Tips for Relieving Exam Stress

Many of our ballet students are taking their next RAD exams this term and, although exciting, this can often cause anxiety. Below we share our top tips and things to remember to help deal with the inevitable nerves that even professionals experience.

The Examiner Wants You to do Well

Remember that the examiner was in your position once and knows exactly how you are feeling. They want you to do well and dance to your best ability. Thinking about this in the exam might help you to recover from any little mistakes or falls, and always finish confidently.

Simply, Do Your Best

Whilst preparing and practicing in the run up to your exam think: 'do your best’. Knowing that you have rehearsed thoroughly and done everything possible to feel prepared will help you to perform confidently on the day. Trust in your hard work, remember that you are prepared and ready, and that all you can do is try your best.

Keep Grounded

Channel your nervous energy into warmth and confidence when performing. Remind yourself of how fortunate you are to be dancing and able to do what you love to do.

Don’t Think about the Steps

When you get nervous, try to focus on your performance, facial expressions and musicality, rather than thinking about the technique. Often steps work better if you don’t think about them as your body has an amazing muscle memory which you build up during rehearsal (another reason to practice to feel prepared!).

Deep Breaths

Take a few deep breaths to calm down any nerves before you go into the exam room, and in between your dances. Then, think about how much you enjoy dancing and performing to help the nerves go away.

Self-Belief

Dealing with pressure is part of life but we can all try to take control of those pressures. Believe in yourself and trust in the hard work you have put into preparing for the exam. Trust yourself to dance to the best of your ability on the day.

Channel the Butterflies into Energy

Try and channel those butterflies in your stomach into an extra burst of energy whilst in the exam, rather than worry about them throwing you off. Taking deep breaths or listening to some relaxing music can help to clear and calm your mind beforehand.

Be on Time

Not running late and having time to get ready calmly and practice in the rehearsal studio before the exam is one of the best ways to feel prepared on the day. Allow yourself plenty of time to get to the exam to avoid any last minute extra panics.

Talk to your Friends

Everyone deals with exams differently but all your friends in your class are in the same position as you, and in the days leading up to the exam speak to each other to check in with how everyone is feeling. Practicing together if you can will also help to grow your confidence. Stay as calm as possible, remember that everyone is feeling the same and you can all help each other.

Envisage the Moment, Use the Nerves

A little pressure is a really good thing as it prepares you for many things in life. Without any nerves there would be no adrenaline and it’s this that transforms dancing in class to performing well in an exam! The high you feel after the exam is done is always an amazing experience, knowing that you have achieved something special. If you are nervous, envisage that moment after and before you know it, the exam is done and you can enjoy that feeling of satisfaction.

All of us at Fireflies Dance are wishing you the best of luck!

Photography by Neil Mockford