Party. Why?

• August
• 11

8:55 am Category: articles

In anticipation of the party season.
The topic about parties (also known as salsateka) and necessity to take part in such is not something new anymore. Yet still is quite actual both for beginners (mostly) and advanced dancers. First of all, the idea behind taking classes of Latin dances is not just in going to the dance school, but actually learn how to dance. Therefore, if your goal is to learn dancing, then I am afraid going to the salsa parties is a must!
Very often beginners try to avoid social dances, saying: “I do not know how to dance properly so what am I going to do there… Wait till I improve and then I will beat the tar out of the dance floor.” How do I know that? I know because I was like that. So what is happening? A year passes by and that person goes to the socials with huge self-confidence. Starts dancing with a new partner (different dancing school or group) and something seems to be wrong. That is where the habit comes in. Because you already are used to your group mates, to the way they lead/follow and what to expect from them. But at socials it is different. Moreover, there are more people, less space (“Why everyone keeps pushing me, don’t they know, that I need an area of 1.5 meters in diameter for my cross body lead? Step outside of my area!!!”), the music is completely different from the one during the classes, the floor isn’t as slippery as ours and vice versa. As a result, it will be difficult to get used to a new environment.
So what to do? The answer is obvious: go for socials!
There are a lot of advantages in doing so. First, you can watch over experienced dancers and learn something from them. You will also hear a new music and, of course, learn to dance with it. It will be easier for you to adapt to the level of a new partner. What is more, your leading/following skills will improve and you will get to feel the space around you better: leaders – will make sure, that no one bumps into your lady, followers – will dance more compact. All in all – it is a lot of fun!
Guys, don’t be afraid to invite unfamiliar ladies (something like “how do I know how she dances, maybe she has been dancing for the last 5 years or maybe started just yesterday”). That is true, you cannot tell by just looking at them what are theirs dancing skills. But I have never had a disappointed lady just because I used too few patterns. Quality wins over quantity. She will be thankful for your gentle lead and your ability not to step on her feet. When dancing with a new lady begin with simple moves so that you could see her capabilities.
For ladies it is much easier. They do not need to remember learnt move patterns and think of what they should do next. Entrust yourself to your partner and follow his lead. If you feel that he leads you for a move that you are not aware of, the most important here is – don’t stop and don’t give a scary look at him. Just step your basic (on 1 with right and on 5 with left foot). Smile and hope that your partner understands that you are not aware of such move and thus won’t try to make it again.
I remember my first time at the salsateka. The heart beats as crazy, knees are shaking, everything is blurry and emptiness in my head! Therefore, in this paragraph I will give you some advices… Try not to go out alone, but with your friends, relatives or other mates from your dancing group. In that way you will have more fun and be more relaxed. Don’t drink alcohol to relax and overcome your shyness as it can make everything even worse. Besides, not everyone is fond of scent of alcohol coming from their partner. Begin dancing with people you know. When you will feel more confident about yourself, go and ask to dance form people you don’t know. Ladies, don’t just sit there and wait till somebody asks you to dance. It might happen, that you will sit like that whole evening. Usually, there are less guys than ladies. It is absolutely normal for a lady to ask a guy for a dance. So go for it!
Don’t be afraid of making a mistake. Listen for the music before asking someone to dance. Maybe it is a style that you don’t know how to dance, for instance, bachata, cha-cha, or music is too fast for you to keep up with the rhythm. Also, don’t just grab the hand (or other part of the body) of a person that you are asking for a dance and pull him/her to a dance floor. Guys, lead your partner back to the place you took her from. If it was her who asked for a dance, then lead her out of the dance floor and thank her. And the last, but not the least thing – smile, everyone likes it!
Criticism. There was a great answer to a question: “What to do with criticism?” And the answer is to be thankful. It is very good, that you are getting advices and hints about your mistakes and how to improve yourself. If you really want to become a good dancer, then it’s better to listen to what more experienced dancers tell you. If you are not sure about those advices, you can always talk to your instructor later, but not during the party (in case the instructor is there). Yet, you are free to ask any of experienced salseros out there in a dance club. I can assure you, they will be glad that you chose them to ask a question.
That is it for now! Keep going to salsa parties and good luck on the dance floor!