Your Strong and Weak Points?

[Suaveson]

Ok its confession time!

Salseros and Salseras,

What do you think are your strong and weak points?Why?(be honest :roll: )

Maybe someone could offer some advice on this with all the great dancers here!

I personally think shines are what are holding me back(I don't use them much and when I do them I feel I look too ~hip-hopish~. :cry: Do you guys /gals do shines much?

I think my strong point is I feel I am a pretty good lead because I can adjust to different levels slow or fast depending on whom I am dancing with! 8)

[danceguy]

Hmm...I'll give this a go. :)

Strong Points - Um, I'm a nice guy? I'm good at avoiding on floor collisions, I've been told that I have good frame and a good lead, which isn't saying much since I only know about 5 moves. I also feel my timing is very good, if I lose the beat I always get right back on it. I'm actually not bad at shines...I just don't quite have the courage to bust them out on the dance floor yet. :shock: :D

Weak Points - I have many...and that's an understatement. I would say the most is my self confidence while dancing...I get a bit shy at times and and I need to start putting in more floor time and be able to use more techniques so the ladies don't get bored. I still get flustered trying to lead women who try to backlead and have no concept of lead and follow. I've seen great leads take these same ladies and lead them effortlessly...but I usually just pray for the song to end so I can run screaming in the other direction. :oops:

SG

[Suaveson]

Hmm...I'll give this a go. :)



I still get flustered trying to lead women who try to backlead and have no concept of lead and follow. I've seen great leads take these same ladies and lead them effortlessly...but I usually just pray for the song to end so I can run screaming in the other direction. :oops:

SG

I'ts kinda of like taming a wild horse! :headwall: It's happened to me too, I think you must of pretty good though if they didn't stop dancing with you and walk off the floor. I've seen it happen before even to me but I was always lucky because before I learned to dance salsa, I was already pretty good with merengue, cumbias, and racheras so I was always able to find another partner to dance another type of music.

[salsachinita]

Weak points: spins & styling. This generally applies to L.A. style (which I suck at :oops: ).

This stems from the fact the I am "untrained" with next to no studio time of this style (and very little studio time anyway :roll: ). My progress were made while dancing at the clubs, in many different cities, over the years.

(Sometimes I wonder if all the spin & stylings are neccessary. Many of the dancers out there seem to squeeze way too many moves into a 3 mins song which didn't call for any of these moves..... :? )

I am taking this on as my challenge. I've made myself a promise to become a better follower who can dance (effortlessly...!) with these leads 8) . I am still working on it.......

My shines are ok.......very understated with old-school Colombian influence. But I prefer partner work any day.

My strong points...? Fiece passion for the music....! I am also a fairly versatile follower with strong basics. I grew up with very 'old-school' ideas of salsa & present myself blank (ie. total surrender) to my leads (If the lead isn't deliverd/excuted properly, I would have no idea what is asked of me :? ....... still unsure whether it's a good or bad thing :oops: ).

[MacMoto]

Weak points: Balance. Spins/multiple turns (the balance problem also plays a part here). Shines. I've got a lot to work on and am not getting enough dancing hours. :(

Strong points: I'm a happy dancer! I never turn down a dance invitation (who needs a rest when music's playing :D) and am all smiles when dancing. I hope this means I make the leader happy too even if I'm not (yet) a technically great follower. I can't list technical elements of my dance as strong points yet, but I'm working on it. On good nights I'm okay; on bad nights I suck :(.

I thought my eye contact and dancefloor passion were also my strong points, but lately I'm getting told that a few of the guys I've danced with seem to think I fancy them. :shock: :shock: :shock: Am I overdoing it? Or am I so attractive guys just let their wishful thinking go wild?? :lol: :lol: :wink:

[Tasek]

I think my strong points are my lead and my focus on my dance partner, and my feel for the music.

My biggest weak point would be my technique being quite sloppy at times, although I can dance with proper technique, often I just don't do it; I have been described as being a lazy dancer.

(If the lead isn't deliverd/excuted properly, I would have no idea what is asked of me ....... still unsure whether it's a good or bad thing ).

It's a good thing, as a leader I rather have you just do a basic if you're not sure on what's happening then that you're making up things; that way I know that I have to change my lead for that move.
Oh and ladies, now we're on the subject, every now and then I'll want to do my own thing for the odd few measures, don't worry, stay in your spot and i'll be right back, especially when i'm doing a few spins, don't suddenly take a quick a sprint across the dancefloor.

[Sabor]

Oh and ladies, now we're on the subject, every now and then I'll want to do my own thing for the odd few measures, don't worry, stay in your spot and i'll be right back, especially when i'm doing a few spins, don't suddenly take a quick a sprint across the dancefloor.

LOL! yep i hear ya.. sometimes with me, they just stop and watch :shock: and i go like 'common do your thing, free style a little, shine a few!' but they keep on giving me that lost/confused look on their pretty faces.. :headwall: but so cute :lol:

[Sagitta]

Oh and ladies, now we're on the subject, every now and then I'll want to do my own thing for the odd few measures, don't worry, stay in your spot and i'll be right back, especially when i'm doing a few spins, don't suddenly take a quick a sprint across the dancefloor.

LOL! yep i hear ya.. sometimes with me, they just stop and watch :shock: and i go like 'common do your thing, free style a little, shine a few!' but they keep on giving me that lost/confused look on their pretty faces.. :headwall: but so cute :lol:

In this case one person is enjoying the shines but the other isn't. I'd personally keep that to a minimum with such a person, perhaps doing a really simple shine or two to see if they want to try and learn it. As a follow does not have as much freedom to decide what to do, so as a leader I do my best to stick to what both the follow and I can do/enjoy...

[danceguy]

I should add that another of my weak points is spinning. Due to past and present neck injuries spins are just not the best for me. I can do singles and even some doubles...but I generally avoid doing so. I figure while it is a weakness, I can make it a strength by putting my energy into other things, like a smooth basic. :D

[Kitty]

Whether something is a weak/strong point is very subjective.

I'll list things that I think I need to work on currently:
latin movement
smile (I smile for the first minute of a song and then I don't anymore - because I get tired)
balance - in quickstep, jive, rhumba, salsa, mambo, and cha-cha (mostly on spins)

things that I'm happy with for now (sorta):
following - it is ok. some things could be improved, but for now it is great.
posture and movement in standard (not in latin yet)
frame - it looks good

[Hank]

Strrengths: Diligence. After all these years of lessons and practicing, I'm still trying.
Weaknesses: I don't do well in a nightclub/bar environment. A space that's too crowded, air that's too smokey, a floor that's too hard, and music that's too loud wear me down. Add all that to the constant rejection and having my dancing criticized by people who've never taken a lesson, and sometimes I get a bad attitude and just need to go home.

[Sabor]

generally, the better i get, the more weaknesses i discover, yet.. not in the physical sense, but more in terms of knowledge and perception.

[borikensalsero]

generally, the better i get, the more weaknesses i discover, yet.. not in the physical sense, but more in terms of knowledge and perception.

Isn't that a fact!!!!

Ahhh, the beauty of a dual question…

Strengths: Play with the music/partner, don’t care for # of patterns or grade of difficulty of moves. What the music yields I try to depict. I get a million and one compliments on how the ladies can watch me move the body all night long. The nicest comment I’ve gotten was from a male dancer who I admire. He said, man every time I see you dance I wonder how in the world do you do that? Ahhhhhh,.. Make love baby!!!!!! To the music that is… So I figured that moving the body has to be one of my strengths.

Weaknesses: The ladies have told me that they get so lost in my eyes that they forget to follow the lead. I have to learn when, and for how long to look into someone’s eyes. I’ve had girls crash into me, then apologize because they were staring into my eyes and forgot the lead. That must mean that my lead should improve!

I dance with very “light feet” and when I try to lead a heavy-footed follower it causes me to go flying in the opposite direction from the lead. I find it amusing and when it happens I do CBL after CBL just to see if the girl can sense how heavy she is dancing, not to mention I love the feeling of “for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction”.

The slower the music gets the softer my lead becomes. When dancing with someone I frequently dance with I will assume they know what I want from half a lead and neglect to properly lead them. Causing the lady give me an “oops” look when in fact it has been my fault hat I didn’t properly guide her.

The technical stuff all needs to improve… spins/beat/patterns/shines/everything!!!

In all, I too agree that the more we know they more we know we have to improve.

[TemptressToo]

Strong points--Flexibility and I ooze confidence (even if I don't know what I'm doing. ;) ).

Weak points--Getting the ballet and jazz out of my Latin Dance steps and I'm definitely weak on technique as I just started. It will take some practice. :)

[peachexploration]

Strengths: Rhythm and Shines. Shines came really easy to me probably because I'm more used to dancing alone. Also, that's when my alter ego, Alice, comes out. She likes to flirt. :lol:

Weaknesses: All the technical stuff. Still working on the lead/follow stuff of course. And posture, uggh is the worse. :D

[Vince A]

I can spell "Slsaa" . . .

[Jack]

Strong points........cbl basic......how's that?
Getting Better...finding the beat*, making smaller steps more compact moves, smoothing all the moves I know , and timing.
Weaknesses.....A lot but determined,have come a long way and have great teachers and fellow students*

BTW all you in here are a nice group and very helpful*

[Sagitta]

BTW all you in here are a nice group and very helpful*

On behalf of everyone at df thanks!! :D

[MapleLeaf Salsero]

Strong points:
- Dance for my partner;
- Always on-beat;
- Listen to the music;
- Adapt easily to different follow levels or personal styles.

Weak Points:
Is there a maximum limit of words that one can write in one post? I have a very long list of weak points... :oops:
Well instead of listing my 550 weak points, I´ll just give you the one that´s on the top of my list:
- Not very good at turbo salsas;

I can spell "Slsaa" . . .
Vince, have you ever considered entering a spelling bee contest? I´m sure you´d do great... :wink:

[squirrel]

strengths: i am very technical (but sometimes this is a weakness too), i like salsa music and dance desperately
weakensses: shines (don't know many), styling (not very sexy - too tough - i'm a tough lady), sometimes spins (especially triples and multiples) - among the many others...

[D-spot]

Strength - floorcraft/lead
Weaknes - asking strangers to dance (sensitive old me).

At least if you're technically weak but can ask people to dance, you're ahead of me.
Not all weaknesses are created equal.
D-Spot

[Vince A]

Strength - I like to show off . . . don't care about the technical . . . only the fun of the dance!

Weakness - I like to show off . . . most times, the technical doesn't need to be there, but I'll get you where I want you to go . . . that's the fun of it!

PS . . .
Vince, have you ever considered entering a spelling bee contest? I´m sure you´d do great...
MS, I know you were kidding, but for those who don't know me, I'm always, always kidding. I actually write for living, and in High School, won the State Spelling Bee three-years running - cince u brot t'up!

[danceguy]

At least if you're technically weak but can ask people to dance, you're ahead of me.

Well, that sounds like me in a nutshell, but I wouldn't say I'm ahead of you!!! :shock: :P

Asking women to dance doesn't bother me much anymore...actually last time I went out dancing I think 3 ladies asked me to dance...almost one right after the other! :D

SG

[Vince A]

Yea, I don't have a problem at all with asking any lady to dance . . . from rookie to Pro . . . if they are near me, and not dancing, and no one is aksing them to dance, I sure will!

[sbsalsera]

Hello!

I've been enjoying everyone's posts on this forum for a while now and thought it was high time to start participating! This topic has been on my mind anyway, as I've been making an effort to improve my Salsa.

Strong points:
Timing is pretty good. I'm usually able to find the clave, so I can get back on the 1 or 2 or whatever beat when necessary.
Decent frame, thanks to other ballroom dance training.
Spins! After months of practice, I'm finally comfortable with multiples. Doubles and triples? Easy! 4-10 turns? Requires more effort, but I can do it consistently. It's still challenging to keep my balance during 10+ turns, though...
I've been told that I follow and dance very "smoothly" (not sure what that means exactly, but it sounds positive).

Improving points:
Technique is under control (appropriate arm tension for good following most of the time, Cuban/Latin motion is okay, toes are turned out, weight is on inside edge of ball of foot when stepping, small back steps, etc.)
Confidence is growing rapidly because I don't have to think much about execution anymore. Dancing with advanced leaders no longer makes me anxious. Now I just enjoy myself! (On the flip slide, I've been getting nervous looks from beginning-intermediate leaders when we begin dancing...)
Styling and improvising with musicality, playing with timing, and interacting with my partner more. Listening to salsa music every day has helped a lot in this area.

Weak points:
Posture (I have a tendency to drop my chin and sternum).
Stopping multiple turns cleanly - this is really difficult!
Expression of intense concentration on my face with dancing with some leaders for the first time. This is usually caused by the leader being randomly off beat, having a jerky lead, or some other inconsistency that makes me have to concentrate really hard to figure out what they're doing and/or keep my balance! Frankly, I'm not having much fun dancing with these leaders, but I wish I could hide it better for the sake of friendliness...

[borikensalsero]

Welcome Welcome SB Salserita!!! Yet another salsera joins the realms of the DF. I love it! WELCOME :D :D :D :D

[peachexploration]

Yay! Welcome SBSalsera!

[sbsalsera]

Borikensalsero and Peachexploration,

Thank you for the enthusiastic welcome! :D

[Pacion]

Welcome SBSalsera! Great to see another salsera on board.

[Genesius Redux]

Hey there, SBSalsera! Be sure to visit the Ballroom Forums too! :wink:

I've had to think about this before replying, but I finally think I know what my strong points and weak points are.

Strong point-I really like dancing with girls!
Weak point-I really like dancing with girls!

Cheers,

Genesius

[SDsalsaguy]

Let me add my public welcome as well sbsalsera... and it was great meeting and dancing with you in Reno this past weekend! :D

[MapleLeaf Salsero]

Wellcome SBS!

Hope to be reading your posts soon. :D Another salsaholic! We´re going to rule the world some day... :wink: :wink:

[youngsta]

Missed this one, let's see...

Strong Points: Timing, Playfulness, Lead, Ability to Improv, Cuban motion (I ALWAYS get comments on this. A woman I danced with two days ago said she can't help but watch my but/hips when we dance :lol: )

Weak: Spins (my turns are good, once we get into multiple spins I need work!!)

[MapleLeaf Salsero]

Missed this one, let's see...

Strong Points: Cuban motion (I ALWAYS get comments on this. A woman I danced with two days ago said she can't help but watch my but/hips when we dance :lol: )

Wow! You must have felt really good after that... :)

[SDsalsaguy]

A woman I danced with two days ago said she can't help but watch my but/hips when we dance :lol:
Are you sure this has to do with Cuban motion? :wink:

[sbsalsera]

Pacion, Genesius, SD, MapleLeaf,

Thank you all for the friendly DF welcome!

Let me add my public welcome as well sbsalsera... and it was great meeting and dancing with you in Reno this past weekend! :D

BTW, I can provide independent confirmation of what everyone's been saying: SD is a pleasure to dance with! :D

[danceguy]

Are you sure this has to do with Cuban motion?

And more importantly Youngsta, did you manage to get her phone number? :D :ladiesma: :P

[SDsalsaguy]

BTW, I can provide independent confirmation of what everyone's been saying: SD is a pleasure to dance with! :D
:oops: :oops: :oops: :oops: :oops: :oops: :oops: :oops: :oops:

[Suaveson]

sbsalsera - Welcome Aboard! 8)

You will find soon as I found there are lots of nice, knowledgable, warm people in this forum , so don't be shy!

Live, Breathe, eat Salsa 24X7!

Man I can't wait to finally relax, have a few drinks, and do some moves this weekend!

*BTW gracias familia :D for all the great input!

[youngsta]

Are you sure this has to do with Cuban motion?

And more importantly Youngsta, did you manage to get her phone number? :D :ladiesma: :P
:lol: :lol: She's one of the women I dance with regularly...and she's married so no :lol: Pretty sure it's legit though, she isn't the first woman to say it.

[danceguy]

BTW, I can provide independent confirmation of what everyone's been saying: SD is a pleasure to dance with!

SB - That could almost be construed as flirting you know. :banana: ;)

The real question is: was he wearing his purple hat? :D

[danceguy]

She's one of the women I dance with regularly...and she's married so no Pretty sure it's legit though, she isn't the first woman to say it.

Oh well, I've had a very beautiful lady tell me that a few weeks ago...and she wasn't wearing a ring...said her husband danced as well but I didn't see him around! :oops:

Being married and not wearing a ring is false advertising if you ask me! :roll: :shock: :? 8) :lol:

[sbsalsera]

BTW, I can provide independent confirmation of what everyone's been saying: SD is a pleasure to dance with!

SB - That could almost be construed as flirting you know. :banana: ;)

The real question is: was he wearing his purple hat? :D

Until I found Salsa, I had no idea I was a bona fide flirt and exhibitionist (at least on the dance floor!) :twisted: Let's add those qualities to my list of "improving points"...

No purple hat (?) in sight, though :?

Suaveson & Scorpionguy - thanks for your welcomes too!

[danceguy]

Actually, I don't think I gave you a proper welcome SB - so welcome and nice to have you aboard! :D :) :D

I'm starting to learn that I am a bit of a flirt myself...loath to admit it as I am! :roll: :P

Best,

SG

[cocodrilo]

Hmmm. Weaknesses- ditto the smokey club scene and I add dirty dance floors to the list. My DANCE weaknesses(MANY!)- I tend to lead, I'm kinda tall (well, I'm big in Japan)so it's hard for the little guys to get their arm over my head to spin me and I sweat big time.
Strong points- my shines. I prefer the guy stuff (a la Frankie Martinez, NY) as it's lightning-fast and FUN FUN FUN and lots of drop moves, if that's what you call going down to the floor on one leg, the other directly out at your side. I also do high kicks and incorporate some hip-hop moves (again, thanks Frankie) into my shines. Also, my sexy garment collection! Boy is that ever fun!

[SDsalsaguy]

The real question is: was he wearing his purple hat? :D
No purple hat (?) in sight, though :?
Sigh... will this never end? :? :lol:

SG, amongst others, seems to find great amusement in my halloween costume (http://www.dance-forums.com/album/showphoto.php?photo=148&password=&sort=1&cat=500&page=1)...

[Tasek]

Sure SD, your 'halloween' costume :roll: :wink:

We're a tolerant bunch, you can admit that whenever you have the chance you put on that suit and run to the nearest mirror :P ;)

[Genesius Redux]

The real question is: was he wearing his purple hat? :D
No purple hat (?) in sight, though :?
Sigh... will this never end? :? :lol:

SG, amongst others, seems to find great amusement in my halloween costume (http://www.dance-forums.com/album/showphoto.php?photo=148&password=&sort=1&cat=500&page=1)...

Halloween, uh huh. :wink:

[Soñador]

Good: I can learn very fast, anything I see somebody else doing, I have no trouble doing the same moves couple minutes later...

Bad: It's a very bad one... After a year and something of dancing, I'm still loosing my steps (sometimes though) ... I dunno how, I just have trouble following the rythm :cry: But gets better and better... :lol: