Stompin' at the Savoy(in Nick's Handmade Boots)
My journey with these boots began not with the first step in October, but months prior, when I was struggling to find joy in my life. I saw this contest as an opportunity to reconnect with a wonderful hobby that I felt I had lost when the pandemic hit. My previous attempts to return to dancing had failed, so this time, I sought to use the Thunderdome to guarantee my attendance. After all, I could hardly put a respectable patina on my new dance shoes if I wasn't dancing, now could I?
I am happy to report the plan was a resounding success! In August, I started going to my favorite venue again to prepare for October. Once again, I was dancing twice a week, making new friends, and reconnecting with a side of myself left dormant for too long. Life was fun again, and I was beginning to see the light.
That first week in October, I was delighted to discover my new boots improved my ability to dance! The 5" height and thick leather sides prevent my ankles from rolling, leather soles make slides and spins effortless, and the rubber heels let me plant myself more solidly than I ever could with my fully suede bottomed shoes. They even forced me to fix some bad habits in the way I positioned my feet, because my ankle is more limited in motion. I feel I have grown as a dancer because they fit my style of moving so well.
After I took the final photos, I found myself smiling as I looked at these boots. They are inextricably tied to memories of joy, new friendships, whimsy, and warmth. They are now a poignant reminder of the difference between simply existing and thriving. Hope blossomed in my heart this spring, and I am thankful to Stitchdown for showing me how to plant the seed.
