Have you encouraged anyone lately? Have you been encouraged by anyone lately?

I recently shared with a rank beginner salsero, how I felt as a rank beginner, to give him perspective that we all go through "beginner's hell".

I am always encouraged by a salsera who smiles and says hi .

I never forget what it felt like to be a beginner and an outsider. I almost never refuse a dance, even with a beginner. It's just a dance! I always smile, thank them and if they've seemed insecure or apologetic I share some encouraging words. I also try to introduce them to other people at their level or a bit better, so they'll be less intimidated.

Not always...but I refuse to allow beginners that I dance with to apologise! That should count for something....and I almost always introduce a couple ladies to salsa every night I go out. Ladies who have barely danced/ or not even had any dance experience. Some gem dances there as I can tell them to feel what I am suggesting and dance...AS long as they don't get hung up and relax and pay attention it usually works nicely. Then they get some really nice compliments verbally and a repeat dance later on if it clicks well.

Sagitta said:

...but I refuse to allow beginners that I dance with to apologise!

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I tell them that we were all begginers one day and I also tell them not to give up cause it takes alot of time and dedication before one can stat enjoying it.
(but I'm so GLAD I'm past that point).

For the first question, yes, I encourage other dancers as much as possible. And, it's not always just beginners who need encouragement -- frequently intermediate dancers can use some "pepping up," too. When I hear another dancer complaining about things they can't do, I try to remind them of at least one or two things that they can do well. Some dancers can be arrogant or downright mean about the way they treat and/or speak to other dancers, so I at least do my part to be one of the supportive ones.

My answer to the second question is also "yes," as I have indeed been encouraged by other people recently. I'm at the point where I have a pretty good understanding of my own strengths and weaknesses. Nevertheless, it's always nice to hear somebody verbalize an appreciation for the things I'm doing well, especially when they recognize some of the subtle aspects that I might have been trying to improve/incorporate into my dancing. I've had about 3 or 4 very nice compliments within the past week, which made me feel good.

Sagitta said:

Not always...but I refuse to allow beginners that I dance with to apologise! That should count for something....and I almost always introduce a couple ladies to salsa every night I go out. Ladies who have barely danced/ or not even had any dance experience. Some gem dances there as I can tell them to feel what I am suggesting and dance...AS long as they don't get hung up and relax and pay attention it usually works nicely. Then they get some really nice compliments verbally and a repeat dance later on if it clicks well.

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I guess we're all about that good salsa karma! Usually when new(er) leads dance with me, they tend to apologize for being new or not knowing a lot of moves. I make it clear to them that THEY are the leader and THEY run the show. I also try to look at them and smile so that they stop being so nervous.
I have been getting compliments lately on my dancing here and there, which is really nice. Whenever I mess up and nail my spins, my 'spinny-spin-spin' dance buddy gives me (shocked) compliments and that feels good!