Dance

[camille]

I started belly dancing classes.
I've also studied ballroom dancing, specifically swing and Latin dances, jazz, tap, ballet.

Does anyone else dance and are you a choreographer?

My favorite Paso Doble

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aGeq1aA9ON0

[fripping]

*ignores op out of horror at the thought of dancing publicly*
is that john lee hooker?

[camille]

*ignores fripping's blatant disregard of my question*

yes

[fripping]

*ignores that camille is annoyed*

awesome! he's been my favorite for years, has an absolutely huge catalogue of recordings. but that's not even really the main thing about him, he was better than world-class.

[Pan]

:lol:

I can actually imagine that exchange happening in real life:

Attractive female: Do you like dancing?
INTP: GAK!

*frantically changes subject*

*flees*

---

I've certainly danced before, but I tend to approach it as a combination of a physical sport and a musical listening excersise. In other words, I'm not hopeless when pressed, but the social aspect of it (ie the point) sails by unnoticed.

Working with dancers can be a lot of fun, though, if they're any good.

[Geoff]

I started belly dancing classes.
I've also studied ballroom dancing, specifically swing and Latin dances, jazz, tap, ballet.

Does anyone else dance and are you a choreographer?

My favorite Paso Doble

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aGeq1aA9ON0

Ballroom when I was younger. Nothing much as an adult!

-Geoff

[Capitu]

I started belly dancing classes.

I've also studied ballroom dancing, specifically swing and Latin dances, jazz, tap, ballet.
Does anyone else dance and are you a choreographer?

Belly dance.

Wow! You are a professional! How about samba?

[venerationOFrabbits]

jigging is fun as all get out

[camille]

*ignores that camille is annoyed*

awesome! he's been my favorite for years, has an absolutely huge catalogue of recordings. but that's not even really the main thing about him, he was better than world-class.

*ignores fripping dismissing me yet again*

made his own beats, made it nearly impossible for other musicians to play with him, and wrote a song about having people kill a man for messing with his wife. How much better can you get?


Belly dance.

Wow! You are a professional! How about samba?

I competed for several years until baby2 was born. Haven't had the opportunity to partner for three years. So the belly dancing is something I can enjoy on my own since I don't have the time to practice with a partner.

[camille]

:lol:

I can actually imagine that exchange happening in real life:

Attractive female: Do you like dancing?
INTP: GAK!

*frantically changes subject*

*flees*

---

I've certainly danced before, but I tend to approach it as a combination of a physical sport and a musical listening excersise. In other words, I'm not hopeless when pressed, but the social aspect of it (ie the point) sails by unnoticed.

Working with dancers can be a lot of fun, though, if they're any good.


There's nothing sexier than a man who can dance. Best to get that out in the open upfront.

vOr, I suspected you had a little jiggy in you.

[MacGuffin]

Ballroom when I was younger.
I took some lessons a few years ago.

Usually people just laugh when I try to dance.

[camille]

Did you like the lessons?

Do you think having someone else tell you the movements as opposed to just dancing your own thing gave you more confidence?

[Geoff]

Actually, I was a kid and my mother taught me! Mainly because she had to dance on her own otherwise, as her hubby (my Dad) wanted to drink with his friends.

-Geoff

[MacGuffin]

Did you like the lessons?

Do you think having someone else tell you the movements as opposed to just dancing your own thing gave you more confidence?
I did enjoy them. Felt very awkward at first. I was able to start leading her too, actually knowing what to do within the framework the teacher gave us. I remember making fun of learning dance in gym in grade school. Of course that was mostly four square. I think kids should be taught some dance. Yoga, anything to learn your body outside the traditional sports and exercise normally taught.

[camille]

My hubby likes to drink more than dance so I usually find hot young twenty-one year olds to get my groove on with.

The baby is a natural dancer. At two years he can dance on beat.

[Geoff]

My hubby likes to drink more than dance so I usually find hot young twenty-one year olds to get my groove on with.

The baby is a natural dancer. At two years he can dance on beat.

Haha, well I might not qualify on any of those fronts, but you are welcome to a waltz! I'd need some help with something advanced...

-Geoff

[MacGuffin]

I did enjoy them. Felt very awkward at first. I was able to start leading her too, actually knowing what to do within the framework the teacher gave us. I remember making fun of learning dance in gym in grade school. Of course that was mostly four square. I think kids should be taught some dance. Yoga, anything to learn your body outside the traditional sports and exercise normally taught.
I should also add I still remember the steps, something I didn't think I'd retain.

[Toonia]

I have always wanted to be a dancer. Last year i started a beginning modern dance class from this teacher....

http://img.citypages.com/imagebank/articles/25_1236/25_1236a12371_m222.jpg

It's really true. :happpy: I adored that class, and hope to start again once my weekends clear up a little. We spent a lot of time stretching and learning the principles of movement. I recently tried a dance class closer to my home, but didn't fit in very well. They primarily worked on a routine that involved the "sexy walk" and such. I just felt awkward, a little trapped, and my face hurt from forced smiling after i got home. :nerd: I fit in much better in the modern class with the above pictured teacher.

I had a chance to watch a high level ballet troupe in a workshop and was so inspired by it. I think i could have loved spending a life as a dancer, and still hope to spend a little time developing the skill. It is such a complete expression: mental, physical, emotional. To become lost in it, and to know you are communicating strongly must be bliss.

[Pan]

There's nothing sexier than a man who can dance. Best to get that out in the open upfront.

Pshaw, sexier than fleeing?

*ponders*

I'm actually not totally horrible - I have an excellent sense of rhythm, I just hate clubs and never hit the right set of influences/circumstances to do any formal training.

[Limey]

I went through a phase years ago of dancing at clubs and going to a few raves.
Nowadays, modern dancing seems to be very base to me. It's like a physical caveman like demonstration that says, "Me healthy, me limber, me mating material"

I can appreciate some forms of dancing, like real breakdance and even some pop locking Style deux ouf has some very cool tournament stuff online, but on the whole I don't really appreciate or understand fully the concept of dancing for fun.

[Enigma]

International standard, latin and Argentine tango.
I've tried a few bellydancing classes too. They were fun, and good for isolations/toning. I should do more of them but I am too lazy.

[camille]

Pshaw, sexier than fleeing?

*ponders*

I'm actually not totally horrible - I have an excellent sense of rhythm, I just hate clubs and never hit the right set of influences/circumstances to do any formal training.

Are you a musician also? In other words, you haven't met the right woman to get your butt on the dance floor. LOL I taught my hub to swing dance and he taught me how to country swing. He loves to dance and has good rhythm (bass player) but can't get over his inhibitions.


I went through a phase years ago of dancing at clubs and going to a few raves.
Nowadays, modern dancing seems to be very base to me. It's like a physical caveman like demonstration that says, "Me healthy, me limber, me mating material"

I can appreciate some forms of dancing, like real breakdance and even some pop locking Style deux ouf has some very cool tournament stuff online, but on the whole I don't really appreciate or understand fully the concept of dancing for fun.

Here's an amusing dance video I've enjoyed a few times
White Boy at the Apollo (http://mustang.mcoley.com/media/whiteboyattheapollo.wmv)

The video was hilarious. I never got into techno. I appreciate what you mean by the caveman demonstration. I've seen it one too many times. Any two people can get on the dance floor and bang. I practiced with a hip hop troop in highschool. I wasn't allowed to perform with them, mother issues, but I learned so much just in practice. A true artform unlike what you normally see at the clubs.


I have always wanted to be a dancer. Last year i started a beginning modern dance class from this teacher....


I had a chance to watch a high level ballet troupe in a workshop and was so inspired by it. I think i could have loved spending a life as a dancer, and still hope to spend a little time developing the skill. It is such a complete expression: mental, physical, emotional. To become lost in it, and to know you are communicating strongly must be bliss.

I hope you get to continue in your dance. Your last statement sums up exactly why I dance. I don't get the same rush from playing music as I do from dancing. I had a dance partner I competed with for three years until he moved back to the Dominican Republic. We were so insync, mentally and physically that when competing we would forget there was a crowd watching us. The music, the costumes......completely lost in each other. Never had a connection with a partner like that again.


International standard, latin and Argentine tango.
I've tried a few bellydancing classes too. They were fun, and good for isolations/toning. I should do more of them but I am too lazy.

You sound like you enjoy the exotic dances also. The latin music has always inspired me more than the jump of the foxtrot.
Do you know what class of belly dancing you took? I'm taking Middle Eastern with scarfs and zills.

[fripping]

*ignores fripping dismissing me yet again*
made his own beats
:banana:

made it nearly impossible for other musicians to play with him
:boohoo:

wrote a song about having people kill a man for messing with his wife. How much better can you get?
:huh: . . . :mad:

[camille]

:boohoo:

aw. But he revolted. Did his own thing.
You might already know this but in his early years he used to record his vocals, guitar, and stomp on a wooden palette to get the bass. No one could keep up with him....find that place in his music.
Even the musicians who eventually played with him said that once you got instep with him it was a crazy ride. They loved it.


:huh: . . . :mad:

I'm bad
I'm bad
Like Jesse James, uh-huh

I had a friend one time
Least I thought I did
He come to me
Said, 'Johnny?'
Said, 'What man?'
'I'm outdoor'
I say, 'Yeah?'

I taken the cat in
Get him a place to stay
And I found out
He goin' 'round town
Tellin' ev'rybody that he
He got my wife

Then I gets mad
I goes to the cat
Like a good guy should
I said, 'Look man
'I'm gonna warn, you just one time'
Next time I warn you'
'I'm gonna use my gun'

'Cause I'm mad, I'm bad, like Jesse James

I'm so mad, I'm so mad.
I'm gonna ruin you this mornin'.
I've got three boys
Do my dirty work
Now, you don't see me
I'm the big boss
I do the payin' off
After they take care of you

In their on way
They may shoot you
They may cut you.
They may drown you
I just don't know
I don't care
Long as they take care of you
In their on way

I'm so mad, I'm bad this mornin', like Jesse James.

They gon' take you right down
By the riverside
Now four is goin' down
Ain't but three comin' back
You read between the line
We're gonna have a deal

'Cause I'm mad, I'm bad, like Jesse James.

They gonna tie yo' hands
They gonna tie yo' feet
They gonna gag your throat
Where you can't holler none

An cryin' won't help you none
Set you in the water
Yeah, the bubbles comin' up.
Whoa
Rrrrrrr
Rrrrrrr

Oh yeah, I'm so mad!

[fripping]

honestly, i thought you were being sarcastic because i was acting a turd and plowing through the main point of your thread. now i see that we actually. . . agree? huh.

brrrrrrr
brrrrrrrrrrr
that's you, you sinkin'

[camille]

I love my blues men. :)

[Dunearhp]

It is something I would like to learn.

[FineLine]

My wife and I do all the standard Ballroom and Latin dances, plus just about any other "couple" dance that people commonly dance in our area: Salsa/Mambo, (Ballroom) Hustle, Nightclub Two-Step, Zydeco, West Coast Swing, Ballad, Merengue, Bolero, Viennese Waltz, Polka, Country Two-Step, etc.

We dance strictly at the social level and strictly in social venues. For each dance, we have from 5 to 15 steps down pretty well, so we're at the intermediate level for most of our dances. But we don't do competition or focus a lot on technique or style. So we look good on the dance floor in most social venues, but we look terrible next to competition or exhibition dancers. We're just into it for the fun.

Also, we're middle-aged, so we have to adjust for that. We've played around with Argentine Tango, but we don't do it nowadays because the turns are too tight and my wife doesn't want to mess up her hips or throw out her back. So we stick to normal Ballroom Tango. Also, we dance Jive and Jitterbug as Single Swing, we dance Hustle as 4 even slows rather than 2 slows and 2 quicks, etc. In other words, we slow the toughest dances down a bit to keep them fun and easy. Like I said, we're at the level of social dancers rather than competition dancers.

[FineLine]

I did enjoy them. Felt very awkward at first. I was able to start leading her too, actually knowing what to do within the framework the teacher gave us. I remember making fun of learning dance in gym in grade school. Of course that was mostly four square. I think kids should be taught some dance. Yoga, anything to learn your body outside the traditional sports and exercise normally taught.

I take it that you don't dance currently.

Glen Echo isn't too far away from Alexandria. They have lots of dance events (Waltz, Swing, Zydeco, Contra Dance, etc.), and they include a free hour-long lesson at the start of each dance to get non-dancers up and running. My wife and I are down there pretty regularly: http://www.glenechopark.org/calendar.htm

If your wife is an ISTJ, that might put some pressure on you. Ballroom is an S activity. My ISTJ ex-wife picked up her steps like lightening, and then she would get bored while I was fumbling along with the basics and trying to remember how to do the next step. I think the trick with an S wife is for the man to practice his lead on his own about a thousand times until he has it down perfectly. My ISTJ ex-wife wanted to move through the steps quickly, so she needed me to provide a strong, sure, fast lead.

My current INFP wife is much lower pressure. She's happy just doing repetitive basic steps and watching the crowd. Sometimes I like to play around with a fast, demanding routine, and it can be a bit much for my wife.

I think INTPs, with their instant grasp of detail and technical aspects, are supposed to be excellent ballroom dancers. I have a book called "The Engineer's Guide to Hustle Dancing." It looks like it was written by a couple INTP-type people, and it details their system for designing and memorizing complex Hustle routines.

[Enigma]

Do you know what class of belly dancing you took? I'm taking Middle Eastern with scarfs and zills.

I've tried a few different classes/instructors. They seemed to be mostly Turkish or Egyptian style.....one class was in fusion, never got around to tribal. Used scarves, but not zills.......yet. Maybe if I go back this year.

Have you tried NIA? (neuromuscular integrative action) It's kind of a mixture of several dance styles and martial arts and aerobics with a focus on the mind and spirit. I do it mostly for the exercise, but it has helped with balance and I feel really good afterward.

[camille]

I checked out the NIA site and it is something that I would love to learn. The closest teacher in five hours away, though.
I am checking into weekend programs.
Is it physically slow paced or a mixture?

[camille]

Also, we're middle-aged, so we have to adjust for that. We've played around with Argentine Tango, but we don't do it nowadays because the turns are too tight and my wife doesn't want to mess up her hips or throw out her back. So we stick to normal Ballroom Tango. Also, we dance Jive and Jitterbug as Single Swing, we dance Hustle as 4 even slows rather than 2 slows and 2 quicks, etc. In other words, we slow the toughest dances down a bit to keep them fun and easy. Like I said, we're at the level of social dancers rather than competition dancers.

When did the two of you start partner dancing? Was it a long time interest or did you take lessons on a whim?

[Enigma]

Hi Camille,

The pace of the class varies throughout the hour, but some days are more aerobic than others. There are about 52 basic moves, but lots of ways to combine them and of course unlimited options for music. Generally classes begin and end on a slow note. My instructor will often have us do floor stretches to music near the end as well.

[FineLine]

When did the two of you start partner dancing? Was it a long time interest or did you take lessons on a whim?

Sorry, Camille, I didn't see your question till now.

My first wife and I started taking ballroom and latin lessons almost 20 years ago so that we would be able to dance at our wedding reception. We kept up the lessons for a few years, but we didn't dance all that much outside of the lessons and eventually after a move to a new city we quit dancing altogether.

Then my current wife and I started up dancing 4 or 5 years ago. I remembered ballroom as being fun with my first wife, and my current wife was interested in giving it a try--she hadn't done any ballroom previously. We ordered up a bunch of instructional tapes and DVDs and we pick up new steps from those at home. That allows us to progress at our own pace, and since I already had the earlier lessons it's easy enough for me to work from the tapes. Also, that allowed us to bypass the studios and the lessons and head straight out to the ballrooms and clubs. We try to hit the ballrooms at least once or twice a week.

Like I said earlier, we just dance at a social level for fun. We like picking up new dances; I figure that we regularly dance 20 different dances now. Since we live near the city, there are a couple ballrooms nearby that play lots of different dances.

Congratulations to you on learning jazz, tap, and ballet. Neither my wife nor I have tried anything like those. Also, we don't do Paso Doble--my wife likes to be physically connected to me and feel a firm lead so that she doesn't have to think ahead or learn any separate programmed routines. She just follows my lead and enjoys the motion of the dance. I put in some separate extra practice time down in the basement to make sure that I know my part and can provide a smooth lead, and then we're good to go.
:)

[Hi-meh]

I do the Dance of the Zebras, the N'Golo i.e. Capoeira Angola.

[seriouskid]

I started belly dancing classes.
I've also studied ballroom dancing, specifically swing and Latin dances, jazz, tap, ballet.


belly dancing sounds fun! "hips don't lie" :-)

ballet does not. (ouchy on the toes) :-(

(though i really like to watch ballet and admire those who can do it)

anyway, i've tried some swing dancing which is really, really fun but takes quite a bit of work to learn the steps -- (plus, it is good to have a partner really keyed into your body to be able to unconsciously communicate)

have *always* wanted to learn tango (quite possibly could be the motorcycle adrenaline rush equivalent of dancing for me) heh!

for non-structured dance i love salsa, hiphop stuff...

and dancing on the stripper's box (when tipsy & feeling annonymous)

:)

[camille]

Hub surprised me with ballroom dancing classes for our tenth anniversary. Last night we had our first class. There were forty couples, ranging from teenagers to oldsters.

We had a blast. I've danced for years but never really could teach my hub how to lead. The men broke it down for him and we took off. It was hard for me to give the lead to him because I've led us for so many years.

We did the waltz (which I didn't really care for), and then we danced the swing (which I know very very well).

The music was crap though. We danced the swing to some Celine Dion song. oO
The beat was right, the song was terrible.

After we got home, hub went through my CD collection and started pulling out music he's never had an interest in before (Big Sandy, Blue Moon Boys, Legendary Shack Shakers) and we danced for another hour.

Great time. We've going to Nashville next month to see some friends' bands play and maybe this year he'll dance with me.

[skip]

I took jazz, tap, ballet, and hiphop, and taught hiphop classes in a gym for several years. Right now I'm studying Bollywood hiphop: choreographers like Farrah Khan, dancers like Hrithik Roshan and even more traditional dancers like Madhuri Dixit and Sri Devi.

[Uytuun]

Taking latino dance classes, love to dance, but prefer freestyle.

[RobinHood]

I have been dancing regularly for the last 2 years. Salsa, Swing (East Coast), Lindy Hop, Charleston, Blues, Balboa. I am very fond of Lindy Blues, the connection with the girl is magical. I recommend it to introverted people, it's a great way to be social, meet tons of quality people (there's a lot of brainy people in the swing scene. Old Jazz music does that...). You only need to know how to say: "Hi, would you like to dance?" And 99% of the time it's "Yes" with a smile :) It's true though that the learning curve is steep at first, but it's worth it.

Very rewarding.

[Anonymous]

*Raises hand* I have a question. What kind of clothes is a person supposed to wear to dancing lessons? Are you supposed to dress like you're working out, or like you're going out?

[aelan]

*Raises hand* I have a question. What kind of clothes is a person supposed to wear to dancing lessons? Are you supposed to dress like you're working out, or like you're going out?

What kind of dance lessons?

[Anonymous]

What kind of dance lessons?

It's just a beginning dance moves class at my college. No particular style or anything, afaik.

[Oso Mocoso]

It's just a beginning dance moves class at my college. No particular style or anything, afaik.

You're taking dance lessons? That's awesome.

Remember to bust a move, Anonymous. Bust a move.

Bust a Move

[aelan]

It's just a beginning dance moves class at my college. No particular style or anything, afaik.

*nums* No idea of the intensity? It sounds like body isolations, where they'll have you working on moving body part by body part (e.g. hip rolls, shoulder shimmies, slides and body waves), then in combination with some rhythm to create moves.

Wear clothes that allows for movement and perspiration, but are a bit more fitted (not ghey-fit please). The instructor may want to see your body movements. I suggest a black T-shirt with a pair of comfortable old jeans/cargoes. Bring a towel and another Tshirt to change if you perspire a lot: If there's partner work involved, there's few things grosser than a sweaty guy huffing at you. :grin:

Footwear wise, a pair of sneakers/track shoes would probably work. Make sure they have some grip.

Wear those with socks/bring some socks, because if you've to do some turns and your shoes have too much grip, you could just go on socks.

Glad to know you're trying out some dance classes, you'll meet some cool people there for sure. :grin:

Edit: Don't listen to Oso. "Busting some moves" is a no-no. :thelook:

Try stand near the front of the class btw, you'll learn better.

[Works]

Glad to know you're trying out some dance classes, you'll meet some cool people there for sure. :grin:

i.e. Girls!

[A Schnitzel]

*stumbles in*

Is this the thread where we go for advice?

I'm signing up for yoga this semester and am not sure what to wear.

[Anonymous]

You're taking dance lessons? That's awesome.

Remember to bust a move, Anonymous. Bust a move.

[youtube=xy4FXhkm6Nw]

Can this "bust a move" strategy be applied to academia? You know, just in case I'm ever giving a presentation and freeze up.


*nums* No idea of the intensity? It sounds like body isolations, where they'll have you working on moving body part by body part (e.g. hip rolls, shoulder shimmies, slides and body waves), then in combination with some rhythm to create moves.

Wear clothes that allows for movement and perspiration, but are a bit more fitted (not ghey-fit please). The instructor may want to see your body movements. I suggest a black T-shirt with a pair of comfortable old jeans/cargoes. Bring a towel and another Tshirt to change if you perspire a lot: If there's partner work involved, there's few things grosser than a sweaty guy huffing at you. :grin:

Footwear wise, a pair of sneakers/track shoes would probably work. Make sure they have some grip.

Wear those with socks/bring some socks, because if you've to do some turns and your shoes have too much grip, you could just go on socks.

Glad to know you're trying out some dance classes, you'll meet some cool people there for sure. :grin:

Edit: Don't listen to Oso. "Busting some moves" is a no-no. :thelook:

Try stand near the front of the class btw, you'll learn better.

Thanks! The only description the have is: "Introductory class of basic dance movements designed for the student with no prior knowledge of dance. Recommended as a prerequisite for all dance and gymnastics classes."

I have a good supply of comfortable jeans, although neither of my black t-shirts are very fitted, and my only pair of sneakers has the tread in horrible shape (I usually wear leather boot-shoes). I suspect I'll have to buy some new ones.

And while I will stand near the front, I'm afraid that I cannot follow your advice to not listen to Oso. He clearly offers sagely advice.


i.e. Girls!

This may have been the main motivational feature for me. :ph34r: Although the ratio of guys to girls in dance classes here is close to 50:50, I hear.

[aelan]

i.e. Girls!

:frypan:


*stumbles in*

Is this the thread where we go for advice?

I'm signing up for yoga this semester and am not sure what to wear.

Are you getting back at me for flirting in your blog, Schnitz? :thelook:




Thanks! The only description the have is: "Introductory class of basic dance movements designed for the student with no prior knowledge of dance. Recommended as a prerequisite for all dance and gymnastics classes."

I have a good supply of comfortable jeans, although neither of my black t-shirts are very fitted, and my only pair of sneakers has the tread in horrible shape (I usually wear leather boot-shoes). I suspect I'll have to buy some new ones.

And while I will stand near the front, I'm afraid that I cannot follow your advice to not listen to Oso. He clearly offers sagely advice.

This may have been the main motivational feature for me. :ph34r: Although the ratio of guys to girls in dance classes here is close to 50:50, I hear.

Tread in horrible shape sounds just about right. :theclap: It cannot be new shoes because they're not slidable, you just need some grip you see. Guys with too much grip usually end up bouncing all over the place because they cannot transition smoothly.

Usually I use suede-soled heels, but those are custom-made shoes, which you shouldn't need at the start. Your sneaks sound fine, just go with them. If they're not ok, the teacher will tell you at some stage, or you can ask.

T shirt doesn't have to be black, I chose black because sweat stains would show less on black, that's all. o.O If you have a hot bod, white, and tight then. :grin:

The shirt doesn't have to be very fitted, not at the first class. I meant something like this:

http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii76/aelanchilde/privatedancer.jpg

50: 50 is a very good ratio. Where I'm at it's like 4:1 (girls to guys), so it's kinda tough.

Don't go there just thinking to meet girls. :frypan: And don't pair up with a girl in your own class. If you get up to intermediate standard even at dance, most girls will come of their own accord to you. Then you pair up with a girl of a beginner standard, and bust your moves. :grin: Strategy, man.

Edit: And I want that Tshirt. Not in that colour though. :grin:

[A Schnitzel]

Are you getting back at me for flirting in your blog, Schnitz? :thelook:

Maybe...

[aelan]

Maybe...

:thelook:

http://www.hesaysshesays.co.uk/images/uploads/deadpixels.jpg

[Anonymous]

Tread in horrible shape sounds just about right. :theclap: It cannot be new shoes because they're not slidable, you just need some grip you see. Guys with too much grip usually end up bouncing all over the place because they cannot transition smoothly.

Usually I use suede-soled heels, but those are custom-made shoes, which you shouldn't need at the start. Your sneaks sound fine, just go with them. If they're not ok, the teacher will tell you at some stage, or you can ask.

T shirt doesn't have to be black, I chose black because sweat stains would show less on black, that's all. o.O If you have a hot bod, white, and tight then. :grin:

The shirt doesn't have to be very fitted, not at the first class. I meant something like this:



Oh ok, good. Yeah, I probably won't spend any money on special clothes unless I like dancing and get to intermediate dancing, then. Thanks!


50: 50 is a very good ratio. Where I'm at it's like 4:1 (girls to guys), so it's kinda tough.

Don't go there just thinking to meet girls. :frypan: And don't pair up with a girl in your own class. If you get up to intermediate standard even at dance, most girls will come of their own accord to you. [I]Then you pair up with a girl of a beginner standard, and bust your moves. :grin: Strategy, man.


Wait, so we'll be combining with other classes? Otherwise, how am I going to have a partner if it's not a girl from my class? Oh well, I'll just use my N and wing it I guess, it's only a beginning class. Although I like this method of using supply and demand to my advantage, aelan. Very Machiavellian!

[aelan]

Oh ok, good. Yeah, I probably won't spend any money on special clothes unless I like dancing and get to intermediate dancing, then. Thanks!

Wait, so we'll be combining with other classes? Otherwise, how am I going to have a partner if it's not a girl from my class? Oh well, I'll just use my N and wing it I guess, it's only a beginning class. Although I like this method of using supply and demand to my advantage, aelan. Very Machiavellian!


Don't spend extra unless you're into dancing. Otherwise it can get expensive. Try enjoy the classes for themselves, not just the social part...

Usually body movement classes do not give pair work. What it is, is a basic class to work out the kinks in bodies not used to movement.

If you want a partner in a class, go for those partnered dances like salsa, or if you dare, latin ballroom - the latter has the most uneven ratio usually, as the body expression required (and ghey shirts and tights) is more than most guys are willing to go for. But this only comes after.

Meeting girls. Well, get close to your instructor. Once you get better, what you can do is volunteer to help out in beginner classes, especially for the partner ones. That'll give you the practice and the exposure. :jesus:

The other way is really, go out dancing with your classmates at social events, that way you'd get to meet more in the wider community.

[Anonymous]

Don't spend extra unless you're into dancing. Otherwise it can get expensive. Try enjoy the classes for themselves, not just the social part...

Usually body movement classes do not give pair work. What it is, is a basic class to work out the kinks in bodies not used to movement.

If you want a partner in a class, go for those partnered dances like salsa, or if you dare, latin ballroom - the latter has the most uneven ratio usually, as the body expression required (and ghey shirts and tights) is more than most guys are willing to go for. But this only comes after.

Meeting girls. Well, get close to your instructor. Once you get better, what you can do is volunteer to help out in beginner classes, especially for the partner ones. That'll give you the practice and the exposure. :jesus:

The other way is really, go out dancing with your classmates at social events, that way you'd get to meet more in the wider community.

Latin dancing actually looks like a lot of fun to me, even with all the gheyness. I suppose it could be kind of awkward to do with random strangers, though.

And all this extracurricular dancing probably wouldn't happen until after I transfer, since this is my last semester here. But that's ok, because this is sub-beginner level stuff. I will keep your tips in mind if I find I like it though, thanks! I'd imagine that Santa Barbara has a nice dancing scene.

[Works]

Latin dancing actually looks like a lot of fun to me, even with all the gheyness. I suppose it could be kind of awkward to do with random strangers, though.



So in high school we had to do some Flamenco dancing in Spanish and my very attractive partner laughed at me and said, "You suck at this." I wasn't offended or hurt because the way she said it was totally innocent and pleasant.

Three months later we ended up going to Prom and I had the best night of my life.

The preceding sentence is a complete fabrication, thought I hope it makes the directors cut of my life.

[aelan]

Latin dancing actually looks like a lot of fun to me, even with all the gheyness. I suppose it could be kind of awkward to do with random strangers, though.

And all this extracurricular dancing probably wouldn't happen until after I transfer, since this is my last semester here. But that's ok, because this is sub-beginner level stuff. I will keep your tips in mind if I find I like it though, thanks! I'd imagine that Santa Barbara has a nice dancing scene.

Just enjoy the dancing really.

In some good news, I just signed up and paid for my poles 3 classes during lunch. I'm all psyched up to start this saturday. So that's part of NY resolution down. :theclap:


So in high school we had to do some Flamenco dancing in Spanish and my very attractive partner laughed at me and said, "You suck at this." I wasn't offended or hurt because the way she said it was totally innocent and pleasant.

Three months later we ended up going to Prom and I had the best night of my life.

The preceding sentence is a complete fabrication, thought I hope it makes the directors cut of my life.

Aw. I hope you kept on dancing. If it's any consolation, in pair dancing, what we're taught as follows is this: a guy may be a bad lead, but if you are not dancing with him, that makes you a bad follow too. Dance is always about two, in that respect.

[edge walker]

*takes notes carefully*

aelan: would you mind having this dancing stuff split into a thread of its own? Madmins: would mind splitting the dancing stuff into a thread if she doesn’t? If it were a separate thread I could add it to my subscriptions specifically.

[aelan]

*takes notes carefully*

aelan: would you mind having this dancing stuff split into a thread of its own? Madmins: would mind splitting the dancing stuff into a thread if she doesn’t? If it were a separate thread I could add it to my subscriptions specifically.

*woe* You mean the rest of my blog isn't worth reading?

I think there're some dance threads around, I'm no expert, but is there anything in particular you want to know? :gm:

I'm chuffed that I start my poles 3 this saturday! :theclap: Finally get to put the poles bit into the blag!

[edge walker]

*woe* You mean the rest of my blog isn’t worth reading?

I think there’re some dance threads around, I’m no expert, but is there anything in particular you want to know? :gm:
Hey, I read your blog! I use the subscribe thing for bookmarking (for later reference) rather than for subscribing. But if I just bookmark your entire blog I won’t remember that this particular bit of advice was in it.

I’m not further into dancing than knowing I’m gonna do it at some point in the mid-term future, so I don’t have any specific questions of my own yet. But general advice is very useful particularly for this reason.

[aelan]

Hey, I read your blog! I use the subscribe thing for bookmarking (for later reference) rather than for subscribing. But if I just bookmark your entire blog I won’t remember that this particular bit of advice was in it.

I’m not further into dancing than knowing I’m gonna do it at some point in the mid-term future, so I don’t have any specific questions of my own yet. But general advice is very useful particularly for this reason.


*bites tongue* :ph34r:

I see. I'm not sure where, but there're some dance threads so you've to find an admin to chop this into there. Otherwise, just save it into a word doc. :grin:

The best advice I ever got about dancing was this anyhow: To learn how to dance, you've just got to dance.

It doesn't mean you don't think: more that, you dance, figure out what is working, what isn't. Practice on that. Dance with more people. Figure out all over again. Whole cycle doesn't work unless you start.

Just give it a go, like anon is. :happpy: Check out your local papers for some dance events. Maybe drop by a salsa club one night, or a modern jazz, or a ballroom social night. Just hang around for half an hour to an hour. Get a feel of the vibe, the people, the dance form, see which is appealing to you. Not all may be what you'd be comfortable with.

Then just start. What I found helpful was to make friends with instructors, dancers better than me, and ask for their critiques, learning experiences. Tape myself and watch too, (though I warn you, you'll cringe when you first see yourself). if you're up for it, going for performances/competitions/auditions also helps.

But you know, even if you don't get up to Fred Astaire's standards, what matters is that it's an activity that's a lot of fun because it lets you be in the now, in a way few things do, and it is something one can get good at by practice.

And I'm being serious, guys who can dance are automatically one notch hotter.

[edge walker]

Thanks. Rest assured I don’t need encouragement. :happpy: It’ll have to wait for a while for a variety of reasons, but I will go there when I can: I’ve always liked dancing. I understand what you mentioned – the pure physicality of it, the almost meditative empty-mindedness. And generally letting the Fe out to run free and frolic. :happpy:

I specifically liked your advice to Anon because it was about the practical/logistics aspects of dancing. Do you have more tips of that nature that you would consider important?

[aelan]

Thanks. Rest assured I don’t need encouragement. :happpy: It’ll have to wait for a while for a variety of reasons, but I will go there when I can: I’ve always liked dancing. I understand what you mentioned – the pure physicality of it, the almost meditative empty-mindedness. And generally letting the Fe out to run free and frolic. :happpy:

I specifically liked your advice to Anon because it was about the practical/logistics aspects of dancing. Do you have more tips of that nature that you would consider important?

Hmm. Maybe it's good to start a thread.

[bluebell]

Posts copied from aelan's blag by request. Have fun!

[edge walker]

Yay! *bookmarks*

[aelan]

Arrr. I didn't get to have the thread in my name, but anyway, I thought this would be a good idea for folks to:

1) ask questions and exchange dance information and experiences

2) test out / break down dance moves

3) Any the sociological/philosophical discussions relating to dance

Welcome, the floor's yours.

[edge walker]

So if all of the shoes I own have rather strong grip, and I would therefore need a new pair, is there something I should pay attention to while shopping?

[aelan]

So if all of the shoes I own have rather strong grip, and I would therefore need a new pair, is there something I should pay attention to while shopping?

I'd say choose your form of dance first vs. buy the shoes first really?

MTV, Hiphop for e.g. could use athletic shoes, and for the beginner classes which Anon was talking about, where the focus is likely to be on body movement vs. spins and turns, the shoes with grip would be better. Some dances, like afro-carribean movement etc, can also be done barefoot.

I personally did not get my dance shoes made till I was at intermediate level in salsa - they're pricey, and preferably, I'd custom a pair of dance heels as the fit is very important. It affects how well you can execute movements, especially for fast dances.

The difference between dance shoes and normal shoes is mainly the below:

- dance shoes are lighter. Ergo more fragile.

- in the sole: suede or split leather are usually the bases - these work for ballroom, salsa and most other social dances where spinning, turning, are part of the required moves. The suede and leather afford a light grip, allowing the dancer to spin without twisting the ankle, yet remaining grounded and not flying all over the floor. Once the soles wear out, you'd have to replace them (or you go flying basically). If you have these shoes, I recommend you brush the bases with a steel brush after every dance to keep the "fuzz" up and to remove any grit. Also don't go out in the street with them though you'll be tempted to, as they fit very well: water, pebbles etc will ruin them pretty fast. Between the two, leather lasts longer, but is pricier, and takes a longer time to break in. Suede can be broken in in a couple of nights of dancing. :grin:

- Properly made, they should fit your foot well, moulding to the arch and having enough ankle support, without restricting the movement. It should be very flexible basically, e.g. when you stand on the balls of your feet, the shoe should bend and move with you vs. staying in one hard piece. If your foot is broad, it is very important that you check the front has enough room for you - the feet will expand after a night of dancing and you don't want bruised toes.

- Some folks have insoles at the ball of the feet inserted: This is for additional cushioning for a full night of dancing.


The workaround I see is that, you could look to buy a pair of suede soles, and glue them onto a pair of your existing shoes after grinding down the tread. :happpy: Actually, I'm wondering if you could just get some sandpaper and sandpaper down the tread of a pair of shoes?

I've heard that bowling shoes (which have suede bases usually) are also a cheap substitute for guys, but I've no way of confirming this as I've always used dance heels. Edit: Just checked : Bowling shoes do work, but if the heel is made of a grounding material (nonslip), you'd have to keep on the balls of your feet the whole time for any spin moves. :grin:


You'd likely be sorely tempted to get snazzy looking shoes, or for the ladies, the sparkling gold/silver/hot red pair. But I'd suggest getting a basic black one first as that'd go with most dance outfits.

[edge walker]

Mostly I was thinking of how to get away without spending a lot of money right off the bat, should I decide to go into something with a focus on spins/turns – since I’ll want to do this more as an occasional fun distraction than something to pursue intensely. (That may change later, but hey, I’m P, I like to keep my options open.) And I don’t have a lot of shoes so don’t plan on modifying any of the ones I already have. But as far as I can see, even bowling shoes are expensive enough that I should probably make up my mind up front and get a proper pair right away.

[manza]

*stumbles in*

Is this the thread where we go for advice?

I'm signing up for yoga this semester and am not sure what to wear.

- Something very light (in weight)-- you'll be sweating in no time.
- Something that doesn't restrict your movement/flexibility. Mr Manza wears loose athletic-type shorts and a t-shirt.

[aelan]

Mostly I was thinking of how to get away without spending a lot of money right off the bat, should I decide to go into something with a focus on spins/turns – since I’ll want to do this more as an occasional fun distraction than something to pursue intensely. (That may change later, but hey, I’m P, I like to keep my options open.) And I don’t have a lot of shoes so don’t plan on modifying any of the ones I already have. But as far as I can see, even bowling shoes are expensive enough that I should probably make up my mind up front and get a proper pair right away.

Hmm, even for the dances with spins, those are not usually taught at beginner levels? Proper pairs are likely to cost in the region of USD 90 and up? Remember to practice at home too btw, and you don't need shoes for that.

I seriously think you can get away with track shoes first, or socks, or leather dress shoes where the balls are slightly less grippy, then if you're moving on past beginners, to get proper shoes. Also, if you're dancing mainly in classrooms, that's going to be an hour a week max, so the cost and needs may not make sense. I was dancing 5-10 hours a week, and at classes and social dance events at least three times a week, which was why I needed a proper pair.

Though, of course, when you get fancy shoes, it could be an impetus to practice more. :grin:

[MacGuffin]

What kind of dancing are we talking about?

In my head there are two levels:

Fun - learning to dance with a partner.
Serious - learning to dance on your own.

And yes, I'm aware partner dancing can be serious, but that usually includes self-dance as well.

[aelan]

What kind of dancing are we talking about?

In my head there are two levels:

Fun - learning to dance with a partner.
Serious - learning to dance on your own.

And yes, I'm aware partner dancing can be serious, but that usually includes self-dance as well.

? It can be both ways. Some people take partner dancing deadly seriously. I had more fun with solo dances like poles actually.

The thread is meant to be open. :yes:

[MacGuffin]

? It can be both ways. Some people take partner dancing deadly seriously.

I said that!


The thread is meant to be open. :yes:

I just mean when someone says they are taking "dancing" lessons I'll think they don't need anything more than a pair of comfortable jeans and athletic shoes. I didn't. Nor did I ever sweat.

[aelan]

I said that!


I just mean when someone says they are taking "dancing" lessons I'll think they don't need anything more than a pair of comfortable jeans and athletic shoes. I didn't. Nor did I ever sweat.

I said that too! But edge-walker takes his fun seriously. :grin:

[edge walker]

:grin:

Mostly because I remember how annoying it was to do any of the haphazard dancing I did to charts stuff back in my teens when I wore my basketball shoes (which is pretty much all I wore at that age), compared to how much easier it was to dance around in socks when I was alone, on tiles or hardwood floor. And since that sort of thing is on the practical side for which I liked the discussion, I thought I'd ask about it.

[Anonymous]

Bluebell!! *shakes fist*

Thought process on seeing this thread: "INTJs get jiggy [cue internal sniggering] by... ME??"


Arrr. I didn't get to have the thread in my name...

Really, I don't mind, you can have it!

*Walks off grumbling*

[manza]

Is anybody else completely dance-retarded beyond any hope of eventual redemption?


Manza: But I can't dance! I'm terrible!
Well-intentioned friend: Everyone's bad at dancing! You just have to have fun with it.
Manza: No, I, but... gets dragged out ... Well, okay.
WIF: Hmm. No, you have to just... not like that.... here, try... baffled silence
WIF: Hey, let's just go over there and sit down instead.

[Rajah]

I'm sorry, bluebell, but did you just say (or make Anonymous say) "jiggy"?

[manza]

I'm sorry, bluebell, but did you just say (or make Anonymous say) "jiggy"?

Not just "jiggy", but "get jiggy".

Fun exercise: Watch this video and pretend that Will Smith is Anonymous:

Anonymous getting jiggy.

[C.J.Woolf]

Is anybody else completely dance-retarded beyond any hope of eventual redemption?
:wave:

Well, I haven't been proven hopeless at dancing, but I'm not taking the risk either.

[edge walker]

Well-intentioned friend: [...]
WEF: [...]
He morphed from a well-intentioned friend to a... well-endowed friend? That would explain your dancing troubles.


pretend that Will Smith is Anonymous
Wait, you mean he isn't? :sadbanana:

[Anonymous]

Is anybody else completely dance-retarded beyond any hope of eventual redemption?


I probably am, but I figure there's no harm in subjecting myself to 17 weeks of humiliation.


I'm sorry, bluebell, but did you just say (or make Anonymous say) "jiggy"?

I know, I feel so violated. :cry:


Not just "jiggy", but "get jiggy".

Fun exercise: Watch this video and pretend that Will Smith is Anonymous:

[YOUTUBE=Anonymous getting jiggy.]



Wait, you mean he isn't? :sadbanana:

Only on weekends.

[bluebell]

I'm sorry, bluebell, but did you just say (or make Anonymous say) "jiggy"?

:highfive:

*grumbles at thread title*


Is anybody else completely dance-retarded beyond any hope of eventual redemption?


I've had a few experiences where I've wondered that about partner. Then it turned out he was moving to the implicit beat, ie a beat that nobody but him could hear, which is awesome (not) when you're trying to dance together.

[manza]

I've had a few experiences where I've wondered that about partner. Then it turned out he was moving to the implicit beat, ie a beat that nobody but him could hear, which is awesome (not) when you're trying to dance together.

I've wondered about that, myself (aside from the total lack of physical coordination in this context). Mr. Manza has told me that I have "anti-rhythm"-- that my perception of where the beat is falls halfway between where it ought to. I can't correct it for long, try as I might, even when I can consciously see where I'm wrong.

I have a suspicion that it's not always as simple as a half-beat difference, though.

I should add that music and coordination-based sports (save rock climbing) have been the two areas in my life where I have really, completely, and embarrassingly failed in all of my attempts, so maybe dancing-- combining the two into one-- is the worst possible thing for me to attempt to do.

[bluebell]

I've wondered about that, myself (aside from the total lack of physical coordination in this context). Mr. Manza has told me that I have "anti-rhythm"-- that my perception of where the beat is falls halfway between where it ought to. I can't correct it for long, try as I might, even when I can consciously see where I'm wrong.

I think his 'anti-rhythym' came about from really getting into jazz. According to him, a lot of jazz is implicit and he trained himself over many years to hear it all. As far as I can tell, he now applies that to all music, which is fine unless he tries dancing.


I should add that music and coordination-based sports (save rock climbing) have been the two areas in my life where I have really, completely, and embarrassingly failed in all of my attempts, so maybe dancing-- combining the two into one-- is the worst possible thing for me to attempt to do.

Oh, ouch. My legs used to be quite uncoordinated despite having really good hand-eye coordination. I remember my tennis coach used to have wtf reactions, like how can you hit the ball that well but be so retarded with the leg work. But, I dunno, somehow it finally clicked in my late teens after a friend dragged me out to enough nightclubs (underage, of course) and made me dance. I suspect I'd still struggle with formal dance moves though *cringes at memory of an aerobics class*

[aelan]

Anti-rhythm. o.O

Syncopated beat?

I never thought I could dance anyhow, till I started. Before that it was mainly drunken jiggling (YES! Anon said it! :rofl:) in clubs. The good thing about it is with enough practice, it comes - dance is a form of muscle memory.

Regarding following males who are offbeat: There're some guys who dance that way because there're multiple threads in a song one could dance to, yes... also because some guys have no sense of rhythm, to p(l)ainly put.

As a follow, what helps is if you hear the music through the ears of your lead.

In a sense, in partner dances, the follow never dances to the music as she hears it. She dances to the lead's interpretation of it, but holding her own, if that is understandable.

If you have someone who hears it the same as you, that's when there's the best chemistry though, and it comes effortlessly. :)

[bluebell]

Syncopated beat?

*shrug* No idea what he hears in the music. It's stuff that's implied in jazz, overarching patterns that take a long time to learn how to hear. I'm blind to it.


I never thought I could dance anyhow, till I started. Before that it was mainly drunken jiggling (YES! Anon said it! :rofl:) in clubs. The good thing about it is with enough practice, it comes - dance is a form of muscle memory.

I just can't follow other's body movements. I did tennis lessons for years and got quite good, but I *still* couldn't follow my coach's steps in the drill sessions. I've had similar experiences elsewhere. But... I can move to music without looking totally unco.


As a follow, what helps is if you hear the music through the ears of your lead.

Heh, following does *not* come naturally to me. I have to switch off part of me, if that makes sense. The lead would be more natural, methinks.


If you have someone who hears it the same as you, that's when there's the best chemistry though, and it comes effortlessly. :)

Hmm, hadn't thought about it like that. Most of my male friends are nerdy-types and avoid dancing unless they are a) drunk and b) have no choice. So I haven't ever really watched people in sync when dancing.

[aelan]

*shrug* No idea what he hears in the music. It's stuff that's implied in jazz, overarching patterns that take a long time to learn how to hear. I'm blind to it.

*psst* sometimes he could be faking it.

Anyway, the best test is this: if you can dance with most other leads, and most other follows have trouble following him.... it's him, not you.


:grin:

And btw, could you leave out "Ask Aelan" from the title! It is meant for everyone/anyone else to chip in. :cry:



I just can't follow other's body movements. I did tennis lessons for years and got quite good, but I *still* couldn't follow my coach's steps in the drill sessions. I've had similar experiences elsewhere. But... I can move to music without looking totally unco.

I see. Hmm. I don't mean follow like someone does the steps in front of you and you imitate. I meant follow as in, if the person is holding you and moving, are you moving in sync?

If it is an open hold, it is basically two solo dances in tandem, so you're in your own lead there, which should be easier.



Heh, following does *not* come naturally to me. I have to switch off part of me, if that makes sense. The lead would be more natural, methinks.

That was what I enjoyed about partner dancing actually. At the end of a long day, to shut off thinking and let the lead think and plan what move to do next, and all I had to do was to follow.

Hmm. You're tempting me to take up partner dancing again.



Hmm, hadn't thought about it like that. Most of my male friends are nerdy-types and avoid dancing unless they are a) drunk and b) have no choice. So I haven't ever really watched people in sync when dancing.

Arrr. I don't have access to youtube here. Some of my old videos are at home too. I'll find something to demonstrate connection in dance vs. just moving in tandem.

[wreckoning]

I want to learn bellydancing but all the instructors I called in my area do like 3-month seasons, with lessons once a week. There's no way I can commit to that as I travel for work at least like two weeks of the month. so does this mean I can't learn how to dance? (is this something I should take to the ask an SJ thread?)

[aelan]

I want to learn bellydancing but all the instructors I called in my area do like 3-month seasons, with lessons once a week. There's no way I can commit to that as I travel for work at least like two weeks of the month. so does this mean I can't learn how to dance? (is this something I should take to the ask an SJ thread?)

Hmm. I have this trouble too as I travel a fair bit. It makes things difficult, but not impossible. Focus on learning the basic moves more, vs. routines, as how things fit together, etc, can be picked up by watching live dancers or videos.

Logistically, drop-in classes are available for most social dances, but the belly-dance classes may not because they're probably teaching you a routine through the 12 weeks. Check with the teacher(s) if this is the case.

A few alternatives:

- Speak to the instructor directly, and check if there are concurrent classes, where you could drop in / and will they allow makeup the lessons you miss. Also check if you can just pay for the classes on a one-off basis, or if the studio allows a 3 month subscription where you can attend x number in that month. The onus would be on you to practice and catch up, of course.

- Private classes. Likely expensive, but you'd have it intensive (covering more ground in shorter) and tailored to you.

- Videos. Either try youtube or paid-for ones. Look for those which break down the moves. Level 1 moves typically consist of: snake arms, inward and outward figure 8s, hip shimmies, hip slides, shoulder shimmies, hip drop, body isolation for upper body, probably chest lifts, and ending pose.

You could combine all three of the above, as well, e.g. attend one-off classes when you can, practice using videos, and then go for a private class when you've picked up enough to correct your moves/learn a routine in a focused class.

- If you do get into a class, what you can do is at the end of the first session, ask if the teacher would demonstrate the whole routine and could you tape it, to practice for the session you'd miss. At least it'd give you a sense of what moves have to be learnt/executed.

[wreckoning]

Logistically, drop-in classes are available for most social dances, but the belly-dance classes may not because they're probably teaching you a routine through the 12 weeks. Check with the teacher(s) if this is the case.

One of the studios did have a special ongoing thing for drop-ins, I just wasn't sure if that was really a good idea for this type of dance.



- Videos. Either try youtube or paid-for ones. Look for those which break down the moves.

That sounds like a good idea. Can you recommend some videos to buy?

Thanks for your suggestions :)

[aelan]

One of the studios did have a special ongoing thing for drop-ins, I just wasn't sure if that was really a good idea for this type of dance.



That sounds like a good idea. Can you recommend some videos to buy?

Thanks for your suggestions :)

Drop in classes won't work for routines, but they could for moves per se.

:grin:

I don't do belly-dancing, but I suggest searching youtube/veoh for the names of the moves I listed above, and find one which breaks it down well, in a way you can follow. There're quite a few folks who seem to post their own snippets online. This lady shows moves clearly IMO... but find one which suits your style, and have fun practising. :grin:

http://www.bellydancingvideo.com/video-clips.htm

[Anonymous]

Another question: What kind of exercises should I focus on?

I started going to the gym again about two weeks ago, and I've been mostly focusing on upper arms, shoulders, back, chest, abs, and calves. Cardio is my biggest struggle though, and it's what I'm having the hardest time with. I've just always had a weakness there, and I get winded pretty easily. I guess this is one of the more important things though, since you'd need to have good endurance to stay on the dance floor.

[wreckoning]

Another question: What kind of exercises should I focus on?

oh this is an exercise thread too? are we going to be covering nutrition maybe after?

I have a butt like a ten-year-old boy. Is there some exercise to make it soft and round, you know, like girls have, shapely? but this exercise doesn't involve going to the gym ever?

[Rincon]

I'd imagine that Santa Barbara has a nice dancing scene.

From what I hear the SB dance scene is pretty good, considering the relatively small size of the city.



I have a butt like a ten-year-old boy. Is there some exercise to make it soft and round, you know, like girls have, shapely? but this exercise doesn't involve going to the gym ever?

Take estrogen.

[aelan]

Another question: What kind of exercises should I focus on?

I started going to the gym again about two weeks ago, and I've been mostly focusing on upper arms, shoulders, back, chest, abs, and calves. Cardio is my biggest struggle though, and it's what I'm having the hardest time with. I've just always had a weakness there, and I get winded pretty easily. I guess this is one of the more important things though, since you'd need to have good endurance to stay on the dance floor.

last I heard, pretty girls were a good incentive too. :whistle:

You don't need a great deal of stamina, I mean, it isn't like climbing a mountain or sailing a boat, unless your partner is umm. a mountain or a boat. In which case, quietly rotate partners when the dance ends.

Focus on body isolation exercises rather, and flexibility for starters, and whatever moves you'll be taught. Keep repeating it in front of a mirror till it comes naturally and you're not thinking, "move hip left, sit, right foot forward on 1.. or was it 2..."

It took me probably more than a hundred tries to get a forward body wave looking like it should. My sis saw me practising when I first started exotic and well, in inimitable INTP style, she collapsed on the ground laughing, and gasped out, "you look like a constipated snake."

[Oso Mocoso]

My sis saw me practising when I first started exotic and well, in inimitable INTP style, she collapsed on the ground laughing, and gasped out, "you look like a constipated snake."

Tell your INTP sister that I really like her style. That made me laugh.

[aelan]

oh this is an exercise thread too? are we going to be covering nutrition maybe after?

I have a butt like a ten-year-old boy. Is there some exercise to make it soft and round, you know, like girls have, shapely? but this exercise doesn't involve going to the gym ever?


Btw, I don't mean to be the only one giving ideas on the thread... others can join too. :happpy:

I'm not that good with exercise, and I generally eat whatever I want, so that'd not be me, but I think there'll be others who can pick it up. :) .

Besides gaining some weight, have you tried butt clenches to tone the muscles?

Also, the upper thigh muscles at the back and sides of the legs have to be firm, to give the butt a lift: Can you do this move (try on a carpet please):

- kneel with your knees open, feet flat against the ground.

- extend your left arm upwards, your right resting on your abs.

- slowly drop your body arching backwards towards the left, such that your head is almost to the ground, and your butt is just hovering above your heels. Don't allow your hips to collapse entirely onto your heels - your weight should be kept on your thighs and abs.

- now do a sweep from left to right, using your extended left hand as a pointer going from 8 o'clock to 4. Go from 9-3 if you're more flexible.

- and this is the test of the thigh muscles and abs: from this almost seated position, bring your body upright again without using your hands. You have to engage your abs, and your thigh muscles to move your upper body weight.

* Abort the move by sitting down onto your heels if you're uncomfortable at anytime.


Edit: Eh, there's underwear that can up a butt too btw. Or walk by sitting into your hips more, that gives more of a curve. :grin:



Tell your INTP sister than I really like her style. That made me laugh.

:ouch: I won't even share what she said about me practising figure eights.

She was thinking of joining here actually, I told her to lurk a bit first because INTPs eat people alive for breakfast.

[Anonymous]

last I heard, pretty girls were a good incentive too. :whistle:

You don't need a great deal of stamina, I mean, it isn't like climbing a mountain or sailing a boat, unless your partner is umm. a mountain or a boat. In which case, quietly rotate partners when the dance ends.

Focus on body isolation exercises rather, and flexibility for starters, and whatever moves you'll be taught. Keep repeating it in front of a mirror till it comes naturally and you're not thinking, "move hip left, sit, right foot forward on 1.. or was it 2..."

You mean, I've been going to the gym when I don't even have to? Bah! Well, like you said, I guess there's always looking good for women, although I kind of have a thin body type that doesn't bulk up very much, unless you're like my brother and take steroids.


It took me probably more than a hundred tries to get a forward body wave looking like it should. My sis saw me practising when I first started exotic and well, in inimitable INTP style, she collapsed on the ground laughing, and gasped out, "you look like a constipated snake."

Oh god... I just looked up the wave on youtube. Well, I guess I can always drop the class if I'm too embarrassingly bad. :ph34r:



She was thinking of joining here actually, I told her to lurk a bit first because INTPs eat people alive for breakfast.

What?? Why'd you go and tell her a thing like that! We're only mean to jerkwads and dipshits. :yes: Your sister is neither.

[Oso Mocoso]

:ouch: I won't even share what she said about me practising figure eights.

Perhaps you would share it in a PM?


She was thinking of joining here actually, I told her to lurk a bit first because INTPs eat people alive for breakfast.

We very rarely devour our own. Besides, if she told people in an introduction thread that she was your sister, she'd get special "Favorite Newb" treatment. And she could probably get Bluebell as a mentor, and nobody else could beat up Bluebell.

[edge walker]

Perhaps you would share it in a PM?
I can't contain my curiosity either. PM me too? :grin:

[aelan]

You mean, I've been going to the gym when I don't even have to? Bah! Well, like you said, I guess there's always looking good for women, although I kind of have a thin body type that doesn't bulk up very much, unless you're like my brother and take steroids.

A hot bod would merely encourage the girls to select you for any close holds required. :grin:



Oh god... I just looked up the wave on youtube. Well, I guess I can always drop the class if I'm too embarrassingly bad. :ph34r:

I can't see it! Link, and I'll check later. Check out shoulder shimmies, hip rolls too. These are basic moves of body isolations.

No you're not dropping it! It took me more than a hundred times remember that. :grin: Just keep practising. Like ten a day. In front of any reflective surface. When you're waiting for a bus or train. In the supermarket checkout line. :grin:



What?? Why'd you go and tell her a thing like that! We're only mean to jerkwads and dipshits. :yes: Your sister is neither.

It's her choice, the site gets pretty intense. I like it here though. A lot. :happpy:


Perhaps you would share it in a PM?

We very rarely devour our own. Besides, if she told people in an introduction thread that she was your sister, she'd get special "Favorite Newb" treatment. And she could probably get Bluebell as a mentor, and nobody else could beat up Bluebell.


I can't contain my curiosity either. PM me too? :grin:

:thelook: No... I don't trust you guys. You're both just looking to laugh. :thelook:

Ah well, when she saw my first public performance (she actually went into a noisy club for that!), she was really nice, told me, "wow. You actually looked good.". Sisters... :grin:

[edge walker]

You're both just looking to laugh. :thelook:
Yup, and when I laugh at people I like it only makes me like them better. :happpy: Actual mockery is more likely to come out as a scowl than as laughter.

[wreckoning]

Besides gaining some weight, have you tried butt clenches to tone the muscles?

No, that's the problem! It IS muscled, and I want to un-muscle it. I want it to be round and soft like a muffin top.

[bluebell]

Anyway, the best test is this: if you can dance with most other leads, and most other follows have trouble following him.... it's him, not you.

=)) How often do you think I do partnered dances? I danced with a male friend at another friend's wedding once (that's how I know I really don't like following, damn gender roles). That was the same wedding that partner told me he 'was dancing to the implicit beat'. Tried a few times at home, er, same result.

Which reminds me, I had to do ballroom dancing in phys ed classes in high school (ie up to 10th grade). I was woefully uncoordinated and managed to even fall over a couple of times. *shudder* Making awkward gawky teenagers do ballroom dancing at a rough high school was cruel and unusual punishment, specially the 'pick a partner' bit.


I see. Hmm. I don't mean follow like someone does the steps in front of you and you imitate. I meant follow as in, if the person is holding you and moving, are you moving in sync?

The latter, and I'd rather lead, not follow.


If it is an open hold, it is basically two solo dances in tandem, so you're in your own lead there, which should be easier.

Yes, unless your partner is dancing to the beat of a different drum. Literally. :sadbanana:


Hmm. You're tempting me to take up partner dancing again.

:highfive:



We very rarely devour our own. Besides, if she told people in an introduction thread that she was your sister, she'd get special "Favorite Newb" treatment. And she could probably get Bluebell as a mentor, and nobody else could beat up Bluebell.

Schweet. On all accounts.

[aelan]

No, that's the problem! It IS muscled, and I want to un-muscle it. I want it to be round and soft like a muffin top.

:popcorn: what are you currently doing that is giving you buns of steel vs. muffin-tops?

It stands to reason to stop doing it and allow the fat to accumulate and get soft, in a way. Mind if I know if you're skinny/normal/fat? Where does your body accumulate fat?

You do know some girls would kill for buns of steel right...Why not just enjoy them and choose things like boy-shorts to wear - those can soften the angles and increase the perky perception. :happpy:

[wreckoning]

:popcorn: what are you currently doing that is giving you buns of steel vs. muffin-tops?

Well, I go running with my dog, and I'm a dancer. And whenever I have to be somewhere, I'm usually late, so I have to sprint from my car to wherever I'm going. And then I usually forget something in my car, so I have to sprint back, and... You'd be surprised how much exercise that amounts to.


It stands to reason to stop doing it and allow the fat to accumulate and get soft, in a way. Mind if I know if you're skinny/normal/fat? Where does your body accumulate fat?

I'm slender. I accumulate fat in my thighs I suppose, but not like a whole lot. I have a pretty fast metabolism that prevents me from gaining weight. I can't stop running with my dog, that would be mean; or dancing, that would be costly; and I would like to be more punctual but that is probably just a pipedream.


You do know some girls would kill for buns of steel right...Why not just enjoy them and choose things like boy-shorts to wear - those can soften the angles and increase the perky perception. :happpy:

Ok, you know those carnivals where the girl tries to guess your weight, and if she doesn't make it within five pounds, you get a stuffed animal? I could fill a sick kid's hospital with all the stuffed green frogs I've won off that chick. She never sees my bunz of steel coming! Adds a completely unsuspected 20 lbs to my weight no problem!

[aelan]

=)) How often do you think I do partnered dances? I danced with a male friend at another friend's wedding once (that's how I know I really don't like following, damn gender roles). That was the same wedding that partner told me he 'was dancing to the implicit beat'. Tried a few times at home, er, same result.

=)). Um. Try with another victim partner the next chance you get, that's all. Or better yet, foist partner on another girl.


Which reminds me, I had to do ballroom dancing in phys ed classes in high school (ie up to 10th grade). I was woefully uncoordinated and managed to even fall over a couple of times. *shudder* Making awkward gawky teenagers do ballroom dancing at a rough high school was cruel and unusual punishment, specially the 'pick a partner' bit.

I don't think I'd have enjoyed dancing in high school too. I'd probably be too focused on the boy-girl thingy to really dance. :grin:



The latter, and I'd rather lead, not follow.

Ok, if I'm going over, you lead, I'll follow. I work better as a follow than a lead. I tried hiphop once, and my classmate looked at me, laughed and went, "you look like a ballerina doing hiphop."



Yes, unless your partner is dancing to the beat of a different drum. Literally. :sadbanana:

=)) Break out in some fancy shines and put him to shame. :grin:



Well, I go running with my dog, and I'm a dancer. And whenever I have to be somewhere, I'm usually late, so I have to sprint from my car to wherever I'm going. And then I usually forget something in my car, so I have to sprint back, and... You'd be surprised how much exercise that amounts to.

I'm slender. I accumulate fat in my thighs I suppose, but not like a whole lot. I have a pretty fast metabolism that prevents me from gaining weight. I can't stop running with my dog, that would be mean; or dancing, that would be costly; and I would like to be more punctual but that is probably just a pipedream.

Ok, you know those carnivals where the girl tries to guess your weight, and if she doesn't make it within five pounds, you get a stuffed animal? I could fill a sick kid's hospital with all the stuffed green frogs I've won off that chick. She never sees my bunz of steel coming! Adds a completely unsuspected 20 lbs to my weight no problem!

Ahhh! If you're a dancer, picking up belly-dancing or another dance form would be easier for you, why didn't you say so earlier. :happpy: In that case, go for the video route really, or private classes.

Enjoy your body as is really. I think unless your metabolism slows (it will happen as we age...), the chances of you softening won't be that high. Dancing does give perky butts more than muffin butts. :mellow: When I was doing 5-10 hours a week, my abs had a centre line running down to the belly-button, my back was so nicely defined, and I could probably have gripped a cherry with my butt. But now... alas. :cry:

What forms do you do? And what do you mean by stopping dancing would be costly?

And great, you can help me on this thread then. :grin:

[wreckoning]

Ahhh! If you're a dancer, picking up belly-dancing or another dance form would be easier for you, why didn't you say so earlier. :happpy: In that case, go for the video route really, or private classes.

Sorry. I meant, exotic dancer. Pro feature. I don't have any formal training in dance, it's all self taught. I used to do it fulltime, and now it's kind of a side thing I do mostly for fun & variety.

So I wouldn't be of much use on this thread, unless there's someone besides you who wants to learn pole tricks. Which, btw, has been an interesting thing to watch rise in popularity ... although sometimes it feels like these new enthusiasts are trying to steal the rug from under my feet. Or like they are missing the point, stealing the rug and forgetting about the great golden chalice it's underneath. something like that.

[aelan]

Sorry. I meant, exotic dancer. Pro feature. I don't have any formal training in dance, it's all self taught. I used to do it fulltime, and now it's kind of a side thing I do mostly for fun & variety.

So I wouldn't be of much use on this thread, unless there's someone besides you who wants to learn pole tricks. Which, btw, has been an interesting thing to watch rise in popularity ... although sometimes it feels like these new enthusiasts are trying to steal the rug from under my feet. Or like they are missing the point, stealing the rug and forgetting about the great golden chalice it's underneath. something like that.

:theclap: I started with exotic dance about 3 years ago, and tried poles last year. Yes, I'd definitely want to hear from you. :happpy:

How'd you self-teach, etc? How long have you been doing it for? Which moves work best from your experience? I'm considering it as a career switch/part timing. :mellow: But I mainly have classroom experience only.

I do see a difference with girls who go for poles without an exotic background - they're frequently very athletic or downright slutty, but it fails to strike the balance of poise/sensuality somehow. The body work is missing.

Not sure if that is clear/I'm missing the chalice for the rug. :mellow:

[wreckoning]

How'd you self-teach, etc? How long have you been doing it for? Which moves work best from your experience? :mellow: But I mainly have classroom experience only.

Four years ... I travel now when I dance, but I started out working this one smallish club. The main stage had a pretty tall pole, 20 feet or so. One of the regular girls there was an ex-gymnast, so she was kind of my inspiration. There was a back bar with a pole on it as well, so I used to practice on that a couple hours a day for a few months. No girl ever directly showed me anything, though to be fair, it's not like I asked for help.

Which moves work best? Not sure I understand the question. The ones where I don't fall on my face and show my intp colours :)


I'm considering it as a career switch/part timing.

Really! Funny. Where do you live? That's a pretty big factor. There's only a few places left in the world ok for dancers, the best being southern US + new york, western canada + toronto, France, couple other euro countries, Australia, Guam.

I sometimes bring some MBTI books with me and test the other girls I'm working with. I've gotten an absurdly high number of Ns - well, NFs generally. ENTP is prolly the best NT for it.


I do see a difference with girls who go for poles without an exotic background - they're frequently very athletic or downright slutty, but it fails to strike the balance of poise/sensuality somehow. The body work is missing.

Well, what they teach in the classes is very different. For one thing, you don't have to worry about a hard landing on 6" heels (and there's a saying: if you can't do a certain move in your heels, it doesn't count). But pole tricks in pants, shorts, and/or shoes-with-socks are considerably more difficult than while wearing some kind of skirt with panties, because of how awful fabric slides.

The main difference is, as you said, the athleticism. You can use it as a form of exercise, but at 3-6 shows a day, that can get tiring, so I don't know many who do it. Most dancers use momentum, not strength, to pull off most of their pole tricks. So I'll start working on a new move, and at first I'll have to use a lot of strength, but as I understand where my body is supposed to be, I'll be using less strength and more momentum.


Not sure if that is clear/I'm missing the chalice for the rug. :mellow:

Well there I was mostly referring to the psychology of the thing. The whole reason why poledancing is sexy is because strippers made it sexy, but this whole weird poledancing community is trying divorce poles from strippers, separate them by talking about the exercise benefits, self-esteem, blah blah. It reminds me of women's rights activists trying to separate themselves from lesbians. What these poledance girls don't seem to get is that dancers have more to offer than a bunch of tricky moves on a piece of metal ... I could rant about this forever, but I'll stop now.

[aelan]

Four years ... I travel now when I dance, but I started out working this one smallish club. The main stage had a pretty tall pole, 20 feet or so. One of the regular girls there was an ex-gymnast, so she was kind of my inspiration. There was a back bar with a pole on it as well, so I used to practice on that a couple hours a day for a few months. No girl ever directly showed me anything, though to be fair, it's not like I asked for help.

*nods*. I'm waiting for the AUD to drop further because I think I need my own pole to practice (www.x-pole.com.au), otherwise it's very tough just having only an hour a week in the studios. Plus I travel for work too, so I figured that portable pole would be good to have if I have to be based for any period overseas.

So you started working directly without any experience and just learnt on the job? *impressed*



Really! Funny. Where do you live? That's a pretty big factor. There's only a few places left in the world ok for dancers, the best being southern US + new york, western canada + toronto, France, couple other euro countries, Australia, Guam.

I sometimes bring some MBTI books with me and test the other girls I'm working with. I've gotten an absurdly high number of Ns - well, NFs generally. ENTP is prolly the best NT for it.

I won't be practising it in the country I live in for sure. :grin: It is more... well, in terms of portable skills, I think with that, one could easily become an instructor - all the pole dance things are the rage now anyway, and being an instructor is definitely easier than a performer, isn't it.

Interesting how it is NF. How'd you get into it?



Well, what they teach in the classes is very different. For one thing, you don't have to worry about a hard landing on 6" heels (and there's a saying: if you can't do a certain move in your heels, it doesn't count). But pole tricks in pants, shorts, and/or shoes-with-socks are considerably more difficult than while wearing some kind of skirt with panties, because of how awful fabric slides.

*nods*. I'm usually in boy-shorts and a cropped top, preferably a halter. I don't have much gripping power on inverts to be without bare skin.



The main difference is, as you said, the athleticism. You can use it as a form of exercise, but at 3-6 shows a day, that can get tiring, so I don't know many who do it. Most dancers use momentum, not strength, to pull off most of their pole tricks. So I'll start working on a new move, and at first I'll have to use a lot of strength, but as I understand where my body is supposed to be, I'll be using less strength and more momentum.

I guess that's why the appeal of dance (poles) to me vs. normal sports - I don't have much strength, but as you said, once you figure out how much weight and swing to place, you start to realise very little is needed and you end up with better precision by knowing how to use your own weight.



Well there I was mostly referring to the psychology of the thing. The whole reason why poledancing is sexy is because strippers made it sexy, but this whole weird poledancing community is trying divorce poles from strippers, separate them by talking about the exercise benefits, self-esteem, blah blah. It reminds me of women's rights activists trying to separate themselves from lesbians. What these poledance girls don't seem to get is that dancers have more to offer than a bunch of tricky moves on a piece of metal ... I could rant about this forever, but I'll stop now.

Arr. I've been on similar rants, but on both ends. I don't agree with the de-sexualisation into an exercise only thing - that makes it Cirque Du Soleil, not pole-dancing. That's my main gripe with those who do poles but not exotic and think swinging off bars make them sexy automatically. I'm also sick of women not in it giving me dirty looks and passing snide comments about how it helps my job, landing clients etc. Sexuality seems to be threatening to some.

But at the same time, it is kind of heartening in classes when I see 40, 50 year old women come in and try, and at the end of some months, they're much more confident and stand taller.

I think there's room in pole dance for women to challenge and find themselves, and that includes sexuality as a core part of identity, that's all. To reject any part of it is silly.



/mini rant.

[wreckoning]

So you started working directly without any experience and just learnt on the job? *impressed*

Yeah, that's kind of how the industry is.


It is more... well, in terms of portable skills, I think with that, one could easily become an instructor - all the pole dance things are the rage now anyway, and being an instructor is definitely easier than a performer, isn't it.

Easier for some maybe. Not for me. I thought it would be fun to do like a special guest instructing night, but in general I'd much rather dance. You know, introverted, analytical, critical, independent, despising schedules ...


Interesting how it is NF. How'd you get into it?

I always wanted to do something really off-the-wall and sexual. I was shy, and tomboyish, with stage fright. I didn't understand men. So I decided to force myself into this.


I'm usually in boy-shorts and a cropped top, preferably a halter. I don't have much gripping power on inverts to be without bare skin.

Well, any move where you are trying to grip with the top inner part of your thighs is going to be pretty tricky (& more dangerous) with the shorts. You should take them off.


I'm also sick of women not in it giving me dirty looks and passing snide comments about how it helps my job, landing clients etc. Sexuality seems to be threatening to some.

After I became a dancer, I learned to see how sexual nuances tend to flow through basic human interactions, very minutely sometimes. A dancer takes those everyday nuances and exaggerates them, brings them into the open. Sometimes I think that these women who are threatened by dancers, are that way not because it's an alien thing to them, but because is extremely familiar.


But at the same time, it is kind of heartening in classes when I see 40, 50 year old women come in and try, and at the end of some months, they're much more confident and stand taller.

Yeah, and that's cool. Although some of these women wouldn't give me the time of day if they knew who I was. Their prerogative, still pretty lame and ironic for me.

[MacGuffin]

the shorts. You should take them off.
I agree with this advice in general.

[Madrigal]

Latin dancing actually looks like a lot of fun to me, even with all the gheyness.

:whyi:

[aelan]

Yeah, that's kind of how the industry is.

Easier for some maybe. Not for me. I thought it would be fun to do like a special guest instructing night, but in general I'd much rather dance. You know, introverted, analytical, critical, independent, despising schedules ...

I see. I was thinking more along the lines of private classes. I think being a full-time instructor would take the joy out of it for me.



I always wanted to do something really off-the-wall and sexual. I was shy, and tomboyish, with stage fright. I didn't understand men. So I decided to force myself into this.

That's about why I started classes too. In a way, I was tired of being me, some halfling thing.


Well, any move where you are trying to grip with the top inner part of your thighs is going to be pretty tricky (& more dangerous) with the shorts. You should take them off.

The boyshorts curve up high and so far don't obstruct the thighs (i.e. my "muffin tops" are visible at the bottom of them), but I guess I've not gotten to your level. *muses*

Noted though.

Do you perform fully nude?


After I became a dancer, I learned to see how sexual nuances tend to flow through basic human interactions, very minutely sometimes. A dancer takes those everyday nuances and exaggerates them, brings them into the open. Sometimes I think that these women who are threatened by dancers, are that way not because it's an alien thing to them, but because is extremely familiar.

Perhaps. She is a colleague, older, wealthy, but not what one would find attractive. Yet she criticises me from my hair (mine is down to bra-line and I either have it in a ponytail or down), saying I should do something about it, to my clothes (how certain cuts don't fit etc - I dress conservatively usually, dresses or skirtsuits), to my shoes (don't wear flats etc), tells me to stay off a certain guy who's related to her when he started hanging out with me, made a lot of snide jokes at a dinner about me getting clients via sliding down a pole and landing on their laps to get them to sign documents.

I dislike the implicit assumption that a woman who is sexy uses that to get ahead, ergo she is brainless. One dimensional thinking.

I hear you on the awareness of body minutae. I see how I walk, sit, touch, hold things now, and it is different from how I used to do so. Imperceptible changes over time, but made obvious when you compare from the start to now.

It is hard to find honesty and dance in a way, and poles, strips everyone down, both the dancer and the observer.




Yeah, and that's cool. Although some of these women wouldn't give me the time of day if they knew who I was. Their prerogative, still pretty lame and ironic for me.

Fear perhaps. I'd have happily chatted with you if you were open to me IRL. As is, I'm glad you're here. :)

Funny story:

My dance teacher was having a hen's night, and her friends hired a male lapdancer for her. Well, she got bored with his moves, and flipped over and performed on him instead. At the end of it, he got her number - she was thinking someone from the industry, why not etc. No hanky panky what-so-ever. The next morning, she got a msg which went, "This is X's wife. He had a good time last night. But please do not call or message this number again."

She wanted to text back, "may the best woman win" but thought the better of it.

[wreckoning]

The boyshorts curve up high and so far don't obstruct the thighs, but I guess I've not gotten to your level. *muses*

ok, depends what you're doing. I have a couple spins where I'm holding with the inner thigh, and there's the move - I don't know what they're called - where you're upside down, completely and holding with your legs straight, like an upside down cross on the pole? arms outspread? that would be fine with shorts, but if you tried to add a spin to it, you'd be grabbing with the inner thigh and shorts possibly in the way. Or I have a move where, from the top of the pole, gripping just with the thigh, I do a straight drop, then use hands and thigh pressure to come to a stop a few inches off the ground.


Do you perform fully nude?

Yeah.


Perhaps. She is a colleague, older, wealthy, but not what one would find attractive. Yet she criticises me from my hair (mine is down to bra-line and I either have it in a ponytail or down), saying I should do something about it, to my clothes (how certain cuts don't fit etc - I dress conservatively usually, dresses or skirtsuits),

Is it the criticism you don't like or just that she is giving bad advice? I don't know why these people say such things, but I do wish they would stfu.


to my shoes (don't wear flats etc),

what is wrong with that? they're comfy.


made a lot of snide jokes at a dinner about me getting clients via sliding down a pole and landing on their laps to get them to sign documents.

I dislike the implicit assumption that a woman who is sexy uses that to get ahead, ergo she is brainless. One dimensional thinking.

Ugh! That drives me insane! In other settings there often situations that come up where I ask myself, where the fuck am I? In the stripclub or out in the real world? Like this person has no reason to treat me like this, to him I am just a girl; he would have no idea that I'm a stripper, I look like the fucking girl next door. This is how the so-called normal girls are treated, the ones who turn their nose up at me? Often the crassness of the real world is more crude and unappealing than what I see in the stripclub !

I think one of the reasons why these insinuations don't bother me in a stripclub is because I've consented to it, and so I can view it objectively, humourously or w/e. But in other settings I just feel stunned.


I hear you on the awareness of body minutae. I see how I walk, sit, touch, hold things now, and it is different from how I used to do so. Imperceptible changes over time, but made obvious when you compare from the start to now.

Yeah, and language, too, the banter between men and women. The most subtle kind of flirting is painfully obvious to me. I have flirt radar. :ph34r:


My dance teacher was having a hen's night, and her friends hired a male lapdancer for her. Well, she got bored with his moves, and flipped over and performed on him instead. At the end of it, he got her number - she was thinking someone from the industry, why not etc. No hanky panky what-so-ever. The next morning, she got a msg which went, "This is X's wife. He had a good time last night. But please do not call or message this number again."

:theclap: awesome.

[aelan]

ok, depends what you're doing. I have a couple spins where I'm holding with the inner thigh, and there's the move - I don't know what they're called - where you're upside down, completely and holding with your legs straight, like an upside down cross on the pole? arms outspread? that would be fine with shorts, but if you tried to add a spin to it, you'd be grabbing with the inner thigh and shorts possibly in the way. Or I have a move where, from the top of the pole, gripping just with the thigh, I do a straight drop, then use hands and thigh pressure to come to a stop a few inches off the ground.


*takes notes*. Obviously I've not gotten to those yet! I've seen the move you mean though. The second drop move I'm not sure: Are you inverted, and your hold comes from both thighs gripping?

I'm seriously chuffed I'm starting level 3 and will have you to talk about it with. :happpy: I have trouble talking about it to non-dancers, because the technical aspects all have to be left out.



Is it the criticism you don't like or just that she is giving bad advice? I don't know why these people say such things, but I do wish they would stfu.

I'm ok with criticism if there's merit to it, and the person giving it is qualified. I guess it irritates because no one else has trouble with my dressing, so I'm not sure why she does. I'm usually in work dresses, or skirt suits, and nothing skanky - in fact I dress more conservatively than most my age. :mellow:

Also, she isn't really a great dresser herself, and she does these comments when I'm in the middle of work - literally walks up and opens her mouth and just rattles off those things. If it was being sincere feedback, you could ask me out for coffee in the pantry or something vs. at work.

I find it mainly distracting and insincere, also I don't know why she'd be vested in what I wear etc, to constantly be dropping these comments.



what is wrong with that? they're comfy.

More to the point, Ferragamos aren't really casual, even when they are flat, and some outfits work best with flats.




Ugh! That drives me insane! In other settings there often situations that come up where I ask myself, where the fuck am I? In the stripclub or out in the real world? Like this person has no reason to treat me like this, to him I am just a girl; he would have no idea that I'm a stripper, I look like the fucking girl next door. This is how the so-called normal girls are treated, the ones who turn their nose up at me? Often the crassness of the real world is more crude and unappealing than what I see in the stripclub !

I think one of the reasons why these insinuations don't bother me in a stripclub is because I've consented to it, and so I can view it objectively, humourously or w/e. But in other settings I just feel stunned.

Maybe that's my beef with it... I'm not sure why she'd have to make these comments because I don't see why I'm threatening in that respect, and I downplay sexuality a lot at work, I definitely do no flirting and flashing.



Yeah, and language, too, the banter between men and women. The most subtle kind of flirting is painfully obvious to me. I have flirt radar. :ph34r:

:theclap: awesome.

*nods*. Body language is a wholly different world.

I think it is interesting how dance strips away whatever convention has added. And how much elemental attraction has been messed up with all the should, would, coulds.

Maybe that's why I love dance. *shrugs*. The one space to be you.

[somnium]

Am I the only one who noticed that this (below) is completely impossible?



- kneel with your knees open, feet flat against the ground.

- extend your left arm upwards, your right resting on your abs.

OK so far....


- slowly drop your body arching backwards towards the left, such that your head is almost to the ground, and your butt is just hovering above your heels. Don't allow your hips to collapse entirely onto your heels - your weight should be kept on your thighs and abs.

Huh?!?!


- now do a sweep from left to right, using your extended left hand as a pointer going from 8 o'clock to 4. Go from 9-3 if you're more flexible.

:blink:


- and this is the test of the thigh muscles and abs:

What?! The test is NOW?



* Abort the move by sitting down onto your heels if you're uncomfortable at anytime.

No shit.
[wayne's world]Abort, abort, we have been identified[/wayne's world]

[aelan]

Are you male/female?

Umm... Let me try with images... Maybe we ignore the side-sweep for now:

This is a kneeling back arch: Could you get to here?

http://www.vocalyoga.com/images/555_IMG_0183.JPG

Now from this, if you cannot maintain the torso bent, keep it in a straight line first.

Then lower yourself, so you're almost sitting on your heels. Keep your hands off the ground, but ready to catch yourself if you need.

Now drop your upper torso backwards, so your head is closer to the ground (about level with your hips).

Somewhat like this. Ignore her hands - and your bum should be lower, just slightly off the heels, so the weight isn't on your waist/back, but on your abs and thighs. We're trying to work the abs and thighs here, not the waist/back.

http://www.artofmime.com/allpages/images/museum/smBack%20arch.jpg

You should feel the pull on your abs and thighs, as your body weight is transferred here. Keep this for a second.

Now from this position, can you pull yourself up to the original upright position without your hands, and without using momentum to bounce?

You'd need your abs and thighs to revert to upright.

The sweep in that sense, is just a variation -

Instead of dropping directly backwards, you drop back and left.

Then you sweep your body arch to the right, (imagine dusting the floor with your hair from left to right)

and try come up like in the first direct drop?

it puts the focus on the right upper thigh and abs for this side sweep; you can work the left by sweeping the opposite direction.

Edit: Ahhh. And I'm not responsible for any injuries sustained here. And maybe try with your hands behind you first so you get used to the feeling of being arched, and can catch yourself if you need to abort a move.

:grin:

[bluebell]

Holy. Crap.

Bodies bend like that? o.O

[aelan]

Holy. Crap.

Bodies bend like that? o.O

Ahh. They don't? o.O

Umm. Somnium, maybe, let me think of easier ways to work the upper thighs/abs for you.

[bluebell]

Ahh. They don't? o.O

Umm. Somnium, maybe, let me think of easier ways to work the upper thighs/abs for you.

The first pic, yes. The second one. :blink:

That requires a lot more lower back flexibility than I've ever had (even as a child or teenager when I did a lot of exercise, eg tennis). I have slightly lower than average flexibility, I admit, but still, all I can think is OW.

Edit: I take your post to mean you can comfortably do that last picture? o.O

[edge walker]

- kneel with your knees open, feet flat against the ground.

- extend your left arm upwards, your right resting on your abs.

- slowly drop your body arching backwards towards the left, such that your head is almost to the ground, and your butt is just hovering above your heels. Don't allow your hips to collapse entirely onto your heels - your weight should be kept on your thighs and abs.

Am I the only one who noticed that this (below) is completely impossible?
Aha, so now I know what the problem is: where aelan wrote "feet flat against the ground" you (and I) understood it as "soles flat on the ground" when actually the upper side of the foot is what she means should be flat against the ground, sole-up.

[aelan]

The first pic, yes. The second one. :blink:

That requires a lot more lower back flexibility than I've ever had (even as a child or teenager when I did a lot of exercise, eg tennis). I have slightly lower than average flexibility, I admit, but still, all I can think is OW.

Edit: I take your post to mean you can comfortably do that last picture? o.O

I just tried, yes. o.O

The coming up into an upright position is the trouble for me.

Edit: edge-walker, yes, upper part of foot, not soles.

[somnium]

Are you male/female?

Umm... Let me try with images... Maybe we ignore the side-sweep for now:

This is a kneeling back arch: Could you get to here?

[img]


Yeah, no problem there.



Then lower yourself, so you're almost sitting on your heels. Keep your hands off the ground, but ready to catch yourself if you need.

No worries up to here.


Now drop your upper torso backwards, so your head is closer to the ground (about level with your hips).

The "Holy. Crap." moment was about here.



You should feel the pull on your abs and thighs, as your body weight is transferred here.

No kidding. I leant about 15 degrees backwards before thinking better of it.



Now from this position, can you pull yourself up to the original upright position without your hands, and without using momentum to bounce?

Ho ho ho.




Umm. Somnium, maybe, let me think of easier ways to work the upper thighs/abs for you.
I thought I'd do OK because of cycling, but apparently cycling doesn't work out the same part of the thighs as this. (My abs are weak, but it wasn't them that gave out first.)


Aha, so now I know what the problem is: where aelan wrote "feet flat against the ground" you (and I) understood it as "soles flat on the ground" when actually the upper side of the foot is what she means should be flat against the ground, sole-up.

Heehee, no, I did get that, after thinking about it for a few moments. I should have said it was unattainable, rather than truly impossible.



Edit: Ahhh. And I'm not responsible for any injuries sustained here.
Don't worry, I'm won't sue you if it all goes wrong. This is too funny. Keep the helpful tips flowing.

[aelan]

:grin:

Ok, you can try this yoga derivative - these are the thigh muscles the move above tries to engage actually.

Side leg raises:

- Lie on your left side with your head resting on your left arm, legs straight and together. (Like you are sleeping on your side)

- Place your right arm like a kickstand, just in front of your abs. Inhale.

- As you exhale, pull your abs in towards your spine so your torso is stable, then raise the right leg past your hips height (to a comfortable height), keeping the leg straight and the toes pointed. Keep your hips stable - the lift should come from the thigh muscles, with the abs holding the upper body stable, with your side pressed into the ground.

- Now raise the left leg up until it presses against the right leg, straight, with toes pointed.

- As you inhale, lower both legs while keeping your balance and posture. (i.e. don't collapse your body's line, and don't "hunch" into a C shape)

- Repeat 5 - 10 times, then for the opposite side.

- If you complete the reps, you should feel the thigh/hip muscles the dance move is using.

[somnium]

:grin:

Ok, you can try this yoga derivative - these are the thigh muscles the move above tries to engage actually.

I'll give it a try later.



- As you exhale, pull your abs in towards your spine so your torso is stable, then raise the right leg past your hips height (to a comfortable height), keeping the leg straight and the toes pointed. Keep your hips stable - the lift should come from the thigh muscles, with the abs holding the upper body stable, with your side pressed into the ground.

when you say "raise", is that upwards w.r.t gravity (and sideways w.r.t. the body's head-to-toe axis), or the other way round?

[Uytuun]

Yesterday I read they were organising a how-to-flirt uni course for computer science peeps in Germany, today this.

*stares out the window shaking her head*

[Anonymous]

Yesterday I read they were organising a how-to-flirt uni course for computer science peeps in Germany, today this.


I would totally take that!

And fail, probably.

[edge walker]

*stares out the window shaking her head*
*waves at Uytuun from outside her window*

[Uytuun]

Just taking the dance classes is win IMO!

*waves back at edge...wanna dance?* :D

[Wingman]

Taking latino dance classes, love to dance, but prefer freestyle.

Yeah! Aint nuthin funner than making a foo of yourself and getting hypy. :banana: I remember I won my first dance battle, but choked my second. Like a foo I looked around at all the people watching and froze. :sadbanana: Its best to just ignore them and do your thang.

[Hi-meh]

Speaking of dance. My salsa dance class needs more womenz. If you are in Austin, and you are a gal, then PM me for details on this FREE class. It's a lot fun!

[Promethean]

At 31 years old I danced for the first time in my life. It was a payback to a friend of mine who was a lifelong dancer and dance teacher. She is beautiful and a good dancer and she taught me a little. It was fun because it was with a good friend, but afterward I was left with the same question I've always had before. Why do people do this? I just don't get it, and probably never will.

[Hi-meh]

but afterward I was left with the same question I've always had before. Why do people do this? I just don't get it, and probably never will.



It was fun

You answered your own question. IT'S FUN! :banana:

[Wise Fool]

i learned to dance like a drunken idiot when i moved to montreal for the summer and didn't know anyone. My drunken dancing skills I now consider one of greatest assets.

[MacGuffin]

Merged!

[Promethean]

You answered your own question. IT'S FUN! :banana:

Not fun enough to have ever thought to myself, ooh I wanna go dancing. And it was situational fun too. She is a close friend and knows what she's doing, and I was quite drunk.

[Wingman]

i learned to dance like a drunken idiot when i moved to montreal for the summer and didn't know anyone. My drunken dancing skills I now consider one of greatest assets.

Exactly! Hooray for drunken dancing!

[Limey]

I have a few drunken dancing videos of my INTP father - he has no shame.
he has a trademark drunken dance move known as the helicopter.

I just collected a new video where he's wearing some super thick glasses that he got and is dancing around/with a guy at the pub that wears super thick glasses like a couple of demented "where's waldos".

[skip]

Love to dance. Had years of lessons, did musical theater, taught hiphop for several years.

[Wingman]

I have a few drunken dancing videos of my INTP father - he has no shame.
he has a trademark drunken dance move known as the helicopter.

I just collected a new video where he's wearing some super thick glasses that he got and is dancing around/with a guy at the pub that wears super thick glasses like a couple of demented "where's waldos".

Hah hah! The helicopter! He goes til he crashes huh?!

[edge walker]

*waves back at edge...wanna dance?* :D
*extends arm* After you, Lady.

[RT_Jackson]

I like dancing when I like the music. Absolutely love east coast swing/lindyhop. Blues, West Coast, and Waltzes are a tier down, and everything else I'd rather avoid.

[avolkiteshvara]

My dad taught me how to dirty dance.

[Robdor]

Lindy Hop is the best. Haven't been able to for years though.