Hi, I'm learning some Standard Waltz, and my balance is off on the rise due to weak ankles. I'd appreciate hearing about any exercises I could do to strengthen them. Best regards to fellow dance lovers! Chantal

The classic is called the phonebook exercise, but it works better on stairs where there is usually a railing to hold. Put your toes just on the edge of the lowest stair and use your ankles to rise in the feet. Then slowly lower past level and stretch below. Do a moderate number of repetitions, don't lower too fast, and don't do it every day. Also probably better done after practice when you are warm than before it. You can also do one-foot ankle hops, on the flat floor.

Hi Chantal
Anon has suggested a very good exercise. I would suggest doing just 10 rises 3 times a day for a week or so. Do them slowly (e.g. take one bar of waltz music to rise, and one bar to lower). Never rush. To start with i wouldn't go below level. When you get more strength, then you can increase the challenge by more repetitions, and adding the stretch. Good luck

The best way strengthning your ankles is by swimming.

Hi Soza
Maybe this is the case if you;re a good swimmer. Doing 10 minutes swimming takes up a lot of 'collateral' time (what an awful phrase!!) with all the undressing, drying etc. Heel raises are so simple and can be done anywhere. Of course, swimming gives other great benefits too once you've got the hang of avoiding drowning

Chantal. In stocking or bare feet try walking around at home as high as you can on the toes. Keep it for a few minutes then try a Natural Turn or whatever. Any difference ?.

Hi Don. Thanks for the tip. It's simple yet effective. It's nice to have an exercise that's simple and doesn't need any equipment. Too early to be able to say that it's making a difference.

On another topic, I did buy the 2003 World Superstars DVD. There's a Rumba performance by Brian Watson (not sure of last name) and Carmen that I've been taking apart and copying. This activity, coupled with some quality instruction has pushed my dance to a higher level. Focusing on the contrast between legato and stacato movement has helped a lot.

Best of luck, Chantal

Chantal. When watching your disk try to remember that on it are a few things that they would not do in a competition. On the disk I think Paul Killick and partner do more basic steps in their Rumba, which I can relate too. Also take note that all are dancing to much slower music than the recomended tempo which is faster by some five bars a minute. So if you try to do a Hip Twist as Hanna Kurtunen or a Spot Turn you will have to move much faster, that is if you are competing. Actually I like to dance a Rumba to 25 bars a minute than the 30 usually played We were fortunate last year to be able to see Paul and Hanna dancing. In August we will be watching the Russian Slavic who is also on your disk.

Don, no one plays Rumba at 30 for latin competition. The allowed range is 25 to 27 so the video should be right on.

Anonymous. Re timing in the Rumba. Wally Lairds Book gives it at 27/29 bars per minute. I don't have the latest. The other that I have is the Imperial which gives it 28/31 bars per minute. That is a long way from 25 per minute. I believe that the tempo for all dances should be set, and reviwed every year. None of between this and that. Also it should definitely not be left to the music presenters discretion.
If I was running a competion I would instruct the music man exactly how I want the music played.