It is the middle of September, in southern California, and it is still hot! I am so sick and tired of the heat that I can hardly wait till fall. Summer has never been my favorite season, but since I was diagnosed with leukemia seven months ago, it is even more difficult to tolerate. It seems that my medication, Sprycel, causes me to be even more uncomfortable in the heat than I used to be.

I am so glad that dancing is an inside sport so that I can enjoy it year round; of course that depends upon the air conditioning and fans, in the studios and ballrooms, that I dance in. If it is too hot, my body just goes into a meltdown of sorts, making me feel really sick. Nine more months and I get to move out of southern California and away from this heat.

Fall has always been my favorite time of year, followed closely by Spring. I love the crisp air that Fall brings and the new growth that Spring brings. Winter, in areas that are not too extreme, can also be wonderful. I love cross country skiing and am hoping that the trails of Idaho don’t prove to be too difficult for me to maneuver with my new companion; cancer. When I began dancing, I gave up downhill skiing; I was much too afraid that I might break something and that I would not be able to dance. Cross country skiing has helped to fill that void and has also helped to increase my strength, balance and stamina; all talents that I need while dancing. Ahhh, just the thought of cooler weather and I feel better. Hopefully October will cool down into the 80’s and November in California will hopefully teach the 60’s or 70’s. Until then, I will be thinking cool thoughts!

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!

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!

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

Dance shoes. Now there is a controversial subject for you. Just ask a dancer, any dancer and you will find that they all have their “favorites”. I am no different and while I do not profess to be an expert, I will tell you, with no doubt, that you DO need “Dance Shoes”!

Trying to dance in “street” shoes is sort of like trying to swim in “street” clothes. You can do it, but it is a struggle, it takes more effort and is by far more difficult. Dance is just like any other sport. You need the right “tools” to be successful. You would never wear soccer shoes to a bowling alley and you wouldn’t wear golf shoes to play basketball. Dance is no different, you need the proper shoes.

That being said, I will fill you in on my own personal experience with dance shoes. Once again, I am NOT an expert in the area, and I am NOT Cinderella……… so I welcome any additional guidelines, or opinions.

I only wear the Very Fine brand of shoes because they fit me well, are reasonably priced and hold up to the beating I give them! I have two favorite styles.

The best pair that I have found for Ballroom Dancing is Style C1620. I have them in practically every color, but the Red Patent Leather ones are my favorite. What I found when trying on different styles of shoes is that I really needed a pair that I was able to adjust to my foot. I have a wide foot and long toes and needed the ability to adjust them in more than one area. This shoe has two adjustable buckles so it works great.
The pair I wear for Swing Dancing is C1670C. They have a broader, wider, lower heel and are great for West Coast Swing.They also have the strap that goes under the shoe and over the top of the foot, as opposed to just around the ankle. Luckily with the strappy style, they seem to fit without having to be able to adjust them. Both pairs are flexible and light weight. Dancing in heavy, stiff shoes is not only hard on your feet and legs it takes the joy out of dancing.

When I began dancing and got my first pair of “real” dance shoes, I was smart enough to start wearing them around my house before taking them for a spin on the dance floor. I would actually put on a pair of socks and wear them in 15 minute increments to “break” them in. Just like any new pair of shoes, chances are that they will hit your foot in different places than your street shoes, so it is wise to get your feet accustomed to your new shoes before dancing the night away.

Of course, one of the greatest features of “real” dance shoes is the suede soles. The suede soles are important for dancers to be able move and dance easily around the dance floor, as opposed to sticking to it. You are able to spin, turn and slide with grace. Because the soles are suede, you must take care and never wear you dance shoes outdoors. Wear your street shoes and change into your dance shoes once you arrive at the dance venue. I also understand that good leather soles perform well, too, I just do not have any personal experience with them.

Now if you are dancing at a bar, you must be careful to avoid dancing in all the spilled beer and cocktails and consider dedicating one pair, just for the Honky Tonk, leaving your newer, better pair for those great wooden floors of dance studios or dance halls. I seem to have an ever rotating cycle of shoes, from new, (only for the best floors), to slightly used, (regular, everyday dancing), and almost trashed, (for the late night, club and bar dancing).

Take care of your dance shoes and they will take care of you. Be sure and use your suede brush regularly. Be sure and sign up for our free “Tip of the Week Newsletter” to receive additional care and information on how to find the right dance shoe just for you.

Remember you need the right tools for whatever you do and dance shoes are essential in becoming a great dancer. Consider them an investment in yourself and money well spent. Men of course this goes for you too, I just can’t give any advice regarding your feet and shoes. How about posting your experiences here. I sure that the new men dancers would be very appreciative.

Posted for Robert:

While not a Luddite, I am thick when it comes to computers and sites. So, I decided to write the paragraph in this form and hope that you folks will post it on your blog site.

It was Friday night and I was in town for the upcoming Mario Robau workshop. Shorty’s had been recommended to me as a local dance option. Not knowing what to expect, I sat down at the bar and took in the lay of the land. The band had yet to start and the local WCS dancers had the run of the floor. I was pleasantly surprised at the skill level. Mario’s presence as one of the dancers might have influenced this. Not knowing anyone I wondered who was available for dancing? Unable to resist the urge, I steeled myself with the belief that dancers love to dance and asked Ras #1. The dance went every bit as well as I had hoped. The rest of the evening went even better in that both Ras #1 and #2 turned out to be wonderful people in every sense of the word. They also attended the weekend workshop and made the whole experience so much richer for me in the warmth of the connection. I attended the workshop hoping simply to improve my dancing. I think this objective was met. Meeting two wonderful people was icing on the cake and every bit as rewarding as the dancing.

Friday night, after my private dance lesson with Mario Robau, Ras #2 and I headed down to “Shorty’s”, another Boise Honky Tonk. Not long after we got there, practically all of the other dancers’ dispersed. As usual, Ras #2 and I were left standing there, looking at each other. Just as we were deciding what to do a gentleman walked up and asked if he could West Coast Swing dance with me. Now, having had this happen before, I did not know what to expect, so I headed to the dance floor a bit apprehensive.

Much to my delight, not only was the gentleman, aka Robert, a wonderful dancer, it turns out that he is also a great guy! Ras #2 and I spent the entire evening (and weekend) dancing with him. We took turns, so we got a break. He, on the other hand, or should I say foot, must have been exhausted! He never complained and just kept dancing. The band was good, the DJ was better, and we had the whole dance floor to ourselves. What more can a dancing girl ask for! Seems that he was in town for the Mario Robau workshop, and heard that Shorty’s was where the dancers’ would be hanging out. Once again, dancers’ all speak the same language.

Thank you, Robert for the best Friday dance night I have had in a really long time!