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Saturday, January 5, 2013

A Dance-Full Weekend; dressing for social dance and dance practice


This is the first weekend since the school semester ended that I've had that is truly mine to do as I please; no obligations, papers, deadlines, loose strings to tie up.
I choose to dance.
Thursday, I Zumba'd.
Friday afternoon, I had a lesson with Marcel.  We are preparing for the next competition, the Indiana Challenge at the end of February.  I mentioned in a past post that I'm moving up a level in American Smooth.  I don't know if mentioned that I have to move up since I won the highest award in the previous level at this competition so I can't compete in that level again.  Since I'm new in the silver level, dancing against far more experienced silver dancers, I don't stand a change of winning, but I don't really care at the moment.  I just want to dance well and work my way up over time.  In this picture, I'm doing a develop'.......my eight year old son was taking the picture and I was holding the pose while waiting....forever!!!
While this looks like a kick move....the kick is not the point of this step, the word develope' means to "unfold gradually"....and this step does unfold gradually.  When the male puts the lady in position to execute this step following a spin, the lady slowly, over four or even eight counts, begins to draw the lifting leg across the ankle first and then up the supporting leg.  As the lady extends back and continues to 'unfold' the other leg, the body's extended position, helps to created the force that drives the kicking action.  The kick is incidental and the slow, unfolding action is the drama.   Its a really fun step and I get pretty good extension and height, but I'm working on getting even more.

Dress Barn leopard print and gold metallic cowl neck shell, Garnet Hill cashmere ballerina sweater, thrifted, New York and Company stretch trousers, scarf unbranded from some quaint little gift shop. Anne Klein suede booties. My trusty Lia Sophia gold bangles.
Dressing for dance can be tricky.  I want to wear something that doesn't look sloppy and that I can wear to fun errands if I need to.  I wear dresses with black spanx underneath (for modesty during kicks) because they are so easy to move in.  I wear stretch trousers that have a bit of style, but I don't wear yoga pants (too casual).  If I'm exerting myself, I will sweat so I want to wear a dressier shell, tank or tee, something lightweight and cool.  A sweater is a must too, because its important to stay warm in the cold studio when we begin.  I usually wear a ballerina sweater like this thrifted black Garnet Hill sweater.  I start with a scarf too...because the studio really is frigid at first and then I peel layers as we progress through the lesson.



I always wear a necklace, but if its a long necklace, I double it up and keep it short.  I don't want a long necklace flinging around like a lasso and I don't want to get hit in face or smack my partner with it.  This delicate Lia Sophia necklace is called 'Whisper' and it wearing it feels like a whisper.  

Friday night was dance party night and I wore the same outfit.  Typically, I like to change into a dress, but I wasn't feeling the dress.  Alas, no pictures of the dance party.


Here's another necklace I wear often to dance in.

Yep, its Lia Sophia.  This is another very delicate piece.  Usually, I wear bolder pieces, but I like to wear gentle pieces like 'Demure'.
 Are you sick of my harping about LS jewelry?
I'm passionate about it.  I love how many of the pieces have a classic, timeless appeal.   



A, a moment to sit after a challenging lesson.  I feel like a Queen in a throne.

On my agenda for the weekend......dance party Saturday night, dance party Sunday afternoon.
YEAH!
I need this.


20 comments:

  1. I like the explanation for the dance move - I don't know much about dance (other than I like to watch it!). Your jewelry is really pretty - the pieces are lovely.

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    1. Its fun to just watch too, Sheila. Hmmm.....I will have to research great dancers that come from your area!
      Thank you for the compliments on my jewelry. I'm a little fixated with that brand!

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  2. I just love your outfit! It's chic but functional for your dancing. Really, really cute!
    And the necklaces are beautiful.
    Congratulations on your moving up levels in dance. That's great!
    Happy New Year!
    xo, A

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    1. Thank you Adrienne. Its equally important to be comfortable and feel cute; that's really hard for me to achieve with dance wear , but I think this works.

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  3. I'm amazed you can dance with jewelry on:) Impressive. You have quite some flexibility going there!! Love the kick pose.

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    1. Hi Joanna,

      I stopped by your blog! What a great subject (vintage clothing) .. really enjoyed your posts.

      Monica
      www.pear-shaped-gal.com

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    2. Joanna,

      I have to choose my jewelry very carefully. It has to be light and have a very short chain. For competitions, the jewelry is specially made and stays in place. I will have to show some of my ballroom jewelry again sometime. Its bold and VERY sparkly!!

      Haha.....I suppose I am a bit flexible, but you should see some of these other dancers!

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  4. Awesome! What an interesting post! Good luck with your upcoming competition .. you'll do great!

    Monica
    www.pear-shaped-gal.com

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    1. Thank you, Monica. I do a lot of ballroom related post around competition time. There are some older posts with some really cool pictures of past competitions if you're interested.

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  5. Yikes! That first photo! I would have been on my xxx!
    Congrats on moving up. Such an interesting post!
    Love your carefree outfit, and the scarf is perfect!

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    1. I hope I never end up on my xxx!
      Thank you, Jeannie. I don't usually like to dress this way, but it sure works for dance on days I'm not feeling like wearing a dress.

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  6. Impressive moves Lisa! Enjoy your weekend of dancing!

    Alice
    www.happinessatmidlife.com

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    1. Thank you, Alice! I'm having a great time dancing......this is my last free weekend to indulge my dance desires this much. Back to school and work on Monday.

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  7. It seem like we need to change the expression that "diamonds are a girls best friend! to Lia Sophia is a girls best friend! ;-) Glad that you are enjoying the last weekend before everything gets started!

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    1. Hahaha! That's funny, Anna! Lia Sophia is certainly my jewelry best friend!

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  8. Your smile shows how much pleasure this hobby brings to you. You look radiant.

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    1. Awww...thank you. I really do love it. Its so goo for the spirit. I think everyone should experience the joy that happens when dancing.

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  9. I love hearing about all of your dance practices and competitions. I also like that you educate your readers on certain moves, because I would have no clue, ha ha! You look really stylish in your black and leopard. It's so refreshing to see someone who enjoys dance as much as you do :) Heather

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  10. Heather, thank you. I'm happy that you enjoy reading about dance. I think I'm a bit obsessed with dance!
    And Lia Sophia jewelry.
    And thrifting, blogging..... :)

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  11. Lovin' your accessories ... but I adore this outfit - you look awesome

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"When you find yourself on the side of the majority, it is time to pause and reflect"--Mark Twain