The Comfort of a Friendly Face
My daughter attended her first major audition of the season this past weekend. A bit unnerved from recent injuries that have not completely healed, she approached this audition as she does most things in her life….”I’ll do my best and see what happens.” I could tell she was a bit more anxious than usual as we drove to the site and I did my best to reassure her that she would do well. However, I too was a bit more anxious than usual because of her injuries and other strange ailments she has been dealing with lately.
We have found that the dance world is very small indeed, and immediately upon entering the audition area, she ran directly into a best friend from this past summer. She was thrilled at seeing her old friend and I could see the tension melting away as she stood rehashing old times.
I was so excited for her because I know how reassuring and comforting it is to see a friendly face amongst a crowd of competitors. My daughter has made such wonderful friends in her dance travels; people she would have never met and whom she has formed lasting friendships.
After warming up, she and her friend departed for the dance studio where the auditions would take place leaving me behind to sit and wait. More than two hours of work later, she and her friend emerged from the studio still smiling and talking. As she approached me I knew from the look in her eyes that she was pleased with her performance, or as pleased as her perfectionist personality allowed her to be. As we were leaving I said a silent prayer in thanks of a friendly face to ease her tensions.
What helps ease your nerves in a new or tense situation?
