Overcoming Stage Anxiety

Posted By Lena - February 20, 2010

 

Do you get nervous when you reach the stage or platform to minister in dance? It may surprise you, but there are many dancers who get get nervous when dancing. No matter how much you practice and prepare, the feelings of being in front of a large crowd can bring some dancers goose bumps. Beginner dancers who are new to ministry often experience anxiety before approaching a stage with a public audience, however experienced dancers stiill get nervous in front of large crowds. If you get butterflies in your stomach before you dance, you are not alone and this can easily be overcome through prayer and practice. 

Fear is the opposite of faith. 2 Timothy 1:7 tells us God has not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, and of love and a sound mind. Let us not forget the dance is for God’s purpose, so our main focus should be on him.

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The most common causes of fear when ministering in dance before a public audience is:

1) Self Will -  Once you get out of self and dance in the spirit the fear will go away.  As dance ministers we must fast and pray to die of self to preach the gospel for Christ.

2) The fear of messing up and making mistakes

3)  A lack of confidence  - This is usually experienced by new dancers as well as experienced dancers who do not minister and dance enough to gain and maintain confidence in front of a crowd.

4)Unsure of the dance steps  -  It is very difficult  to gain confidence in an activity which you have not practiced enough or become familiar with.  We must practice diligently and work hard to know our dance steps.   

 

             Solutions to overcoming fear in dance ministry

Be Encouraged- A wonderful way to find encouragement when dealing with anxiety is to speak psalms and positive words to yourself while ministering in dance. ex. God has not given me a spirit if fear; I am strong and confident through you God; Lord anoint my feet so your people will be blessed; Lord I bless you and I thank you for all you have done; I will bless the lord at all times and his praises shall continually be in my mouth; This dance is all for you Lord not for me; You get the glory lord; Praise his name in the dance. The use of affirmations and short scriptures help us to focus on our purpose and get the enemy off our minds. There is nothing you cannot achieve when you are focused. 1 Samuel 30:6 tells us David encouraged imself. Many times when you are  ministering in dance you will have to encourage yourself .

 

Practice, Practice, Pratice – The most common cause for anxiety and fear in ministry is the fear of messing up.  It becomes difficult to gain confidence in seeking excellence in the dance when you have not practiced enough to polish your dance for God's glory.  I have seen this happen so many times. Let us always be faithful to praise dance practice and responsible to learn the routine when we miss out on dance classes.  When you are confident in your dance routine it gives you power to concentrate on  ministering the message God has sent to his people.

 

Don’t give up, Keep trying and striving for excellence - The only time we fail is when we give up from trying. Winners always learn from their mistakes. If you make a mistake keep dancing. Only 10% of the audience knows you messed up and that small percentage is your dance team and those people who love to watch you practice. The majority of the audience is not aware you made a mistake unless you make facial gestures with your face. Remain confident and relaxed when you miss your step.Psalms 46:1 reminds us, God is our refuge and strength, and a very present help in trouble.

 

Be Prayerful - If you are a believer you should know prayer is your great source of connection with God. He is with you always from the beginning to the end of the dance. With prayer all things are possible.  We should pray always in the Spirit (Epheisans 6:18).

 

Make your dance Enjoyable - Dance should always be fun. Allow your first steps in the dance to take you on a journey of faith to find confidence in serving the lord with joy. Make ministry an enjoyable moment of worship reserved  for your heavenly father.