strathspey@strathspey.org:61643

Anselm Lingnau

Re: Controversial View - footwear

Aug. 5, 2011, 9:43 a.m. (Message 61643, in reply to message 61638)

jo.pickering wrote:

> Has anybody considered dancing not wearing so-called gillie (?ghillie,
> ?gille) pumps or similar soft flat shoe.
> 
> My understanding is that traditionally these were only worn for solo
> competition or display dancing and that country dancers wore ordinary
> shoes.

Jo, I don't think this is a controversial view at all. Try again :^)

During a period of Achilles tendon trouble, I have had good experiences with 
»jazz« shoes that are soft yet have a (low) heel. I would recommend people who 
are unhappy with ghillies/flat shoes visit a ballet supply shop, where there 
is usually a wide selection of all sorts of shoes that are, in my opinion, 
suitable for SCD.

»Ordinary shoes« are, unfortunately, out of the question at least in our club 
in Frankfurt as we are dancing in a school gymnasium where anything other than 
dedicated, i.e., not also worn in the street, sports-type shoes are Officially 
Forbidden by the owner of the premises (the city of Frankfurt).

> I can actually dance quite happily on my toes and enjoy doing it, but I
> feel a bit sorry for some folks hobbling about in shoes which I'm sure
> they feel obliged to wear, but are doing them no favours.

In my opinion, no one should »feel obliged« to wear shoes that cause them 
discomfort or even pain. After all, SCD is supposed to be an enjoyable 
activity.

In the spirit of sprucing up the Strathspey web site, why don't we start a 
footwear gallery? If people have had favourable experiences with shoes other 
than ghillies or ballet pumps for SCD, do send me a photograph and a short 
explanation and I'll make up a page so others can see what is out there.

Anselm
-- 
Anselm Lingnau, Mainz/Mayence, Germany ................. xxxxxx@xxxxxxxxxx.xxx
In fact, the notion that any ancient book could be an infallible guide to
living in the present gets my vote for being the most dangerously stupid idea
on earth.                                                        -- Sam Harris