Performing is easily one of the most difficult things that we can learn to do in our lives, and it can present itself in a multitude of ways. Performance in life is giving a sales pitch to potential customers, standing in front of a group of people and offering training and guidance in the workplace, it is public speaking, it is coaching a sporting team and so many more things besides.
Performance as a pole dancer can present itself in many ways, but the one way we can and will put pressure onto ourselves to do, is perform a choreographed dance, and not just perform the dance, but to perform it well, and if we can’t do it well we don’t do it at all.
If I were to ask you to picture your favourite instructor to watch dance from your studio, or to imagine a favourite pole dancer whom you follow on social media, or even which student in your class you love to watch I have no doubt that you have a few faces who come to mind-and no small amount of admiration for any of those dancers.
But what sets them apart? Why does performing seem to come naturally to some of us, and not to others?
To let you in on a secret, it does not come naturally, it is a learned skill. Most dancers will learn how to perform through imitation, and if you asked them how they do it they probably can’t answer you.
This then leads us to believe that you either have it, or you don’t. This then creates a huge barrier in your head that comes between you and the stage.