Ballroomer doing salsa?

[etchuck]

Okay, so I responded to a local ad from some of the local salsa instructors who wants some male assistants to demonstrate steps in intermediate/advanced salsa (whichever that means). The only requirement is knowledge to perform at least XBL's and basic turns. Well, I know from doing salsa in clubs for years and ballroom for years how to do XBL's and basic turns, but I'm not sure if I am qualified enough for it.

In any case, I am going ahead and trying out. At least I'd know what's involved. It's not a paid position, but the training obviously would be free. That wouldn't be so bad, would it? :)

Plus I have a clue at least of ballroom lead-follow... it would be interesting to see differences in technique for salsa... or at least the nuances that I know.

No, I don't discern this as a plea for a dance partner (http://www.dance-forums.com/viewtopic.php?t=170). I mean come on... I'm not sure I want to be THAT good... ;)

[squirrel]

Good luck with your 'new job' :))

I think there are many differences in salsa leading as compared to ballroom leading. No, I have not taken ballroom dance lessons, but I've danced with a lot of ballroom dancers on salsa...

They push and pull most of the time... No offense, I am not talking about you, just about the guys I've danced with...

But when it comes to learing, from some viewpoints, it's easier for ballroom dancers... from other viewpoints, it's more difficult.

But about these issues, some other time!

Anyway, I say your idea of going there is good! Just go for it!

And again, good luck!

[borikensalsero]

best wishes etchuck... :D :D :D

I think you will be fine, If you have been dancing around for a while you have nothing to worry. Happy teaching...

[Sagitta]

I would say you would be fine etchuck. If they don't think it will work out the instructors probably will let you know when you try out. Keep us posted on how it goes.

Regards

[Genesius Redux]

Way to grab that opportunity, etchuck! 8)

I think there are many differences in salsa leading as compared to ballroom leading. No, I have not taken ballroom dance lessons, but I've danced with a lot of ballroom dancers on salsa...

They push and pull most of the time... No offense, I am not talking about you, just about the guys I've danced with...


:lol: Pushing and pulling isn't exactly smiled upon in ballroom either--I wonder how pleasant it is to dance with these folks in ballroom too! :lol:

[Sagitta]

Way to grab that opportunity, etchuck! 8)

I think there are many differences in salsa leading as compared to ballroom leading. No, I have not taken ballroom dance lessons, but I've danced with a lot of ballroom dancers on salsa...

They push and pull most of the time... No offense, I am not talking about you, just about the guys I've danced with...


:lol: Pushing and pulling isn't exactly smiled upon in ballroom either--I wonder how pleasant it is to dance with these folks in ballroom too! :lol:

Perhaps this pushing and pulling is referring to the difference in connection/tensions between ballroom and salsa, wheras the ballroomer still strives to maintain tension when a club salsero wouldn't at certain points of executing a move? I could see how this would be construed as pushing / pulling.

[etchuck]

Believe me, part of the reason why I want to know is because I want to find out what the real differences are in leading/following in "true" club salsa. I'm certainly more used to ballroom mambo frame than the laid-back salsa frame, but it's not impossible for me to drop arms but maintain connection when I dance. But certainly the same ideas of moving one's body weight and being able to lead with the frame rather than the arms applies in both ballroom and salsa (so far as I am aware of it).

But certainly the fact I'm used to maintaining some sort of connection most of the time might be interesting for salsa, especially given some moves I've observed.

[Sagitta]

It also depends on your personal salsa style. Before I went to Goa I was more of a slot person and now after coming back I really enjoy more of the circular style. The fact that you have danced salsa in the clubs means you have a lot going for you. And in the class the emphasis should be on the technique, being able to do the move. The club styling should be yours and should make the moves learnt yours. If this is the philosphy shared by those whom you will be teaching then this ballroom salsa dichotomy is not as bad. I can do the CBL many different ways...using the same underlying basic technique, but different emphases and styling. It can be circular or slot-like, have a snap to it or be smooth in a really close position...with a very strong lead throughout for a beginner or featherlike/stroking one for a sensitive follower... :)

[etchuck]

Well, it turns out I think she'll strongly consider me as an assistant. Sure, she'll do most of the teaching, but this is the first time she has been trying to teach with an assistant before. As for me, I'm used to being second fiddle though I have a lot of experience to help out.

Anyway, she has a workshop she is preparing for, and it appears that I'll be helping out with that.

I definitely show a lot of "ballroom salsa", which is no surprise. She has had some experience in swing and ballroom as I do though she has focused more on salsa/bachata/cumbia because she really prefers the music.

But hopefully this will work out. I think it will.

[Sagitta]

Great etchuck!! :D