get rid of my anxiety when i'm in a crowd

Hi, i had to introduce myself to a group of people again, and it went better than usual today, i was only a little bit shaky, but it could have something to do with the fact that the people in the group were idiots so that lowers the bar a bit hmm. but i’ll think of it from a positive point of view. let’s hope that it will go better in the future.

I usually get very nervous when i’m in a crowd of people,especially when the attention is focused on me.
for example:i took a massage-class a couple of months ago.
There were about 12 people there and everybody had to introduce themselves to the group. This is my nightmare: having to introduce myself to people i don’t know.It’s very weird, i’m not shy, au contraire… but it’s like there’s a devil inside me who messes with my body and brain when people focus on me.
So when it was my turn, i started breathing really heavily and talking very fast, the only thing i can think of at that moment is: get away from here. it is so embarassing,
i also get in that zone when i have to perform, i used to play the flute and the piano. I gave up because i went mental when i had to perform or audition. I feel like i’m the only one with that problem, i know there’re people who don’t like to speak in a group but not on the same level.
can someone please help me to get over this. i’m starting grouptherapy in a while but i’d still like some advise
greetz
Meadow