by Tammy Barlekamp
My daughter, Chris, decided she wanted to take dance lessons. OK. So, I found a dance studio and as I’m enrolling her in the beginner’s tap and jazz class, I see a sign for an adult class for tap and jazz. “What’s this?” I innocently asked. Well, show some interest and the next thing I know I’m down in my basement slipping around in my tap shoes.Stop Doubting Yourself and Reduce Anxiety
Yikes! Am I too old for this? How in the world am I going to learn how to dance by May? But more difficult than learning the dance routine was learning how NOT to overreact to my upcoming recital.I started to become anxious, but then I realized that there was no legitimate reason to feel scared. I countered all of the self-doubting what-if questions with reality instead of my anxiety.
What-if I make a fool of myself? My husband will still love me. What-if I’m so frightened on stage I can’t move my legs? I’ll practice so much that my legs will be on autopilot. What-if I get sick right before I go out on stage? It’s just butterflies of excitement; everyone gets them. What-if I get dizzy from spinning around? If I fall, I get back up and finish the dance. What-if…OK, Stop! Enough! I am going to do this. I want to do this. I am going to dance no matter what the consequences are going to be. Anxiety won’t make decisions for me.
Confront Your Anxiety with Inner Determination
My inner determination was the ticket to reducing my anxiety about dancing. Each time I started with the “what ifs,” I quickly reverted to politely telling my anxiety that I was going to dance no matter what. Whenever I felt the fear coming over me I went downstairs to practice. There was something about practicing that said, “See, this isn’t so bad!” After a little time, my anxiety got the message and left.Practice Attitude to Reduce Anxiety
I found family members who would watch me dance so I could get used to an audience. I really practiced my attitude as much as my dance to reduce my anxiety about dancing in front of others. Relax. Smile. You’re doing fine. You’re working hard. I’m proud of you! I also tried to help myself stay calm by listening to the relaxation tape every day, watching the sugar in my diet, getting enough rest and I avoided taking on any tasks that might add stress. Most of all, I tried to remain grateful for this opportunity to dance.May rolled around and I was ready. For once in my life I was letting myself enjoy the experience without excessive worry and anxiety. The bright colored costumes, the noise of the crowd, bags full of makeup, curling irons and curtain calls- so much excitement and drama. And there I was, behind the scenes for the first time. Me, part of the show. How cool!
My family and friends said I danced beautifully. For me, it was the dance of freedom, freedom once more from those scary thoughts and self-doubt. I proved my fears wrong again! Wow. Now THAT is something to dance about!
