Picking up a new hobby has given me some new items to put on my wish list.

I wish I may, I wish I might
Dance in new tango shoes tonight

Argentine tango shoes (~$200+) are on the top of my list. My current Latin heels have become loose in the front, causing my feet to slide forward, which in turn results in looseness in the heel cup.  Sooner or later (preferably sooner, for the sake of my feet), I’ll have to switch over to tango shoes with a firmer across-the-toes strap and better arch support. Edit: after suffering some foot pain after dancing, I went to a doctor to make sure I’m taking care of my feet. The doctor’s verdict: I need harder (more supportive) soles and a wider shoe. Now I am officially on the hunt for a pair of shoes that won’t make my feet hurt.

I actually did go to a specialty dance store in search of my very first pair of Argentine tango heels, but unfortunately (fortunately?) couldn’t find a style that I liked in my size. But in the words of the Governator… I’ll be back.

This weekend I went to a milonga (a tango dance party) and had a nice time, i.e., guys asked me to dance. and I did! But I found that I enjoyed classes and practicas much more. Fashion-wise, some of those ladies (and gentlemen) were really dressed up! Imagine women in slinky cocktail dresses and high heels, and men in full suit and tie – I do love the atmosphere of the milongas.

I’m still a beginner, so most of the time, I will mess up a step or improperly follow a lead, and I suppose I just found it frustrating that when I danced, I wouldn’t have the opportunity ask the instructor what I did wrong, and how to correct it so that next time I can get a little closer to doing it the right way.

Anyone remember the movie Uptown Girls? Where a young Dakota Fanning character insisted that FUNdamentals are FUN? Well, I believe I am in that stage where I would rather work on my fundamentals and technical foundations – every time I dance outside the presence of an instructor I am wary of developing bad habits that will take hours to correct later.

On that note, private tango classes (~$80+) are also on my wish list.

So, I think I will limit my milonga attendance to once every month or two month and just dance more frequently at classes and practicas for now. On the bright side, fewer milongas means I’ll save $10 to $20 entrance fees.