First, there I am in motion. Second photo, photojournalistic style, from top to bottom: April (me), Nicole, Gloria, Malia, and Monica. Malia's hubby sitting near the stairs with video camera.
I ended up doing well and no one could tell it was my first Belly Dance performance. I knew that I knew the choreography with my eyes closed. Practice! Practice! Practice!
Other comments to me earlier that day about how to calm my nerves:
"Find a space where you can close your eyes and relax your body totally at the performance venue."
"Wear a special amulet that is your "grounding stone" Focus on the stability of this amulet."
"Visualize flowing water - hear it smell it let it wash your nervousness away"
"If you know Yoga "Sun Salutation" do it five times before the dance. This will not only help you stretch - It will help you "breathe" Bring Lavendar essential oil or a sprig of Lavendar from your garden. Lavendar has calming properties."
"Today before the show - Google "overcoming stage fright" there are soo many articles online about this topic."
"One thing that trips me up is my tummy tensing up before a show.
It always helps to take big belly breaths ; )"
"What works for me is to stop fighting the anxiety....and just use it as excitement for the performance....!! Plus a nice margarita :)
"And if none of the above works take a Xanax and think about baseball."
I will perform again. And I will reference these notes and follow some of this advice. Well, except for the Xanax and baseball part. Isn't that from a movie? One thing I kept my focus on was that dessert drink at the end of the night "Chocolate Fantasy". Two scoops of chocolate gelato and Graham's Port poured on top. That was my Xanax and keeping my eye on the ball- or scoops rather- that was my relaxation technique. My reward for being brave. Lead me to the dance floor!
