TeenHelp - Dancing-anxiety

TeenHelp (http://www.teenhelp.org/forums/)

- Anxiety and Stress (http://www.teenhelp.org/forums/f205-anxiety-stress/)

- - Dancing-anxiety (http://www.teenhelp.org/forums/f205-anxiety-stress/t146498-dancing-anxiety/)

Dancing, to me, is fucking terrifying. Just thinking about it makes my heart race, my eyes widen, and my jaw, fingers and toes clench. I missed 8 of 9 high school dances because of this (and didn't bat an eye after the first one because fuck'em, Catholic school dances are lame). The one that I went to was like 6 years ago and I just tried to copy someone else for like the 5 minutes I did dance. I can't remember how well that worked, but me and my date never talked after that (she sucks though, seriously). Normally I wouldn't give a shit about this, but my brother's wedding is coming up in a few months and I'm already getting super anxious thinking about it. I get anxious just trying to dance by myself (not a euphemism).
You know what, I don't even know what I'm asking. Does anybody have anything to say?

Edit: I just tried for about a minute. I'd rather drink bleach.

Re: Dancing-anxiety

I've never danced either, but I know I would feel the same!

Firstly, it might be worthwhile asking your brother about the kind of dancing that will be going on at the wedding. Sometimes families might suggest certain dance classes in preparation for the wedding, so that could be an option. Classes are good because chances are most will be a beginner so you wont have to worry about not being able to dance properly.

In general though, anxiety tends to affect our thoughts: we worry that we aren't good enough and we'll make a fool of ourselves etc. The reality is, most people never notice anyway and many others will feel anxious too. Remembering that might help you to feel less anxious.