What type of dancer are you?

[SDsalsaguy]

The thread about what makes a good teacher highlighted that there are differences in such things that vary depending on if one comes at it from a social or a competitive orientation. Which brings up the question: "what type of dancer are you?"

[DanceMentor]

I voted for social dancer, but I have to qualify my answer. I used to love to compete and perform, but now I just like to dance for fun and teach classes so others can enjoy something that has been a great blessing in my life.

[Anonymous]

I am most definately a social dancer. I love to interact with various people and learn new steps. I have so much fun dancing, it takes my friends to drag me out of the establishment!! :lol:

[DanceMentor]

Welcome, Guest!

It sounds like you are getting addicted, or maybe you are a lifetime addict.
I remember when I started dancing. I danced for at least an hour every day for the first 4 years. I never missed a day and often I would go out dancing until late at night even though I had to work early the next morning. That's one of the reasons I became an instructor, so I could dance all night and sleep all day. That was really awesome for a while.

[MissAlyssa]

I voted competitor although I really love the interaction of social dancing.

[DanceMentor]

Welcome to the Dance Forums, MissAlyssa!
...and thanks for all the posts you're making. I'm sure some of the members will respond to you soon.

I'm not really sure what type of dancer I am, because I've done a little bit of everything. I think I enjoy teaching first, performing second, social dancing third, but I love it all, except I don't compete any more, because I don't have as much time and I no longer dance as a career.

[MissAlyssa]

I also love teaching but I believe I'm at the point where I'd like to soak up as much as I can before I have so many students that I don't have enough time.

[Vince A]

Competitor all the way!
ProAM, Jack and Jills, Just Dances, all Swing and Hustle events I can get to, and Couples . . . I thrive off the competition . . . yet I love to social dance as much as I can!

[pygmalion]

Is there such a thing as a social/competitive dancer? If I have to pick, I'll pick social any day. But I do plan to compete -- even that, though, is going to be just for the fun of getting out there under the spotlights, so to speak.

[Vince A]

Is there such a thing as a social/competitive dancer? If I have to pick, I'll pick social any day. But I do plan to compete -- even that, though, is going to be just for the fun of getting out there under the spotlights, so to speak.
Hi Jenn,
I think that I would answer the same way. I use to eat, sleep, and drink, competing for the last ten years! Pro-Am, Just Dance, Jack and Jills . . . but another moderator here has me looking at my dance goals somewhat differently! I still want to compete, but have to change my reasons for wanting to compete.

I also do not have a Pro in the area that I can compete with. I may try to find one on the East Coast and West Coast that will let me lead and follow in Pro-Am instead of a routine, but those Pros are hard to come by. They usually want to work with you and teach them their routine. Which is fine, but I cannot do all of that traveling!

So, for now, my answer should be social, but wanting to compete again!

[Vince A]

Sorry again about the double post . . . I didn't submit twice.

Jenn, can you delete one of them?

[SwinginBoo]

Up to this point I have been a social dancer. I might compete in this year's ALCH though. :D

[Auzzie_Dancer]

I compete and do social dancing, i compete mainly becuase i enjoy it and meet lots of nice people and social i can go out and do it anywhere ( which i usually do :D ) and with anyone really who knows the basics.

[MadamSamba]

Welcome to town Auzzie_Dancer, bullet, eh? I like that! lol

SD, what about adding "I will compete one day, but I'm not quite there yet?" :)

[Sagitta]

Welcome to df Auzzi-Dancer! :D

[dancin_feet]

Can I add another category? I'm not really interested in competing, but I love performing.

What about a social / performer category?

[Sagitta]

I am there with you dancin_feet!! I am hoping to do a couple performances in June/July. How about teaching? So definitely a social/performer/wannabe teaching dancer.

[dancin_feet]

I am there with you dancin_feet!! I am hoping to do a couple performances in June/July. How about teaching? So definitely a social/performer/wannabe teaching dancer.

My exact category - well there's two voting for this!!! :lol:

[DanceMentor]

Yes, I like teaching more than anything, then social dancing (especially at the studio), then performing. Competing is last on my list. I have competed in a while, but I would certainly do it again.

[virginiadancegirl]

OK...there's still no category that fits me...so let me go ahead and add my own...

social/performing/wannabe teacher/maybe comepting when I think I'm good enough.....

How's that?!?!?

[SDsalsaguy]

OK...there's still no category that fits me...so let me go ahead and add my own...

social/performing/wannabe teacher/maybe comepting when I think I'm good enough.....

How's that?!?!?
Sure, why not? :lol:

[tsb]

Can I add another category? I'm not really interested in competing, but I love performing.

What about a social / performer category?

i love getting paid to perform. were that i got paid more ;op

but i'm still first and foremost a social dancer.

[Genesius Redux]

Hard to say--I don't have a lot of time to go to competitions, because I'm a working actor and I'm always doing a show. But I practice as though for competition, because it's on my actor's resume. Performance is definitely where it's at for me.

[johnnywalker]

[Can I add another category? I'm not really interested in competing, but I love performing]

I agree. I like entertaining people but I don't have that 'edge' to be competitive. I remember one dance school I used to attend; we had an end of year bash and I did a performance with my instructor. I think my dancing was not that good but I made up for it with enthusiasm. Everyone enjoyed themselves although I think it might have been because by the tmie I had to perform most people were suitably drunk :lol:.
Social's the go for me, for now.[/quote]

[peachexploration]

Social dancer all the way. I dance for pure enjoyment.

[SamanthaDance]

I voted for Social dancer....... But I am very new to the dancing world, about one year, and of course I love it! I have done two studio match comps, but I that's really not competing in the truest sense, except against oneself probably. But those comps have helped me greatly, learning all of my areas of weakness(which are too many!) :)

I have also done a studio showcase type event, which I think is helpful also in other ways.

In the end though, I just love to dance!

SamanthaDance