Expert: Pamela Enders - 2/27/2009

Question
I am trying out for cheer tonight and I always forget one step in the dance and then I can't remember anything after that to catch up. What can I do?

Answer
Dear Chelsea,

Tonight?  Wow...that's soon but okay...try this:

1. If you can,  find a private space and set up chairs or pillows in front of you to represent the judges.  (Really...you can then also practice making eye contact with the pillow or chairs...or judges!)
2. Once the room is set up, close your eyes.
2. Exhale slowly 3 - 4 times to help you calm down.
3. Once you feel calm and centered, open your eyes and begin to practice the dance.
4. When you get to the point where you usually mess up, slow it down - a lot - and really zero in on the step you need to make.
5. If you become distracted or get too anxious, STOP everything and close your eyes and exhale slowly 3 - 4 times until you feel calm and centered and focused.
5. Now you may begin your practice again in this calm and focused state.
6. Go through it slowly - especially at the point you referred to, focusing on the transition from the step you may forget to the next steps.
7. If you forget the step, say to yourself, "I'm letting that go," and move on.
8. Repeat over and over until you can go through the whole routine in a calm focused state.

The reason you are doing this is to help you get into a good focused performance state.  You are forgetting because you are getting distracted and then you are telling yourself you can't go on (unconsciously).

At the tryout, get into this focused state by exhaling slowly a few times.  You will be reminding your brain and body to click into this positive performance state.

Your body does what your brain thinks so if you keep telling yourself that you're going to mess up, guess what will happen! That's why I ask you to go though this slowly so you can get it right and so your brain will register that fact.  Each time you do it right, tell yourself, "I can do it" or "I'm doing it!" Then tonight, repeat that phrase.

Remember, judges are most impressed with spirit and attitude.  It's normal for people to make mistakes - especially during tryouts but if you show them you are having fun and know how to connect with people, they will like that. If you do make a mistake, say to yourself, "I'm letting that go and moving on," exhale once and get back in the groove.

Good luck and let me know how it goes!