heel toe

this event has become one of the most popular nights in the city, especially for a monday. in such a small venue, that means there isn't actually a lot of room to dance. also, the more there are casual spectators in attendance, the smaller the percent of folks paying attention to thematic attire... at least in an over-all sense.

this week i decided to focus on footwear, as kicks are the foundation of any dancer's garb. (unless your style is very modern/primitive, and you eschew shoes.) one nice thing about photographing this sartorial element is that they reveal patterns of wear; how someone treads will scuff or stretch the leather or wear down the heel. the shape of a heel transforms the posture and the gait. footwear is a powerful signifier, conferring class, aspirations, and a sense of humor.

another nice thing about photographing feet is that you don't have to inflict a flashbulb on anyone's eyes. a third upshot is that the subject feels less self-conscious about their lower appendages.

rebecca

dj rusty lazer's rosy wingtips

LK's awesome stockings, jimmy's white jazz shoes

this girl has the Flirtiest toes

meschiya wearing shoes by re-mix

re-mixes in a different colorway

aaron

ilana in fabulous purple suede wedges and back-seamed stockings

chance

the zenith of last night was the birthday jam that happened during the second set. meschiya lake and the little big horns played the traditional song and segued into an uptempo stomper. all the most accomplished male dancers - and one very talented lady - took a turn twirling the birthday girl around the floor. it was great to see, in quick, defined succession, the styles and tricks that are particular to each partner. never have i witnessed a more wonderful birthday tradition. everyone was clapping and hooting and eating it up.

andy and the birthday girl

rebecca, ilana, and the full moon

ilana and me. i'm rapping about dolce and gabbana.