I am starting to become quite the marathon dancer. I don’t go out dancing often (maybe once a month, if I’m lucky) and when I do it’s usually to marathon dance, which I think of as follows:

1. Dancing to dance, not to socialize or show-off
2. Dancing continuously (seriously nonstop) for 2 or more hours
    I used to be able to go for 8, but that was 10 years ago
3. Dancing sober

As a marathon dancer, there are a few things one must take into consideration:

1. REST
You must be well-rested. If you’re dancing at night (which, sadly, you probably are — only in my dreams and San Francisco are there day parties every weekend), you must get a solid nap before going out. And when I say solid, I mean preferably 2-4 hours. You should feel like you’re sort of starting a new day.

2. HYDRATE
A jogger wouldn’t run for two hours without solid hydration, and you shouldn’t either! Chances are good that you’re dancing in a bar, but when you’re sweating that hard you need water or juice, not alcohol.

3. FOOD
Here’s a little tip for those who don’t often stay up all night without chemical assistance: YOU GET HUNGRY. Really hungry. Eat lightly before going out, but be prepared to have a full, healthy meal once you’re done. You’ll need it.

4. DRESS FOR SUCCESS
You’re probably at a nightclub, but when marathon dancing, you must dress for comfort. I have these platform boots that I absolutely love … but they make my feet sore after an hour of dancing, so I always opt for flat shoes instead.

I may soon be doing much more marathon dancing, now that Seattle is finally a smoke-free city. Woohoo! It’s much easier to dance for several hours when you can actually breath. Any other tips from my fellow marathoners? I know there are some of you out there …