Serendipity,

Thank you......it helps very much.....also, I switched shoes. I could not believe the difference.......the first shoes I was going to wear were beautiful, sexy, strappy open toe shoes........so perfect for my costume..........but I felt so wobbly....so I lucked into a pair of closed toe ballrooms shoes ($35...lucky me!) on clearance from a local ballet shop........WOW.......what a difference.....I put them on and danced my entire routine without losing my balance once! I really want to wear the sexy shoes.........but I won't look so sexy stumbling through my routine, will I!!!

I DO need to work on the things you suggest. I don't always shift my weight fully........I am trying to get better at that.........trying some of your suggested drills............I think they will help....Thank YOU.

It is unfortunate that Alex Moore in the technique book didn't go into this a bit more. That we turn at the end of a step and not into it. Probably because if you look at any of the charts in the book it can be seen that a turn takes place at the end of the step. In this particular case we are talking on the first step into a Natural or Reverse Turn in the Waltz with the drive off the supporting foot which should send your weight onto the now supporting foot. Practicing walks forward, all heel leads one after the other down the floor will never be a waste of time. Good Luck.
A true story. The teacher overheard a girl saying She's a show off, all ways going up and down the floor any time she had a minute to spare. The teacher turned and said That girl will be winning competitions whilst you are standing still. Would you believe the young lady who walked the floor was placed in the top ten at this years Blackpool Professionally.

Most people wear closed shoes for ballroom tango anyway, so they won't look odd in the showcase. Much more important to dance well!

The best exercise I've found for strengthening the feet is very slow toe raises. Up on a slow count of 8, hold for 8, lower for 8. It's the slow lowering that really works the foot, so don't let gravity help you on that part.

Good luck with the showcase!

Thank You Ellen..............I will be trying out your suggested exercises as soon as I'm finished typing this reply!

5lisamarie. Toe raising and lowering is fine. It is better to stand against a door and not only raise your heels and lower but to combine that with raising and lowering through the knees.This is more in keeping with what you will actually do when dancing. Excluding the Tango of course. You will soon see which is the better excercise. Take it easy at first. A bit of stretching at first is the best way to go. Afterwards as well.Good Luck.