Storytime: Managing Performance Anxiety and Recital Nerves

Every performer has been there: the bright lights of the scène, the pounding heart, and the sudden fear of forgetting your choreography or lyrics. In this lighthearted Broche Ballet storytime, we dive into a deeply relatable experience—a singing recital that didn't go quite as planned. From forgotten lyrics to an awkward bow and run, this video explores the raw reality of performance anxiety and the lessons we take away from our most vulnerable moments on stage.

While this story features a singing recital, the lessons are universal for any adult ballet student preparing for their own révérence. Whether you are practicing your pliés at the barre or rehearsing a complex variation en pointe, mental preparation is just as vital as physical technique. We discuss the importance of managing nerves and how to maintain composure when things go wrong.

Learning from these embarrassing moments is what builds a resilient dancer. Instead of letting a mistake define the performance, we look at how to use positive self-talk—inspired by the song lyrics 'I can go the distance'—to stay focused on your long-term goals and personal values. At Broche Ballet, we believe that every setback is a setup for a stronger comeback.

This video encourages you to embrace the imperfections of the journey and find the humor in the hurdles. By the end of this storytime, you'll feel more prepared to face your next recital with a sense of perspective and the determination to keep going, regardless of what happens once the curtain rises. Learn to transform your anxiety into a tool for growth and discover why perseverance is the most important skill in any performer's repertoire.