1. Outfit
My outfit is always one of the first things I pack as without it I can’t perform! Make sure all your props, costume pieces, and base layers are accounted for – this includes heels and kneepads that might be in your training bag.
2. Grip
Whether your hands are usually slippy or not, I like to bring my trusted grip along just in case my nerves get the best of me and I want that extra security. I often keep it with my props so I remember to bring it to the stage with me where I can use it at the last moment if I need to. Making sure to wash and dry your hands before your performance will also get rid of any residue from the day that could hold you back.
3. Snacks
Show days can be really long, and it’s easy to run out of time to eat or be too nervous for a heavy meal. Having a mix of nutritional and sugary snacks throughout the day will keep your energy up and calm those butterflies or any nausea you might experience.
4. Water Bottle
Hydration is key for any sport, and performing is no different. Keep your water bottle handy backstage, and refill it before you perform for a quick drink and cooldown after.
5. Headphones
Before I perform, I like to watch rehearsal videos to remind myself of my choreography so I don’t panic on stage. It can also be helpful to listen to your song and visualise, or move through any floorwork transitions to condition your body. A few minutes before I go on stage, I like to take a minute to calm down or hype myself up (depending how I’m feeling) with a different song. This helps me focus on myself amongst the chaos, and ground me in the moment.
6. Layers
Depending on the season, you may want to have extra layers while you wait backstage and stretch. These should be easy to warm up in and quick to remove so you can take them off as close to the performance as possible. Don’t forget to bring any resistance bands, blocks, and massage balls that the venue doesn’t provide if these are part of your warm up!
7. Final touches
Everyones performance bag looks different, so really think about what you need on the day to help your vision come to life! This could be makeup, hair products, a tripod to film, or earplugs to drown out the crowd. And don’t forget your everyday essentials such as a charging cable, deodorant, or some comfy slippers!
Performing for the first time is a huge step for a lot of people, so well done for putting yourself out there! Meet some of our performers below or at our studio showcase on 14th June. Get your tickets here.
Hi My name is Libby and I did my first ever hoop lesson with Suzy P at The Bendy Studio which is now my hoop home from home, the atmosphere is perfection. Gorgeous studio, teachers and some of the most encouraging people I have ever met! I have taken classes with Suzy and with Alexa.
I’ve been in Spain for a year studying, my Spanish hasn’t improved much, but my hoop skills have! I can’t wait to come back and share some of my new moves with my bendy family, I have really missed you all!
Rebecca has loved making herself dizzy since childhood, which led to her becoming a circus artist specialising in flow and spinning style choreography on aerial hoop.
Her circus adventure started with learning to hula hoop from YouTube videos in 2011 and then discovering aerial at NoFit State in Cardiff. She started with trapeze, rope and silks which she continued training at the Circus Factory in Cork and then My Aerial Home, London. She discovered the joy of spinning very fast on a metal hoop in Bristol where she now trains at Bendy and Pink Kitten studios.
She is currently working on an act that aims to capture the hypnotic effects of the ocean on the human brain and hopes one day to create an act where she spins so fast the audience just sees a blur. Originally from Galway, she is happy to brave the Atlantic year round. She now lives in Bristol with her husband Charlie, big cat Nala and tiny cat Saffie and, yes, she would like to see photos of your cat/dog/bird/lizard.
Hello, my name is Nika and I started my pole journey a while ago. I’m a proud record holder of the most open practice sessions at Bendy Studio, this is how much I still love pole. I haven’t performed on a pole sine 2017 so feels like a debut again.
For this performance, I’m channeling the powerful and mysterious energy of Hecate, the Greek goddess of magic, witchcraft, and crossroads. It’s the perfect soundtrack to summon my inner strength, with a touch of magic and a dash of sass.
So, sit back, enjoy the ride, and remember: sometimes pole is about flying high, and other times… it’s about gracefully crawling back up (and hopefully avoiding a bruised ego). Let’s see what magic happens at the show.
