Prep Class Anxiety

Panic is a sudden desertion of us, and a going over to the enemy of our imagination.  ~Christian Nevell Bovee

First & foremost, if you are planning to audition for a pro dance team, it is ESSENTIAL that you attend their prep classes.  It is ESSENTIAL that if the director or head choreographer is teaching somewhere that you attend her classes.  Which leads us to...

How do you handle the anxiety of a prep class?  How do you focus, have a great time & just do what you love?


It's a lot easier said then done.  Let's face it, it is a prep class but you are still being observed.  What you wear matters.  How you do your hair matters.  Your dance energy, execution and attitude MATTERS.


We decided to do this blog because tonight is the start to a few of our clients prep classes and anxiety levels are high.  We are going to give a few tips to get you through your experience.  


1) The prep class matters.  So please attend with the mindset of an audition.  


2) Bring light snacks with you.  (Blueberries, Almonds, Power Bars, Granola, Water, Gatorade)  Eat a light dinner before you attend.  Nothing too heavy; however, you must have something on your stomach.


3) Try to stand in the front two lines.  If the choreographer instructs you to switch lines.  SWITCH!!! DO NOT stubbornly stand there.


4) Try to relax. I know it's easier said then done but do your best to go in with a positive, calm way of thinking.  Remember have fun!!! Do not focus or compare yourself to the other girls.  


5) Smile.  Be friendly.  Who would want a miserable, expressionless girl on their team?

Having anxiety before and during a prep class is not unheard of.  We give our clients many counseling sessions with us prior to their prep classes (if needed) and advice on how to approach it.  Once again, we can't give away all of our tips here but these are the essentials.  

We don't want you to consciously treat it as a leisurely dance class; however,  in the same sentence, you must.  Already envision that you are on that team and you are in a rehearsal instead of a class.  Imagine the girls around you are your teammates.  Focus on the choreographer; not the girls dancing around you.  If you have a question, do NOT be afraid to ask.  Do NOT ask a girl next to you.  


On top of everything, have FUN!  Be excited! Smile a lot!  Have energy!


Secret Tip:  Have you ever come across a real shy, quiet girl that is an introvert and never has anything to say?  What are your perceptions of her?  Come on ladies, the first thing you think, WITHOUT ever having a conversation with her...she's a SNOB.  She's stuck up.  Arrogant.  When in fact, she is not!  BUT she doesn't smile, she stares straight ahead at times when focusing, she doesn't talk much if not at all.


Do not go to that prep class like that.  If that is your personality, dance team may not be for you or you need to get an adjustment session.  First impressions are lasting and if you have a personality like the one described above, that could potentially hurt you in an undeserving way.  Be open, friendly, energetic, smile & have fun!!!


With those attributes, you will be remembered!


XOXO
Arena Dance Pros


PS: if you want more, you need to hire us! *wink*