How to Move on Stage

Moving on stage [while singing] is one of the most terrifying parts of this whole thing we love - sharing singing!

Overcoming Stage Nerves: How to Move Confidently on Stage While Singing

Do you feel me?!

I absolutely love singing and performing on stage, but guess what? I still get nervous about moving around on stage! 😘🤷🏼‍♀️

Ever been there? 🧐

You've worked so hard to prepare for your performance, but then the moment arrives. You step onto the stage and…

Freeze.

You’re nervous, of course, but it’s worse than usual. Your hands are sweaty, and you feel like there’s no way out of this situation.

But wait! There is a way out of this. 😘

Actually, there are many ways to overcome this, and I’m going to walk you through them!

1. Eyes: Connect with Your Audience

When you're on stage, your eyes are one of the most powerful tools for connecting with your audience. So, don't just stare at the ground or the ceiling—let your eyes move!

Practice by singing and shifting your gaze between three points: 45 degrees to your left, straight ahead, and 45 degrees to your right. 👀 This simple technique can help you feel more connected and less anxious. Your audience will feel the connection too!

2. Hands: Don’t Let Nervousness Hold You Back

Hands are another essential body part to focus on when moving on stage. If you're nervous, you might instinctively stand still and keep your hands at your sides—but don't let that happen!

If you feel the urge to move your hands while singing, let them move! 🫱🏻🫲🏻 You don’t have to be overly dramatic, but letting your hands naturally flow with the music can make you look more comfortable and engaged. And if you have a nervous twitch, it’s super common, so don’t worry. Just embrace the movement—it’s all part of expressing yourself!

3. Feet: Ground Yourself with Movement

Your feet are the foundation of your stage presence. Whether you’re staying in one spot or moving across the stage, keeping your feet grounded can help with your overall confidence and balance.

To make sure you're not stiff, practice shifting your weight from one foot to the other or taking small steps while singing. This will make your performance feel more natural and help ease your nerves.

4. Move with Confidence

Moving on stage can feel intimidating, especially when you’re nervous. But by focusing on your eyes, hands, and feet, you can break through that frozen feeling and deliver an amazing performance.

Remember, you don't have to be perfect—just be yourself and let the music guide you. Your audience will appreciate your authenticity, and you’ll feel more confident each time you step on stage. 🎤💃

👉🏼 Your feet can move! If your interpretation of the song or character calls for movement, then go for it. Movement doesn't have to be excessive—just one small step forward can have a significant impact.

But, of course, some moments of your performance are more powerful than others. When you make that big step downstage, it should feel intentional and impactful.

As you think about moving your eyes, hands, and feet while performing, here are some things to keep in mind:

1. Let the Text and Music Guide You

Think of movement as an extension of the song. Key changes, instrumental breaks, subject shifts, new sections, and dynamic changes are all excellent places to add some movement. Let the music and the lyrics inform your decisions. Just like your jaw-dropping singing, your movement should be intentional and rehearsed.

2. Rehearse Your Movement Ahead of Time

Just like with singing, you don’t have to get everything perfect on the first try. It's perfectly okay to experiment with movement and adjust it as you go. That's how you grow as a performer! If you rehearse the movements ahead of time, you can refine them during your personal practice or rehearsal, so you won’t make a fool of yourself when performing live.

3. Start Small, Then Go Bigger

Movement is a journey. Begin with small movements—even if they feel huge to you! As you gain confidence, you can add more dramatic choices as you tackle new music. Each step forward helps build your stage presence.

I've posted a lot recently on Instagram about moving on stage, so be sure to follow there for more tips and insights!

Every month in Studio Seminar, students get a chance to work with me directly to test out their singing and dramatic choices. If you're looking for feedback or guidance, feel free to join Seminar anytime.

Keep practicing and—most importantly—have fun with it!