So you might be freaking out about your upcoming first belly dancing performance. I remember I was nervous for a good 2 days before my first gig and I didn't know how to put the nerves aside and I got into a really negative state. I had to remind myself to breathe and relax. Affirming yourself of your skills and talents helps get that confidence up before the big day. Reach out to your family and friends who believe in your skills for support, they were very helpful for me.

All you can really do is know your routines, prepare for the worst but go in with a positive attitude and expect the best. Remember that they hired you because they like watching belly dancing and that's what you love doing. You are simply sharing your talents with a group of people who will love the energy, music and you style of dance.

If you are bringing your own sound equipment then also make sure you have a backup. Make a CD copy of your music as well as have it on your iPod and it wouldn't even hurt to also email it to yourself. If the stereo or batteries go down then you could pull up your music on a laptop and continue with the performance.

Make sure you practice your routines in your costume so that you know how to move with the extra weight and heat on you and to even catch some potential wardrobe mishaps. Figure out how loud you will want the music to be. Having my music loud helps me make my moves more crisp and to the beat.

Don't be late. Know how to get to the event. Look at a map online and also use your GPS (if you trust it) and make sure you will be there on time. I would get there 10 minutes early just to make sure. Then you will have time for makeup touch ups and a last minute bathroom break.

Try to have fun and everyone else will want to join the party. There will always be a few people who aren't smiling or looking away. There will also be those who are enjoying themselves and clapping so keep your eyes on everyone but find the few that are smiling and make eye contact to give you an extra energy boost.

My first belly dance performance in Ottawa flew by and I only remember a few moments of it. I'm glad I was nervous, the nerves pushed me into excitement as soon as I walked into the house. Feel confident and look confident and your first belly dancing performance will fly by too!

-Lark