Help, salseras - shoes, stockings, and other fun things.

[mellody43]

Hey! =)

This is embarrassing.
:oops:

I wear open toed dance shoes and stockings ... Any runs I get start there -- usually when I get stepped on! So two questions:

1) Did you go from open toed to closed toe shoes -- and do you love it? Should I make my next pair of shoes closed toe? I figure I can start the transition to stockingless here...

2) I have always worn stockings with skirts/dresses but find that I'm getting SO hot lately for some reason (not 'change of life yet', I'm only 32! :lol: ) -- I do not have nice legs though and sheer black stockings really look better than bare legs on me.... I also look much better in skirts/dresses than in pants (though I know there are tons of great dancing pants out there). What are your tips for staying cooler sans stockings when you wear skirts/dresses? Do you wear some sort of bike-type shorts underneath? As a curvy gal, going stockingless just seems uncomfortable :evil: And how do you make your legs look club-worthy (other than some self-tanner?!)

Thanks for any tips. I feel like an idiot. LOL!

Melissa

[pygmalion]

Hi mellody43. Long time,no see. Glad you're back. I know what you meanabout that internal heat. Don't think it's that time of life for ne, either. (At least , I would hope not LOL).

I'll have to check the brand when I go to SteinMart Tuesday. There is a line of underwear out there that basically does everything stockings do, but no stockings. For example, they have a hip-slimmer that's like control top stockings, only no legs. They have an anti-cellulite firming foundation. And a couple more (a tummy trimmer, I think?) I'll check on this.

I have a ton of dance shoes, and most of them are closed-toed. You won't have that sexy, strappy salsa diva look, but, your toes will be better protected. And you can wear reinforced toe hose (I KNOW Hanes makes those) which prevent runs. The sheer toed hose still run, even in closed-toe shoes. I think it has to do with your toes sliding forward and banging into the front of the toe box.

[mellody43]

Hey there! =)

LOL - anticellulite. Darn marketers. It's GENETIC, people! ;-}

Yeah I figured some undergarment thing like that would work - I used to have one and actually found it was still hot, but it's worth a shot ... I swear, I see people dancing who just DO NOT SWEAT. Are they human? Sheesh.

Usually I take breaks because I'm hot, not because I'm tired. It's frustrating.

Do you think just having the hip/butt/top thigh covered with something heavier than stockings is cooler than having a sheer stocking over the whole leg?

Thanks, as always ...
Melissa

[peachexploration]

Mellody43, most stores have toeless stockings that would probably work for you. :)

[salsachinita]

After last night, I remember why I went open toes in the first place :x !

For years, I used to wear ballroom chorus shoes (not unlike flamenco dancer's) with pantyhose ('stocking' as Melissa mentioned I presume). Not only did I use to get hot, I also got really sore toes!

In recent years I've discovered danceable street shoes (open toes!) which I go bare legged in them. I've never looked back.

I wore my chorus shoes out for the first time in two years. Boy, did I regret it :roll: !

[mellody43]

Salsachinita - sounds like your closed toe shoes didn't fit right! eek! sounds very uncomfortable.

[borikensalsero]

Sorry to butt in the ladies conversation, but I wish I could wear skirts as a male. I would wear one every day out dancing. It just looks like you can keep so much more cooler in them than you can in a pair of slacks. Ahhhhhhhh.... I can't wait for halloween. :P

[Genesius Redux]

Sorry to butt in the ladies conversation, but I wish I could wear skirts as a male. I would wear one every day out dancing. It just looks like you can keep so much more cooler in them than you can in a pair of slacks. Ahhhhhhhh.... I can't wait for halloween. :P

Oh, Boriken, the joys of being an actor! I love performing in drag! And I can walk in 3 inch heels. The first time I ever performed in drag, though, I had to shave my legs--and it bloody well itches! Yuk!

The girls who worked at the spa where I had been going for massage all wanted to wax my legs--but no way. Beauty ain't worth it. So on the whole, I think I'd make a pretty lousy girl.

[peachexploration]

Ahhhhhhhh.... I can't wait for halloween. :P

Ohh, I wanna see that!! Don't forget to shave your legs. :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

[peachexploration]

.... And I can walk in 3 inch heels. ...
I'm a girl still can't walk in 3 inch heels. I'm jealous. :lol: :lol: 8)

[pygmalion]

Sorry to butt in the ladies conversation, but I wish I could wear skirts as a male. I would wear one every day out dancing. It just looks like you can keep so much more cooler in them than you can in a pair of slacks. Ahhhhhhhh.... I can't wait for halloween. :P

Oh, Boriken, the joys of being an actor! I love performing in drag! And I can walk in 3 inch heels. The first time I ever performed in drag, though, I had to shave my legs--and it bloody well itches! Yuk!

The girls who worked at the spa where I had been going for massage all wanted to wax my legs--but no way. Beauty ain't worth it. So on the whole, I think I'd make a pretty lousy girl.

Um. It's not the shaving that itches. It's the NOT shaving. If you make a habit of shaving (i.e. shave daily) you never get enough stubble for a serious itch-fest. And you're right, sometimes it's a drag (no pun intended LOL) being a girl. There are compensations, though. I'm not telling what they are. All the girly-girls out there already know. :wink: :lol: LOL.

And as far as waxing? :shock: Just say no. :roll:

[pygmalion]

Oh yeah, and just to get myself back on-topic.

My idea for coolest salsa outfit. Something with a swirly skirt, no hose, strappy shoes, and dance trunks underneath the skirt. The swirly skirt makes cool breezes every time you spin. :wink:

[peachexploration]

..... I'm not telling what they are. All the girly-girls out there already know. :wink: :lol: LOL.....Muhahahaha :twisted:

[peachexploration]

Hey! =)

This is embarrassing.
:oops:

I wear open toed dance shoes and stockings ... Any runs I get start there -- usually when I get stepped on! So two questions:

1) Did you go from open toed to closed toe shoes -- and do you love it? Should I make my next pair of shoes closed toe? I figure I can start the transition to stockingless here...

2) I have always worn stockings with skirts/dresses but find that I'm getting SO hot lately for some reason (not 'change of life yet', I'm only 32! :lol: ) -- I do not have nice legs though and sheer black stockings really look better than bare legs on me.... I also look much better in skirts/dresses than in pants (though I know there are tons of great dancing pants out there). What are your tips for staying cooler sans stockings when you wear skirts/dresses? Do you wear some sort of bike-type shorts underneath? As a curvy gal, going stockingless just seems uncomfortable :evil: And how do you make your legs look club-worthy (other than some self-tanner?!)


Thanks for any tips. I feel like an idiot. LOL!

Melissa

Mellody43, try w w w.danceshopper.com
Some good ideas and very nice items (pants and skirts) you may like it if you do/don't want to go the stockings route.
:D

[pygmalion]

The thing is, if you're self conscious about the appearance of your legs, hose (stockings, pantyhose, tights depending on where you live) do help give the old confidence a boost.

[borikensalsero]

Actors get to have all the fun, that's not fair :cry: I can't even walk in dance shoes, I can't imagine what it will be like in 3'' heels.

I used to shave my legs as a young buck looking to show some muscles. :lol: God, the first time I did it, it was hell. It hurt, it itched, the hair grew back twice as thick. OMG, what in the world made me shave...

I didn't learn from the face, I had to go and do the legs too. MISTAKE! God, that I do not envy from you ladies. I actually feel bad for you.

[danceguy]

Hmm, guys shaving their legs and wearing skirts...maybe I don't want to go to NY to check out the dance scene! :shock:

About the only part of my body that is worth showing off is my legs...I get compliments on them all the time...now if I could just get my upper body to match...:oops:

I must admit, I have never worn high heels, and don't plan to anytime soon! I do recall having a pair of platform shoes in the late 70's...along with my bellbottoms of course. ;)

SG

[Sarah]

Sorry to butt in the ladies conversation, but I wish I could wear skirts as a male. I would wear one every day out dancing. It just looks like you can keep so much more cooler in them than you can in a pair of slacks. Ahhhhhhhh.... I can't wait for halloween. :P

Why wait? Utilikilts! The new dance floor sensation?


Cheers
Sarah

[borikensalsero]

Sorry to butt in the ladies conversation, but I wish I could wear skirts as a male. I would wear one every day out dancing. It just looks like you can keep so much more cooler in them than you can in a pair of slacks. Ahhhhhhhh.... I can't wait for halloween. :P

Why wait? Utilikilts! The new dance floor sensation?


Cheers
Sarah

lolol.. being here in NY City, I'd be laughed at more wearing an utilkilt than a skirt....

[MacMoto]

Boriken, you should move to Scotland! :lol: :lol:

See:
http://www.salsaholics.co.uk/SalsaBall/20040207/index.html
I love watching guys in kilts dancing salsa!

[Sarah]

Boriken, you should move to Scotland! :lol: :lol:

See:
http://www.salsaholics.co.uk/SalsaBall/20040207/index.html
I love watching guys in kilts dancing salsa!

guys <tick>
in kilts <tick>
dancing salsa <tick>

MMMmmmmmmme too. :D :oops: :D

Cheers
Sarah

[cocodrilo]

I HATE wearing stockings, which is the main reason I dance (latin dance) in pants. If I'm breaking in a new pair of shoes, I wear knee-highs until I get them all sweated in and stretched out & comfy. Recently I've been wearing them all the time as they seem to be preventing me from getting blisters, thus saving me money on moleskin! I wear only open-toe latin dance shoes or Bloch jazz dance shoes. I only very occasionally dance in a dress and when doing so, am constantly worried about running my stockings. (When I'm tanned in the summer, I go bare-legged). I have about 20 pair of dance pants which are in lovely synthetic fabrics that breathe, dry off amazingly fast when I soak them in sweat, and don't show sweat marks as I like to wear black. I think every dancer has different styles and different levels of comfort, and should wear what they feel most confident & comfortable in.
Guys, PLEEZ refrain from shaving those legs!!!!!! :lol:

[SDsalsaguy]

Guys, PLEEZ refrain from shaving those legs!!!!!! :lol:
Rest assured cocodrilo, I hadn't even considered it! :lol:

[cocodrilo]

But I'm sure you've had the ITCH to try on fishnet stockings, or to pilfer through the garment bag of one of your partners?! :lol:

[SDsalsaguy]

Can't say as I have... :?

[Genesius Redux]

But I'm sure you've had the ITCH to try on fishnet stockings, or to pilfer through the garment bag of one of your partners?! :lol:

:lol: Just the opposite, cocodrilo--SOs, women friends, partners, are always going through my makeup kit--have lost some very nice brushes to marauding ladies! :lol:

[mellody43]

Jenn's onto me. I hate my legs -- I don't wear swishy skirts -- I might wear a skirt that has a ruffled bottom for movement, or a dress with an interesting tango-like gathering for accent but anything that is going to swing up -- EEP! Forget it! I'm thrilled to have dropped 20 lbs of late but honestly, my tuckus is not ready for that kind of exposure! LOL!

=)
Melissa

[mellody43]

Boriken, if you wore a Utilikilt here in Seattle, you'd blend in quite nicely. ;-)

[mellody43]

PEachexploration: holy smokes. Danceshopper.com is amazing.

I'll have to win the lottery before I shop there though! LOL!

[peachexploration]

PEachexploration: holy smokes. Danceshopper.com is amazing.

I'll have to win the lottery before I shop there though! LOL!

Yeah, it's a little pricy but at least you can use it for inspiration when you go shopping at other stores or be on the lookout for sales at that site. :wink:

[pygmalion]

Jenn's onto me. I hate my legs -- I don't wear swishy skirts -- I might wear a skirt that has a ruffled bottom for movement, or a dress with an interesting tango-like gathering for accent but anything that is going to swing up -- EEP! Forget it! I'm thrilled to have dropped 20 lbs of late but honestly, my tuckus is not ready for that kind of exposure! LOL!

=)
Melissa

LOL! Don't worry about it. You'd be surprised how many guys like a chunky tuckus. :wink: :lol: and even if they don't, who cares? You deserve to enjoy the dancing, chunks or not.

Let me tell you what my beloved former dance teacher and friend told me: "Real men love women with lumps and bumps. The more lumps and bumps, the more of you there is to love." Now that's a man! :wink: 8)

Enjoy your dancing. :D

[mellody43]

*LOL*! Jenn you crack me up. I feel better -- though still not convinced I'm ready to bare my legs, even under a long skirt. :shock:

Talk about "shock and awe".

Melissa

[redhead]

Ladies... Good news! Leggs now makes toeless hose with lace panty instead of control top - so when you put your dance trunks over it, it's just like sheer to waist... they're so thin, I never got hot (I never sweat though), legs look like a million bucks and those things survive about 7 nights out without a run! Try them!
Or, how about fishnets? They let your legs breath...

[redhead]

I LOVE skirts. Guys should be jealous :D The only thing is - never, ever wear a twirly skirt without some kind of stockings; watching even the fittest girls dance with bare legs, you can see some.. hmmm... giggling, and dance trunks won't help. But if your skirt will not rise for sure - go for it!

[peachexploration]

I LOVE skirts. Guys should be jealous :D The only thing is - never, ever wear a twirly skirt without some kind of stockings; watching even the fittest girls dance with bare legs, you can see some.. hmmm... giggling, and dance trunks won't help. But if your skirt will not rise for sure - go for it!

I agree RH. Twirly skirts are dangerous. :twisted: Straight skirts are better. Symetrical variations or strictly A-Line.

[mellody43]

Hi redhead! I haven't seen the toeless L'eggs yet but suppose those in a nude color rather than black would be good.

I had a pair of these a few years ago and think I might revisit the idea:

Please search: spanx power panties


**Edited by BorikenSalsero, commercial link removed**

[peachexploration]

Hi redhead! I haven't seen the toeless L'eggs yet but suppose those in a nude color rather than black would be good.



Try a search on: Hanes Silk Reflections Beyond Bare Toeless, Control Top Pantyhose

This is the Hanes brand but I'm sure L'eggs is listed on this site as well. :D



**Edited by BorikenSalsero, Commercial link removed.**

[peachexploration]

Hi redhead! I haven't seen the toeless L'eggs yet but suppose those in a nude color rather than black would be good.



Try a search on: Hanes Silk Reflections Beyond Bare Toeless, Control Top Pantyhose

This is the Hanes brand but I'm sure L'eggs is listed on this site as well. :D



**Edited by BorikenSalsero, Commercial link removed.**

Thanks Boriken. Sorry, forgot about the non-commercial links rule.

[mellody43]

That's odd -- there are two other commercial links in this thread that didn't get edited. ?

[borikensalsero]

That's odd -- there are two other commercial links in this thread that didn't get edited. ?

I haven't caught them yet... Sorry, but I have to get cracking on the commerical links, have to follow the guidelines.

[redhead]

Noooo! :shock: That's the point - nevr control top! Go for sheer to waist (or high-cut panty). And yes, nude (I don't even think I've seen black ones). They're new and difficult to find, I hope they don't discontinue them... I better go & buy 10 pairs tomorrow :tongue:

[SDsalsaguy]

Just to clarify for everyone, we don't even mind if you post the URL in your thread, i.e buythis.com, we just request that actual links to commercial sites only be placed in the Ads and Webs forums.

Thanks all, for helping us keep the DF focussed on quality information and free of commercial interests.

[pygmalion]

Noooo! :shock: That's the point - nevr control top! Go for sheer to waist (or high-cut panty). And yes, nude (I don't even think I've seen black ones). They're new and difficult to find, I hope they don't discontinue them... I better go & buy 10 pairs tomorrow :tongue:

Leggs transparent control brand is both sheer to waist and control top in the same stocking. 8)

[redhead]

Oh... And can you move OK with control top? Do splits and stuff? I like Victoria's secret hose because you don't really feel it on your body - but it's pricey. Leggs feel almost like that.

[mellody43]

LOL. Splits? I can't even do splits *without* pantyhose. hehe!

[Genesius Redux]

LOL. Splits? I can't even do splits *without* pantyhose. hehe!

Hey, Mellody? I just want to say I bet you have really nice legs--so don't be self-conscious! :D

Sorry to interrupt your girl talk.... :wink: [/i]

[mellody43]

LOL! :shock:

[mellody43]

Minor update:

I wore little short things under my dress and went barefoot -- HELLOOOOO BLISTER! Just one -- though I think a second one was in the works. I was a bit cooler overall.

Now my question is:
How to prevent blisters when your feet go commando?

Gracias!
Melissa

[Genesius Redux]

Hey Melissa-

Nice "new" avatar! :wink:

Believe me blisters are not just an issue that women face. The other night I went out salsa dancing and was in my rhythm shoes from 8 in the evening until well after 2 am. The next day I couldn't wear shoes at all!

But after just that one day I was fine. So I'm thinking if you can avoid wearing heels--or maybe wearing shoes at all--for the next day, you may be fine. The nice thing is that the longer you stay out and the more you drink, the more time your feet will have to heal because you'll linger abed a little longer.

And may I just register my unapologetically male approval of the bare-leg look. Skin is so much nicer than even the finest fabric! :wink:

Cheers,

Genesius

[mellody43]

If I can get my legs to stop glowing like a full moon, I will be happy. =)

I swear, I could hear werewolves howling!

[Genesius Redux]

If I can get my legs to stop glowing like a full moon, I will be happy. =)

I swear, I could hear werewolves howling!

:lol:

You sure those weren't good old fashioned wolf calls? Owwwwoooooo! :wink:

[tj]

If I can get my legs to stop glowing like a full moon, I will be happy. =)

I swear, I could hear werewolves howling!

:lol:

You sure those weren't good old fashioned wolf calls? Owwwwoooooo! :wink:

Or maybe just her sunny disposition? :wink:

[mellody43]

:shock:

LOL!

[Sagitta]

It's important that one feel good about oneself, as it shows. On a night that I am on top of the world my partners have a ball. On those nights I'm not feeling so good my partners overall reaction isn't as ecstatic. If you want to cover your legs, wear a veil as you are a Muslim....or for any other reason...go right ahead!! Often people are more consicious of their so called defects then others even notice.

I've noticed that if I count the chunky dancers and skinny ones and see which ones are better dancers I will have better chunky dancers then skinny dancers. Just a personal observation from my area.

Nice avatar mellody43! Good to see you back...it's beeen a while. :)

By the way an interesting topic. Now when the girls whom I hang out with when I go dancing start talking of runs etc I can pop them a suprise. I've already done that with dance shoes because of those dance shoe threads. They seemed a little suprised that I knew more about ladies dance shoes and the pros and cons when I never wear them. And as I'm not into shopping. :)

[mellody43]

Thanks Sagitta! :D

I'm sure nobody noticed my neon legs except me.

I know what you mean about confidence though -- sometimes you feel like your confidence cup runneth over, and other nights -- eep. That's when a few well-timed compliments can make all the difference. OR a really "on" dance with a fun partner.

[redhead]

Comfortable shoes make all the difference- make sure they're leather or satin, but not plastic, or scratchy fabric, or man-made leather... Open toe lets your feet "breath", which means you get less blisters. I've been told moleskin helps, but it doesn't stay on my feet.

[Sagitta]

Comfortable shoes make all the difference- make sure they're leather or satin, but not plastic, or scratchy fabric, or man-made leather... Open toe lets your feet "breath", which means you get less blisters. I've been told moleskin helps, but it doesn't stay on my feet.

I've used moleskin and it stays on my feet. A couple times only, though. I'll do almost anything to stop blisters forming, except stop dancing. Detest any form of illness.

[mellody43]

My shoes are by Dance-Art and I'm not sure what the inner lining is -- but I think just the minor friction of my little toe rubbing on the shoe was enough to give me the blister. Oy. Goes nicely with the other scars I bear (mostly from being stepped on!) hehe!

[cocodrilo]

Hi Mellody!
Doesn't anyone know about moleskin? It's that glorious stuff serious backpackers use when they feel a blister coming on. Simply cut a small portion to cover part that is irritated(or tends to get irritated- it prevents callousing!) and dance the night away! It has a super-adhesive backing so no matter how you sweat or sway, the patch will stay on. It's flesh-colored and you can cut it to your desired size so it is virtually unnoticeable! I have my mom send me stuff from the states(I'm in Japan!) and my stock now includes Walgreen's "Moleskin Plus" which cost $2.99 for a pack of 3 sheets((4 1/" X 3/38"). Check it out!

[MacMoto]

When it's too late for moleskin (like after my first serious salsa outing in my new shoes -- it was a particularly good night and I danced almost nonstop. Not a good idea when you shoes haven't been broken in properly... :(), I found clear gel plasters specially designed for blisters to be quite effective.

[redhead]

Mellody... it's a good idea to buy "snug" dance shoes, so next time... When I'm breaking in new dancing shoes, I always take the old pair with me - saved my feet yesterday 8) , I was only able to dance for 2.5 hours in my new shoes

[mellody43]

I've had my shoes for well over a year now -- they're definitely broken in! Perhaps they are not snug enough and that's why my left pinky toe is raw on the bottom -- ow! Nothing more tender than that new skin...

I will look into the moleskin -- thanks for that recommendation!

I am already looking forward to dancing on Friday -- it gets me through the week, I swear ...

Melissa

[cocodrilo]

I'm an 8 1/2 and I buy size 8s. (Open-toe latin). They will stretch out at least a half size. They'll create blisters at first but will stretch out in no time! :D
I haven't heard of the gel-bandages but would like to try those! I use waterproof band-aids when I dance stockingless to keep toes from rubbing together on long nights of dancing.
The good thing about moleskin is that it STICKS! No matter how much you sweat, spin or kick, it's still there!

[mellody43]

Cocodrilo -

How do you use the bandaids? Wrapped around each toe??
Thanks!
Melissa

[MacMoto]

I haven't heard of the gel-bandages but would like to try those!
Dr Scholl, Elastoplast and BandAid (and some others) all sell gel blister plasters now, so I'm sure you can get them in Japan or have them sent over. The gel is supposed to promote healing and also gives good cushioning effect. They are rather big though, so may not be suitable for small toes.

[cocodrilo]

Yes, Melissa, my sedond & third toe, when crammed into my dancing shoes, tend to get a lot of friction where the bone is & I just wrap a ban-aid(usually one will do) around one of the toes, giving it a little cushion. The waterproof band-aids stay on all night!

[salsera_alemana]

Cocodrilo,

Yes, Melissa, my sedond & third toe, when crammed into my dancing shoes, tend to get a lot of friction where the bone is & I just wrap a ban-aid(usually one will do) around one of the toes, giving it a little cushion. The waterproof band-aids stay on all night!

That does not surprise me when you buy your dance shoes 1/2 size smaller than your actual size. I did that once and it was my first and last time. I never wear those shoes because they start "killing" me after 1 hour of dancing.

Melissa,
Have you ever been to a dance club in a Latin country? Have you noticed how our (western) ideas of what is beautiful differ from what Latins find beautiful? In some clubs you see women who are definitely overweight for our standards pressed into those super short and very tight stretch dresses. And they think they look beautiful. Also, many Latin men like women better when they are not too skinny.
My point here is: Don't be over-selfconscious with your legs. Nobody is perfect, we all have our flaws. Of course, we all want to look beautiful. And it is good to dress appropriately. But try to be a bit more daring and do not overconcentrate on your legs.

Find boutiques with dance dresses and try on different styles until you discover the style that suits you best. Then go for that. I always prefer dresses when I go out dancing salsa. I find it looks sexier and brings out the dance better. Yes, pants are the fashion now and I have some, too, but I still prefer dresses.

Panty hoses: Years ago thanks to an Italian girlfriend I discovered the Italian brand "Oroblú". It is great, those panties look good, feel like your second skin and they last for quite a long time. Even when you sweat they do not really bother you. They are my favorite and the only brand I have been buying ever since. Unfortunately, I was not able to find them in the USA when living there, so I always bought a supply on my trips to Germany. Here in Germany they sell them everywhere. But just now I found them on the Internet.

Before I danced salsa + merengue, my figure was not great, either. I was not fat but had a little too much here and there and had always had a little tummy (so, no stretch dresses!). When I found Latin music, after dancing salsa and merengue for about 2 months 2 nights every weekend, I looked down on me and all extra pounds were gone, including my little tummy that I had had since I can remember. I danced a lot before (ballroom dances), did sit-ups and God knows what other exercises, but nothing helped to get rid of that tummy. I am pretty sure it was the merengue that changed my whole figure, including my legs. Those merengue movements really make you work out and especially go to your hips and legs. After a couple of months my body had a different, much more favorable shape. I could wear sexy dresses and dance outfits, which I had never dared before. By the way, now I hardly ever dance merengue anymore, but it definitely did the job.

So, the more you dance and the better you get, the better and more self-assured you will hopefully feel. And remember also: sex-appeal is not only connected to a perfect body, it has a lot to do with how good you feel on the dancefloor and how you come across to people.

[mellody43]

Salsera_alemana:

You are sweet! I hope I haven't come across as someone with very poor body image, LOL! =) I am happy with my curves and know how to work with them clothes-wise --- stretchy dresses are my friends, for the most part, as long as they 'accentuate the positives'! -- but I can get very self conscious about my host hated body part (thighs!)

Your comment about Latino men -- I had to laugh a bit. Last weekend my DJ friend at the club said he had complaints about me. I could not figure out what he meant. He said that some other regulars, who he wouldn't name (hehe) had come up to him to say that I had lost too much weight and I should put a few pounds back on.

LOL!

Thanks for the words of support!
Melissa

[pygmalion]

:kissme: to Latin men for that very reason. It's so funny you should mention it. I was at the doctor's office yesterday, and just happened to be the only non-Latin person in the room. Oh, the generous hips and thighs! And the obviously positive body images those women had. 8) :D Having a typical American-girl body image is not all it's cracked up to be. :?

[mellody43]

Hey Pygmalion! =)

I wanted my friend to tell me which guys they were and go smooch them. He almost didn't want to tell me because it's sort of weird saying "hey you lost weight" -- never know whether people will take it as a compliment or get offended!

I wish you could come dancing with me! =)

Melissa

[pygmalion]

:bouncy: That would be a blast! :D

[mellody43]

:cry: Could we BE farther away from each other? LOL! Diagonally across the whole US. hehe.

Melissa

[pygmalion]

Yeah. It does look unlikely we'll bump into each other anytime soon. :( Although you never know. Stranger things have happened. (Hopeful smiley here :) )

[mellody43]

You're right Jenn ... odder things have definitely happened.

But you could recognize me from my avatar -- how would I know you? :wink:

[cocodrilo]

salsera_alemana-
You're SUPPOSED TO buy shoes 1/2 size smaller than your street size! This is even recommended by the shoe manufacturers(Supadance, Elegance, Capezio, etc). All of my shoes have stretched out and fit perfectly! However, when I'm wearing them for a 7-hour stretch, hard dancing DOES cause my bony toes to rub! (Everyone has their sore spots!) :?

I know a dance instructor who just took orders for dance shoes for his students, not warning them about sizing and after 6 months of moderate dancing, most of the shoes became too big for the girls! (My friend has taken to wear SOCKS with her satin open-toe latin shoes!!!!UGH!!!) :roll:

[pygmalion]

You're right Jenn ... odder things have definitely happened.

But you could recognize me from my avatar -- how would I know you? :wink:

:kissme:

[Genesius Redux]

I know a dance instructor who just took orders for dance shoes for his students, not warning them about sizing and after 6 months of moderate dancing, most of the shoes became too big for the girls! (My friend has taken to wear SOCKS with her satin open-toe latin shoes!!!!UGH!!!) :roll:

:lol: :lol: :lol:

That's gotta work wonders for the sexy salsera look!

For men's shoes, I've found that the size really varies on the manufacturer and sometimes the style. So I may wear a 7 1/2 in Latin, but an 8 1/2 in a ballroom shoe made by the same manufacturer. Also you have to look at the different widths.

Just a question for Coco--when you wrap your toes in bandaides do you ever wear those white ones with all the clowns and stuff that they make for children? There could be some new fashions in the salsa world--satin shoes and bobbie sox and toes wrapped in colorful bandages! :lol:

[cocodrilo]

You're right about different sizing for different makers. I ordered my jazz shoes "close to street shoe size"...I always order on the net, where the companies list their recommendations.

No, I don't like the colorful bandaids, ha ha :lol: but go for the waterproof ones that really stay on! My feet look flashy enough with silver/gold or leopardskin print so the clowns would be too much :lol:

[Genesius Redux]

My feet look flashy enough with silver/gold or leopardskin print so the clowns would be too much :lol:

Blue spotlight please.

Pause. Looking up slowly.

"Isn't it...rich?
Are we...a paiiiir?...
You with your feet on the ground,
Me iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiin mid aiiiiiiir."

Big pause. A breath, suspended. Then, softly:

"Send in the clowns."

Looking around, puzzled. Pause.

"Where are..."

Pause, then with great sincerity:

"...the clowns?"

:wink: