Fall 2026
Stick around on Tuesday, 11/10, after class to help fill bags, and then take those bags to any in our community who can use some support.
Good Stuff
This American Life has a lovely episode about coincidences, episode 489.
Rick Steves, the travel guide, has some interesting things to say about travel, wealth, and being a little uncomfortable when he's interviewed on Death, Sex, and Money (ep 569).
First America is a podcast that looks at the founding of our nation, revealing how the US responded to indigenous tribes. “First America unveils how the founders’ treatment of Indigenous nations—and their resistance—shaped US democracy. The show does not simply add another blemish to the image of the founding fathers, it reveals the real story of why the colonists rebelled, what kind of government they created, and, crucially, how our current political moment was 250 years in the making.”
Krista Scott Dixon's reminds us"It's not about willpower. It's about support." Reach out for the support you need, and offer support as you can.
Music
Here are wonderful songs that won't end up in class: "That's a Them Problem" by Terry Kaye and Jamison Bethea, "Mr. Eclectic" by Laufey, "Peace" by Little Simz et al, and "fucking happy" by Niia. "Darkness" by Two Bitz reminds me that darkness is both lonely and a place to rest.
When you want something that is beautiful and optimistic, listen to Mas Aya and Lido Pimienta, "Reinita Candiense," the first track on A Guide to the Birdsong of Migration.
These songs are inspirational bordering on cheesy but there's something in them that speaks to me: "Boundary" by St. Finnikin, "Loosen" by Aly Halpert, "Do Better" by Gangstagrass, and "Ain't a Bad Life" by country musician Thomas Rhett.
Minimalist Shoes and Studio Shoes
We've got 29 muscles in our feet. Our feet are meant to be active.
Minimalist shoes (sometimes called barefoot shoes) can help our feet stay stronger. They usually have little or no arch support and they are zero drop, which means there’s no difference in height between the ball and heel. I've found that my hips prefer a zero drop shoe, but it does mean more work for my Achilles tendon. A good barefoot shoe is wider than a traditional shoe so that our toes can splay (toe-splay-and-why-it's-important). Some minimalist shoes have very thin soles for optimal ground feel, and generally they are flexible so the foot can move and flex while we walk.
Not all minimalist shoes have thin, flexible soles. Some options are shaped-like-feet and zero drop yet are quite stiff or have very rugged soles. Topo Shoes and Lems (find locally at Happy Hiker in Old Town) and Altra shoes (find at REI) are examples of these. If your feet are narrow, there may be some Merrell options that work for you. REI also carries Xero shoes and sandals as well as Bedrock sandals that are zero drop, no arch support, and more flexible than a Chaco sandal.
If you want to throw down some bigger bucks for cuter shoes, go to Anya's Shop, where you'll find shoes for work and play in a variety of fun styles: loafers, sandals, boots, slides and sneakers.
If you wish to wear shoes while dancing at Studio Sway, you need a pair that is worn in our studio only. If they’re worn outside, or even at your home or another dance studio, there likely are little rocks that adhere to the sole and can scratch the studio’s floor. Minimalist shoes are a bit wider and more flexible than traditional sneakers, so you can dance and strengthen your feet and ankles more than in a rigid shoe. If you're looking for less expensive minimalist shoes, Saguaro and Hobibears are brands with a decent reputation. On Amazon, search for minimalist and you'll see a ton of options. Shoes and socks can make us extra hot, so look for ventilated water shoes as a summer option.
Katy Bowman’s Whole Body Barefoot is short, easy and pleasant to read. It explains the benefits of minimalist shoes. If you have foot pain, check out her book to see if what you need isn’t a stiff shoe with rigid arch support.
Activewear Suggestions
Locally, I like Savers and Buffalo Exchange for used, and I like TJ Maxx, Marshalls, or Nordstrom Rack for discounted wear. REI has a great return policy for members, so go ahead and wear that bra or walk in those shoes for up to a year and return them if they don't work. Athleta has good quality clothing, and online it's possible to order both petite and tall in a size range from 00 to 26.
Remember to wash activewear separate from cotton clothing and then hang dry all your activewear to keep them soft and free from pilling.