Dancing Jitters

Dancing used to be my life- I started in first grade and stopped when I was a senior in high school. I loved it, and I still do really, but I wanted to try other things because dancing was all I knew. So for eleven years, my world revolved around dancing: classes, shows, practices, and competitions. I competed a lot, and honestly, I was pretty good- I made it to the highest level you could be at- eleven years worth of dancing helped me get to that level so it was no piece of cake. Even though I had been competing since I was about six years old, every time at a competition when I was about to go onstage, my insides would do back flips. I would get so nervous, and so jittery until I stepped foot on that stage and heard the music begin. It still amazes me that even after all that time, when I should have been used to the crowds and judges and the thrill of it all, my stomach never ceased to do insane back flips. I remember one particular time, I was in San Diego, California for my national competition- and I was as nervous as ever. I was meeting new people from all over the country, watching these girls dance and I got sooo anxious. Meanwhile, the stage hand was yelling out directions- where for us to go; we had to submit information over here, line up over there in the order she told us, and I was not coherent. All I could focus on were the thousand butterflies that were swirling around in my stomach. It was all mental- "I've done this a million times before, I'm a pro. There's no need for this" I just kept telling myself. Eventually I calmed myself down, and I was able to listen and follow directions. I never realized how much it blocks your ability to pay attention when you get nervous and all worked up.