You have your pre-performance routine on lockdown: shower, hair, makeup, pack, double-check packing list, head to the venue, stretch, snack, stretch again, hit the stage, wow the crowd, repeat.
And while we’re all about sticking with what works, the one thing that can always use a refresher is your pre-performance pump-up playlist. Whether you’re into slow jams to help you get focused or you’re all about getting energy flowing with the Biebs, here are 10 songs every dancer should cue up backstage to ensure a platinum performance.
1. “Stronger” by Kelly Clarkson
Next time that 32-fouetté combo feels insurmountable, just remember the wise words of one Miss Kelly Clarkson: What doesn’t kill you (ahem, those turns) really does make you stronger.
2. “Sorry” by Justin Bieber
Channel the dancers from the video and you can conquer any combination.
3. “My Shot” from Hamilton
Alexander Hamilton wasn’t throwing away his shot — and neither will you! It doesn’t matter whether or not you’ve seen the record-breaking Broadway hit; the music is chill-inducing on its own.
4. “Fight Song” by Rachel Platten
Just try getting through this jam without fist pumping into the air or playing the air drums.
5. “So Much Better” from Legally Blonde: The Musical
Channel your inner Elle Woods, who wouldn’t take no for an answer, always fought for what she wanted, and never gave anything less than her best.
6. “Bellas Finals” from Pitch Perfect
The Bellas nailed it. So will you. Aca-awesome.
7. “Dancing On My Own” by Robyn
The ultimate bust-a-move song. This one might get you a little too pumped!
8. “Shut Up And Dance” by Walk the Moon
Pump it up, then heed the lyrics by, well, shutting up and hitting the stage.
9. “Sax” by Fleur East
There’s a good chance you already have a routine choreographed to this song, so do it in your head while you visualize your soon-to-be success. (Remember when the DancerPalooza crew rocked this on The Ellen Show?)
10. “I Am The Best” by 2NE1
Remember when Mark Kanemura and Jenna Johnson danced to this on “So You Think You Can Dance?” Yeah. Channel that. (Jenna’s pumped-up ponytail sold separately.)