I just happened across a really cool site. It is called American Profile and it is a place where people are celebrating the American Spirit. If you have a story to share, you can share it here. They have stories about people, places, traditions, home, family food and entertainment. There are sports articles, travel articles, articles about finance, incredible kids and really cool tips on recipes, kids and pets.

This site is well laid out and has a plethora of articles and information. It is a one stop shop based on friends, families, communities and celebrities alike. If you are looking for a place to figure out where you want to go on your next vacation or how to decorate your home for Halloween, then you will not be disappointed when visiting American Profile. I loved the article Riding, Roping and Learning; there’s nothing like a cowboy on a horse! I can hardly wait to add my own story to this website; the only problem is deciding just which story I would like to add.

Do I add a sports article, a medical article, a personal remedy article, a travel article, a recipe or an article that is just shows my zest for life? If you are anything like me, you may find yourself spending many hours perusing this site; Enjoy!

For those of you that remember my last dance competition, things did not go very well. The event was in Portland, Oregon and we had flown there the night before the competition. I am not entirely sure what happened, but for whatever reason, I was totally wiped out and in a brain fog. I did compete and I survived, the only thing was that I really don’t remember much of it at all. I DO however remember my black dance panties! I have THAT on film.

The competition this past weekend was in San Jose, Ca. and it did not require a plane ride. It was a six hour drive, but I seemed to tolerate it much better than being in the air. That, coupled with the fact that I did not dance until noon, bode much better for my overall well-being.

In some regards I felt that I danced better than I did in Portland and in others not so much. The not so much was directly related to my making some pretty major changes in the way I actually dance, due to my muscles, tendons and joints finally healing, after being poisoned by Cipro for the past 15 months. Ironically, my muscle, joint and tendon pain seemed to dramatically improve after my chemotherapy. Maybe the Sprycel is helping to keep it at bay; who knows?

Since I do get a one day per week reprieve from Sprycel, I chose to forgo my daily dose the night before I competed. I definitely had a bit more energy and was much more clear-headed at this competition than I was at the last one. I once again came in 2^nd Overall, but my individual scores were much improved; and that for me is a win! I still have a ton of things to work on and we got a brand new Cha Cha routine while we were there, so I hope that my brain and body will decide to start co-operating on a more regular basis.

I AM going to dance my way through this damned leukemia!

I have just completed my first year of dancing on the UCWDC circuit and it has been a tough year! The first part of the year I was dancing on an old tendon injury in my foot and the second half of the year I was battling Cipro poisoning that effected my entire body. Nonetheless, I placed ninth out of twenty three dancers from around the world. Most importantly I danced my own personal best at the competition.

For those of you that have never competed, but think that they might like to give it a shot I would suggest attending a UCWDC event and watching the competitions. I competed in eight dances: Triple Tow Step, Polka, Night Club 2 Step, Cha Cha, Waltz, Country Two Step, East Coast Swing and West Coast Swing. Competing  is a great way to improve your dancing. It inspires you to work hard from one competition to the next. It gives you a bench mark of where you have begun and tracks your progress, or decline if you do not practice!  I have found that meeting other competitors can be both pleasant and unpleasant. I have found that I agree and disagree with the judging. I have found that every dance instructor has their own opinion and I have found that I still love dancing!

I never would have imagined that I would have danced in front of anyone, let alone be judged as I am very shy; but I can say that with each competition the nerves have declined and the confidence has increased. It has been an up and down roller coaster but well worth the E ticket!

When I first started dancing I never even realized that someone like myself would ever have the opportunity or the interest in dance competitions. Of course I had seen very high level ballroom dance competitions on TV, so I knew that they existed, but I never knew how easily you could become involved in that world.
I have NEVER been a competitive person and certainly NEVER would have dreamed that I would allow anyone to watch me dance, but I have found that competing in the dance world is challenging and fulfilling on a personal level.

I am sure that there are many reasons that people compete at any sport and that everyone has there own personal reason but for me, dance is my passion and I started dancing so late in life that I feel as though I have tons of catching up to do! Competing is my way to challenge myself and to record my progress. My goal is to improve my own personal dancing every time I compete. And of course competing really forces me to practice! I like to work hard and strive to do my own personal best.

I compete on the UCWDC circuit which is the “Country” circuit. The eight dances that are judged are the Triple Two Step, East Coast Swing, Night Club 2 Step, Cha Cha, Polka , Waltz, West Coast Swing and Country 2 Step. Anyone can attend a dance event and compete. They are held all around the world and can be found on the USWDC.org website.

Dance conventions not only offer a place to compete, they also offer dance workshops for all levels and social dancing at its best. If you have never competed or been to a dance event, I suggest you find one in your area and check it out. Try to be inspired as opposed to discouraged and realize that every single dancer out on the floor started in the exact same place. The beginning. The best dancers you see are the ones that have worked the hardest.

So, I guess there are two things bothering me today:

1. Cipro poisoning SUCKS! I know that I should be grateful for the improvements that I have made, and I AM however, I am still so irritated that my body has been so compromised by Cipro. The fact that they continually dispense this drug without informing the patient of the potential side effects is criminal!

Of course, my small improvement of being able to slightly bend my toes caused me to test my limits and try to walk and dance like a normal person. That would be USING my toes and pushing off with my toes as opposed to walking and dancing on my heels. That unfortunately led to a bit of a toe injury on my right foot, yup, the BIG TOE! Ugh, wonder how long it will take that to heal?
2. I hate the inflammation underneath the skin that causes the skin itself to be so tender that you don’t want to sit or lie on it. The back of my thighs are killing me today, thank God it seems to be an intermittent side effect. It is so strange because een the slightest touch makes them feel as tough they are on fire! It has been long 5 months now.

So that being said, I hope those of you that have never been effected by Cipro, Levaquinn, Avelox, or any other floroquinolone, take my advice and steer clear of this poison! For those of you in the same boat or worse off, my best wishes to you and I hope you are having one of those “good” days!

While I am certain that there are many different types of foot injuries that occur while dancing, I will be referring to my own particular foot injury. I am in no way trying to diagnose anyones foot problems, I am just going to share my own. You may suffer from some of the same symptoms that I have and I will tell you how I cured mine.

First of all, let me tell you that I have been dancing for almost 3 years, my foot injury occurred 9 months ago and has plagued me right up until now. As a beginning dancer I was out dancing 5 or 6 nights a week with dancers of all levels, from a beginner like me, to much more advanced and experienced dancers. I had no formal training and was at the mercy of whom ever I danced with.

I distinctly remember the exact moment my injury occurred. I was dancing a Country 2 Step with a leader that took large steps. While continually stepping backwards, the ligament under my big toe was pulled. I felt a sharp pain, finished the dance, limped off the floor and thought to myself, “That was strange.” It wasn’t until I got back on the dance floor that I realized how bad the injury was. I went home and popped 3 Vitamin I’s (Ibuprofen) and iced my foot. Much to my dismay, my foot was even worse the next morning. I didn’t dance for several weeks, but was so addicted to dancing that I just couldn’t stay away,  I just kept dancing right through the pain.  Literally, months went by and I kept taking Vitamin I, dancing and whining.

Eventually, I went to a Chinese Foot Massage place near my home. I figured it couldn’t hurt and I was willing to try anything at that point. ( you would think Dr. might have entered into my mind, right?) The weekly foot massages actually began to improve that particular injury. What I hadn’t prepared for was the continuing foot pain. The pain had traveled from the big toe area of my foot  to the next two toes and ball of my foot. It also radiated to the top of my foot.  You see, while I was babying my “Big Toe”  injury,  I put added strain on a different area of my foot. So while the “Big Toe” was happy, the rest of my foot was not. After 6 months of whining, taping my foot and pain meds, I was drug to a chiropractor. My only regret  was that I hadn’t gone sooner.

Dr. Leland Carroll, of the Studio Wellness Center has saved my foot, my life and everyone’s ears around me. After a thorough examination and assessment, he explained and diagnosed my injury. I have pretty severe pronation. Pronation is a turning outward of the foot at the ankle, I have a tendency to walk on the inner border of my foot. It is typically hereditary, but further aggravated by my dancing. I also suffered from Metatarsalgia, a condition which causes the arch of your foot to collapse. His first recommendation was to try custom orthotics. Of course my reaction was doubtful, but faced with the alternative “fix” of surgery, I thought I would give them a try. Shockingly, I can now say that 9 months after I was first injured, and 2 months of wearing my Custom Made Orthotics (which fit into my dance shoes and boots) my foot has finally healed. Oddly enough, so is that nagging knee pain that I had,which I thought was just old age!

I am not saying that every dancer needs Custom Made Orthotics, but if I am able to help anyone out there with foot , knee or back pain, I am glad to share my story. I found Custom Made Orthotics, at a discount,  online. I believe some insurances cover such a product, as they are expensive, but I got the folks at OurHealthNetwork.com to extend my 10% coupon to anyone that uses the code: LovetoDance

Sure hope that this helps anyone with a current foot issue or better yet, helps someone prevent one!

While dancing it is imperative to stay connected, however this does not refer to a death grip!

Leaders place your hand firmly on the followers shoulder blade, up underneath her arm, not in the middle of her back. Give her enough support to allow her to settle back into your hand and  form a connection. Followers do not “lean” back to establish this connection.

Followers, place your hand lightly upon the leaders shoulder, arms touching and connected without expecting the leaders to hold up your arm. Do not grip their shoulder. Place your hand  into the leaders hand and gently close, do not grip tightly.

Both Leaders and Followers must hold up their own arms. While turning, followers should create a cup with your hand so that the leader is able to freely move his fingers within your cup.

Of course there are different frames for different dances and you must make adjustments accordingly, but the above rules still apply.

I decided to put dancing and mental health (mine) to the test last night. Long story short, I’ve been an emotional wreck over the past 2 weeks (nearly recovered now, thank-you), to the point I even chose not to dance one night when I was feeling particularly crabby.  So, even though I didn’t really feel like it, I forced myself to go dancing with the swing dance club at one of the local honky tonks last night. I discovered, or likely re-discovered, that dancing can indeed improve, sometimes dramatically, your state of mind. Although all but one other gal and I were there with a partner, I am fortunate to belong to a dance club where the women graciously share their dance partners with those of us who have none. While the music, with a mix of oldies, some country and band material, was not always the best for swing dancing, I did get in several 2-step dances along with a few east and west coast swing dances. The icing on the cake, however, was when one of the swing dance instructor’s husband told me that my dancing had definitely improved.
 
Life is good and dancing helps it to be that way!

I am so confused! For the past two years I’ve been concentrating on learning a variety of swing & country dances. About a week ago, the ballroom dance club held a 2-day dance workshop. I signed up for the Saturday classes in which they taught ballroom waltz and the rumba. After the workshop, they held a ballroom dance with a free Bolero lesson.

I loved them……………….I mean I really loved them! I am so confused now! Which direction do I go, what do I learn next……….help me please. I’m afraid to try anything else new, or I’ll just be more confused. I want to learn them all! I love every kind of dance I’ve ever tried, well maybe with the exception of one, but I’m not going to tell which one that is, because I know many who do love it. So even if I eliminate that one, there are dozen’s more I love. I know there are many dancers who stick with just one dance and become very, very good at it and I do envy the fact that they are so good…………but………..I love too many to just pick one or even two. I guess I’ll just have to resign myself to being a jack of many dances……master of none! Not sure that is all that bad.

Last night, at the monthly ballroom dance, I had the chance to talk with a friend who has been dancing about as long as I have. I was explaining (more likely complaining) to her how hard it has been for me to learn balance (still working on it). She responded “You too? I thought it was just me.” I explained to her that both Ras#1 and I have had to work extra hard to overcome our natural tendency towards klutziness.

Her comment reminded me of all the times I have been frustrated, nearly to the point of quitting, thinking that I was the only one having trouble learning some facet or another of dancing. Well, it isn’t so! Sure, there are those beginners who just have that natural grace and talent that allows them to learn with ease. And then there are the rest of us, some of us with more talent, some with more grace, and some of us with just desire and determination. So, while these occasions can be frustrating and even depressing, take comfort in that you ARE NOT ALONE! Others now and before you have shared the same fears, frustrations and even despair while attempting to learn how to dance. Ras#1 and I have both been and sometimes continue to be there and while we continue in our quest to become better dances, always remember…..even those of us with no god-given graceful attributes can learn to dance!

You’ve finally taken that big step and committed yourself to learning to dance. And there you are…………standing in the middle of a dance floor with numerous other folks trying to remember how to do just the basic steps. Hmmmm, you say to yourself….I think I’ve got it. The, the instructor asks you to do the same steps to music and…poof…..everything you thought you had just learned is gone. You look around and everyone seems to have gotten it, everyone that is but you!  While that might appear to be the case, in actuality, it’s likely not. Some of those other dancers have probably taken the class before and are just brushing up on their skills, others have natural dance skills, while the remainder, like you, your just not seeing. In spite of your fears, you take a deep breath and forge ahead. By the end of the class you are feeling reasonably comfortable that you can do the steps illustrated in class and move to the side of the dance floor, now open to all dancer. You hope (or not) someone will ask you to dance and you will be able to practice you new moves.You watch in awe as the experienced dancers glide around the dance floor, with moves you think only the pros could master, and wonder if you will ever be able to dance even half that well. Then, one of those dancers ask if you would like to dance………………..and a whole new nightmare begins! The color drains from your face, you start to sweat, your stomach starts rolling and you feel like you might throw up……but you say yes. Out on the floor you wish you could just disappear into the floor and never be seen again, you apologize profusely to your dance partner and pray for the song to end. It does…… and round two begins…………..

Take Survey Now.

SCORING:

• 9 or more. Mayday, mayday. Houston, we have a serious dance problem. Don’t be surprised if your friends organize an intervention to confront you with your addiction. You can deal with problem directly by checking your phone book for the local 12-step-hop program in your area.
• 6-8. You’re a borderline dance-aholic. With some effort on your part you can take back control of your life without outside help. It may be enough to cut out dancing between dance classes.
• 3-5. Not to worry. You’re one of those social dancers. You can take it or leave it. You can walk off the dance floor anytime. Dance-aholics view you with suspicion.
• 0-2. Are you kidding? Are you taking this test as a joke? You probably don’t know a step-hop from a pivot. Get outta here — you wouldn’t even watch dance-related television programs!

As dancers, how about we make a pact to try and transform all of those couch potato addicts into Dance Addicts?

Many years ago a friend and I met in Las Vegas. One of our typical hangouts has always been the lounge in the Bellagio. The band is terrific and when they take a break you can go out on to the veranda and watch the fountain show from the backside, which is equally as amazing as watching it from the front.

Usually we spend many hours there, dancing the night away. On this particular visit, we sat and watched, discouraged and envious. Normally there are all types of dancers on the dance floor and we never felt the least bit intimidated. On this particular evening, it seemed as though we had been dropped right into the middle of an Arthur Murray dance studio. Everyone on the dance floor was partner dancing as though they had been dancing together their entire lives. We watched in awe as the partners and dances kept changing to the music, and wondered what had happened since the last time we were there. They were having so much fun, and while we enjoyed watching them, we were both thinking the same thing……….I want to do that! My envy turned to desire, I was no longer envious, and I became inspired.

What we learned, while commiserating on the veranda, was that there was a Ballroom Dance Convention in town for the weekend. Something that I never even knew existed. A world of dance. People just like me, not just the professional dancers that you see on TV, but everyday regular Joe’s. It was right then and there that I decided that I was going to learn to dance.

After returning home from that trip, I did not immediately start dancing. I did not have a partner and I really didn’t know what to do. While my excuses slowed me down, they did not quench my thirst. Several years went by and the desire to learn to dance just increased. “Dancing with the Stars” became a phenomenon and my feet became more restless. I moved from southern Ca to Idaho and said, “Self, you have always wanted to learn to dance, there is no time like the present”! Luckily, I stumbled upon a Cha Cha class at our local recreation center. I went alone and have never looked back. Dance is the greatest gift I have ever given myself.

For those of you like me, that have many excuses and reasons why NOT to dance, here are a few really good reasons TO learn to dance.

1. It is Fun!

2. It’s great exercise for the body, mind and spirit.

3. It’s a great way to make new friends.

4. It builds confidence and makes you feel good.

5. It relieves stress.

And did I mention that it is so much FUN?

Let me help you get started, so you don’t waste any more time. Often the most difficult part of doing something new and different is knowing where to begin. You have many options. Let’s compare them and you can decide what works best for you.

The quickest way to learn to dance is to take private, one on one instruction. It is expensive, but affords you the opportunity to progress at a quick pace. I have personally paid $50 – $85 per “dance” hour (which can be anywhere from 45-60 minutes), and have seen prices as high as $150 per “dance” hour. I feel that it is money well spent. I would recommend being careful and selective in choosing a dance instructor. (More on this in another article)

Group lessons are an alternative to private lessons. Most private instructors also teach group lessons. They are much more affordable and often a stepping stone to “interviewing” a dance instructor, that you may want to take private lessons from, after perfecting your basics. They typically cost $25-$55 for a 4-6 week course. You do not need a partner and will make many new friends. Group lessons are often taught at dance studios and local Recreation and Senior Centers. The atmosphere is non intimidating and fun.

Many cities and towns have local Swing Dance and Ballroom Dance organizations that offer monthly dances with a lesson prior to their dance. They are also a great way to find instructors and ongoing dance classes. These dances and lessons are generally $5-$10.

Organizations and dance studios may also offer weekend workshops. These can be overwhelming at first, but give a beginning dancer the opportunity learn and practice for many hours at a time, helping to develop muscle memory. I encourage you to sign up for the first weekend workshop that you can find. The typical cost is $40-$100 per weekend. They often coincide with membership drives. I encourage you to join the organizations and get on their email list. They will keep you informed to upcoming dance opportunities.

If you really want to indulge yourself, attend a convention. Make sure if you are a beginner, that they offer beginning instruction. Conventions offer intensive instruction and many hours of dance practice as well as competitions. The last one I attended, I danced until 4 am every night, and when I left the dance floor, it was still packed! At a convention you will have the opportunity to watch and dance with incredibly talented dancers. Keep in mind, that the only difference between you and them is time and effort. Conventions typically cost $100 plus for 3 or more days. They are worth every cent!

Local bars, pubs and lounges often offer free dance lessons several night a week. Check them out and make a few phone calls. You are sure to find them.

Online instruction and DVD’s are another alternative to learning to dance if there is no instruction available or if you are intimidated or self conscious. It is also a great way to reinforcement all of the above suggestions. Remembering what you learned in your lesson is very difficult in the beginning. Do not become discouraged! It gets easier, I promise.

You can find excellent online instruction at www.LearntoBallroomDanceOnline.com

If you have a desire to learn to dance, do not allow anything to stop you. I hope that the above suggestions will help to move your feet onto the nearest dance floor.

Happy Dancing,

Ras #1

Unfortunately, dancing has been limited lately, what with all the Christmas lists, work, and social activities going on. I did make it to the Christmas Ballroom Dance although I had a hard time leaving my warm, cozy home to brave the cold, icy roads, but finally I forced myself to get going. Got there a little late, but it turned out better than I thought it might be. I actually got to dance pretty much all evening and had a good time. Looks like Ras#1 may have had an even better time though, more men, new moves, etc. I have to say though,that I did get to practice some steps and dance styles I have not had a lot of experience with, so, all in all, that was good. That’s always good when your dance partner is willing to work with you on new things…..and they all were.

So here it is……..the after Christmas let-down…….which follows all  the frantic hullabaloo (not sure that’s really a word, but I’m sure you get the gist). I then made the really big mistake of going to the mall yesterday. Only hit Macy’s which was really no problem……………….until, I tried to leave the parking lot! It was a 7-minute drive to the mall, 3-4 minutes to park, 20 minutes in the store and……………………………45 minutes to get out of the parking lot! And…………..to make matters worse, my back seat driving, know-it-all, shopping hater, 17-year old son, is in the car with me! Any of you who now have or have had teenagers in the past, understand the dire situation I was in. Holey Maloley…..not sure how either of us made it out of there without killing each other……..but we did nonetheless.

Earlier that same day, I had been contemplating whether or not to go dancing and…..after that whole scene…….contemplation was gone………………..I was going to go dancing! Unfortunately, the only venue going on where I knew dancers would be was at Shorty’s (another county honky-tonk) where they were teaching line-dancing at 6:30. Not my favorite, but….hey it was something……so I went. Once again, dancers were limited, particularly with regards to the male persuasion, so I tried to learn a couple of line-dances and then Roger, one of our fave dance partners, showed up, and since I was sitting closest to him  ( I actually moved) I was luck enough to get to dance with him the most! A couple of women left for greener pastures, which made it even better. Once again, got to learn some new moves…………….lucky me! Tonight I’m actually staying in (sort of) but stopping in at a party down the street. Tomorrow……. dancing with the swing dance club and Monday………….off to the Palm Springs Dance Festival where Ras#1 and I can dance and dance and dance! Yahoo………….. you should all join us for a New Years celebration and 4 days of workshops and all night dancing!

Spaghetti Arms

Spaghetti Arms! aka Dance Frame, or lack there of it. This has to be one of the most important, yet difficult skill for a new dancer to master. And much to the disagreement of many, BOTH partners must have Frame. I often hear a leader complain that a follower has no frame and therefore he is unable to “lead” her. Which of course, is an accurate statement. However, I have danced with these “leaders” just to realize that they do not have “frame” either.

What they are referring to as their “frame”, is merely a lead, as in turn NOW! There is no constant tension or framework during the dance and the follower just receives “frame” when the leader is trying to initiate a pattern, turn or change of direction. So leaders, remember that frame must be “quiet” and “continuous” throughout a dance.

On the other hand ladies, it is our responsibility to offer a stable frame. One that is a constant, toned resistance, equal to that of our partner. It is typical when we first begin dancing to have Spaghetti Arms. Limp and loose. We then tend to go to the opposite extreme, a stiff and rigid frame. When you are a brand new dancer, there is just so much to remember, just try and take a deep breath and realize that you are dependent on “feeling” where and what a leader is telling your arms to do. Your arms move your body as one, not independently. Leaders, this goes for you, too.

I suggest that you find someone that you are familiar and friendly with. Someone that is able to laugh and experiment. Start by both of you having very weak limp spaghetti arms. You will feel the lack of connection immediately. You will realize that neither one of you will be able to communicate through your frame. Two people without frame will find it very difficult to move around the dance floor and execute any style of dance.

Next, one of you should be the noodle, the other, a stiff, strong, rigid frame. As you will notice, this does not work well either. The strong person will likely be shoving the other person off balance and the person with no frame will stumble around not knowing where he/she should be, or how to get there. Take turns being both extreme. You will begin to adjust and find a happy medium. One that works for both of you. You will understand and feel what it is like to dance with Mr. or Mrs. Vermicelli and you will NOT want to be that person! It is an absolute chore to dance with someone with no frame. Your arms become weak and tired, just from trying to hold up the others arms, during a dance. It is not fun and is well worth the practice to find and maintain your frame. Once you find your frame, you will be able to adjust to most any dancer.

You can practice this equal and opposite resistance with anyone, they do not have to be a dancer. I found that I was able to even get my 15 year old son, who would rather cut off his feet than dance, to match my resistance and create a stable frame. I was able to move his body through his frame and he was able to move mine. For him it came naturally, for me, it did not!

So, a few tips. Stand opposite of each other. Hold each others hands and create an oval. Take turns “moving” each other. Observe what you are doing and how the other persons’ body reacts. Do not allow your elbows to collapse and keep them in front of you. Learn to allow your frame to move your body.

I believe that we all vacillate from one extreme to the other, before finally feeling or understanding what Dance Frame really is.

Good Luck and keep fine tuning your Dance Frame, the more adept you become, the more fun dancing will be!