Dancing Inquiry

[tanyateedubya]

How does one practice on low fuzz carpet without damaging the soles of the feet or hurting the knees? I have wall to wall ugly ass carpeting in my apartment and though I have managed to set up a meager (read: tiny as shit) dance area with mirrors I am having issues practicing paddle turns, and other one legged spins. I'm currently using my ballet

Comments

[badriyaz]

I've had to take classes in rooms with low pile industrial carpeting--it sucks. Ballet shoes were about the best solution. Thin socks that don't shift around too much were okay too. The problem with ballroom heels was that for me at least the edges of the heels would snag occasionally on the carpet and trip me up. Same with those Pedini teacher sandals, though I did end up wearing them a lot as there was concrete under the carpeting and the low heels gave my knees a little shock absorption. DancePaws type things were the worst, they would get all twisted around my toes and cut off circulation.

[tanyateedubya]

Thanks for the advice, I'll just continue plugging away and taking my turns slow.

[priestesm]

I've got the same problem... the only space with anything but carpet here is the TINY kitchen or the even tiny-er bathroom... I've found that the Hermes sandals (like this: http://www.discountdance.com/spframe_set.php3?mf=/dancewear/style_6243.html&camp=Froogle_6243&utm_source=Froogle&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=6243&utm_campaign=Spring+2009) work the best for me... it's got a soft leather bottom like a ballroom shoe that on some surfaces has even proven too slippery.

[tanyateedubya]

You don't find the hermes sandals slip off you? I stopped wearing them to gig's because I kept losing shoes while I performed.

[djamar]

A couple of possible options which may or may not be feasible or cost effective: ikea flooring. You can get that snap-together ikea flooring and lay it over the carpet. It holds together pretty well. Another solution that involves lugging home a big heavy piece of wood would be to find a smooth surface floor grade piece of plywood. You can get them at home depot or hardware stores in 4'x8' sections and get it cut to the size you need. Home depot charges like $1 a cut and you would need 2 cuts. The piece costs anywhere from $30-60. Atleast those were the prices when I bought em in CA. I got 5 pieces to use as a stage floor for our tribal fest afterparties. Gotta make sure it's a smooth surface though and thick enough that it won't warp.
Not perfect but it could work if you're up fot it.