12-year-old Dana was performing on Channel 4's new show 'The Piano', in which judges Lang Lang and Mika travel to different cities around the country trying to find hidden piano talent
Nerves almost got the better of Dana…
— Channel 4 (@Channel4) March 1, 2023
We LOVE how @ClaudiaWinkle made her feel so much more comfortable. #ThePiano pic.twitter.com/aqShVlLrE2
Nerves and stage fright is something the majority of us piano lovers will be familiar with.
Looking out to the crowd, seeing hundreds of eyes focused on you; that pressure can sometimes just be too much.
For 12-year-old Dana, who was appearing on Channel 4's new show 'The Piano', she showed us not only that she's human and struggles with nerves the way the rest of us do, but that she can then persevere and overcome them.
"I was two years old when I started to learn piano," she said as she introduced herself to host Claudia Winkleman. "I describe the piano as something you can express your emotions to. The piano, it doesn't really say anything. It listens to you."
Sitting at the piano, Dana began to play Chopin's much-loved Fantaisie-Impromptu - but soon got nervous and had to start over.
Lang Lang commented, "For me, her problem is a problem for many young pianists. They don't perform so much on stage. But once you start somewhere, then you're totally passing this problem.
With the help of Claudia's tactics ("Can you please turn around!" she exclaimed to the watching public), Dana settled into her rhythm and produced a breathtaking performance of what is a notoriously difficult piece.
Claudia Winkleman was on hand to give Dana as much help as possible
She left judges Lang Lang and Mika very impressed.
Mika: "Now we're talking!"
"Super secure, it's getting better and better," Lang Lang added.
'The Piano' next airs on Channel 4 on Wednesday 8 March at 9pm.
