Recital Time! How to help your child feel Confident on the big day
Recital time is almost here!
It's been very busy this week with our dress rehearsals; all those last minute bits and pieces to do. Our ballerinas are looking so good though, and I can't wait for our shows to start next week!
Your child will have a great time at their recital...the costumes, the make-up, the music, the little treats, and of course, having you there to watch, and applauding her!
Even though performing is lots of fun, it can also be a bit scary. This is very normal- even famous, grown up ballerinas who dance in the big shows feel nervous before they go on stage!
This is what I tell our Ballerinas:
"On our special day, you might feel a bit nervous. It could feel like butterflies in your chest, or a squirmy tummy, or wriggly fingers and toes that don't want to sit still! It's OK to feel this way. You can come and tell me or your mum, and we will give you a cuddle. Once you get on stage and the music starts, you'll remember what to do- but you can watch me if you forget!- and you'll feel much better."
Here are some tips for you to help as well.
Before the day:
* Talk to you child about the recital. Emphasize the fun parts of the day rather than the importance of her joining in.
* Use the videos on our Facebook page to do some practice at home. They will love showing you what they can do!
* Act like joining in (or not!) isn't a big deal. Of course, as a parent you do want to see your star up on stage! But putting pressure on her can have the opposite effect: it can make her more anxious if she is worried about disappointing you.
* Head to bed early the night before so your wee one has lots of energy for their big day!
On the day:
* Arrive on time so your ballerina isn't rushed while they are getting ready. It also gives them some time to get used to the venue before it gets busy.
* Reassure her that every dancer feels nervous before they go up on stage. Our older girls especially seem to enjoy knowing that even the fancy, twirling, en pointe ballerinas that they have seen get butterflies in their tummies as well!
* Encourage her rather than rescue her. (This is more for our older ballerinas, 4+ years) There may come a moment when you have to let go and trust her (and me!) that she will be OK. Let go of her hand, leave her with me, and trust that she can do it. I know each and every one of our wee dancers and love them to bits! I believe in them, and they might just surprise you. And if they really, really struggle with it...
* ...focus on the good; what they have achieved. So maybe your 4 year old got up on stage but then freaked out and just stood there for most of the song, or did one song but not the other. Didn't she do well to stand up in front of all those people? Maybe your 2 year old loved getting her hair and make-up done but then found it too much and just wanted to sit on your lap. Let her watch, and take it all in. Won't she have some great memories to take away with her?! Maybe your 7 year old forgot half the moves, or turned the wrong way. Wow, look at all the moves she did remember!
Regardless of what happens on the day, we want it to be a positive experience for them. If they get up on stage- great! What a wonderful way to build their confidence, instill a love of performing, and share with you what they have learned. But if your little ballerina ends up watching for most of the show, that's OK too. She would have soaked in the atmosphere, loved watching the bigger ballerinas, and by keeping positive, we ensure that she still takes away a bunch of positive memories from the day.
BONUS: (After the show)
* Spoil her rotten! I have a tradition for my daughters: after their ballet recital, they get to chose somewhere special to go for lunch. Maybe you could plan a special outing for her, or have some flowers to give your wee star. I always have something special to give each of my ballerinas after the show to show how proud I am of each and every one of them :-)
Our recitals are such a magical time of year...I can't wait to see you there!!!
