Lifting and Twisting...In Heels

[chocolatchica]

Ok so I have been practicing my lifting and twisting a lot more lately (for latin) and I usually take lessons and practice on dance sneakers. So lately I have seen a lot of imprivment in my lifting and twisting and that mad me so happy (sometimes it takes a while to notice the results from hours of practicing). So to get to the point, I put my heels on to practice and I realize.... I cant really lift! I can twist but I can only lift just apinch compared to the way I was doing it before. I was so disapointed because now I have to relearn everything on my heels. I dont understand. How do you lift and twist when you are already pretty far on the balls of your feet? Its hard for me to exlpain. For anyone who understands or know what I'm atlking about please help me out!

[latingal]

Working in low or no heels for latin feels very different (for me) then the action I use in heels. I can't tell you how much more motion, stability and control I have without heels. That's why when I practice body movement, I always do it in heels.

Okay, I am assuming that your word "twisting" relates to my words of twisting and the related idea of "rotation around the spine" in my latin learnings. But lifting? Give me more of a hint? Perhaps if you give a description as to how it relates in one of the basics?

[chocolatchica]

Umm.. well let me see how I can best describe it. My intrcutor has had me particing standing feet slightly apart and lifting my hip up then twisting it back. You can see it in dancing you just might no know what I am explaining because I am having trouble putting it into words. Let me see if I can find a youtube video that shows this. By the way, what size heels do you use? I agree that with dance sneaker I have more balance, control and movement. I dance so much differently and I just realized that I may have made a mistake practicing all this times in sneakers. Do you think I should practice in heels now?
On another topic, I heard someone at the last comp i went to saying that she hates 3 and 3.5 inch heels because she says that its just bad. I tried to ask her why but couldnt really get a solid answer out if her. Anyone have any input to why you wouldnt suggest it? I know it is obviously harder to dance in hgiher heels but she seemed to say that regardless of your level (level of dance skill I mean) higher heels just make the dancing look bad. Kind of puzzled me because I didnt think it was that big of a deal

[mamboqueen]

I dance in 2.5" heels. I don't need the height. I think that you need to have stronger ankles the higher the heel. You will obviously have better balance (albeit it small decline) with lower heels. I used to wear dance sneakers quite a bit, but if you're predominantly going to dance (or compete) in heels, it can be too much of an adjustment (at least for me). I only use the sneakers now when I am going to be at a dance camp or some other venue where I am wearing heels for a long period of time.

Not sure what you mean about the lifting either.

[Me]

Are you describing International Latin style of movement?

[chocolatchica]

Well I am kind of short so I need the heel. I usually dance in 3 or 3.5. I also have small fett so I think the lower heel looks a little funy on my feet. Maybe I will practice from now on in the height I plan to compete in. Hmm... still looking for a video to show the lifting I'm talkling about. I was told by my partner though that only the men lift and twist and the women just twist. I am so confused. Maybe I should call my instructor.

[chocolatchica]

Are you describing International Latin style of movement?
Yes

[latingal]

Okay, let's see if I've got all the questions to answer now....

As for practicing in heels, if you are competing, I would say definitely yes you should practice in the same heel height you are competing in. I normally work in my heels for everything but memorizing choreography or working/changing technique without body movement (i.e. like jive basics), etc.

I wear 2 1/2" heels because I have a foot injury and flat feet (my feet do not like heels!). I think I get away pretty well with 2 1/2" because my leg lines are still pretty good with the lower heels.

Okay, I think I may understand what you're talking about with the "lifting" of your hip. It's not a term that I've heard used before, but are you refering to the "lift" in the "pushing" hip that you see on say a side basic chasse in cha-cha on the 1 count? Or the "lift" and turn out of the pushing leg in a basic rumba walk that occurs when you push forward to the new leg?

[chica latina]

Chocolatchica, if you have small feet I would not recommend 3.5 heel. Most of the competitors wear 3" but many can get away with 2.5". I guess it depends on your legs & ankles. I was always told to practice in the shoes you will be dancing in. Some things may feel more difficult to execute in the higher heels but when you get it, it will look so much nicer... I dont think you have to relearn it, you understand the movement now... so you just need to work so it can happen even in high heels. Good luck

[chocolatchica]

Chocolatchica, if you have small feet I would not recommend 3.5 heel. Most of the competitors wear 3" but many can get away with 2.5". I guess it depends on your legs & ankles. I was always told to practice in the shoes you will be dancing in. Some things may feel more difficult to execute in the higher heels but when you get it, it will look so much nicer... I dont think you have to relearn it, you understand the movement now... so you just need to work so it can happen even in high heels. Good luck
Thanks so much!

[chocolatchica]

Okay, let's see if I've got all the questions to answer now....

As for practicing in heels, if you are competing, I would say definitely yes you should practice in the same heel height you are competing in. I normally work in my heels for everything but memorizing choreography or working/changing technique without body movement (i.e. like jive basics), etc.

I wear 2 1/2" heels because I have a foot injury and flat feet (my feet do not like heels!). I think I get away pretty well with 2 1/2" because my leg lines are still pretty good with the lower heels.

Okay, I think I may understand what you're talking about with the "lifting" of your hip. It's not a term that I've heard used before, but are you refering to the "lift" in the "pushing" hip that you see on say a side basic chasse in cha-cha on the 1 count? Or the "lift" and turn out of the pushing leg in a basic rumba walk that occurs when you push forward to the new leg?
Yes I think you know what I'm talking about. I think I need to put the dance sneaker away for a while and give them a rest for a while. Thanks. I tried the 2.5 inch heel but my instructor told me to try to steer awat form those because I am a little on the short side and she said it makes everything look better. Thanks for the input. Goodbye sneakers, hello heels!:D

[latingal]

Good luck chocolatchica! Sounds like you are good to go....

One clarification so I don't leave anything hanging out there unfinished. If I did identify what you were to referring to as "lift" in your hip correctly, I prefer not to think of it so much as a "lift" because that gives the impression that the main motivator of that movement are muscles in the torso. I think of it more as the result of the correct transfer of your weight from, and the pushing off of the ball/turning out of the foot of the pushing leg. You do end up shortening one side of your torso, it's just I prefer not to think of it as "lifting" the hip, but instead as a resulting action from "pushing" from the leg correctly.

Again best of luck to you!

[chocolatchica]

Good luck chocolatchica! Sounds like you are good to go....

One clarification so I don't leave anything hanging out there unfinished. If I did identify what you were to referring to as "lift" in your hip correctly, I prefer not to think of it so much as a "lift" because that gives the impression that the main motivator of that movement are muscles in the torso. I think of it more as the result of the correct transfer of your weight from, and the pushing off of the ball/turning out of the foot of the pushing leg. You do end up shortening one side of your torso, it's just I prefer not to think of it as "lifting" the hip, but instead as a resulting action from "pushing" from the leg correctly.

Again best of luck to you!
Yes I tota;;y understand. Sorry about that. Thats just how t was explained to me. Guess it helps with the muscle action more thinking of it that way and it gives a better look. Thanks! and thanks to everyone for their input