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View Full Version : Bridging the dancing gaps...


salsarhythms
03-03-2004, 01:29 AM
Life is funny.

You know where you are, and you know where you want to be...

...but you don't know how to "bridge" that gap.

You know, the "gap" between where you are and where you
want to be...sometimes you won't even know that there is a gap
because sometimes we don't think of things along these terms, but...

...The gaps are always there.

The trick is to find ways to bridge those gaps...that's how you achieve
success...in dancing, life, business...whatever.

The first thing you have to do is figure out where you are (dance-wise)
which should be pretty easy if you can be honest with yourself, but...

If you CAN'T be honest with yourself, have someone else tell you. :D

So now that you know where you are, figure out where you want
to be...

It may be the next level in your salsa dancing, or perhaps more shines
in your arsenal, or maybe better styling...

Whatever, figure out what is the next step you'd like to be at.

Ok, now that you have where you are and where you want to be, it's
time to bridge that gap.

First, research.

Find out what it is you need to achieve your end-result. Will it require some private lessons? Or maybe there's a video out there that will help...

Maybe, it's just getting more "real-world" experience...what ever it is
you won't know unless you research.

Start out with your circle of friends, then move on to other dancers you
know, then get online, come here to Dance-Forums and ask...

You'll be surprised how many other people are trying to "bridge" the same
gaps you are and so...BAM

There you've got your "master-mind" group.

After you've researched and figured out what it is you need to do,
it's time that you IMPLEMENT!!

I can't stress this enough you MUST IMPLEMENT!

I'm always surprised with conversations I have with many many people.

It seems that everyone KNOWS what they need to do, so I've come
to the conclusion that most people don't have a "lack-of-knowledge"
problem...

Most people have an "implementation" problem.

So make sure that you implement.

If that means paying for privates...go ahead and DO IT.

If that means buying a video...go ahead and DO IT.

If that means (fill in the blank)...go ahead and JUST DO IT.

Ok, let's recap...

To bridge your salsa dancing gaps you must:

1. Figure out where you are (if you can't be honest with yourself
have someone else rate you)

2. Figure out where you want to be (shines, partnerwork, styling, etc...)

3. Research possible solutions via friends, salsa dancing buddies, forums
and etc...

4. Implement your results.

That's it...

But please don't forget the most important thing:

I M P L E M E N T ! ! !

Until next time...

Good Salsa Dancing,

Fernando Cruz

peachexploration
03-03-2004, 06:27 AM
Thanks SalsaRhythms! I really needed this today. :D

borikensalsero
03-03-2004, 08:28 AM
Hehe... Sweet...
This post reminds me of the fast trigger talkers who have a lot of information in their head, yet when asked to apply it all they can do is stare at you lost and confused, for application has always been left for someone else to show us or do for us. Kind of like a library, spewing out incredible amounts of information... yet can’t do a thing with it.

Knowing does no one any good until we become that something. As you’ve mention everyone knows but no one is, for that matter, applying the knowledge to transcend it from up fro grabs to, here now.

volleybgrl
03-03-2004, 02:39 PM
Just what I needed to hear!!! :D

salsarhythms
03-03-2004, 03:32 PM
Hey Boriken...

U are right on the money...

There's a lot of "theory" and too little actionable steps. Once you get
away from the strictly theory end of it and into actionable steps
that's when you start to see a difference...

Vince A
03-03-2004, 04:05 PM
Hey Boriken...

U are right on the money...

There's a lot of "theory" and too little actionable steps. Once you get
away from the strictly theory end of it and into actionable steps
that's when you start to see a difference...
Yep . . . too much mouth and not enough body!

borikensalsero
03-03-2004, 05:39 PM
Yep . . . too much mouth and not enough body!

That's what I say when I see myself dance. :tongue:

peachexploration
12-31-2004, 02:24 AM
Another inspiring thread worth the re-read. :)

Sagitta
12-31-2004, 03:18 AM
hmmmm.... :? :)

Salsaonone
12-31-2004, 07:29 PM
(paraphrasing)
What are we going to do today brain??
The same thing we try everyday...take over the world!!!

Snarf!

Salsaonone
12-31-2004, 07:32 PM
Viewing the gap can be quite....intimidating....when I go out dancing as good or as bad as I am, I always feel that there is sooo much to learn when I see the really good dancers dance....that stops me for a few songs from dancing sometimes, but then my addiction kicks in and no matter how I dance, I find someone to dance with! I am learning to admire the better dancers, but not let it stop me....but it can be tricky...

azzey
01-01-2005, 09:45 AM
To bridge your salsa dancing gaps you must:

1. Figure out where you are (if you can't be honest with yourself
have someone else rate you)

2. Figure out where you want to be (shines, partnerwork, styling, etc...)

3. Research possible solutions via friends, salsa dancing buddies, forums
and etc...

4. Implement your results.

That's it...

But please don't forget the most important thing:

I M P L E M E N T ! ! !

Until next time...

Good Salsa Dancing,

Fernando Cruz

Hey Fernando, I agree totally but would also like to add a few words if I may.

1a) In figuring out where you are it's important to list all the things you do well already. Everybody does something well, even if it may seem simple to you.

e.g. Timing: you can hear the 1, or can hear the 1 and the 5 on slow tracks, or you can hear all 8 beats in fast mambo music.

In doing so you also point to your weak areas.
Break these elements of your dancing down into small handleable chunks. In that way you see it's possible to improve by doing something today!

To build confidence it's important to do regular *self-to-self* comparison as well as comparison with others. This enables you to break down the fear which is stopping you from *implementing* and realise that the person you are today is well beyond the amazing dancer you wished you were when you started.

So what's stopping you from improving? You've done it once, so you can do it again.

5) Repeat often! A small effort every day will build up the momentum to an unstoppable force of improvement.

n4t4c4
01-02-2005, 02:49 AM
Nice writing!
Simple yet awakening. I guess that is why they always say..... Easier said than done. :idea:

squirrel
01-03-2005, 03:33 AM
As always, very inspiring, SR!

Need to follow your advice...

Swingolder
01-03-2005, 11:06 AM
Good words ---
Probably something I should print off and keep in front of me for awhile (and not just for dancing either!)

I think I will go ahead and DO IT!