I feel it in my toes!

I’m not certain who remembers–or wants to remember–the Troggs, the English rock band from the mid-1960s, originally called the “Troglodytes.” But of course you remember this song:

Their big hit was “Wild Thing.” Boy, just a few bars can really take you back to a groovier time when all you needed was a guitar, bass line, and a catchy phrase or two.

You know I love you, I always will
My mind’s made up by the way that I feel
There’s no beginning, there’ll be no end
‘Cause on my edge you can depend

Did I say “edge” and “depend” in the same sentence? No, that wasn’t a mistake. My edges are feeling stronger than ever. I still hit the wobbles sometimes, especially on those left back inside edges. But, I’ve got to admit it’s getting better, a little better all the time.

Every thought seems to come with its own soundtrack! That is, if we’re lucky.

I have certainly enjoyed being back on the ice this week. Saturday was grooving to oldies (Michael Jackson, Hall and Oates, Norah Jones) and watching Sonia do a teeny tiny tango. So cute!

Monday I decided to test my stamina by stroking around the rink for a while. Okay, just four laps. My stamina is. . . not so good. Whew!

Today’s lesson was on the Kilian and the Starlight Waltz. I can’t believe all the things that happen in one pattern around the rink. My pea-sized brain was having trouble processing it all, so here’s just a couple of points before the list.

1. Keep hips aligned. Amazing how much unnecessary movement happens on even simple moves like cross behinds.
2. Upper body lean. Especially on the left outer edges.

Kilian:

• lean in on progressives (upper body) and outside-outside
• cross behind, keeping neutral hip position; right foot extends immediately
• scoop (edge pull) into choctaw

Starlight

• introductory waltz three: lean into circle, lifted free leg
• same lean into first chassé, reverse lean for next chassé, reverse again for final chassé
• strong outside edge: for change of edge, just come up and bend ankle (don’t drop in!)
• same lean and arm position into back swing
• lean into back outside edge, head and nose arc up and around for step forward
• step forward into left shoulder, don’t let left arm keep moving around circle