Etiquette

[Dr Dance]

As a dance host (for ballroom, not salsa), I always default to smooth or rhythm unless I know that my partner dances International. I ALWAYS start my dance with the most fundamental and basic steps imaginable. (Box steps are good for rumba, fox trot, and waltz. NOT SAMBA!!) Depending upon her confidence level, connection, and ability to follow, I adapt accordingly. I can usually access well. If I fail to access properly, I apologize for miss stepping.

 

[twnkltoz]

I disagree with you on boxes in samba--they're easy to follow and highly recognizable. But I agree on the rest--start with basics, then get a little fancier when you know she can handle it.

But still, even though I'm a good follower, if a leader I don't know well throws too much "fancy" stuff at me, it stresses me out even if I am doing a decent job of following. I'd rather they keep it a little simpler and sprinkle in a few fancy things here and there rather than be fancy all the way through.

 

[Dr Dance]

This is exactly what causes me to "dial it back" if I sense unease from my partner.

 

[Ophyrion]

Yes, but QQS based on different parts of the measure - and there's actually a third timing, too.

International rumba 2, 3, 4.....

Fred Astaire-style American rumba 3, 4, 1.....

Arthur Murray-style American rumba: ???? not sure, but I heard it's different

QQS - but when does the weight transfer on a Slow
ideally it takes the whole 2 beats to transfer the weight
I find when teaching that if I say Slow, quick quick, the students always land on 1,3,4
so started counting only 2,3,4 and it seems to work better
foxtrot usually people don't have that issue when stepping on a slow, not sure why rumba is different

 

[opendoor]

..not sure why rumba is different

It is no different, only two totally different dances are hidden under the name rumba. American rumba is actually Bolero dominicano which is danced on1 (a tiempo). International rumba goes back to the cuban Son montuno, which is danced on2 (contratiempo). A hundred years ago, people weren't sensitive enough to name the dances correctly, and today's instructors don't pay much importance to history either.