It's starting. Every year about a month before my recital I start getting anxiety. I can't handle it. Even though I am on schedule with what I planned I still have this horrible feeling. Can't sleep, feel like I'm rushing to finish things up, etc. Our recital is in 3 weeks and I can't calm my nerves.

I'm sure I can't be the only one in this boat so what do you all do to help settle yourselves down during the weeks that lead up to recital. This can't be healthy....

I don't know whether you are the SO or not but regardless... I always get someone to double check me on everything. I manage the office as well as teach 5 days a week. I get another teacher to watch my dances and make sure that everything is in order from entrances, exits, placement of props, etc. Sometimes someone who does not know all the details of your routines will point out something I may have forgotten or didn't think of. In the office, I have my SO and another teacher who also works the desk a few hours check all the paperwork, schedules, etc.

Lastly, I go get a pedicure and schedule some "me" time each week before the recital... no phone calls, emails, etc having to do with dance during this time!

Hang in there! I know we go through it every year but guess what, every year it turns out fine!!

Anything in it's extreme is never healthy. That includes anxiety. Are you rushing to get things done? You say you are on track time-wise, but "on-track" is means different things to different people. I know for a fact that my sister's idea of "on-track" for her recitals is NOWHERE NEAR on track. I would have an anxiety attack if I ran things the way she does.

I would say to continue to get things done and get AHEAD of schedule with what you can. That may relieve some of the tension. And if you are truly on track, then you have to let go a little more. Remind yourself that it has always worked in the past, and it will work again this year.

And I'm gonna throw this out there just because I have had the experience of high anxiety. For me, it's never been about what is actually going on, but something else that pushes my anxiety to the surface. There is generally a root cause, not directly related to the anxiety provoking situation. Does that make sense?

I hope it gets better.

In one of my education classes in college, one of my professors gave us some of the most simple, yet best advice for that overwhelming feeling anyone has ever given me. Make a list of EVERYTHING you have to do before the recital (and I mean everything, if you have to buy a dress or something to wear, put it on the list). This gets everything out of your head and onto paper. Then, whenever you complete any of it, cross it off the list. You will be amazed at the feeling of relief you feel when you cross something off. I do this every day, and when I have big events coming. I'm telling you, it helps. Good luck, and I hope everything pans out!

I second the List suggestions. It works!

My best guess is that one of two scenarios is occurring.

1) You are looking at the whole picture rather than taking things one step at a time. In this case, I agree that making a list is an amazing tool! Don't allow yourself to get worked up in the amount of work that needs to be done in such a short time. Plan ahead and focus only on what is in front of you to do at that moment. You can't complete another task while you are working on something else, so why worry about it?

2) You are trying to do too much. It may be time to delegate some of the duties to one of your teachers or trusted parents or anyone willing to help! You are allowed to play manager and oversee some things rather than doing it all. Or maybe you need to cut back on all the details. Does every class need their costumes rhinestoned out the waw-zoo? Of course not. It may look a little better to have a little sparkle, but in the end no one remembers how glittery a class is. They are more concerned that the students danced on stage in a costume. So, it's ok to say that you are not going to do XYZ this year. Don't sweat the details, so to speak!