Adjust the stage lights so that each scene is as bright as possible. More light will lead to better photos. This may not be possible if you are not attending a rehearsal or your own show.
Use a flash. Flashes help add light to subjects and can make a critical difference in action photography, especially in low-light environments like a stage performance.
Set your camera to shoot at a higher shutter speed than usual. Shutter speed refers to how quickly the shutter opens and closes -- slower speeds create depth but are subject to action blur. Use a shutter speed of 1/250 of a second or above.
Watch a run-through of the ballet performance before shooting. Knowing when and where critical moments occur will help you to get the best angles for each shot. In action photography, timing and positioning are everything.
Put a telephoto lens on your camera to help bring your subject closer into frame. If you are unable to get on stage with the performers, a telephoto lens can make it seem like you are.
Track dancers with the shot. This means moving the camera with the dancer as you shoot. Photos taken in this manner will have clear subjects but blurry backgrounds.
Shoot as much as you can. In the world of action photography, you can expect to shoot between 20 and 100 bad or average photographs for every one perfect shot.