Dancing in the Dark is good for your (Tango) Health!

by amp on 07/26/2009

How many people actually try and watch their feet as they Tango?  I know that I’ve been guilty of it multiple times.  Ever feel like the minute that you don’t watch them, and make sure they’re doing exactly what you’re telling them to do, they seem to have a mind of their own? Your left foot goes right when you want it to go left, and don’t even start on what your right foot is doing.  You feel like one slight glance away, and instead of the Tango, you’re twisting your legs into a position that can only be described as the pretzel.

The funny part about all this is?  It is literally a proven fact that the minute that you don’t look at your feet, you become a better, more stable dancer.  Think about it:  when you’re looking at your feet, you’re concentrating on one singular point.  Try balancing on one foot, AND moving around the dance floor.  Not so easy, huh? When you’re looking up, your brain is no longer concentrating on the singularity of your feet, but rather the movement of both of your feet, plus your legs.

Think of it like this: when you’re walking, you don’t actually have to think: left foot forward, right foot forward, left, right, left, right…  Your brain is on autopilot.  You know left comes after right comes after left, and don’t even have to think about it.  If you look down at your feel while you’re walking, however, you immediately become aware that you’re moving left foot right foot.  The image of your feet moving interferes with the signal you’re brain is automatically sending to your feet.  Looking up: brain sends message to feet to move.  Easy.  One step.  Looking at your feet:  eyes send message to brain to move feet.  You’re adding another step that is just not necessary.

Fortunately, there is a cure for foot watching! And it can be yours for the low low low price of just $19.95! BUT WAIT! THERES MORE! Call in the next five minutes and….. ok enough of that… The simple answer? Don’t look at your feet.  Easier said than done, I know.  One way to do it is to dance, literally, in the dark.  Turn off the lights and make it impossible for your eyes to see your feet.  You no longer have the option of looking at your feet at all.  It makes your movements easier, and your dancing smoother.  Try it!  Moneyback guarantee. :)

Just a side note – make sure when you turn off the lights, you’re aware of any furniture in the room.  Banging into tables can lead to some very nasty bruised shins.  Trust me, I speak from experience!

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{ 1 comment… read it below or add your 2 cents! }

1 noseintheair 08/01/2009 at 12:59 pm

There is a reason why my blog name is called “nose in the air” — to remind me that if the nose is correctly pointed a few other things follow naturally.

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