Emotional anchor for stage fright

[senanserat]

Hello lads and gals!

I was reading this book which I won't bothering mention because it is in my obscure country's language and this doctor here argues that stage fright can be diminished or even extinguished using what I will translate as a emotional anchor.

Nice...so what?

Riiight! So he says that the aforementioned anchor can be anything from a paper clip to a teddy bear, the point is that it is an object the person has invested feelings into making it into a horrocrux something that brings comfort and a solid base in the maelstrom of hormones that is stage fright.

Apparently the point is having something you're familiar with and you like near.

The reason I bring it is because now that I think about it I have seen some people doing so in recitals and normally they're the ones that perform the best, nervousness wise. I overheard (not eavesdrop) a this gal saying the sheet music of the piece even though she didn't sight-read relaxed her.

So what you guys think? Does the idea has merit or stage fright is better battled with another method? Like man up little (censor).

Lemme know what ya think!

Ta-ta

[iansinclair]

I would say that yes, an "emotional anchor" such as you mention can indeed be helpful.  I would emphasize that such a thing is not the only way to help, however!

An "emotional anchor" such as you mention doesn't have to be an object -- although it often is; a familiar briefcase.  Teddy bear.  A particular piece of jewelry.  The sheet music.  Whatever.  It can also, and sometimes most strongly is, a person.  It can also be a specific routine of some sort.  I was associated for many years with two of the foremost ballet companies in North America (no, I wasn't a dancer -- just associated.  And yes, I have had an odd and varied life) and I saw about as many variations on this sort of thing as I saw dancers!

I would, however, point out a down side, which I have also seen: if one does become accustomed to such an "emotional anchor", the absence of it before a performance can be nearly devastating.

[mhhudson15]

In which case, it would be much better for someone to learn to calm themselves with rituals or routines that they can do anytime, anywhere... that way he or she doesn't have to worry about whether that comforting thing or person will be there at that time.

[theholygideons]

A commitment device is always is always useful, until it becomes a crutch.
You should learn eventually how to not rely on them and possibly man the *** up.

[senanserat]

I would, however, point out a down side, which I have also seen: if one does become accustomed to such an "emotional anchor", the absence of it before a performance can be nearly devastating.

This basically is why I am weary. Luckily for some people like Kissing their anchor is part of themselves (the hairdo)