The ONLY Preparation Strategy That Guarantees You Show Up Calm, Confident, And Ready To Shine!

It might seem obvious nowadays to talk about putting equal energy into physical and mental prep, but honestly, it's only recently that this idea has truly started to sink in. Even today, some incredible dancers still think preparation is just about the physical stuff. We know physical warm-ups are a must, and a bit of 'psyching up' before hitting the floor feels right. But a narrow approach like that can actually put you at a disadvantage on the competitive floor. But what if I told you that even with all that dedication, many dancers are still missing a crucial piece of the puzzle – a truly effective preparation strategy?

Performance isn't just about how well you've trained your body or perfected your steps. As sports psychologist Terry Orlick wisely puts it: Performance = Physical Preparation + Technical Skill + Psychological Readiness. For us Pro/Am dancers, that 'Psychological Readiness' is often the unseen game-changer. It's what allows you to shine, not just when you're the underdog, but when all eyes are on you and you're expected to deliver. As Phil de Glanville once said about true champions, "the real art comes from performing again and again when you are expected to succeed." That's what marks out the true champions – consistent delivery under pressure.

So, how do you intentionally build this psychological readiness? It may seem a little different, but it's about shifting from just doing preparation to strategically designing it. To create your own powerful preparation strategy, start by asking yourself these critical questions:

1. What's my desired outcome for this preparation cycle? Be specific beyond 'win the comp.' Think about how you want to feel on the floor, your connection with your partner, your consistency in certain figures.

2. How will I know I've achieved my preparation outcome? What specific sensations, consistencies, or internal states will signal success before the actual event?

3. What specific mental and physical techniques do I want to work on as part of this preparation? This is where you list your visualizations, affirmations, mindful movement, specific physical drills for a routine section, etc.

4. Should I keep a written log of my outcomes and progress? (Yes, absolutely!) If so, commit to updating it regularly. This isn't just a to-do list; it's your personal progress tracker.

5. How will I reward myself when preparation has achieved its outcome? Acknowledge the effort and reinforce the positive habits. This fuels motivation for the next cycle.

Start Strategizing Your Success:

1. The "Pre-Practice Blueprint": Before your next dance practice or lesson, take just 5 minutes. Ask yourself: "What is the one thing (mental or physical) I want to achieve or improve in this specific session?" and "How will I know if I've achieved it?" Jot it down. This simple act dramatically sharpens your focus.

2. The Preparation Reward: After a practice session where you've successfully hit a preparation goal (e.g., you felt more focused, you consistently applied a new mental technique), give yourself a small, immediate reward. This could be listening to your favorite song, a few minutes of quiet relaxation, or simply a mental pat on the back for your dedication. This reinforces the positive habit!