956  All about shoes

Date: Thu, 16 Jan 2003 09:57:03 -0800
From: sarah La Rocca <danzisima@YAHOO.COM>
Subject: All about shoes

Dear List,

My favorite subject of shoes and feet is now being discussed so I will add my two cents:

Learning to dance in high heels in much like learing to dance on pointe in ballet. It is not natural so you must train the body to do it. Proper strength must be developed to pull yourself up out of the shoe, and not hang on the leader for support. Recently for kicks I danced tango in a pair of 7inch stiletto fetish shoes.It was uncomfortable but possible because of "pulling up" out of the shoe with the muscles of my ankles, stomach and back, just like on point. if high heels are a problem, think of using the strength of the back and stomach to help lift the weight of your body up. With practice dancing easily in heels can be achieved. Of course, there is no law that says women must dance tango in high heels, especially if it causes pain. But I think the sexy beautiful tango shoe is a major attraction for many women.

As for buying shoes, I recommend that you never buy shoes without trying them on. Feet are so particular and dancing is too sensitive a business to blindly buy shoes. I have had several pairs of tango shoes custom made. This option allows selecting various heights and thicknesses of heels for different surfaces and styles of dancing. My custom made shoes have lasted so long and have never disappointed me. On the flip side, I have some Flabella off the shelf discount shoes that are still going strong after 5 years!

Happy dancing!

Sarah La Rocca, NYC