Most every sport has its protective gear.
Helmets, shoulder pads, shin guards – all common to many sports. But who knew you needed these things for dancing?
Well, if you are a newbie, like most of us in the Dancing with the Shuswap Stars competition, it might have been wise to hand out equipment beforehand.
I’ve previously detailed my own experience with hitting my partner Orlando Robertson in the jaw with a solid right elbow. Full disclosure: I have also since then given the poor man a decent shot to the nose.
“Is it bleeding?” he asked.
“No,” I replied, with my face the elevated colour of a paunchy man with a too-tight shirt collar on a hot day in Florida.
“I think I’m just going to go get a glass of water,” he calmly stated, before bravely returning to continue my lesson.
But Orlando is not the only victim.
Kevin Flynn and his spouse Cathy Bartsch performed, along with the rest of the cast of characters in a dress rehearsal at the City Dance Studio in Vernon. It was a lot like the real thing, with an audience, an adjudicator and a very nice hardwood dance floor. Kevin, unfortunately, got to know the floor a little too intimately on Saturday night.
While doing the country swing with his wife, Kevin was testing out the cowboy boots. They were nearly all the way through the routine and headed into a stylish sequence where Kevin pulls Cathy between his legs with dramatic flourish.
A combination of a slight misstep that left him off balance, the boots and the fairly slippery dance floor saw Kevin pitch forward. With his wife still holding his hands, Kevin’s face didn’t stand a chance. He hit the floor headfirst – hard.
The crowd gasped. Ice was quickly dispatched.
But Kevin remained a good sport. He stayed for the rest of the evening and clapped enthusiastically for all the other couples. But when I saw him Monday morning, I gasped again. His shiner would make any NHL player proud.
There’s no doubt he’s going to take some ribbing over the dangers of dancing. Kevin’s an athletic guy. Bet he never dreamed he’d be ‘splaining his dancing injury instead of one earned on the basketball court.
This event, which is already completely sold out, is hoped to evolve into an annual spectacle. Other dancers may be asked to take to the stage in years to come. Despite the challenge, I would absolutely recommend it to anyone.
Just make a trip to Sport Chek first.
