A couple of weeks ago, I had my first solo performance on silks. This was a big moment for me. I’ve done ambient work (where you perform in the background of a party) and I’ve been part of several group pieces, but the not-so-fun anxiety monster in my head stopped me for a long time from doing a piece all by myself.

Part of what helped with the anxiety? I didn’t put my newest, craziest tricks into the piece.

It’s crazy tempting, I know, to trick out your tricks and put in all the newest stuff you’re excited about. But it’s usually a bad idea.

Because they probably don’t look that good yet.

It sucks, right? But there’s a good chance it’s true.

Remember, performing is a lot different than training. A lot different. When you’re training, you should absolutely be working on your new, harder stuff. You should be working on it until you’re a little sick of it, and you’re learning harder stuff. Because at some point, it becomes a lot easier. Because you’re getting better.

And your audience? Unless you’re performing for a room full of aerialists (which is pretty unlikely), your audience is just going to be impressed that you’re UP IN THE AIR OHMYGOD. So why not put your smoothest, best looking stuff in for them?

Work on adding stylistic stuff to what you’re already got to up the wow-factor. Add a trist to that climb, turn your body all the way around under your shoulder before you climb back into the lyra or trapeze, fan your silks a little (a lot of aerialists HATE that, but you know what? Audiences love it. And you’re performing for their enjoyment, right??)