Did/ does anyone have problems with anxiety before dancing or when you first began the job?
If so, how do/did you deal wth it?
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Did/ does anyone have problems with anxiety before dancing or when you first began the job?
If so, how do/did you deal wth it?
If its actual anxiety rather than butterflies I'd suggest another line of work. If dancing gives you an axiety attack it isn't for you and forcing yourself to dance might cause extreem problems.
Best wishes and take care!
I agree with Rayanna... there is a difference between an anxiety attack and just plain nervousness ("butterflies in your stomach").
If it is just plain nervousness.. consider trying taking a few drops of the Bach Flower Remedy called "Rescue Remedy" either directly on your tongue or in a drink.
I also recommend that you purchase "Little Voice Management Systems" by Blair Singer or his Sales Dogs books (it depends if you absorb information more efficiently via hearing it or reading it)... both have techniques that will help you.
I agree. I've met too many girls who've gone from "needing" a drink (or more) to loosen up who've developed serious problems. Like I often say, dancing can be fast money, but it's rarely easy money. If you really freak out from it, but still want the money the environment can provide, perhaps you should consider cocktailing at your club. You'll often make less than dancers, but still more than at many other jobs you might otherwise consider.
I donno girls.... when I first started I had stage fright for about a month. It stemmed mostly from lack of knowing what the hell to do but now I love being on stage. In the beginning it did feel like anxiety but I stuck it out and now I feel comfortable on stage. But then again the club I started at has amazing stage shows and girls from all over the place dancing there so it was a little over whelming at first. I never had to drink ( no alcohol anyway) to get over it it just took time. But if it's more than newbie nervousness this might not be the right occupation for you.
I think we all start out a little nervous, and like anything it takes experience to build confidence.
like most other instances where you are doing something for the first time, you're going to be nervous- especially when it involves getting up on stage with all eyes on you while you undress. with time, the nervousness will subside; however, it might never fully go away. i cant even explain how scared iwas my first night.
but there's a difference btw nervousness and serious anxiety. if the thought of going up on stage/ going to work makes you sweat profusely and get so dizzy you cant stand, then dancing might not be the best idea. but if it's just slight nerves/butterflies in the stomach deal, it will get easier with time. ;D
I know this is out there but almost evrytime I had to go onstage I'd have to go to the bathroom...and I didn't always have time. But, once you're comfortable with yourself it'll go away. if it doesn't talk to someone about it and maybe you'll realize it's not for you.
I go through periods where I have anxiety that has to do with social situations in general (going to the mall, work, singing with my old band). I just eventually had to work through it. Lots of performers of all stripes have anxiety. My best advice would be to concentrate on the mechanics of the job: how to lead a conversation, putting on a good stage show, saying hello to that first person or a certain number of people per hour, meeting your hourly money goals (breaking it down to dances per hour makes it a little more concrete at first... numbers are always good to take your mind off of socially anxious situations). I guess maybe that can be described as being self-aware in a powerful way? It takes your mind off of the "big picture" and keeps you from fretting.
Eventually, you'll be used to the whole shebang and be a better hustler because of it. Then if you go through a period of feeling fluttery you can call up the old tricks (wish I'd known that earlier in my career... I'm pretty shy!!). Another possibility is to work a slower shift (days?) but that can be more conversation intensive which can be hard on some people in a different way. It just depends on your comfort zone and getting through this is all about finding some comfort moments to get you through.
Just do not start drinking or taking drugs to calm you down!! Try teas or the flower essence.
After having been up on those stages 1000's of times, I still tend to be nervous on my first set of the night and after talking with other girls I worked with, I finally realized they felt very similarly.
look at yourself in the mirror and ask out loud- do you want to do this
if you cant hold your own eye contact when you say yes then love dont do it youll never make good money if you dont want to do it in your heart cause it'll show
but if you do good luck im sure youll be fine just take a deep breath and shake what your mamma gave you