Dear Casey: How to feel comfortable competing and performing Lindy Hop
by Casey Schneider
Continuing with our introduction to Dear Casey (taken from WhiteHeat June 12th, 2008). For the uninitiated, Dear Casey is a satirical twist on the advice columns found in news media. Do take every word she says seriously, as your dancing and social life depend on it.
Dear Casey,
As you probably well know being my best friend and being by my side before and after recent competitions/lindy hop performances, for some reason lately my nerves have been getting the best of me…. My stomach gets all tied up in knots and I really want to hurl, especially afterwards, even if the performance went really well!
For some reason, this only seems to happen with partner dancing, not solo dancing at all…. The strange thing is, I’ve been performing lindy hop for a little over a decade now, and it’s only been in the last year that all these feelings have been taking me over….. This is all very frustrating b/c I really want to compete and love performing… I guess you could call it “Lindy Hop Performance/Competition Stage Fright”.
are there any remedies you can think of to help me out?? Hypnotist?? (which I’m actually not against the idea!) Performing more lindy hop routines?? Competing more??
Any suggestions you can offer up would be MOST welcome!
Sincerely,
~might need to start carrying a paper cup around
Robinator,
Hmm, I don’t suffer from this same affliction, so I don’t have any tried-and-true remedies.
1. Drugs. Alcohol, of course, will also increase the likelihood and severity of pre-performance nervous pee, but you’ll your nerves themselves will be lowered.
2. Imagine everyone in the audience naked. This is the stereotypical fear of public speaking remedy, and I’ve no idea if it will work in a dance situation. To be honest, it might increase your likelihood of vomiting. (Don’t even TRY to imagine your partner naked. That may kill you on the spot.)
3. Tell your partner to whisper something in your ear just before you go on. Something like “I’m going to wear your skin like a cape” or “I ate seven dead ferrets for breakfast”. Something warm, cozy and reassuring like that.
Don’t stop competing or performing though! You’ll be giving the terrorists exactly what you want if you do that!
Best of luck,
Casey
Send your questions to casey@lindybloggers.com
