[deeronjepsuhn]

Hey guys.
So for back story, I've given presentations many times, even since being diagnosed schizoaffective. But as of lately, simple public speaking feels impossible, and I am having major stress over having to do a dance performance. I freeze up, stutter, forget everything. Is there medication for this? Taking Xanax helps but doesn't do everything.

Are any of you similar? Or have helpful advice, please share!

[schizoaffective]

I can give you some advice on how to approach this.

Regarding your dance performance, remember this is YOUR performance, YOUR art, and YOU own it, not the audience. They are privileged in that they are able to witness what is happening.

Remember, the performance is the magical thing which comes first, the ultimate goal, the creation of paramount importance - and YOU are the one who is in control, the one who has the skill and expertise to make it all happen.

If you have wings, you can fly - so fly.

You can speak and you can dance. You have proven that in the past.

So when you begin your routine, just remember your skills and talents, remember your countless hours of practice and training, and allow yourself to do justice to the wonderful expertise you have.

Forget about the audience. It's your show, your talent - and you owe it to yourself to make every performance a work of art for your own fulfilment and satisfaction.

You are a talented artist, and don't let ANYBODY or ANYTHING take that away from you.

[deeronjepsuhn]

Thanks, my dance teacher said to me before I left that I was one of the most improved dancers in the class (not the best, because they're all pros and girls). Apparently another student mentioned me to her about how well I've been doing. I try to treat the situations during practice like they are my performance, I do put my all in it. I am doing a ramba/foxtrot for my group piece with this girl (it's ballroom stuff). We just got to the foxtrot part and I'm having problems remembering it, I blank out a lot. But I did better today than I did last practice. We have 6 weeks left, and we practice two hours twice a week. I think I'll be fine. It's a major stresser though.