399  THE HIGHS AND LOWS OF HEELS

Date: Thu, 10 Jan 2002 21:54:05 -0500
From: DANCE MORE TANGO TEES 'N THINGS <24tango@BELLSOUTH.NET>
Subject: THE HIGHS AND LOWS OF HEELS

Michael writes:

> I'm not convinced women need high heels to dance tango. I think it's a
> style decision. My ex fiance who was short with back problems wanted to
> wear heels even though it hurt her back. When I told her she was hurting
> her back, she said "I want to look good." I find it hard to believe that
> a woman needs very high heels to dance tango well. I don't understand how
> the size of heels can help technique.

> Michael

I have been advocating a higher heel for years and when lady friends
complained
of sore feet from dancing on their toes, I would suggest buying a higher
heel which
would keep them off their toes and dancing more on a 'flat foot'.
I am not what you would call a 'young' dancer, but I have graduated over the
years to 3 1/2" heels as my dancing progressed. It is much easier to stay
grounded,
my feet don't work so hard, and I am able to dance on tile floors longer.
I agree with Lisandro, dance as tho you have a piece of paper under the
heel, a very
old premise, always touching the floor, gliding first with toe then putting
the heel down, except for those steps
that call for another approach. If Michaels fiance started having back
problems it may well have
been a technique problem or a problem with the lead. With the former you
have to
understand how to dance with your weight "off your back"; dancing
straighter and lighter.
With the latter, dancing with a bad lead or a beginner will kill your back
regardless of the
height of the heel. And no Michael, ladies do not have to wear a high heel
to dance tango
well, but I firmly believe a nice high heel can improve technique.
Psychologically you know
you are wearing a lovely shoe and confidance alone will give you the
impetus to dance prettier
with nicer technique, providing of course you have the experience behind
you.

warm regards,
norma, Ft. Lauderdale
www.dancemoretango.com

Someone remarked about Rebecca Shulman dancing on her toes. Rebecca came to
tango
as a professional ballet dancer and she danced in flat jazz shoes on her
toes from the very
beginning.