It’s official. Tall people can’t dance. Ok, it’s not really official but as a life-long complete loser when it comes to any kind of dancing, I was so happy to read that it’s common knowledge in professional dancing circles that tall people can’t dance.
The discussion came to light when Jade Johnson (the British Olympic athlete who’s 6ft1) made her first appearance on ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ (if you’re in the USA - your version is ‘Dancing with the Stars’) this weekend. Instead of, as the professionals had predicted, messing it all up and looking like an ungainly giraffe, she was reasonably elegant and did a great job. She certainly didn’t embarrass herself like her tall former contestants (model Jodie Kidd to name one!). Having said this, I truly think that the shorter celebrities seem to find it easier… and look more professional as a result.
What do you think? Can us tall girls ever be stunners on the dance floor well?
NOTE: After the tragic death of Patrick Swayze last week, apparently many Newlyweds are choosing to recreate the ‘Time of my Life’ dance from Dirty Dancing as an homage. Personally, I think the whole choreographed ‘first dance at your wedding’ routine is now incredibly naff. However, if you can’t get that Dirty Dancing tune out of your head… then take a look at Paddy McGuinness and his hilarious version for UK Charity event Comic Relief HERE
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
Jheri 09.27.09 at 12:56 pm
I’m 1.90 m and love to move, but a physicist friend points out that starting and stopping long limbs is much more difficult than shorter ones. You never see tall gymnasts or figure skaters.
But there are many types of dancing and if you love to move, you can work on it. I am a member of a swing dance club that meets once a week. I’m the tallest there and since there are 2 women for every guy, I can dance the guy’s part too and always can dance.
There are some types of dancing where smoothness is important and I think tall people may have an advantage here. The important thing is to find one you like and practice a lot
Amazona 09.28.09 at 1:47 pm
Oh so good to hear it’s not just my problem Jheri ! There is a reason! haha… I was thinking I should try dance classes… You might just have persuaded me.
Jheri 12.12.09 at 9:39 pm
I am just seeing this after a long time. One good approach is to find a good instructor or a dance coach to help deal with any height issues. I took a few lessons and it made a huge difference!
I can’t begin to tell you how much I love to dance and none of the regulars has any issue with my height.
Gatita 12.29.09 at 3:30 am
I cant agree. I am tall and am constantly complimented for my dancing.