—This one goes out to the All Bal folks, celebrating their biggest holiday of the year, in the heart of the Land of Not Much, otherwise known as Cleveland, Ohio.—
You know you’ve tried it: The Long Beach Break in the shower.
Trying out new Bal footwork during your daily exercise in good hygiene is harder than you’d think, but I’d guess that at least 40% of dancers have tried it at some point (after reading this article, I imagine that number will increase to 80%).
The curvature of modern tubs can add an element of slight imbalance to the endeavor, which can be amplified by soap consistency beneath one’s feet. Which, although it makes the “floor” nice and fast, good-smelling body washes are also as unpredictable as the rat poison or wax bars that Bart and Dean bring to All Bal.
Why do we do it? Whether it’s boredom, obsession or curiosity, this foot-cleaning method is often purported as an appropriate practice.
So, while you’re hanging out at the Holiday Inn, be careful practicing your new knowledge in the tub. Don’t forget to hold on to the handicap railing, or you might not be able to compete in the ABCBDEFG Competition.
——
Oh, and if you have some free time, be sure to check out the Official Cleveland, Ohio Website. You’ll find bafflingly incomprehensive gems like this one:
“A great city is not merely a collection of buildings. It is a place of connections. At its simplest, a connection can be a bike path that connects a neighborhood to the waterfront or a bus line that connects people to jobs. At its most fundamental, a connection can be a shared space – an urban plaza, a neighborhood park, a community institution or even a coffee shop – that connects people to one another in a way that creates a sense of “place” and a sense of belonging – that elusive but enduring thing that we call a “community.”
Or endorsements by “real people” like this one:
Cleveland is my City of Choice
“Originally I’m from Texas, but I’ve lived in downtown Cleveland for the past four years.
I love that everything I need is so close to my loft- shopping, the gym, even my job- are all within walking distance. And the location makes it convenient to get to Cleveland State University where I’m finishing my degree.
Of course, I can’t forget to mention all of the downtown entertainment options- especially the pro sports. And surprise, surprise, my born-and-raised-in-Cleveland girlfriend has actually been able to get me interested in the theater. Hey, who ‘da thought?!!
I could never imagine, growing up in a rural area like I did, that I would actually be happy living in a large city- let alone loving it!
But moving to Cleveland was the best thing I’ve ever done for myself.”
-Joey W., Warehouse District Resident
And, in the after glow of All Bal, you might be tempted to stay in Cleveland forever. I doubt it, but for some strange reason (maybe the incredible dancing), it’s always good to come back. This is a time of year when its finally true:
(Or at least it does in the Holiday Inn. Hey, who’da thought?!)
–DS
Posted by Vintage 