Children can be drawn to all kinds of interests, like dance classes, theater, sports, or debate. However, this doesn't prevent them from feeling overwhelmed when performing in front of a crowd. This common and natural emotion is something both adults and children experience all the time. While it's a very normal part of growth, there are practices you can use to help your child overcome anxiety before taking the stage. Here is a guide to how to help your child with stage fright. 

How to Help Your Child's Stage Fright

1. Honor Their Feelings 

Telling a child they don't feel the way they feel does not make them more comfortable. In fact, it can make them feel shame and embarrassment. One of the best things you can do is acknowledge your child's feelings and emotions about being on stage. Be a sounding board for whatever fears or uncertainties come up and reinforce that their feelings are valid, real and very normal. 

Rather than dissuading them from owning their honest experience, try recognizing the opportunity to shift the perspective. This may be their chance to show off all their hard work in dance class or karate or swimming. Remind them of their goal and that the audience is there to experience their special talents, not judge them. 

2. Teach Relaxation Techniques

Overwhelm can take over when you don't have coping techniques to relax the mind and body. One of the best ways to stay centered before and during a performance is to practice meditation. 

Mindfulness is something your child can practice in the weeks leading up to their performance, focusing on breathing, quieting the mind, refocusing their attention and bringing them back to their body. This coping mechanism is something they can practice anywhere, anytime, any way and it will have a significant impact on their stage fright.

3. Practice Makes Perfect

Practicing regularly will help them feel more comfortable on the day of their performance. The more they go through the motions, the less they will have to think about it when they are on stage. If they are struggling with performing in front of a crown, encourage them to first practice in front of a mirror. 

When they feel comfortable with that, try a practice performance in front of mom and dad, then the whole family, then some neighbors. By performing in front of a gradually growing crowd they trust in a low-stakes environment, they build confidence.

If your child is looking to make new friends, improve their dancing ability, and discover renewed self-confidence, enroll them in Elite Dance and Performing Arts Center in Woodland Hills, CA. With quality dance classes in every style, including acrobatics, contemporary, jazz, lyrical, tap dance to hip-hop to ballet, for kids and adults of all ability and experience levels, this dance studio is the perfect environment to foster their love for the craft. Experienced instructors are professional dancers and bring their knowledge to help amateur dancers grow. Their newly renovated 6,000 square feet facility has separate studio rooms, a parents’ lounge, dressing rooms, a dancewear store, and a beautiful rehearsal hall. To see the class schedule, visit the website. To sign up for a class, call (818) 704-1490.