Self-defense as a dancer?

[DancingMommy]

How much should we know?

Are there risks that are greater for women or men?

Any reommendations?

[Katarzyna]

Interesting topic DancingMommy, curious what stories people might share :)

[Sabor]

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[DancingMommy]

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[Sabor]

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[Sagitta]

I immediately think dance etiquette. I think it was because of the crowded floor last night at the live band for latin night, "Rising Sign". Anyway, when people start bumping, kicking me, stepping on me I feel this rage building within me. Any advice on how to minimize the abuse from other dancers would be appreciated.

[etchuck]

Oh my... we're in an escalating war of smilies... :shock:

[DancingMommy]

en garde! http://www.click-smilies.de/sammlung0304/spezial/Fool/duel.gif

[Angelo]

How much should we know?

Are there risks that are greater for women or men?

Any reommendations?

Is this a serious question? Exactly where do you dance where you think you need to learn a great deal of self-defense? Assuming your question is serious I have three opinions on the matter:

1. Your mind is the best self-defense tool you can develop and using it to avoid threatening situations is always the best course of action whenever possible

2. Assuming number 1 is taken care of, the most advanced self-protection technology you can legally carry provided you know how and when to use it. Preferably something you can use at a reasonable distance. As somone on another discussion board that I used to frequent put it: Since we live in the age of the gun, granny with a .38 snubby and a defensive handgun course under her belt is badder than Bruce Lee with a pair of 'chucks

3. If you decide you absolutely have to have some unarmed defense training I would probably opt for one of those reality based self-defense courses where the guy in the giant padded suit and helmet will call you every profane name in the book prior to and while he attacks you. The extreme padding he wears ensures that you can train yourself to strike at all the vulnerable points that you're not allowed to touch in a traditional martial arts class.

I'd be interested in other opinions on the subject as well. I should probaly qualify my "advice" with the fact that I haven't been in a physical altercation since the eighth grade. I intend to to keep the streak alive for as long as possible.

[DancingMommy]

Actually, this is an offshoot of the discussion about fending off unwanted "broomstick" reactions in clubs.

http://www.dance-forums.com/viewtopic.php?t=4755&highlight=

Sometimes clubs are not located in the most deilghtful areas of town. There's a club in Atlanta tht had Swing Sunday's and it was SCARY to park the car and walk across the street...

Once one is in the club there are sometimes persons that think an invitation to dance is an invitation to horizontally mambo (at best) or stalk (at worst).

These are the scenarios I'm thinking of. In most cases, carrying a firearm to a venue that sells alcohol strictly verboten.

[Angelo]

Actually, this is an offshoot of the discussion about fending off unwanted "broomstick" reactions in clubs.

http://www.dance-forums.com/viewtopic.php?t=4755&highlight=


Once one is in the club there are sometimes persons that think an invitation to dance is an invitation to horizontally mambo (at best) or stalk (at worst).

These are the scenarios I'm thinking of. In most cases, carrying a firearm to a venue that sells alcohol strictly verboten.

These situations don't seem life threatening although there is the potential for escalation. My non-expert advice would be to stick with a group of friends and avoid being alone with such persons as much as possible

[cl5814]

DancingMommy wrote :
"Once one is in the club there are sometimes persons that think an invitation to dance is an invitation to horizontally mambo (at best) or stalk (at worst). "

For those that think stalking doesn't happen, I picked up a stalker from a ballroom dance studio (professional instructor for those that care about the details).........and this has been ongoing for the last 2 years.

[squirrel]

:) I am a ki aikido trainee... and the only advice my sensei (and the other senseis I asked...) had to give me was: "If you spot a potentially conflictual situation, try to avoid it as best you can... and this includes running like mad!"... Some of them have been involved in fights which could not have possibly been avoided and said there's nothing nice or interesting about fighting, even if you have 5th dan... it's not like in the movies of Steven Seagal or Bruce Lee...
I suggest you avoid bad neighbourhoods, even if it's the best club around... or take company (enough company) with you... use a cab (not a private cab, a company one...) which you call... don't pick it off the street... while inside try and avoid drunks, too obvious clothing, drinking, open behaviour... I sometimes pretend I am involved with someone from the gang, to keep annoying guys away... :lol:
Fortunately, our Salsa club (the one and only...) is in a nice neighbourhood and it is a safe place... no dangerous drunks (the owner has a policy of getting friendly with the clients and the potentially dangerous are immediately escorted out by bodyguards...) and not too many thieves... I mean, you can leave your purse more or less unsupervised on a table... it's not so often that is dissapears... usually, those who are regulars (and are not known to have too many appealing possessions) are not targeted...
Hope it helps...

[swinginstyle]

I immediately think dance etiquette. I think it was because of the crowded floor last night at the live band for latin night, "Rising Sign". Anyway, when people start bumping, kicking me, stepping on me I feel this rage building within me. Any advice on how to minimize the abuse from other dancers would be appreciated.

Well, if I'm doing lindy or even west coast, I will use my partner as a weapon, swinging her out into other couples in order to create more space for myself on the dance floor. And I am serious.

[jon]

Well, if I'm doing lindy or even west coast, I will use my partner as a weapon, swinging her out into other couples in order to create more space for myself on the dance floor. And I am serious.

But the topic was "self defense", not "using your partner as a blunt weapon". Needs a new thread at the very least.

[cocodrilo]

Squirrel I think gives the best advice. Try to avoid dangerous situations. It's not fun having the s**t getting kicked out of you !

[Sabor]

en garde! http://www.click-smilies.de/sammlung0304/spezial/Fool/duel.gif

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