Saturday, April 21, 2012

History of dance shoes: 1982 to present

(Again, I've been M.I.A.  I've been @ Coachella and Vegas.  Interesting times at both).


But I'm here now.  When I first started dancing, the highest heels I wore were all of 3 inches with no platform whatsoever.  They were usually pumps.  I recall I did have a pair of the infamous Frederick's of Hollywood mules which were strapless with the fuzzy feathers on the foot band.  I believe I had some maryjanes too.


Around 1985-86, I added ankle socks into the mix.  Back then, I still had a very young look, so I could rock them.  (No way I would do that now!).  I did graduate to some strappy high-heeled (still around 3 to 4 in.), but still no platform.


In the late 80's, I started taking a lot of various dance classes.  In my head, I fancied myself "a real dancer".  So, I went through a phase of wearing character shoes.  I think some people did find them adorable.  But looking back, I guess that was sort of a dork move on my part.


In the mid-nineties, I purchased my first pumps with a 1 in platform.  Apparently, this was a ground breaking move and a lot of my co-workers disapproved and really hated the look.  I found they were a bit more comfortable than the lower heels I had been wearing previously.  Who knew I was starting a future trend in my area, lol?


In the late nineties, I went through a period of wearing retro go-go boots.  Again, the heels were relatively low and being small I could pull them off.  I didn't start wearing actual platform boots with at least a five inch heel until 2002.  I was 42 then!


Finally, in 2003, I bought my first pair of 6 inch platform heels!  It took me over 20 years!!  In the past two years or so, I do prefer platform boots, but if I find a pair of magic heels, I go with them.


I think dancing in such low heels for so long has added to my longevity as a dancer.  Also, when I moved to San Francisco, I wore low heels or even Teva sandals because I walked those treacherous hills all the time.  Wearing low heels and flats were saviors to me feet and ankles.  At least I think that helped keep those areas strong.


If I can find some pics, I will try to stage an evolution of exotic dancer shoes.

Friday, April 6, 2012

Senior Citizen Stripper: I know, I've been MIA:-)

Senior Citizen Stripper: I know, I've been MIA:-): I cant' believe it's been a month since I've posted, but it has been.  My energy was completely centered on a recital given by the dance stu...

I know, I've been MIA:-)

I cant' believe it's been a month since I've posted, but it has been.  My energy was completely centered on a recital given by the dance studio that I work out in.  I'm in an advanced pole class.  Our choreographer/ instructor is a well known acrobat in the Hollywood/Los Angeles area. I was very honored to be chosen by her to be in her routine.  Everybody wanted to work with her.  She had nearly 16 dancers at first.  Then she started asking if they could do certain core moves like an aerial shoulder mount.  A few of them said they almost had it.  This was back in late January/early February.  One other dancer and myself were the only ones.  Fast forward to the middle of March...we were still the only ones.  The body count of dancers then went to 10.  We had to rework the choreography more than once and 4 hours before performance, me and the other aerial dancer got new choreography!  It was nerve racking, but a lot of fun.  People paid $20 a ticket to see us and we sold out our first show within a week.  We did two shows that day.

The dynamic of doing a team performance is so different than performing in a club.  People get so exited by the acrobatics of it all!  And you don't have to hustle and talk to them:-)  Women are totally cheering you on as well.  Oh and how can I forget: I performed without heels, not only without heels but without SHOES!!  I have never never ever pole danced without heels.  Hell!  I prefer boots over heels!  I relied on boots.  But this was the best thing that has happened to my dancing.  (I actually wore these sort of sticky, shiny leg warmers that protected my ankles from bruising and helped with my grip a little).  The benefits from training the last 6 weeks without heels are 1.) my posture is better, I saw from photos I can still look tallish (I'm so not) without heels, 2.) I am now confident in my muscles holding me up and not my boot heels, 3.) I realized I was doing some stupidly dangerous dismounts relying on my boots like I was and 4.) my inverts and iguana lifts are now done with my core and hip flexors, not by jumping/kicking up.  I have become a stronger dancer.

So, all the above is why I havent' written lately.  I'll get off my feet and sit on my ass so I can catch up!