Massaging the Argentine Tango Feet

When one dances tango for hours and hours on end, the euphoria of the evening's dance is tempered by the ache of one's feet.


What my therapist advises is to massage your feet. This returns good circulation, soothes aches and pains, and prevents plantar fasciitis.



Tools needed

1. 2 tennis balls
2. 2 golf balls

The Ritual

1. Rest your feet well after dancing
2. Sit down, and get comfy
3. Lay your feet over two tennis balls (One under each foot). Put all of your leg's weight on them
4. In a slow and firm rolling motion, roll them underneath the balls of your feet, underneath your arches, underneath your heels, underneath your toes. Do this for 10 minutes
5. Shift to the golf balls, repeat # 4
6. Alternate the tennis balls and golf balls as needed
7. Rest your feet afterwards
8. Soak and luxuriate in a warm bath
9. Moisturize, exfoliate, and shave (take care of) callouses (as needed)

This can be done after running, a long walk, or any activity that beats up your feet. My long standing therapist (she's a magician) explained the mechanics of the method to me. I got a definitive explanation about stress injuries and relationships of inter-related areas of physical anatomy that I myself don't quite understand in full. But, It works for me.

Thanks!

i prefer the old fashioned method of hands on, ( have been known to massage milonguera's tired feet at milongas) but quite prepared to give it a try.

bordertangoman said:

i prefer the old fashioned method of hands on, ( have been known to massage milonguera's tired feet at milongas) but quite prepared to give it a try.

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You know what, a pair of good shoes from Clarks will probably do the trick. Sorted-dah!

Am I weird for thinking "ewww" at the thought of touching someone's bare feet after they've been dancing for several hours?

Dave Bailey said:

Am I weird for thinking "ewww" at the thought of touching someone's bare feet after they've been dancing for several hours?

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you're just a wuss! and lacking compassion. I had one lady who danced barefoot for a few hours absolutley drooling over me after massaging her feet.

I have this stuff called skin which protects me and I just wash my hands before dancing with anyone else.

bordertangoman said:

I have this stuff called skin which protects me and I just wash my hands before dancing with anyone else.

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Skin - never heard of it - I use cleanser with plasto retinol A and extra lean peptides - it's expensive so it must be more effective ...