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View Full Version : Governor Gray Davis and Salsa Dancing, What's The Connection


salsarhythms
08-10-2003, 06:25 AM
Ok, right about now everyone has heard about
the chaos around the Governor Gray Davis recall.

If you don't know what it is, basically the people of
California feel that the Governor is no longer capable
of running the state. Therefore, they now want to
remove him from office through the use of a recall.

What does this have to do with salsa dancing?

Before I get into that, consider this:

Governor Davis enjoyed a very impressive level
of popularity in California.

Basically, he could do no wrong.

Now, though, things are very different. California
has reached a budget deficit greater than any other
in history.

That coupled with many other things, have literally
flamed the fire.

Today, despite his popularity, he will be facing a
recall election and he's up against over 300 other
people, among them are movie stars, and porno
kings...

So again, what does this have to do with salsa dancing?

Simple.

No matter how popular you are, if people do not feel
as if you're looking after their best interest...they will
replace you.

On the dance floor, it's no different.

If you don't look after your partner, if you don't
make your partner look good, if your partner does
not have a good time dancing with you...

You have just lost popularity.

Even if you've been a great dancer all along, if
the time comes that you no longer keep these
things in mind, you will lose that popularity and
people will not want to dance with you.

How can you make sure this doesn't happen to you?

Well, that's simple too.

Just give them what they want.

Don't perform routines that your partner cannot
handle.

Don't try to show-off your moves, and completely
alienate your partner.

Don't make your partner feel as if they are no longer
part of the dance.

What you want to do is:

Enjoy the song, the music, the dance, WITH your
partner.

Make sure that no matter what level you or your
partner are at, that you both dance in a way that
makes both of you look good.

Slow down!!

This is not an aerobic work-out where the person
that does the most flips wins!!

You're there to dance, not jump around.

Respect everyone around you and respect the other
dancers' floor space.

Basically, dance with your partner as if you're the only
two people in the room, while acknowledging and
respecting the other dancers.

Do these things, and you won't be facing the dreaded

Salsa dancing recall...

SDsalsaguy
08-10-2003, 12:58 PM
Well said salsarythms, and, as you point out, these mistakes are not just the purview of begining dancers....and entirely in line with my position that a good leader should lead your partner, not patterns! (http://www.dance-forums.com/viewtopic.php?t=553)

salsarhythms
08-12-2003, 06:18 PM
Hey SD,

Great post!! I tell you people are probably
going to think that we are doing this on purpose
but really it's pure how we're writing
about the same topics.

If you check out your post on "The Dark Side
of Dancing" I posted a link to my latest newsletter
which touches on some of the points you brought
up in the article...

SDsalsaguy
08-17-2003, 03:54 PM
Check out these excellent articles by Terryl Jones:
:arrow: What Is An Advanced Dancer? (http://www.dance-forums.com/viewtopic.php?t=598)
:arrow: What Level Class Should I Take? (http://www.dance-forums.com/viewtopic.php?t=599)
:arrow: How Can I Get More Out Of My Group Classes?
(http://www.dance-forums.com/viewtopic.php?t=600)

pygmalion
09-30-2003, 11:37 AM
Good thread, guys. And worth a second look for you leads out there. :D

SwinginBoo
09-30-2003, 02:26 PM
Very clever association. Great post. :D

Vince A
09-30-2003, 02:39 PM
What's the connection???

There isn't any . . . so when you can't lead . . . we can't be expected to follow!

All we can do is find someone "else to dance with!"

salsarhythms
10-31-2003, 03:23 PM
Hey Vince,

Great observation there... :-)

pygmalion
10-31-2003, 04:36 PM
Let that be a lesson to you salsa leads and follows out there. You see what happened to Mr. Davis, don't you? :lol: :D

will35
10-31-2003, 05:34 PM
Well, if you saw True Lies, you can get an idea of how Arnold plans to dance with California as his partner. Ugh.

SDsalsaguy
10-31-2003, 08:08 PM
Ok, want to give us a preview of "Gov. Arnold & Salsa Dancing" Ferneando? :wink:

will35
10-31-2003, 09:29 PM
I am just getting myself ready for the part where Arnold grabs us by the scruff of the neck and throws us around. Wow, what a leader!