Performance Anxiety: Release Fear and Stay Positive
How Teacher’s do it!

Overcome Anxiety in 4 Ways

1. Relaxation Techniques

Before you get into the studio, gym or classroom to teach your class, take about 20 minutes to do something physical such as stretching, Yoga, Pilates or other physical movements that you like to do. This will help you to refocus your mind off of the teaching situation you are about to step in to. You will be learning how to react less to your fears of teaching in front of people. Taking time early on, before stepping into the classroom will help you to balance your nervous system and control your thoughts. You may also want to try using meditation to calm yourself as well.

Positive, rational thinking at this time may also help you to realize that your irrational thoughts are only in reaction to your fears and are distortions to the teaching situation. Find thoughts that help you to keep things in perspective. Your students are there to learn from you, not to judge you as a person. If you continue to have self doubt, continue to hone your technical skills so you feel more confident about what you are teaching.

2. Planning

It may be difficult to find ways to carve out time to teach and sustain a schedule of classes, especially if you are getting negative reactions from friends or family members who think you are suddenly spending too much time away from them. Your teaching career takes an investment of time. Write up a schedule, stay organized and talk with them about your venture. Your enthusiasm will be infectious and you should get encouragement. If not, help them to understand that you will have more free time later, as you gain more experience and as things settle down. Show your gratitude by doing special things for them once you have fewer demands.

3. A New Career in the Arts

It may seem very scary to embark in a new career in teaching. You may uncertain as to what is to come. Identify what it is you want to do, what do you want to teach and to whom? Will you be teaching adults, teens, children—and what level of dance, what kind of Yoga, at what gym or dance studio? Will you be teaching professionals or nonprofessionals? Plan a class and see what it consists of. Are you including improvisation, mat work? What kind of equipment will you need and how will you get it? Identify every detail and ask yourself why you have included the things you have—for what purpose? Are these things part of your teaching style, your technique, how you were taught, what you learned, things you find effective? Create your own unique class.

Identify goals in all areas of your teaching career: Goals for marketing and PR, goals for where and when you want to teach. Write out small steps you will be taking to reach each goal and remember that each step may take time to accomplish. Follow up on outreach to students and other teachers. Follow up on your goals, making changes in them frequently to fit your needs at the time. Your goals and objectives will fluctuate and change as you actually accomplish them.

4. Overcoming Fear of Rejection

Establish boundaries as a teacher between you and your students, as well as others, so you can maintain your identity as the teacher. Doing this will allow you to feel free to create material, choreography, new routines and class plans, and, teach with a sense of freedom that you need, as well as allow you to develop your style as time goes by. Rejection can feel devastating. It takes a thick skin to deal with rejection in a competitive field. You will be developing a strong focus on who you are as a teacher. You will be developing better communication skills as well as coping skills and strengths to manage the fluctuating feelings of rejection.

You know you love to teach. You’ve spent years training, mastering your technique. You’ve found your niche—now you are ready. It can be very exciting, as well as anxiety producing. Acknowledge how you feel without trying to avoid the feelings. It will be easier to work through that way than to run away. Make friends with your feelings, balance your energy, release the anxiety, stay rational and positive, stay focused on your goals and remain open and enthusiastic towards your self, family and friends.