Tools for Conquering Stage Fright

Stage fright is something many ballet dancers experience, no matter how long they’ve been performing. It doesn’t mean you’re unprepared or not talented—it simply means you care. The nerves, the anticipation, and the fear of making mistakes can all feel overwhelming. But acknowledging those feelings is the first step in learning how to manage them in a healthy way.

For me, one of the most effective ways to calm my stage fright has been listening to Christian music before a performance. There's something about the lyrics and melodies that helps center me and remind me of my purpose. While the music plays, I close my eyes and imagine myself dancing on stage—graceful, strong, and present. I mark the arm movements lightly, letting my body remember the flow. At the same time, I speak kind and affirming words to myself: “You’ve worked hard. You are ready. You’ve got this.” These simple affirmations make a huge difference in how I feel both mentally and physically.

Of course, this is just what works for me. For others, the song that helps might be completely different. It could be something upbeat, calming, or emotionally intense—whatever connects them to the feeling they want to express on stage. The important thing is finding that personal ritual, that little moment of grounding, that helps you step into the spotlight with more confidence.

Stage fright might not ever go away completely, but with tools like these, we can learn to dance with it instead of letting it stop us.