October 29, 2009
Dancing is a Feeling
What I love about dancing is when the music sweeps me away. I love to feel the music in my bones and just go where it takes me. Of course, I love the fact that I've learned a little throughout my dance years at Dance Dynamics. But when it comes right down to it, I must feel it to enjoy it.
I got bogged down with details several years ago. There was so much clutter in my mind, that I didn't hear the music any more. I went to a wedding dance in the midst of this chaotic time in my mind and for the first time in a very long time, I felt the music speaking to my soul. And I danced.
After a short hiatus from dancing, I returned. I am swept up in the music, the excitement, the people and learning process once again. I was thoroughly enjoying my private lessons but it wasn't until I took the frightening step back into the group classes that the excitement levels returned.
The group classes are out of my comfort zone. I'm learning new things in a group setting. I'm more responsible for knowing my own part. I'm dancing with different partners throughout the lesson. Some things are harder to learn than others and there isn't the opportunity for the one on one instruction. But ... I am in a room full of people who are there for the same reason that I am. They love to dance and they want to learn.
The mixture of learning, dancing and being around people is the perfect mix for me. Stepping out of my comfort zone is important.No matter what is being taught in a group class, there is always one thing that every person can usually take way from it. No matter how overwhelming the class may feel at the time, if you have learned a new dance, a new pattern or a new technique ... you have succeeded.
March 16, 2009
Group Class is a Happening Event!
January 1, 2009
Dynamics of Dance
Let’s begin from the ground up and talk about footwear. Dance shoes for ladies (as in the real world) vary greatly in style, colour, fabric, length, width, and heel height. The first three are decided based on personal taste. The correct length for you should be left up to someone in the know if you’re still new to this sport. With court shoes (pumps) make sure there is enough room for the toes. The arch of your shoe must also be long enough for your foot. With the latin sandal the dancer’s toes should cover the end of the shoe or even overhang by an eighth of an inch. Please confirm when ordering shoes that you state your English, German, or Canadian Size - this will save return postage and reordering time. For the men who like to wear a very loose, comfortable shoe remember this: the court jester look is out of date. Your foot should reach the end of the shoe with a thin sock without having the toes pushed back.
Width is very important. The shoes for men and women are available in many widths. By making sure that your shoes are snug you will increase the life of the shoe and the support it will give you. Wearing your shoes too tight can damage your feet and worse yet, ruin your evening.
Heel height in a man’s shoe is decided by personal taste and what you intend to demand of it. One inch for smooth and an optional one and a half inches for latin. For the ladies, however, the all perplexing choice is not so simple. The truth is that high heels are not as bad for your back (if it’s healthy) as bad posture. If you have bad posture, heels will intensify the problem and should be avoided. The truth is that heels can be bad for your feet by increasing the pressure on the ball of the foot as the heel gets taller. Fashion trends and vanity have a way of making fools of us all at times.
This brings me to my pet peeve. When I go skiing I don’t get all suited up so that after an hour or so I can kick off my skis and take to the rest of the runs. The same goes for ball players and their gloves, golfers and their clubs, and even includes my brother at a banquet with his dentures. Why then do we see people tossing their shoes past innocent dancers (with audible sighs of relief) into corners of the room? These same people then spend the balance of the evening dancing on their toes, complaining about how slippery the floor is and commenting on how “classy” the whole event has been.
Dance shoes are the tools of our trade, offering good support and years of wear. A little research will pay off in style, comfort, and safety.