[Sportsandrec] Cane Placement

[Carly Mihalakis]

Kelly,

         You said it!
If you're a single chick, or even a single guy dance class could be a 
great place to meet people, as well as enlighten others of blind 
peoples' abilities.
I realize it sounds scary, but remember how often the protocol in 
certain situations calls for entirely swollowing your pride, not 
really being too embarassed just to live your life on your terms?
I have been to social salsa dancing, and when I come to a new partner 
I just say "I'm blind" and it never matters, for I can move. simply 
leaving the cane at the corner of the dance room (in classes), at the 
table with other friends (out in clubs), or with the bar tender 
(there is an advantage of being considered a good tipper) works well. 
I have carried my folding cane, but not often. Or, you can leave the 
cane in a trusted place, find the cutest, single, opposite gendered 
dance partner, and go sighted guide back to your cane. Hey, cheesy I 
know, but I've met a few repeat dance partners that way, and if you 
are going to go sighted guide anyway...It also gives a chance to 
enlighten another person about what you can do as a blind person, 
when you might need a little assistance, and most importantly that 
you are approachable as a blind person.

>As mentioned before, partner dancing is very accessible for 
>everyone. One advantage we have is that we pay more attention to how 
>the moves "feel" as opposed to how they "look," often considered to 
>be a better learning/practice method than pure visualization.
>
>So, jump in with both feet (put both feet in, put both feet out, put 
>both feet in and shake 'em all about...come on, we knew it was 
>coming). Enjoy it, and develop a new experience for yourself and 
>those in the class who may have never danced with such a good 
>partner who just happens to be blind.
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