How to know whether a guy can really dance...

[Gentemer]

In another thread this question came up.
http://www.dance-forums.com/viewtopic.php?p=118802#118802
It is not the question whether a guy can dance very well, but whether he can dance at all, and is not merely looking for a chance to grope.

So, what is the one question a girl can use to test (before the dance itself!) whether a guy is not simply pretending that he can dance.

[Sagitta]

See the guy dancing?

[Gentemer]

Ah, I get it.
The girls should ask: please do some shines, and if you pass the exam I will dance with you :P

[squirrel]

If he's a newbie in the scene (not necessarily a newbie to dance though) then I'd say yes!

This is how I danced with one very good dancer from Toronto! He's Romanian (and we were supposed to meet in Bucharest during his trip to visit his parents) but he misplaced my phone no. So he went to the local club hoping to get a dance... and maybe meet me (he knew me by my photos on my site). He saw me and invited me to dance on a merengue! I politely said no, as I was on my way to the rest rooms... next time he came on another merengue... and I said yes! :) This is how I actually met him!

[Gentemer]

If he's a newbie in the scene (not necessarily a newbie to dance though) then I'd say yes!
Eh... yes, but how to distinguish a sincere new-be from a not-be or an other-motivations-be?

[heartgrl2k]

So, what is the one question a girl can use to test (before the dance itself!) whether a guy is not simply pretending that he can dance.

I don't know if there is a question you could ask to find that out. (Besides, most people either under or over exaggerate when asked about their own dancing.)

One dance with him though should be pretty revealing. Then you can politely refuse him in the future.

Or ask other women if they have enjoyed dancing with him or not. We women can stand together against the gropers!! :D

[squirrel]

I don't really care what he wants! If he is into "groping" I punch him! If he's more discreet but still into groping I have my ways of keeping him at a distance. If he is looking for a dance... then I am ready!

[Lockstep]

besides...the risk is only fair...guy doesnt know whether the gal can dance either does he? although i admit that the 'roaming hands' syndrome is more of a male thing...although i've seen some girls go wild for some of the latin males in my clubs, making me wonder about their motivation too....

[Patapouf]

I don't really care what he wants! If he is into "groping" I punch him!

Woohoo! Squirrel you're tough! All ladies should learn from you! :D

[tj]

I don't really care what he wants! If he is into "groping" I punch him! If he's more discreet but still into groping I have my ways of keeping him at a distance. If he is looking for a dance... then I am ready!

Lol! You go girl! :applause:


I do feel for you ladies... having to put up with crap like this.

Do understand that for us guys... when you're in a big scene, and don't know anyone, it's tough for us at first, too.

[MacMoto]

So, what is the one question a girl can use to test (before the dance itself!) whether a guy is not simply pretending that he can dance.
No question. Asking rarely helps. Observation is the answer. Watch the floor when you are not dancing. Also, watch whose company these guys are in on and off the floor. I can usually tell who can dance, who can't dance but is interested in learning, and who can't dance and NOT interested in learning. The third group I avoid.

Of course, I have come across guys who can dance but are also into groping... :evil:

[brujo]

Look at his shoes.

Rubber soles = bad.
Leather soles / dance sneakers / jazz shoes = good

Most 'advanced' dancers in our neck of the woods wear jazz shoes. It's not a 100% accurate, scientific measure. But chances are that if he has invested in a good pair of shoes, he is there to dance.

[pygmalion]

Good tip. A lot of people won't dance with anybody new (guy or girl) if they're not wearing dance shoes.

Nice to see you, btw. :D

[meagalita]

for me, this question is not something i worry about when asked by a guy i don't know or haven't seen dance. one thing too; i know many really great dancers who *don't* wear dance shoes to the clubs. as far as i'm concerned, i will say yes at least once to anyone who asks as long as they are not wasted drunk, or if i'm way too tired in which case i'll ask them to catch me on the next one, or find them later. just don't worry about someone's abilities, and if the concern is, do they want to just "grope", then walk off the floor if that happens, no biggie :)

[amrimi]

Look at his shoes.

Rubber soles = bad.
Leather soles / dance sneakers / jazz shoes = good

Most 'advanced' dancers in our neck of the woods wear jazz shoes. It's not a 100% accurate, scientific measure. But chances are that if he has invested in a good pair of shoes, he is there to dance.

I had thought about that before. The problem is in my scene mostly only the women wear dance shoes.

[brujo]

I had thought about that before. The problem is in my scene mostly only the women wear dance shoes.

Shoes is just an example, but there are others. For example, I don't wear watches, bracelets, rings or necklaces because they might get caught in hair or dropped. Amount of hairgel - hard to do combovers, cuban style ducks.

Look at clothing, some advanced dancers dress really sloppy / for comfort since they go out every night. Amount of cologne. Earrings. Posture. Perspiration. Beer bellies. Groupies. Slapmarks on the cheeks.

[pygmalion]

Slapmarks on the cheeks. :lol: :lol:

[Patapouf]

Slapmarks on the cheeks.

:lol: :lol: Good one!

[amrimi]

Slapmarks on the cheeks.

:lol: :lol: Good one!

The good ons or the bad ones?

[luh]

lol @slap marks!
well if you just wanna dance with good ones, - sounds snobbish to me. I think it's pretty weird if you ask someoneif he can dance too. I would feel pretty bad, and probably refuse the dance, just because it doesn't look to me if the one is going for a good dance. i also feel pressured, and i hate that too. if you can wait a song, look what he does, but _never_ ask if can dance, worst you can do. having fun is important, having fun on a high dance level is better, but just because your partner is on a high level doesn't mean it's gonna be fun.
I'm always on the dancefloor to have fun, to try new things out, and maybe get ppl to know (*think* - all my friends are more less from the dance club), but not proffesionality or something like that..
luh

[BrookeErin]

I always wear jewelry... I've had some bracelet mishaps (coming off), but I'm there to dance. I can see how the times I have worn boots, although I looked good, mostly guys I knew asked me to dance. But you can't judge by appearances. Jewelry is part of my style, and makes me feel pretty :wink: and if I feel pretty, I dance pretty :wink: Honestly, I think it's more my attitude for the evening than my appearance that affects how often I am asked.

[brujo]

Slapmarks on the cheeks.

:lol: :lol: Good one!

The good ons or the bad ones?

top ones = bad dancer
bottom ones = good dancer

[tacad]

Honestly, I think it's more my attitude for the evening than my appearance that affects how often I am asked.
Hmmm. You might be on to something.

[MacMoto]

well if you just wanna dance with good ones, - sounds snobbish to me. I think it's pretty weird if you ask someoneif he can dance too.
You are right -- the attitude of "I only want to dance with good dancers" is snobbish and doesn't help the growth of the scene. Any dance scene needs new people to replace those who leave for one reason or another; otherwise it will simply shrink and die. Beginners are an asset to the scene and it's in everyone's interest to dance with them, help them get hooked and make sure they stay in the scene and grow into the next generation of good dancers.

Having said all this, I don't think the original question was about avoiding beginner dancers; my understanding was that it was about avoiding non-dancers. Some of the places where I dance are "purely salsa" socials, where you only get salsa dancers (of all levels) and people who want to learn salsa. Other places are "latin clubs", where you get almost as many ordinary :roll: club goers and drinkers as salsa dancers. Now, dancers and non-dancers have a very different attitude to dancing. Non-dancers, especially male ones, dance primarily to pick up the opposite sex. To dancers, an "yes" answer to a dance invitation simply means "this person wants to dance". To non-dancers, it means "this person fancies me". That's why I feel the need to avoid non-dancers at latin clubs, and that's why asking non-dancers whether or not they can dance doesn't work (the question is meaningless to them).

My two cents...

[azzey]

Non-dancers, especially male ones, dance primarily to pick up the opposite sex. To dancers, an "yes" answer to a dance invitation simply means "this person wants to dance". To non-dancers, it means "this person fancies me". That's why I feel the need to avoid non-dancers at latin clubs, and that's why asking non-dancers whether or not they can dance doesn't work (the question is meaningless to them).


In fact asking non-dancers whether they can dance could be construed by them as a lead-in to a pick-up, so what do you expect the answer to be from a guy who wants to pick you up girls.... er.. "yes" obviously! haha.

For them, dancing=pick-up.

I once offered my hand to a spanish girl in a latin club where I was a regular and she waved her finger at me and said "uh huh".. was the most bizarre rejection I've had and I was more bemused than offended. :lol:

[Twilight_Elena]

Most 'advanced' dancers in our neck of the woods wear jazz shoes. It's not a 100% accurate, scientific measure. But chances are that if he has invested in a good pair of shoes, he is there to dance.

Many beginners invest in good shoes, though, to help themselves. To feel they're better, in a way. Not necessarily advanced.

Twilight Elena

[amrimi]

Having said all this, I don't think the original question was about avoiding beginner dancers; my understanding was that it was about avoiding non-dancers. Some of the places where I dance are "purely salsa" socials, where you only get salsa dancers (of all levels) and people who want to learn salsa. Other places are "latin clubs", where you get almost as many ordinary :roll: club goers and drinkers as salsa dancers. Now, dancers and non-dancers have a very different attitude to dancing. Non-dancers, especially male ones, dance primarily to pick up the opposite sex. To dancers, an "yes" answer to a dance invitation simply means "this person wants to dance". To non-dancers, it means "this person fancies me". That's why I feel the need to avoid non-dancers at latin clubs, and that's why asking non-dancers whether or not they can dance doesn't work (the question is meaningless to them).

My two cents...

Thanks that you understand my problem. The minimum of skill i require from a dance partner is only that he can do the basic step which isn't asked to much in an environment where 90% of the people come to dance. Where I go to dance it is a Salsa Club (actually it is a Salsa dance school, which they turn into a club at night) but appearently all the non-dancers who are there them to pick me. I'm already avoiding the latin clubs for the same reasons as you.

[brujo]

You are right -- the attitude of "I only want to dance with good dancers" is snobbish and doesn't help the growth of the scene.

Beginner dancer goes up to 'advanced salsera' and asks 'Do you want to dance?'. Advance dancer looks at beginner - rubber sole shoes, extra pounds in the midsection, shirt in style fifteen years ago. 'Listen little man, I am here to dance with the best of the best, I don't have time to waste songs on your rough, out of sync steps. I wouldn't dance with you even if you are the last man standing on this Earth!'.

Beginner looks at her in the eyes, smiles and says. 'I think you misheard me, I said You look fat in those pants.'

// rimshot.

[cocodrilo]

Hilarious, Brujo! :lol: :lol: :lol:

I'll dance with any guy who is pleasant enough to ask me, and if he starts to get feely, well, I have been known to use my knee...Most of the latinos I dance with do not own dance shoes. Neither have a lot of them ever taken a dance lesson in their lives but they have the rhythm, the moves and boy are they fun to dance with! 8)

[youngsta]

for me, this question is not something i worry about when asked by a guy i don't know or haven't seen dance. one thing too; i know many really great dancers who *don't* wear dance shoes to the clubs. as far as i'm concerned, i will say yes at least once to anyone who asks as long as they are not wasted drunk, or if i'm way too tired in which case i'll ask them to catch me on the next one, or find them later. just don't worry about someone's abilities, and if the concern is, do they want to just "grope", then walk off the floor if that happens, no biggie :)
My outlook is very similar to meagalita's, althought I don't leave the floor when I get groped :P :lol:

[tsb]

I do feel for you ladies...

er... freudian slip? :D

[tsb]

Slapmarks on the cheeks.

:lol: :lol: Good one!

The good ons or the bad ones?

top ones = bad dancer
bottom ones = good dancer

the marks on the lower cheeks wouldn't be slap marks.

[delamusica]

lol @slap marks!
well if you just wanna dance with good ones, - sounds snobbish to me. I think it's pretty weird if you ask someoneif he can dance too. I would feel pretty bad, and probably refuse the dance, just because it doesn't look to me if the one is going for a good dance. i also feel pressured, and i hate that too. if you can wait a song, look what he does, but _never_ ask if can dance, worst you can do. having fun is important, having fun on a high dance level is better, but just because your partner is on a high level doesn't mean it's gonna be fun.
I'm always on the dancefloor to have fun, to try new things out, and maybe get ppl to know (*think* - all my friends are more less from the dance club), but not proffesionality or something like that..
luh

Yeah, it may sound snobbish at first glance, but I've had people ask me to dance/asked people to dance and then it turned out that they couldn't even to the salsa basic and just shoved me around for a song. Asking "can you dance" is not the same as "can you dance well." It's just operating under the assumption that not all people at the club are there to dance, and if it's someone you don't know, then asking "do you dance?" is the easiest way of finding out if they dance at all. If they say yes, then the next question is "would you like to?" not "how good are you?".

[Sagitta]

lol @slap marks!
well if you just wanna dance with good ones, - sounds snobbish to me. I think it's pretty weird if you ask someoneif he can dance too. I would feel pretty bad, and probably refuse the dance, just because it doesn't look to me if the one is going for a good dance. i also feel pressured, and i hate that too. if you can wait a song, look what he does, but _never_ ask if can dance, worst you can do. having fun is important, having fun on a high dance level is better, but just because your partner is on a high level doesn't mean it's gonna be fun.
I'm always on the dancefloor to have fun, to try new things out, and maybe get ppl to know (*think* - all my friends are more less from the dance club), but not proffesionality or something like that..
luh

Yeah, it may sound snobbish at first glance, but I've had people ask me to dance/asked people to dance and then it turned out that they couldn't even to the salsa basic and just shoved me around for a song. Asking "can you dance" is not the same as "can you dance well." It's just operating under the assumption that not all people at the club are there to dance, and if it's someone you don't know, then asking "do you dance?" is the easiest way of finding out if they dance at all. If they say yes, then the next question is "would you like to?" not "how good are you?".

Okay, I'll butt in here. What do you mean by, "Can you dance?" If someone asked me I would reply, "You'll have to come with me and see" or "I'm getting there." I consider being able to dance as being able to connect with your partner and dance with him/her and the music. Knowing the basic, or moves, is not knowing how to dance. Dancing to the music is not knowing how to dance, IMO.

[cocodrilo]

That's a very good reply, Sagitta! I don't think I've ever been asked "Can you dance?" but I've been asked "Do you like to dance?" at which I replied "Yes", then the guy asked me to dance. The question in question can be taken rudely to some(myself included, depending on the mood I'm in!)...

[Lofland]

Us guys should have a thread on how to find women who WILL grope!

[cocodrilo]

Us guys should have a thread on how to find women who WILL grope!
There are PLENTY of us girls who like to grope, myself included! 8) I only grope guys I know and guys I know that LIKE being groped(some expect it, actually!)...

[danceguy]

I love some of the double standards we have in our world... :wink:

[tacad]

It's simple. Guys like to be groped, women do not.

[cocodrilo]

It's simple. Guys like to be groped, women do not.
Get outta here! Some of us happen to like it! All depends on who's doing the groping! 8)

[tsb]

It's simple. Guys like to be groped,
[/quote}

outside of prison, i imagine.

[quote]
women do not.

[Twilight_Elena]

Both sexes like to be groped. It's just a matter of when and by whom. :wink:
Actually, groping is not compulsory. Let's say you're in a club, or a party, or whatever. As we all know, accepting a dance invitation or offering one doesn't equal "I want to hump you right NOW" or "I'm so devilishly attracted to you, you sexay thing!" It can simply be "dance with me for the sake of dancing". People who don't dance regularly, taking lessons and such, don't always get this. They think it always has an ulterior motive, i.e. the sack.
Haven't been groped just yet. If I were groped (and didn't actually expect it or like it) I'd probably glare at my partner and avoid him for the rest of the night. I think my luck is due to the fact that I'm very young compared to most guys there, and they're probably thinking "paedophiliac!". Or not. Come to think of it, most of them mistake me for 19 or 20 years old!
It must be all the teachers. They wouldn't grope while all my teachers are there. Heh. :P Lucky me!
Oh, another thing. I like to keep dancing and personals seperated. No good will ever come out of mixing them, as far as I'm concerned.

Twilight Elena

[Sagitta]

Oh, another thing. I like to keep dancing and personals seperated. No good will ever come out of mixing them, as far as I'm concerned.

Twilight Elena

Mix it up, stir it up nice and good is what I say. :wink: :)

[tacad]

It's simple. Guys like to be groped, women do not.
Get outta here! Some of us happen to like it! All depends on who's doing the groping! 8)
Exactly, but women are much more selective.

[Salsaonone]

Okay, I'll butt in here. What do you mean by, "Can you dance?" If someone asked me I would reply, "You'll have to come with me and see" or "I'm getting there." I consider being able to dance as being able to connect with your partner and dance with him/her and the music. Knowing the basic, or moves, is not knowing how to dance. Dancing to the music is not knowing how to dance, IMO.

If I went up to a woman and I asked her to dance and she asked me "If I could dance", I might be motivated to do one (or more) of the following A) Say a few four letter words her way and walk off B) Say NO, and make her to bad basics all dance (and then, as good or bad as I am, make sure she sees me dance much better with other followers) C) Tell all my friends NOT to dance with her D) Laugh in her face and then walk away.
Some nerve! :roll: :roll: And no matter what happened next, If I could remember who it was, I would NEVER ask her again.

[jamaicanspice]

hmmmmm....I don't know.....in my case I get asked by people who have danced with me.......if its somewhere that I'm not known...then its a little harder.... fact is fact.......people wont dance with you if they don't know or think you can dance. Personally I've had cases where I am asked to dance by peeps AFTER they see me dance.....and usually they are expressing surprise that I can dance :? :? whatever that means *shrug*.

In terms of shoes......I have no dance shoes (at least not yet). Matter of fact when I danced with reggaemambo recently I was wearing boots :) . I wear comfortable shoes that I know I can dance in so if it means dancing in boots then I dance in boots :)

by the way - TOMORROW IS MY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!! 8) :wink: :D

[Salsaonone]

hmmmmm....I don't know.....in my case I get asked by people who have danced with me.......if its somewhere that I'm not known...then its a little harder.... fact is fact.......people wont dance with you if they don't know or think you can dance. Personally I've had cases where I am asked to dance by peeps AFTER they see me dance.....and usually they are expressing surprise that I can dance :? :? whatever that means *shrug*.

In terms of shoes......I have no dance shoes (at least not yet). Matter of fact when I danced with reggaemambo recently I was wearing boots :) . I wear comfortable shoes that I know I can dance in so if it means dancing in boots then I dance in boots :)

by the way - TOMORROW IS MY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!! 8) :wink: :D

Happy Bday Jamaicanspice!

[Sagitta]

hmmmmm....I don't know.....in my case I get asked by people who have danced with me.......if its somewhere that I'm not known...then its a little harder.... fact is fact.......people wont dance with you if they don't know or think you can dance. Personally I've had cases where I am asked to dance by peeps AFTER they see me dance.....and usually they are expressing surprise that I can dance :? :? whatever that means *shrug*.

In terms of shoes......I have no dance shoes (at least not yet). Matter of fact when I danced with reggaemambo recently I was wearing boots :) . I wear comfortable shoes that I know I can dance in so if it means dancing in boots then I dance in boots :)

by the way - TOMORROW IS MY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!! 8) :wink: :D

Happy Bday Jamaicanspice!

As it is 12:04 AM EST Ditto from me in CNY. :D

[cocodrilo]

It's already 2:30pm Monday over here, so I'll wish you a "Happy Birthday" in advance!
:D

[tj]

Happy Birthday JS!

(and it's pretty hilarious that this wandered from "Do You Even Know How To Dance?" :wink: to "Women Like To Be Groped By the Right Guy".) :lol:

[Sabor]

Happy Birthday JS!

(and it's pretty hilarious that this wandered from "Do You Even Know How To Dance?" :wink: to "Women Like To Be Groped By the Right Guy".) :lol:

what? :lol: .. women said that?.. but isn't this a double standard?.. i mean its either grope or no grope! sheesh.. dont want to spend the whole dance night wondering if i'm 'right' or 'wrong'.. just tell us straight from the start! life is complicated enough as it is :lol:


OH YEAH.. Happy Birthday Jamspice!! :D its NAUGHTY time 8)

[tj]

Happy Birthday JS!

(and it's pretty hilarious that this wandered from "Do You Even Know How To Dance?" :wink: to "Women Like To Be Groped By the Right Guy".) :lol:

what? :lol: .. women said that?.. but isn't this a double standard?.. i mean its either grope or no grope! sheesh.. dont want to spend the whole dance night wondering if i'm 'right' or 'wrong'.. just tell us straight from the start! life is complicated enough as it is :lol:


OH YEAH.. Happy Birthday Jamspice!! :D its NAUGHTY time 8)

You, Sabor... are one of the "Right Guys"... :tongue:

[jamaicanspice]

thanks you guys!!!!! :D :D to celebrate I am going dancing this Thursday :D :D (like I need an excuse 8) )

[MacMoto]

Non-dancers, especially male ones, dance primarily to pick up the opposite sex. To dancers, an "yes" answer to a dance invitation simply means "this person wants to dance". To non-dancers, it means "this person fancies me". That's why I feel the need to avoid non-dancers at latin clubs, and that's why asking non-dancers whether or not they can dance doesn't work (the question is meaningless to them).


In fact asking non-dancers whether they can dance could be construed by them as a lead-in to a pick-up, so what do you expect the answer to be from a guy who wants to pick you up girls.... er.. "yes" obviously! haha.
If I went up to a woman and I asked her to dance and she asked me "If I could dance", I might be motivated to do one (or more) of the following A) Say a few four letter words her way and walk off B) Say NO, and make her to bad basics all dance (and then, as good or bad as I am, make sure she sees me dance much better with other followers) C) Tell all my friends NOT to dance with her D) Laugh in her face and then walk away.
Some nerve! :roll: :roll: And no matter what happened next, If I could remember who it was, I would NEVER ask her again.
So to sum up, if you ask guys "can you dance?",

1. Guys who can't WILL say yes.
2. Guys who can dance will say f*** off (or something to that effect).
3. Guys who can dance will never ask you again and will probably tell all his friends (who can dance) what a snob you are.
4. Only guys who can't dance will keep on asking you.

Interesting. :roll: :lol:

"Women Like To Be Groped By the Right Guy".) :lol:
:eyebrow: :eyebrow: :eyebrow:
Well, I don't like to be groped when dancing, even if it's the Right Guy. Wait till later, dahhhling. :wink:

[Sabor]

OR.. in bold print across your top that reads:

''I CAN REALLY DANCE"

:mrgreen:

[azzey]

So to sum up, if you ask guys "can you dance?",

1. Guys who can't WILL say yes.
2. Guys who can dance will say f*** off (or something to that effect).
3. Guys who can dance will never ask you again and will probably tell all his friends (who can dance) what a snob you are.
4. Only guys who can't dance will keep on asking you.

Interesting. :roll: :lol:


Basically yes! :lol:

That's why I have my Mambo t-shirt with the dancing dog on the back. So girls know I can dance like a dog! :lol: :lol: :wink:

[azzey]

OR.. in bold print across your top that reads:

''I CAN REALLY DANCE"

:mrgreen:

Salsa tatoos. Now that's an idea!
:lol:

[Gentemer]

So to sum up, if you ask guys "can you dance?",

1. Guys who can't WILL say yes.
2. Guys who can dance will say f*** off (or something to that effect).
3. Guys who can dance will never ask you again and will probably tell all his friends (who can dance) what a snob you are.
4. Only guys who can't dance will keep on asking you.

Interesting. :roll: :lol:


Ok, so that is the wrong question to ask.
Anybody else a better question?

Let me picture this: you are a follower, the next song comes up, and you are approached by a guy that asks you to dance. You have never seen him before and you are not sure whether he can really dance. But you want to find out BEFORE you say yes.
So what do you do? Which question do you ask to know whether he can really dance, without ending up with one of the four results listed up here.
Does such a question exist?

[Sagitta]

So to sum up, if you ask guys "can you dance?",

1. Guys who can't WILL say yes.
2. Guys who can dance will say f*** off (or something to that effect).
3. Guys who can dance will never ask you again and will probably tell all his friends (who can dance) what a snob you are.
4. Only guys who can't dance will keep on asking you.

Interesting. :roll: :lol:


Ok, so that is the wrong question to ask.
Anybody else a better question?

Let me picture this: you are a follower, the next song comes up, and you are approached by a guy that asks you to dance. You have never seen him before and you are not sure whether he can really dance. But you want to find out BEFORE you say yes.
So what do you do? Which question do you ask to know whether he can really dance, without ending up with one of the four results listed up here.
Does such a question exist?

Not sure if such a question exists. I posed my questions about what you mean when you ask "Can you dance?" in order to illustrate that even this question can have different meanings for some. I personally would never say, "yes", and give a reply that doesn't really answer the question. If the person accepts my response I'll dance with them, and I may even ask them again. I was simply dancing the basic and doing the right turn with one follower once. She commented that she liked doing moves and could do a lot more than what I was doing. I personally didn't think so and so I just gave her a good dose of different moves. Then I reverted back to what I was doing before and asked her which she preferred. She said the basic, right turn, and CBL that I was doing - not the moves. There are many factors that come into play from choosing whom to ask to dance, how to ask a person, what you do with a person. The more experience one has the easier it gets and becomes more instintictive. Often I just know. Perhaps with finding out if a leader can dance the same situation applies to followers as well.

[Twilight_Elena]

I don't think there's a question, or at least one that won't insult said guy. It's more of a luck thing: does he look like what you've got listed in your head as "good dancer"? Is he confident, cool, has worn shoes? Is he slouched? I suppose he could look like a newbie and actually be the pro/am amazing lead, but you'll have to take your chances with that. And if it comes to it, you can dance with the guy and refuse to do it again if he's awful. C'est ca.
Oh. And I vote for men's t-shirts that say the following:
Years of dancing exp:
How much follows love you (rating from "despicable thing" to "founder of new religion"):
Pain tolerance (if you've gotta punch, you've gotta punch):
That should settle it... :P :P

Twilight Elena

[tj]

Heh, back on topic again, huh?

So how often do you ladies have to put up with strangers who are horrible leads? I ask, because most of my female friends will say that they'll dance with anyone once.

Then again, that sort of attitude is probably why I'm friends with them...

[newbie]

[quote=MacMoto]

...Anybody else a better question?
...
Does such a question exist?

"Oh, I just love this 'Jingle Bell' song they're playing now. Do you like it too ?"

If he answers:
"What 'Jingle Bell' ? But it's Micaela they're playing !"
then it's ok, dance with him.
If he answers:
"Er...Oh, yeah, sure, Jingle Bell is my favourite salsa piece too !"
then you say:
"Unfortunately, I'm just so moved and upset when I hear it...I definetely can't dance on it...Sorry!"

[MapleLeaf Salsero]

Once, I asked a lady to dance who I´d never seen before. She checked me out from top to botton and asked, "What level are you at?" :shock:

I was just about to walk away, but then I changed my mind. I was curious to see just how "good" she was. We danced one song. After about 5 seconds she started smiling.

I never asked her again. :tongue: One of these days when I´m in a forgiving mood, I just may...

[Salsaonone]

Ok, so that is the wrong question to ask.
Anybody else a better question?



Simply say "Yes" or "No thanks". I dont know what the problem is...in fact you should say yes at least once to everyone. Then decide if you want to dance again with that person. Its what? 5 maybe 10 minutes (if its a really long song) of your life?? I don't see the perilous peril. Then next time say No, and pretty soon, even thick skulled people like me will eventually not ask you anymore. But I do tell my friends that I went up to so and so and they said no to me...an instructor once told the class that if you are a follower always say yes because lets say person x is the man of your dreams and he sees you say no to person y, he might not ever ask you to dance because he is afraid you will say no just like you did to the other person....

[cocodrilo]

Heh, back on topic again, huh?

So how often do you ladies have to put up with strangers who are horrible leads? I ask, because most of my female friends will say that they'll dance with anyone once.

Then again, that sort of attitude is probably why I'm friends with them...
I'd dance with anyone once, too!

[jamaicanspice]

So to sum up, if you ask guys "can you dance?",

1. Guys who can't WILL say yes.
2. Guys who can dance will say f*** off (or something to that effect).
3. Guys who can dance will never ask you again and will probably tell all his friends (who can dance) what a snob you are.
4. Only guys who can't dance will keep on asking you.

Interesting. :roll: :lol:


Ok, so that is the wrong question to ask.
Anybody else a better question?

Let me picture this: you are a follower, the next song comes up, and you are approached by a guy that asks you to dance. You have never seen him before and you are not sure whether he can really dance. But you want to find out BEFORE you say yes.
So what do you do? Which question do you ask to know whether he can really dance, without ending up with one of the four results listed up here.
Does such a question exist?

when I am asked that question I just say yes.....if he can dance GREAT!!! and if he can't.....*shrug* I'll 'work' with him :D but I will make a note if does anything funny on the dance floor with me :wink:

[ReneeJoan]

I think Miss Manners would concur -- it is a little rude to make inquiries as to a potential dance partner's level of skill before accepting a dance invitation, or before making one. There's one sure fire way to find out -- dance with them. It's only one dance.

Try to remember folks, you were once a beginner too, and somebody was kind enough to dance with you, and that's how you learned to be the skilled dancer that you are today. Just as a simple act of gratitude to all those skilled partners who danced with you when you were a beginner, I should think you would graciously dance with any beginner who asked you, or at least give a dance or two to that shy newbie hiding in the shadows.

A little humility goes a long way in getting along with other people.

Renee

[cocodrilo]

Try to remember folks, you were once a beginner too, and somebody was kind enough to dance with you, and that's how you learned to be the skilled dancer that you are today.
Renee

Exactly! :D

[jamaicanspice]

I COMPLETELY AGREE!!!!! I mean seriously.......humility needs to be employed big time.

People weren't born dancing....(I know I wasn't lol)...you had to LEARN and keep learning till you got to where you are. Always remember your roots!!!.

So if you are asked to dance with someone you do not know, it might be good to remember that you were once where they were......asking for a chance........don't think you're too good for other peeps...one day you might find yourself looking at THEM with the same awe they are probably now looking at you with (does this make sense :lol: )

[Pacion]

In another thread this question came up.
http://www.dance-forums.com/viewtopic.php?p=118802#118802
It is not the question whether a guy can dance very well, but whether he can dance at all, and is not merely looking for a chance to grope.

So, what is the one question a girl can use to test (before the dance itself!) whether a guy is not simply pretending that he can dance.

Back to basics :wink: as this is my first response on this thread - if I haven't had a chance to see him dancing with someone else, then my only experience will be "a live" one, as to whether he is a groper or not.

On the other hand, if I have a chance to watch him dance, or even see him walking around/standing round, then to me, his body language, where his eyes are looking :roll: or the body language of his dance partner if he is dancing would give me a very good clue ie. if she is looking very uncomfortable, trying to hold him at arms' length and making pleas with her eyes for someone to come and rescue her.

In addition, some guys do not realise that girls talk! I was at a place a couple weeks ago and someone I knew "warned" me on a particular guy. I then observed him and made my excuses when it was my turn. Yes! I dance with everyone who asks me with two exceptions - if they are drunk/tipsy and a groper. Drunk/tipsy = health hazard ... Groper = go where you can pay for it :evil:

[jamaicanspice]

now THAT'S keeping it real :wink: :D

[Sagitta]

So to sum up, if you ask guys "can you dance?",

1. Guys who can't WILL say yes.
2. Guys who can dance will say f*** off (or something to that effect).
3. Guys who can dance will never ask you again and will probably tell all his friends (who can dance) what a snob you are.
4. Only guys who can't dance will keep on asking you.

Interesting. :roll: :lol:


Ok, so that is the wrong question to ask.
Anybody else a better question?

Let me picture this: you are a follower, the next song comes up, and you are approached by a guy that asks you to dance. You have never seen him before and you are not sure whether he can really dance. But you want to find out BEFORE you say yes.
So what do you do? Which question do you ask to know whether he can really dance, without ending up with one of the four results listed up here.
Does such a question exist?

when I am asked that question I just say yes.....if he can dance GREAT!!! and if he can't.....*shrug* I'll 'work' with him :D but I will make a note if does anything funny on the dance floor with me :wink:
Oh, oh! :oops:

[danceguy]

Caught red handed Sagitta? I've seen the pictures of you two dancing! :P :lol: :raisebro:

[MacMoto]

Ok, so that is the wrong question to ask.
Anybody else a better question?



Simply say "Yes" or "No thanks". I dont know what the problem is...in fact you should say yes at least once to everyone. Then decide if you want to dance again with that person.
Sounds reasonable to me. Having said that, if I already know the guy is not there to dance but to pick up, I say no. If I'm not sure, I say yes and see what happens. Some of these strangers have turned out to be VERY good...

These days this is not much of an issue for me though, since I do most of the asking.

[Houdinni]

[quote=MacMoto]

...Anybody else a better question?
...
Does such a question exist?

"Oh, I just love this 'Jingle Bell' song they're playing now. Do you like it too ?"

If he answers:
"What 'Jingle Bell' ? But it's Micaela they're playing !"
then it's ok, dance with him.
If he answers:
"Er...Oh, yeah, sure, Jingle Bell is my favourite salsa piece too !"
then you say:
"Unfortunately, I'm just so moved and upset when I hear it...I definetely can't dance on it...Sorry!"

Another piecr of pure genius! :lol:

Still, you should danc with everybody at least once!

If the guy is a groper, you can just stop and walk away, with your conscience at ease, I might add...

If it's a beginner trying to improve, 3 and half minutes of your time cost you othing. You'll get his gratitude forever, and... who knows, in a year or so he might e a great dancer and still remember your kindness... :idea:

[jamaicanspice]

Sagitta has NOTHING to worry about :D he is a GREAT dancer and I absolutely LOVED dancing with him :D :D :D matter of fact I haven't had a bad experience with any of the DFers I've met and danced with :D :D :D I'm blessed 8)

[tacad]

Caught red handed Sagitta? I've seen the pictures of you two dancing! :P :lol: :raisebro:
More pics?

:car:

[jamaicanspice]

good question......Sagitta where is the pic I asked you to post for me please?

[amrimi]

Sagitta has NOTHING to worry about :D he is a GREAT dancer and I absolutely LOVED dancing with him :D :D :D matter of fact I haven't had a bad experience with any of the DFers I've met and danced with :D :D :D I'm blessed 8)

Should be surprised if it would be anything else because all the people here are dancers and not non-dancers.

[jamaicanspice]

:D :D

[Sagitta]

good question......Sagitta where is the pic I asked you to post for me please? Still haven't finished that film!! :oops:

[jamaicanspice]

what!! how come??? :shock:

[Sagitta]

what!! how come??? :shock: Over use of the digital camera...

[Pacion]

Okay, I am lost. What does "Over use of the digital camera..." have to do with knowing whether a guy can really dance...? :raisebro:

[DancePoet]

In another thread this question came up.
http://www.dance-forums.com/viewtopic.php?p=118802#118802
It is not the question whether a guy can dance very well, but whether he can dance at all, and is not merely looking for a chance to grope.

So, what is the one question a girl can use to test (before the dance itself!) whether a guy is not simply pretending that he can dance.
Not shur I'd ask ... might get a wrong ansa. ;)

[Sagitta]

Okay, I am lost. What does "Over use of the digital camera..." have to do with knowing whether a guy can really dance...? :raisebro: :doh: She is referring to a certain photo I took with my film camera in may 2004.

[honeydragon]

I think it's always fair to at least give the guy a chance -- he may or may not know how to dance, and so what? At one point in time, none of us knew how to dance either. Everyone that goes out to a dance club regardless of whether or not they can dance... at least they made the effort to come out, we all have one thing in common and that is to just have a good time -- even tho a pervert's definition of a "good time" differs alot from people with a dance agenda.


Here's 2 scenarios that you can simply avoid asking potentially offensive questions....

1.--- You see the guy.. you wanna ask him to dance, but you're not sure if he dances or not. Well, you can wait til the song is more than half over, then go ask him to dance. That way, if he's new, but pleasant, at least you made his night. IF he's terribly awful or a perv, then at least the song's half over and it might seem like forever, but at least you're only stuck with him for less than a minute and of course, if he's being a perv and not being nice to you on the dance floor, you don't have to be nice to him. IF he's good and you like dancing with him, then you can say, thank you for the warm-up, now can i have a full song with you ? :-)

2.-- The Guy sees you and asks you to dance.. well. you can always say, "no, but maybe later." and if he runs off and asks another girl to dance, then you can observe him. and once the song is over and you're still unsure, you can always go over and ask that girl what she thought of his lead. Then do #1.. ;-) But if he doesn't go off dancing after he asks you, you can wait til the song is half over and approach him and say.. ok i'm ready to dance with you now. and well, do #1 :lol: that way, regardless of whether he can dance or not, at least you kept your manners and didn't ruin the guy's night. and i'm sure the guy will appreciate that you didn't just turn him down and didn't think of his feelings.

... and you never know ladies.. if you end up dancing with a non-dancer or newbie and you just continue to smile and gracefully dance with him, you might just be the one person that inspired a future awesome lead that will ALWAYS dance with you. :-)

[danceguy]

I didn't realize accepting or asking for a dance invitation was such a difficult process... :shock: :wink:

[honeydragon]

so... scorpionguy, would you like to dance with me ? :oops:

[danceguy]

Sorry baby, my dance card is full... :lol:

[honeydragon]

oh well, sux to be me.. the song's more than half over anyways. 8)

lemme see.. who's my next dance victim? :twisted:

[Tasek]

I'm a danceslut, never say no to an invitation ;)

[Sagitta]

Just dance with the guy, for goodness sake!! :o You'll know by the end of the dance. :wink: :) And there are all sorts of strategies for enjoying oneself and not being taken advantage of, depending on what your dance partner is like.

I say this as there are some who look great dancing with others, but you just cannot gell with them. Then you wonder what's going on... The only true litmus test is dancing with the guy, IMO.

[cocodrilo]

oh well, sux to be me.. the song's more than half over anyways. 8)

lemme see.. who's my next dance victim? :twisted:
Makes it sound like you suck blood! :lol:

[Ron Obvious]

[quote="Houdinni"]
"Still, you should danc with everybody at least once!"

I've been dancing salsa maybe a year, but still I'm not a good dancer the first dance. However, after having warmed up for about 15 minutes I do know how to lead well, but that first dance usually fails (which is why I usually will want do dance that dance with someone I know).

So you shouldn't place that much weight on even one dance with a guy. I also find a positive attitude more important than the actual dancing ability.

[tj]

I've been dancing salsa maybe a year, but still I'm not a good dancer the first dance. However, after having warmed up for about 15 minutes I do know how to lead well, but that first dance usually fails (which is why I usually will want do dance that dance with someone I know).

So you shouldn't place that much weight on even one dance with a guy. I also find a positive attitude more important than the actual dancing ability.

Welcome to DF, Ron Obvious!

I know what you mean about needing a "warm-up dance". I need those, too.

[Salsaonone]

I've been dancing salsa maybe a year, but still I'm not a good dancer the first dance. However, after having warmed up for about 15 minutes I do know how to lead well, but that first dance usually fails (which is why I usually will want do dance that dance with someone I know).

So you shouldn't place that much weight on even one dance with a guy. I also find a positive attitude more important than the actual dancing ability.

Absolutely...sometimes I feel I should apologize for the first couple of dances...just to get those juices flowing...I will even do a merengue to warm up....ah, there is a purpose for that dance!! I knew I would find it eventually!! :lol:

[Sabor]

I will even do a merengue to warm up....ah, there is a purpose for that dance!! I knew I would find it eventually!! :lol:

oh Mighty Dominican Soul.. forgive him .. for he absolutement doth not knoweth what he sayeth! 8)

[jamaicanspice]

have you guys seen Dirty Dancing 2 'Havana Nights'? I watched that movie SOLELY for the dancing!! I was amazed at the energy and vibrancy and CONNECTION I saw....its as if they breathed the dance!! totally awesome!!

Sagitta when are you coming to Jamaica?? 8)

[Twilight_Elena]

I will even do a merengue to warm up....ah, there is a purpose for that dance!! I knew I would find it eventually!! :lol:

oh Mighty Dominican Soul.. forgive him .. for he absolutement doth not knoweth what he sayeth! 8)

Err. What's so wrong about merengue? It's cute!
*ducks Capezios thrown at her*

Twilight Elena

[Sagitta]

have you guys seen Dirty Dancing 2 'Havana Nights'? I watched that movie SOLELY for the dancing!! I was amazed at the energy and vibrancy and CONNECTION I saw....its as if they breathed the dance!! totally awesome!!

Sagitta when are you coming to Jamaica?? 8)

When the heavens open and the Lord looks upon me with favor. :wink: :) IT has been a long time snce we last saw you here on DF JS! And I have seen Dirty Dancing 2. Not a bad movie. :P :)

[jamaicanspice]

I will even do a merengue to warm up....ah, there is a purpose for that dance!! I knew I would find it eventually!! :lol:

oh Mighty Dominican Soul.. forgive him .. for he absolutement doth not knoweth what he sayeth! 8)

Err. What's so wrong about merengue? It's cute!
*ducks Capezios thrown at her*

Twilight Elena

:shock: did you just say cute??? :shock:

[Sagitta]

I will even do a merengue to warm up....ah, there is a purpose for that dance!! I knew I would find it eventually!! :lol:

oh Mighty Dominican Soul.. forgive him .. for he absolutement doth not knoweth what he sayeth! 8)

Err. What's so wrong about merengue? It's cute!
*ducks Capezios thrown at her*

Twilight Elena

:shock: did you just say cute??? :shock:

If you have the right merengue it can be very cute, flirtatious, sexy... Then you have the 1-2-3-4 merengues which are fast and there is absolutely nothing in the music...

[Kindra]

I have to say I really enjoy listening to most merengue....and every now and then I enjoy dancing a merengue, but it definitely isn't very entertaining to watch.

[tj]

I have to say I really enjoy listening to most merengue....and every now and then I enjoy dancing a merengue, but it definitely isn't very entertaining to watch.

There're a couple guys in Denver who are lots of fun to watch!

A really good dancer can make any style of dance entertaining, IMHO. They each have their own favs.

[Kindra]

A really good dancer can make any style of dance entertaining, IMHO.

I agree with you 100%..I should have said this a little clearer...more like this...

"IMHO, it definitely isn't very entertaining to watch..unless danced by great dancers that can add depth, diversity, style and enthusiasm" :lol: :wink:

[tj]

A really good dancer can make any style of dance entertaining, IMHO.

I agree with you 100%..I should have said this a little clearer...more like this...

"IMHO, it definitely isn't very entertaining to watch..unless danced by great dancers that can add depth, diversity, style and enthusiasm" :lol: :wink:

And I will add that none of the locals here in DC have caught my eye during the few times that merengues have been played.

What's odd is how very little merengue (and no bachata) is played around here.

[Sabor]

have you guys seen Dirty Dancing 2 'Havana Nights'? I watched that movie SOLELY for the dancing!! I was amazed at the energy and vibrancy and CONNECTION I saw....its as if they breathed the dance!! totally awesome!!

u gotta be kidding me :lol: .. it made me sleep almost instanteneously :lol: .. when i woke up .. i thought i had a nightmare :lol:

[tacad]

have you guys seen Dirty Dancing 2 'Havana Nights'? I watched that movie SOLELY for the dancing!! I was amazed at the energy and vibrancy and CONNECTION I saw....its as if they breathed the dance!! totally awesome!!

u gotta be kidding me :lol: .. it made me sleep almost instanteneously :lol: .. when i woke up .. i thought i had a nightmare :lol:
:lol: I thought it was ok. But not worthy of the title. And not worthy of a trip to the theater. I rented.

[Beto]

have you guys seen Dirty Dancing 2 'Havana Nights'? I watched that movie SOLELY for the dancing!! I was amazed at the energy and vibrancy and CONNECTION I saw....its as if they breathed the dance!! totally awesome!!

u gotta be kidding me :lol: .. it made me sleep almost instanteneously :lol: .. when i woke up .. i thought i had a nightmare :lol:
They have to be joking. If you're a ballroom dancer, you would've been offended by the film. If you're a salsa dancer, you would've been offended as well. They attempted to mix the different styles in such a way that no self-respecting dancer would ever attempt in real life.

Personally, I consider it the Worst.Movie.Ever.

Hard to believe a dance instructor choreographed the actors! :shock: :roll:

[Kindra]

Wasn't a huge fan myself....but there were some entertaining moments I guess.

[Beto]

Wasn't a huge fan myself....but there were some entertaining moments I guess.
Hmm, maybe any of the beginning scenes and any scenes that didn't involve dancing. Well, actually, I take that back. In the very beginning of the film one of the main characters is doing some folkloric dancing in the street (choreographed by Jorge Santana, one of the better known and respected Puerto Rican dancers).

[Kindra]

For someone who HATED the movie so much...you sure remember an aweful lot about it!! How many times did you watch it??? :lol: :lol: :wink:

[Beto]

For someone who HATED the movie so much...you sure remember an aweful lot about it!! How many times did you watch it??? :lol: :lol: :wink:
Once. The sad thing is, I'll never get those minutes of my life back. :cry:

Is the first Dirty Dancing better? I haven't seen it. The only other movies I've seen that had decent (or realistic) salsa dancing in them are "Dance With Me" (not so much Chayanne and Vanessa but everybody else!) and "Along Came Polly"

[Kindra]

Is the first Dirty Dancing better? I haven't seen it.

You've never seen it??? :shock:

Is it better...no. But is it a classic 80's chic flick that I love, yes.
Dirty Dancing isn't a salsa movie...it has 1 mambo scene in it..which isn't worth much if you ask me. I doubt you will love it if you see it....

It will forever be one of my favorites though..Patrick Swayze was HOT!! :D

I enjoyed both Dance With Me and Along Came Polly....

[Frodo]

Wasn't a huge fan myself....but there were some entertaining moments I guess.
Hmm, maybe any of the beginning scenes and any scenes that didn't involve dancing. Well, actually, I take that back. In the very beginning of the film one of the main characters is doing some folkloric dancing in the street (choreographed by Jorge Santana, one of the better known and respected Puerto Rican dancers).

I thought the story was hopeless, but quite enjoyed the dance and music bits.

I thought the dancing was far better than the original. The original was seemed much more show dancing with aerials and such, which I'm just not interested in.


And Romola Garai is kind of fetching ... :)

[Medira]

The original Dirty Dancing is one of those corny 80's chick flick movies that you have to see once, just to say that you've done so. The plot isn't the greatest, the dancing is alright, I suppose, but it's one of those things that you just have to do. :P

As for Dirty Dancing 2, again, it was alright. The dancing was better than the first one, but it could have been better still. Like the first, the plot wasn't anything to write home about either.

They're both good as rentals or as bargain bin buys, for those nights when you're just looking for something fluffy to watch.

[jamaicanspice]

I didn't go to see it in a movie theatre......I watched it at work......quality was bad but I really liked the dance scenes and yes...they WERE better than the ones in Dirty Dancing 1 (and Patrick Swayze was and still is hot lol lol)..........DD1 was what made me fall in love with latin dancing by the way (what can I say...I was young and impressionable and didn't know anything else 8) ). Havana Nights to me was good....not the storyline...the dance scenes (which were not that frequent which was sad).

[Sabor]

have you guys seen Dirty Dancing 2 'Havana Nights'? I watched that movie SOLELY for the dancing!! I was amazed at the energy and vibrancy and CONNECTION I saw....its as if they breathed the dance!! totally awesome!!

u gotta be kidding me :lol: .. it made me sleep almost instanteneously :lol: .. when i woke up .. i thought i had a nightmare :lol:
:lol: I thought it was ok. But not worthy of the title. And not worthy of a trip to the theater. I rented.

actually.. i was going to shoot my big toe off from resulting depression but got saved in the last second when the pizza delivery rang my bell with my seafood pizza order.. yummy :lol:

[newbie]

Is it in Dirty Dancing that there is a skating exhibition by a girl, and she falls twice, and afterwards her father says something like "You may not be such a great skater, but as for spectacular falling you're second to none." ?
I just saw this sequence and fell asleep.

[Big10]

They have to be joking. If you're a ballroom dancer, you would've been offended by the film. If you're a salsa dancer, you would've been offended as well. They attempted to mix the different styles in such a way that no self-respecting dancer would ever attempt in real life.

Personally, I consider it the Worst.Movie.Ever.

Hard to believe a dance instructor choreographed the actors! :shock: :roll:
I've seen better dance movies, but I wouldn't say I was "offended" by this one, nor was it close to the worst movie I've ever seen. I thought Havana Nights was at least entertaining at a basic level.

What exactly was offensive about it to you? It's fairly common for Salsa dancers to bring all sorts of influences into their dancing (including ballroom, hiphop, Tango, etc.), so this was just another version of that, in my opinion.

By the way, I wouldn't blame the choreographer just because the actors couldn't execute the steps with as much flair as professional dancers.....I blame the director for not using body doubles! :twisted:

[Kindra]

Is it in Dirty Dancing that there is a skating exhibition by a girl, and she falls twice, and afterwards her father says something like "You may not be such a great skater, but as for spectacular falling you're second to none." ?

No, that scene is in the movie Flashdance (Jennifer Beale), another GREAT 80's chick flick.

One of my favorite lines in Flashdance is...

"If you give up your dreams, you die." - Words to live by, if you ask me.

[Sabor]

What exactly was offensive about it to you?

not offensive.. but mucho boring for me.. almost bored me outta my eyebrows :lol: .. i liked the soundtrack tho

[Beto]

They have to be joking. If you're a ballroom dancer, you would've been offended by the film. If you're a salsa dancer, you would've been offended as well. They attempted to mix the different styles in such a way that no self-respecting dancer would ever attempt in real life.

Personally, I consider it the Worst.Movie.Ever.

Hard to believe a dance instructor choreographed the actors! :shock: :roll:
I've seen better dance movies, but I wouldn't say I was "offended" by this one, nor was it close to the worst movie I've ever seen. I thought Havana Nights was at least entertaining at a basic level.

What exactly was offensive about it to you? It's fairly common for Salsa dancers to bring all sorts of influences into their dancing (including ballroom, hiphop, Tango, etc.), so this was just another version of that, in my opinion.
Big10, I found it offensive (or perhaps annoying would be a better word) in that they seemed to be mixing the styles in such a way that non-dancers might try to copy the moves and think they're dancing when they're really not. I'm not a purist by any means (for example I'm always trying to find elements of another dance to bring into my salsa and mambo) but something about the way the different dances were represented on the screen really bothered me.

By the way, I wouldn't blame the choreographer just because the actors couldn't execute the steps with as much flair as professional dancers.....I blame the director for not using body doubles! :twisted:
The nightclub dancers in some scenes (notice the LA style neckdrop? There's been some debate on whether that move existed back then, heh) were obviously much better. Yes, the director should've used body doubles. The 8 weeks of training the actors apparently had didn't show up on the screen. I saw no connection or chemistry between Diego and Romola at all.

[tacad]

The movie was too clean to be called dirty dancing. You didn't get the feeling of am enticing, sensuous, earthy, pulsating dance. The original had that in spades.

[jamaicanspice]

:(

[labelledanseuse]

Personally, I like Havana Nights better than the original one. If my memory serves me right, I don't think there was as much dancing in the first one as there was in the 2nd. Also, the dancing was better in Havana Nights (Jennifer Gray wasn't a good dancer).

I didn't find the movie offensive at all, though. I thought it was interesting to see different types of dances mixed together.

I think Diego Luna is hotter than Patrick Swayze. 8)