The weather is turning nice, recitals and graduations are happening and everyone is itching to get out of school, but now is the time to buckle down and prepare for your best performance of the season. Nationals are just around the corner and if you’re planning on attending one, you want to make sure you stay focused! Here are some tips to help you be prepared.
Stretch everyday! As the year has progressed you probably have grown (a little or a lot). If you’re not already stretching everyday, make this a priority. Do not take the flexibility you had during regional season for granted.
Try to make your routine “perfect.” I know nothing is perfect, but that doesn’t have to stop you from trying to make your routines as perfect as they can be. If you have a solo and there are pieces that were not perfect during regionals either practice that everyday to try to get there, or ask your teacher to alter that part of your routine.
Work on your acting skills. If your dance has a story, make sure you completely understand the story and are portraying that throughout the routine. If you don’t have a storyline, make sure you understand and act out the theme. Is it high energy? Is it sad or happy? What is the feeling the singer/songwriter is trying to express? Become a conduit of emotion and expression.
Focus on your technique. The end of the year can be tough, but make sure you show up for your technique classes and work hard. The work you put in now will pay off on stage.
Review your critiques from regionals. You probably watched your routines after each competition and took notes, but make sure to go back and watch the performance(s) again. Many times, this can give you a fresh perspective and help improve details.
Bonus: Make a daily checklist of things you can do to hit your goal of having an AMAZING performance. Things to include on the checklist: stretching, daily tendus & plies, running your routines, allot time to work on any tricky parts of your routines that weren’t perfect during regionals.
Nichole Fortunato, Director & Co-Owner
Elite Performance Challenge
Excel in Motion