Okay, so this is gonna be a quick post. And the picture is because I wanted to show you the new shoes that I wore to an Argentinian tango club tonight (and because I know Jenna likes to see my new shoes). Why, you ask, would one dance in heels for her job--and then choose to wear 4 inch stiletto heels to dance afterwards, pro bono? Well, a couple of reasons, actually. First, I got them today and was excited to try them out on the town and second, you just can't do the tango in flats. Period.
Anyway, we ended up going to this club because the bassist in our pit, Sasha, told us about how he plays the upright bass for the club. So, a few of us decided to go and see what it was like.
We walked in, and I was immediately struck by the beauty of all the dancers. They were all ages, shapes, and sizes but they were alike in their smoothness and grace on the dance floor. And all of the women had these gorgeous heels on...At first, I just sat there and talked to my friends. I don't know how to tango--and everyone else on the floor did, so I figured I would just watch. Three different men came over to me and asked me to dance, but I told them thanks for the offer, but I really don't know how to tango. That was until Glen got a hold of me. He was another kind gentleman--probably somewhere in his 40's--who came over to me and asked me to dance. I gave my same spiel, but he wouldn't take no for an answer (not in a scary way, though). Turns out Glen is a tango instructor and he told me that if I could walk, I could tango. So, I got up with him and we started dancing. It was slow, and my eyes were glued to his feet (lots of couples were whirling around us with closed eyes, but not me), but we were dancing. He said I had good instincts (I hope so, since I do dance professionally!). Anyway, we did two dances--and I seriously had a blast. He grabbed me later that night and danced with me once more, this time a little more complexly (but still baby steps compared to most of the other couples). Oh, and I can honestly say it was the first time I had ever danced to the amazing sounds of the upright bass, guitar, and accordian...Fantastic, right?
When we were leaving, a man stopped me and asked who makes my shoes. Well, I think it is hilarious when one of my department store buys is misunderstood to be a new hot seller from some designer and I was tempted to say Madame Aldo. But, seeing his earnestness, I just said, Uh, I got them at Aldo...He told me that he loved them; actually, what he said was, I love the shoes. The legs aren't bad, either, but I love the shoes. Well, thanks. After I told him that I loved what I saw tonight and was inspired to learn how to tango, he said, Well, I suppose you could learn how to dance here, but to learn how to tango, you have to go to Buenos Aires. Okay, I said, Put that on the list, too...I mean, sure--I'll go to Buenos Aires and learn how to tango; that sounds great!
Well, my feet hurt, but the night was worth it. And really, I do want to learn how to tango--in fact, I think a group of us from the cast are going to start taking lessons. They will almost certainly not be in Buenos Aires, but I bet we could learn to tango--at least a little--here in the states.
12 comments:
This sounds like so much fun! ALL shapes & sizes--MY shape & size? And age? I'd love to do something like that!
I'm pretty sure if I did the tango, I would do it in flats.
Killer shoes, Jess!
What an adventure- so thrilling and romantic! I love reading your stories, and it's so awesome that you are really plunging into the places that you are living.
LOVE the shoes! Jess, you do get around, an Argentinian tango club, how cool is that?! I love watching the tango. I wonder if John knows how to do it (or remembers how, if he ever did it at Arthur Murray). I'll have to ask him.
Yes, Mom--people just like you were doing the tango--you and pop should learn; it would be so fun for you guys!
Jess - I love your idea of a quick post!
I'm commenting on the, "What to do?" blog.
While at our last church in Elkton we became friends with the homeless in that area when we opened up the shelter in our church.
Some are just takers and others really do just need a little help. Like in the movie, "Pursuit of Happyness."
Our God is a super generous God. I try to be as generous as I'm able.
While in New York chaperoning a field trip for my sister's high school class, I was approached by a homeless man.
We were waiting in line. There were actually two lines. One was going into one theater another line going in the opposite direction into the theater where our show was playing. It was super crowded and I'm kind of short and I was between the two lines all smushed. This man went along the outside line and stops where I am and asks me if I can give him 75 cents for a hot dog. It was strange because he passed so many people on the outside of the line but stopped and asked me in the middle. I somtimes have change in my bag. I reached in and I think I gave him just a little over 75 cents.
Let me say this...people are always watching. My Step-Mom and sister all the teenagers, the crowd. I gave to the homeless man and they all saw generosity, compassion and concern displayed. It was genuine on my part and not because they were watching but they were.I think it pleases God to reflect His qualities.
I just see it as an opportunity to bless someone. What they do with it is up to them. :)
i love love love love love those shoes!!!!
Been thinking and wanted to add one more thing, a little preachy...Deuteronomy 15:7-11."If there is a poor man among your brothers in any of the towns of the land that the Lord your God is giving you, do not be hardhearted or tightfisted toward your poor brother. Rather be openhanded and freely lend him whatever he needs. Be careful not to harbor this wicked thought: 'The seventh year, the year for canceling debts, is near,' so that you do not show ill will toward your needy brother and give him nothing. He may then appeal to the Lord against you, and you will be found guilty of sin. Give generously to him and do so without a grudging heart; then because of this the Lord your God will bless you in all your work and in everything you put your hand to. There will always be poor people in the land. Therefore I command you to be openhanded toward your brother and toward the poor and needy in your land."
Jess, It is so sad for me when I read your blog first thing in the morning, because then I have to wait a really long time for the next one!
um, ouch? I have to agree with Susan when she says Killer Shoes. Amazing that you could have such a great time when wearing them, especially with cracked skin. I think your attitude to rise to all challenges and take advantage of all the opportunities and life experiences that you possibly can, because you never know what is going to be a once in a lifetime chance, is SO awesome.
Tiff--that verse is beautiful--thanks for sharing it!
Michele--how sweet of you to say:-)
Anonymous--thanks! And yes, those shoes did hurt some--especially when I was goofing around and trying to do some ballet in them and actually cut my right leg with my left stiletto heel! But, I am still glad I got them:-) I probably won't be doing any more ballet in them, though...
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