The Art of Performance - A (VERY) Practical Guide

There is magic in performance. That fleeting moment when the music starts, the lights hit, and you become more than yourself—carrying stories, emotions, and beauty through your movement. But behind that magic lies a world of preparation, decisions, nerves, tangled jewelry, forgotten eyelashes, and cramped backstage spaces with no mirrors.

This guide is born from years of experience on stage and behind the scenes—dancing in underground parties, festivals, corporate shows, outdoor fairs, five-star hotels and everything in between. It’s not about how to choreograph or how to pose (although that matters). It’s about all the practical things no one told you when you first fell in love with performing.

This is the checklist I wish I had. The tips I’ve whispered to fellow dancers backstage. The mindset shifts that saved me when things didn’t go to plan. It’s part ritual, part survival kit, and all grounded in the deep joy of sharing your art with an audience.

Whether you’re new to performing or a seasoned stage siren, may this guide help you prepare, stay sane, and shine your light fully—on your terms.

Let’s get into it.