402  Flats with heels on floor

Date: Sun, 13 Jan 2002 10:24:28 -0600
From: Pamela Strateman <>
Subject: Flats with heels on floor

Mike wrote:

> In order to pivot, and to help keep the intention
> forward towards the
> partner, the woman needs her weight on the ball
> of the foot.
>
> You've got two ways to do this:
> - wear a flat shoe and pull your heels into the air
> - wear a shoe with a heel, which automatically
> puts your weight in the
> right place
>

There is a third way. Wear a flat shoe, keep the weight
forward, and keep the heels grazing (or almost grazing) the
floor.

When following in jazz flats generally I will not pull my
heels into the air. If I keep my weight consistently
forward, I can pivot on the balls of my feet and keep my
heels a paper-width above the floor -- the same width that I
would maintain when pivoting in high-heeled shoes. This can
be very relaxing when done correctly, because when the
position of the body is correct, little muscle tension is
required.

If the man is much taller than me, and I'm in flats, then I
may dance more up on my toes, though this requires much more
effort.

As I think about it, I also pivot (a lot) when I'm leading.
Many men pivot when they lead. They aren't in high heels,
nor are they pulling their heels into the air.

I recall a private with Graciella Gonzalez. I was wearing
flats, and I lifted my heels in the air when I started to
dance. She told me there was no reason to do so. I
indicated I'd seen her raise her heels when following in
flats, and she said it was because the man was taller and
she wanted to be closer to him. She wanted me to keep my
heels on the floor when following in flats.

Hope this helps.
Pamela Strateman

Date: Sun, 13 Jan 2002 14:48:32 -0700
From: Tom Stermitz <Stermitz@RAGTIME.ORG>
Subject: Re: Flats with heels on floor

>There is a third way. Wear a flat shoe, keep the weight
>forward, and keep the heels grazing (or almost grazing) the
>floor.
>
>When following in jazz flats generally I will not pull my
>heels into the air. If I keep my weight consistently
>forward, I can pivot on the balls of my feet and keep my
>heels a paper-width above the floor -- the same width that I
>would maintain when pivoting in high-heeled shoes. This can
>be very relaxing when done correctly, because when the
>position of the body is correct, little muscle tension is
>required.

Both Sarah from New York, and Pamela from Chicago are, experienced,
talented dancers. They both suggest that heels should be low in order
to be relaxed.

While I have met a few master teachers who recommend being high on
your metatarsal, I have heard the opposite from dancers who have
experienced injury, and as a result have re-analyzed their technique.

Injury-free is a GOOD thing.


Also, this relaxation and groundedness has a profound effect on how
you feel to your partner.

I danced once with a lady in Argentina, whose groundedness was
awesome. It communicated up from the depths of the earth to our
connection. When I met with her the next day, it was at an outdoor
milonga, and I realized that she normally dances on cobblestones.


I once had to teach a class on how to dance on concrete (it was the
day after a Halloween dance, and the plaster mummy had disintegrated
all over the floor).

The combination of DiSarli and the impossibility of pivoting,
provided great insight into the follower's relationship with the
floor & earth.



Having danced with Pamela, I can report that she has one of the most
grounded walks of any tango dancer I have met. It is special that she
shares some of her insights.

I would highly recommend to the ladies, that if you have the
opportunity, you should try to learn some of that groundedness from
her. (Guys, you should seek an opportunity to dance with her).

--
Tom Stermitz
2612 Clermont St
Denver, CO 80207
home: 303-388-2560
cell: 303-725-5963