How does your dance training "spill into" everyday

[Pacion]

I did ballet years ago, for a number of years, and part of the training involved working in groups/choreography and one side had "right of way" over the other side (I have forgotten now) and therefore passed in front of the other person, that you had to keep an eye out so that you didn't clash etc etc.

I find that when I am walking and there are people close, I start "counting them in" or checking their "timing" :lol: so that I can change direction without completely slowing down or having to stop to let them pass.

I am also into a book at the moment, and therefore, when I get off my train, I continue reading whilst walking out of the station (across the platforms, up esculators, across the station concourse, up more esculators etc etc). Yesterday when I was doing this, I realised that I was walking in a pretty straight line even though I was walking at a very rapid pace!

I think, the dance training plays a big role in this. Has anyone else experienced this or similar things that you think, if it wasn't for the training, your movements/things you do may be different?

[Ms_Sunlight]

Maybe I'm up myself here, but after a few months of salsa I'm finding I have better balance and reaction time. For example, if someone steps out in front of me in a busy place, like the shopping centre, I find myself smoothly sliding out of the way, my weight over my feet the whole time :D

[mamboqueen]

I sit up straighter.

I'm also prone to start doing spins in the middle of weird places...like the beach, grocery store, etc. And I'm not really thinking about it ahead of time.

[tsb]

i've noticed that whenever circumstances prompt me to turn sideways while moving i now do grapevine footwork w/o moving my upper body and continue to move forward.

[macha]

The people who used to call me a dork because I moved around things like I moved around a horse in a showmanship at halter class have once again begun to call me a dork for the way I move around people and objects. It's not walking around- it's a grapevine, or a turn, or, when nobody's looking a spin, etc.

If you're "hooked" on something, it's everywhere and all over. It's great now that I have dance AND horse showing inside my head. I actually have posture now sometimes, I definitely have better balance, I hold my muscles and everything differently, and I move through crowds more easily.

Still, a comment comes back that I heard awhile back "Well, for a big old gal, she moves all right. If she were skinnier, she'd be purdy." That doesn't make me want to slit my wrists anymore, it makes my thinking conflicted. It makes me A- want to either be that much better, or B- stay completely out of the sight of uneducated morons. A's the only option, as... well... this planet has how many billion people, and how many of them do you REALLY think have a mental capacity broader than that of a camel? The last time I heard it, from the same guy, I just laughed gaily and fluttered back "I'd be more worried about my personality than my weight! Combined, they may be worse than you're bargaining for!"

[DWise1]

It first started with opening a "pull" store door by forming connection and rock-stepping back to lead it into opening. But then I also started doing that a few decades back to practice my Aikido.

And I'm rarely caught flat-footed anymore when suddenly face-to-face with somebody else coming around a corner or through a doorway, but will either step back immediately or sideways. It's not just the footwork, I think, but also the training in reacting to changing situations on the dance floor. Ever see that Richard Prior routine on cable way back? He showed why blacks never get bitten by rattlesnakes. First he plays a white guy clomping along and standing flat-footed when he notices the snake and, of course, he gets bit. Then as a black, he's stuttin' along and when he notices the snake -- even before he does, actually -- he does a little jump variation in his step to avoid it, then looks back trying figure out what that was. It's kind of like that, you know?

And now that you mention it, I have been using grapevines to slip past people in the way, though again I've been doing something similar to it for a few decades because of my Aikido training. Though sometimes if it's too crowded, I find myself doing a 360 turn in my "line of dance" as I slip by them. Without thinking about it.

On a slightly different tack, if I'm not dancing and trying to cross a dance floor while others are dancing (necessary in our Lindy class, since the floor completely blocks the way between the front door and the waiting area in back), I find that I need to start dancing as well so that I can match my rhythm with theirs, holding back while they're in my way and then slipping through when they move out of my way. Though I'm sure that works better in some dances than in others.

[DWise1]

And today I noticed that I do a lock-step when I push a door open.

[macha]

We tango down the aisles of Kroger when nobody's around. Sometimes we wait until it's quite late to go, just so nobody will be around :oops:

[ChaChaLicious]

i have a habit of doing cha cha lock steps when i walk into my building if there isnt anyone there... its a long straight hallway with mirrors. its weird. or sometimes, when im alone in my elevator, since its so slow, i go over my routines with the timing, and the steps.. i dont jump around or anything, i make suttle moves here and there, but i go over it no matter what... its fun.. My boyfriend thinks im crazy... and all i reply to him is.. "im not crazy, im just a dance".. :)

[Sabor]

i moonwalk to work everyday

[Pacion]

i moonwalk to work everyday

:roll: I tried so hard not to laugh





:nope: :lol:

[Sabor]

:eyebrow: .. try harder next time! this is unacceptable! :evil:


:mrgreen:

[Pacion]

:lol:

[lynn]

hmm, i've been getting more injuries since i started dancing - but that's just b/c i'm super clumsy... :tongue: :mrgreen:

[Milonguita]

My partner and I were told we look nice when dancing together by somebody's whose opinion meant a lot, but since we can't see ourselves on the floor, we tend to stop and dance a few steps in front of every large mirror in a clotheing store. It's pretty funny for the shop assistants...

I also sometimes slide my foot backward surreptitiously as I stand in line or wait to cross the street...

[Swingolder]

A coworker here in my office this summer had taken like 10 years of dance. One day someone walked in and asked if she danced because of the way she sat up so straight in her chair.

[leftfeetnyc]

When I was kickboxing regularly, I would count punch and kick combinations as dance counts. I'm not doing that so much but still got a laugh from it.

I now work in a 2000+ company in a 70 person group. We work ridiculous hours, most of them spent hunched over a computer. People in my group constantly comment on my good posture.

Also, my walking has slowed down from it's normal NYC clip and is now much sultrier and sexier than before.

Recent frustration at my competition results as well as a long talk about drive and willpower with my coach have led me to start picking out little things that I can work on throughout the day. I have a habit of breaking frame, so today's item is to keep my lats engaged as I go about my day. I feel like I need a rubberband on my wrist to remind me. Tomorrow I spend the day working on pushing off my standing foot. Since I tend to go into social dance with a have fun attitude and don't bring what I'm learning to that venue, I'm finding my work days a better time to enforce muscle memory and workout some kinks.

[tacad]

Also, my walking has slowed down from it's normal NYC clip and is now much sultrier and sexier than before.

I'm getting a picture of Jessica Rabbit.

[leftfeetnyc]

Not quite there yet, but it is a noticable change.

[Sabor]

i undergo an unvoluntary epileptic shine attack every 12 hrs..

[macha]

Shinilepsy? Yeah, I think I need a twinklectomy.

[lynn]

hmm, got caught several times in the office balcony doing natural turns - hey, a girl's gotta practice her turns!

[Medira]

I work on my ankle and foot strength at my desk during the day by rolling a racquetball around the floor with my foot. I never leave the house in the morning without a pair of dance shoes. (I commute two hours to get to work every day, so at the end of the day, I go straight to the dance studio instead of going home first.) Erm...my daily calendar that's hanging on my desk has all of my dance times on it: privates, groups and socials and all of the pictures around the desk are of friends from studios and fun performance moments. :D I find it really easy to evade people in crowded hallway situations, my reaction time is better and my balance has greatly improved. It's fabulous! :)

[StormieGrl12005]

dont feel bad we all do it. i did ballet for 8 years and after that and to this day ballroomit cant be helped but its also a wonderful thing. we can manuver through crowds that most people cant and with grace. :D

[DWise1]

The other night after WCS lesson at a local lounge & meat market (Atrium Club, for the benefit of any OC'ers), my partner and I both needed to traverse the room to use the rest rooms. I took the lead and worked my way through the crowd with her right behind me. I thought, for when I arrived at the other side and looked back for her she was only about half-way across.

But then I didn't think to ask whether she had been delayed by guys trying to pick her up along the way. The girls I've talked to describe it as a predator-rich environment, but it's the only place she's able to schedule WCS classes.

[fascination]

OMG where does one even begin????

constantly doing calf raises and stacking my body properly while standing still, especially in line at grocery store and while standing at church

all wardrobe choices are now made based upon dancability and the degree to which they show sweat


rarely wear jewelry and almost always have hair up

have at least 3 pr of dance shoes in car and often wear dance sneakers just in case

always take dance shoes in at the gym to practice on the aerobic floor before and after workout...

schedule my work day around the hours that the studio is open

dont' have enough time to elaborate further

[dancersdreamland]

A coworker here in my office this summer had taken like 10 years of dance. One day someone walked in and asked if she danced because of the way she sat up so straight in her chair.

I wish my dance training would carry into my everyday life in this way. My chiropractor is continually scolding me for my poor posture. I try really hard, and it has improved, but it's just not there yet.

[Sagitta]

A coworker here in my office this summer had taken like 10 years of dance. One day someone walked in and asked if she danced because of the way she sat up so straight in her chair.

I wish my dance training would carry into my everyday life in this way. My chiropractor is continually scolding me for my poor posture. I try really hard, and it has improved, but it's just not there yet. Actually pilates has helped me more with posture then dance. Perhaps it is because I do salsa...

[Medira]

It's amazing how much ballroom has improved my posture and erased my back pain. My back is still broken and I'm still going to need spinal surgery, but the necessity of the posture for the frame, combined with the weight I've lost due to the activity has rendered me free of back pain since about May now. I can't wait until my next specialist appointment to see what he says about when I'm going to need to go under the knife. (It's a quarterly evaluation on the state of my spine)

[lynn]

Good luck Medira!

Hmm, i just spent 1/2 of the morning on the balcony practice my not very natural natural turn and my very awkward reverse turn...

[Zaratustra shaking it]

Im used to walk very fast and now that I dance I move smoothly and make funny jumps and turns to dodge people. Or if someone is gonna crash on me I can grab him and hold my position (?)

[chandra]

Spin constantly. Every time there is a good floor.

I was told recently that I was slouching when dancing by a pro ( i thought I had really straight posture) So now I constantly try to stand up straight, shoulders back etc.

mainly spinning alot actually... :)

[Rosa]

My posture has improved (due mainly to the efforts of one particular teacher who not only realised that that was what I needed, but who cared enough to work intensively with me on it.)

I now walk with my head held high.

Also, I sometimes break into a few steps in the supermarket, if any even vaguely Latin-style music comes on over the PA. :oops: :roll:

Rosa :)

[akiha]

Posture is a big one, gotten complimented on that a few times.

But one thing I noticed recently was the ability to naturally read body language and anticipate a person's movements. For instance, in a grocery store I can go right next to a person with no room to spare when I know they're not going to move. Other times I know they'll turn just as I pass them so I'll leave just enough room when I maneuver around them. Gotten some weird looks for that one. Happen to anyone else?

[fascination]

how DOESNT IT ? :lol:

lets see...won't cut hair even though it looks awful so that I can get it into a bun....tanning through OSB...all food is about being fit... all workouts about what needs to be tone for the dancefloor...the daily schedule revolves around DF, practice time, classes and privates....the wardrobe is about danciability and non visible sweat stains and the make up is all "long wearing"....all money is lesson money :roll: :roll: :roll: :roll:

[HM]

What is about rearranging your furniture to create more danceable space for practise purposes 8)

[fascination]

What is about rearranging your furniture to create more danceable space for practise purposes 8)oh yeah...the downstairs is arranged to allow for rectangular line of dance...all rugs that we used to own are up off of all floors and all three cars are sitting OUTSIDE of the 3-car garage so that I can practice in there too :oops:

[PiPod]

I'm probably not as accomplished as the rest of you when it comes to dancing but I've noticed that my everyday life and dance routines have been merging as of late. While dancing I find myself doing everyday things, for instance I'll work the motions of ironing clothes into on of my moves. Strange-I know.

[SDsalsaguy]

Welcome to the ranks of active posters PiPod!!! :cheers:

[DWise1]

When I got my flu shot yesterday and she asked which arm I wanted it in, my first thought was where my partner's hands would be in dance class that night.

I took it in the left arm. Good thing, too, because one partner whacked me in the right arm where she thought I'd gotten the shot.

[socalswing]

With dance partners like that, who needs enemies?

I find it hard to avoid doing *something* to catch a break in a song, be a song at the grocery store, in a restaurant, etc.

[mamboqueen]

Good thing, too, because one partner whacked me in the right arm where she thought I'd gotten the shot.

This makes me chuckle, because I recently whacked someone in the arm because I thought something was funny -- completely forgetting this person was recovering from an injury. Not once, but twice. We then switched seats.

Good for you getting the flu shot, though. I think I might do it this time around myself. Now I have to figure out which arm....

[skwiggy]

I grew an inch. :shock:

I'm WAY past the age when I thought I would be getting any taller. My mother is convinced it's from all the work I do on my posture for dancing. When the doctor measured me a couple of months ago, I told her that she did it wrong and made her do it again. But she confirmed, I actually grew an entire inch.

[Katarzyna]

wow, that's great.. I would love an inch too... :) good for you.

[SDsalsaguy]

I grew an inch. :shock:

I'm WAY past the age when I thought I would be getting any taller. My mother is convinced it's from all the work I do on my posture for dancing. When the doctor measured me a couple of months ago, I told her that she did it wrong and made her do it again. But she confirmed, I actually grew an entire inch.
Wow, that's cool!!! 8) 8) 8)

[mamboqueen]

That happened to me, too! I think it's just because I probably wasn't standing straight and tall before dancing/pilates. It's helpful, because if my grandmother is an indicator, I'll be shrinking over the next 30 or so years!

[Ms_Sunlight]

I've lost some weight, and my tone and posture's a little better. In fact, I've had to get rid of a load of my clothes because they just don't fit any more, I've dropped a couple of dress sizes.

The weird thing is though, I will sometimes find myself doing inadvertant footwork. Like, I'll step out of someone's way and then continue and complete a progressive step or something. I suppose it's in the muscle memory now!

[fascination]

I've lost some weight, and my tone and posture's a little better. In fact, I've had to get rid of a load of my clothes because they just don't fit any more, I've dropped a couple of dress sizes.

The weird thing is though, I will sometimes find myself doing inadvertant footwork. Like, I'll step out of someone's way and then continue and complete a progressive step or something. I suppose it's in the muscle memory now!yep ....for me two pant sizes in two monbths and I was fit to begin with...working out five days a week...am always doing some doggone dancey thing too,.....and now that all my clothes are falling off I dont have any money to replace them b/c I blew it all on ballgowns and lessons :roll: look like a little ragamuffin :roll:

[mamboqueen]

ditto. I just had someone comment about my getting too thin. Ugh. (And she's floating around here somewhere...) shhh....

[fascination]

ditto. I just had someone comment about my getting too thin. Ugh. (And she's floating around here somewhere...) shhh....great though isnt it??? am loving it 10 more and I'll be ecstatic

[mamboqueen]

10 more and I'm afraid I'll be a skeleton for Halloween. My bones are too small.

[fascination]

10 more and I'm afraid I'll be a skeleton for Halloween. My bones are too small.good for you...i've still got ten extra, but I don't want to lose the twins ya know? when they're real and you're losing, you never know when they'll be next in line and i've grown rather fond of them not to mention DH's attachment...and I hate to not be able to post on the looking at cleavage thread anymore...plus my bachelor friends tell me that while the fake ones are nice to look at they aren't so much fun when the clothes come off....now ladies who have made that investment, that is just the opinion of the bachelors that I know...okay?

[mamboqueen]

Well, you'll excuse my cynicism....but I bet when they're confronted with the fake ones, they don't turn and run *LOL*

[fascination]

Well, you'll excuse my cynicism....but I bet when they're confronted with the fake ones, they don't turn and run *LOL*well no but they don't play as well...from what I've heard...nuf said

[Sagitta]

Well, you'll excuse my cynicism....but I bet when they're confronted with the fake ones, they don't turn and run *LOL*well no but they don't play as well...from what I've heard...nuf said Good to know..so I won't be swayed. haven't experienced any fake ones yet, personally, you know...

[DWise1]

10 more and I'm afraid I'll be a skeleton for Halloween. My bones are too small.good for you...i've still got ten extra, but I don't want to lose the twins ya know? when they're real and you're losing, you never know when they'll be next in line and i've grown rather fond of them not to mention DH's attachment...and I hate to not be able to post on the looking at cleavage thread anymore...plus my bachelor friends tell me that while the fake ones are nice to look at they aren't so much fun when the clothes come off....now ladies who have made that investment, that is just the opinion of the bachelors that I know...okay?

Steve Martin & S.J.Parker in LA Story, love scene in the dark so we only hear their voices (quoting from memory):
Sarah: "What's wrong?"
Steve: "I don't know. They feel strange."
Sarah: "Oh, that's because they're real."
Steve: "Oh?" (pensively, as if trying to comprehend the idea that real ones could even exist)


No opinion. No personal experience with store-boughts. Can't understand why they're so popular.

[Katarzyna]

Sarah: "Oh, that's because they're real."
Steve: "Oh?" (pensively, as if trying to comprehend the idea that real ones could even exist)
surprise surprise.. :)

[fascination]

[. Can't understand why they're so popular.because they stay put...like when you roll to one side....and because you can go bra-less...Most of the women at my gym have them...though it was painful and they have to eventually be replaced...they look good but I have felt them (when one of the girls got them new and was showing off) and I thought it was kinda odd...IMO...but I'd love to look that good....personally, DH likes the homegrown variety (prolly cuz store bought=$6000...that's TWO ballgowns people!!!!!!) so I think I'll just keep doing chest and pec exercises and pray for a little luck :wink:

[Purr]

:lol: :lol: :lol:

I've had several men tell me they prefer the real deal to fakes. I don't need any more enhancement, thank you, although I do appreciate Victoria's Secret Angel bras. :D

[fascination]

:lol: :lol: :lol:

I've had several men tell me they prefer the real deal to fakes. I don't need any more enhancement, thank you, although I do appreciate Victoria's Secret Angel bras. :DI wish I had less enhancement

[Purr]

I understand what you mean. I've been described as having an "hourglass figure" and "proportional", whatever the h-e-double-hockey-sticks that means.

[fascination]

I understand what you mean. I've been described as having an "hourglass figure" and "proportional", whatever the h-e-double-hockey-sticks that means.yeah ...how many guys do you know who go " ehy look at that babe, she's so PROPORTIONAL" :roll: