As a dancer, show week is one of the most exhilarating and exciting things. The feel of moving into a theater, being backstage, putting on makeup, and rehearsing for the big performance is all part of the gig.

It struck me awhile ago that most people don’t even know what a “backstage” looks like. Most people only EVER view the stage from a chair in the audience. For a performer, and for myself, backstage just feels like home. The stage crew, the lights, the curtains, the “GOING DARK!” hollered from your stage manager…it’s all part of our life and our routine that seems so second nature to us.

In prepping for a show, it’s so exciting to get to the stage, but it goes without saying that it’s A TON of hard work. I love show week more than anything, but it does bring about nerves and anxious energy. Throughout the years, I’ve learned how I operate and what best helps ME to get myself ready for a show.

In no particular order, and some pictured above, here are 8 things that help me as a performer get ready for the stage!

1. Journaling! I love writing my thoughts about the day, rehearsals, notes I’ve gotten, etc. down on paper. It helps me clear my mind and stay focused leading up to the show!
2. Working out. As we get closer to the performance, my workouts are less power-driven and stamina-focused, but rather more focused on mind-body connection so I can really hone in on my coordination and breath!
3. Speaking of breath – I do a lot of breath work and meditation! It calms me down right before I go onstage.
4. Engaging in my hobbies outside of dance – like reading, going for a walk, exploring Chicago! Keeping my mind active and cup full as I get closer to the show! It’s a helpful reset and recover as rehearsals get more intense!
5. GOOD SLEEP! I’m a person who needs a lot of sleep and I typically prefer 8 hours. The week of the show, I do everything I can to be in bed early and ready to snooze!
6. Recovery practices – Epsom salt baths, massages, rolling my muscles out, stretching, drinking lots of water – it all helps to stabilize my aches, pains, and soreness before the performance!
7. FRIENDS, FAMILY, GOOD PEOPLE! I cannot stress this enough – the people I surround myself with help me through it all! I have some of the most supportive co-workers, friends, family, etc! I need their energy to help me through!
8. Rest! It’s the Friday night before the show and I am in for the night, under a blanket, drinking hot tea and relaxing. We as dancers put ourselves through so much, we need to take care of our bodies and rest whenever we can take advantage of it!

Hope to.see you on May 3 at the Auditorium Theatre!! I’ll be using the above 8 practices to keep me in line leading up to the best show!!