is what they realize truly matters and this empowers dancers to live free from any negative thinking. Overcoming fears is one of the quickest ways to achieve dreams and living happy lives.