Performance Anxiety - Blog #11 - SBN Samantha
Here it comes...the performance anxiety. Saturday the 19th, during belt testing, is when we're supposed to perform our open forms if we're doing one, and let me tell you, the palms are sweating! I've been working on my stick combos and tricks, and I never drop them when I'm alone, but as soon as I perform for someone, the sweat comes on, and I drop my left stick. :/ It happened when I showed Nick last week, and last Saturday, and just a bit ago when I showed SBN Jeff. Maybe I should chalk up before I do it next Saturday...ha ha.
I did, however, get some great feedback from both Nick and Jeff. Nick mentioned continuing my practice run through even if I make a mistake, so I know how to handle a mistake during the actual performance. I did that today with Jeff, and it actually felt like the form went well...even with the little things I messed up, and I didn't drop my stick the second time through!
I think the form is done; not allowing myself to make any more changes after today (added one more thing to it while working with Jeff). Moving forward from today, I just need to rep it out and make it look as good as I possibly can. There comes a time when you're creating something that you have to say: "okay, it's finished." Now is that time for my 4th Degree Open Form...at least if I want to keep my sanity. 😁
I did, however, get some great feedback from both Nick and Jeff. Nick mentioned continuing my practice run through even if I make a mistake, so I know how to handle a mistake during the actual performance. I did that today with Jeff, and it actually felt like the form went well...even with the little things I messed up, and I didn't drop my stick the second time through!
I think the form is done; not allowing myself to make any more changes after today (added one more thing to it while working with Jeff). Moving forward from today, I just need to rep it out and make it look as good as I possibly can. There comes a time when you're creating something that you have to say: "okay, it's finished." Now is that time for my 4th Degree Open Form...at least if I want to keep my sanity. 😁
Yes to the chalk! I had to do it, too! ;) Remember that everyone watching you is inwardly cheering for you and hopes for your success, and even if you biff, we all know how amazing you are as a person and a martial artist. A performance is one moment in time and does not define you. Remembering that can help ease the anxiety.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Lia!
DeleteSamantha, I have watched you in awe! I totally get the anxiety, I do the same even with the forms I have been doing most of the year! You are going to do amazing! The fact that you created an amazing open form and are performing it is a HUGE accomplishment. IF and that's a big IF something doesn't go as planned it won't change the fact that you are AWESOME!
ReplyDelete