Less than an OK dance...

[tj]

You know, what I find interesting about this thread is how the perspective changes depending on the level of the dancer. When I first read this thread, I was assuming that vey was an Advanced salsera wondering where her “champion” dancer is (in other words, how a salsera’s gotta kiss a lot of frogs to find her prince, lol).

But for a novice/beginner, I think it’s quite different. I’d say the easiest way is for one to get familiar/acquainted with a more experienced dancer who is able to put you at ease and into your comfort zone. It’s not that hard to meet someone like this, and then keep an eye out for your favorites. So I think that’s the easiest way to get more consistency in one’s dances.

Another helpful thing would be to describe what makes a “perfect dance” for you. This varies from person to person, obviously.

 

[vey]

I was assuming that vey was an Advanced salsera wondering where her “champion” dancer is (in other words, how a salsera’s gotta kiss a lot of frogs to find her prince, lol).

Well, I've been learning/dancing salsa for about year now and I have prior dance experience, so majority of my dancemates classify me as an Intermediate-Advanced salsera, it's just I use different criteria for myself than most people would....

And yes, there are several leaders, dancing with whom would guarantee me at least a very good dance but there're really too few of them and they're sought after... :cry:

 

[tj]

Well, I've been learning/dancing salsa for about year now and I have prior dance experience, so majority of my dancemates classify me as an Intermediate-Advanced salsera, it's just I use different criteria for myself than most people would....

And yes, there are several leaders, dancing with whom would guarantee me at least a very good dance but there're really too few of them and they're sought after... :cry:

Well, I had a good friend whose teacher used to say something to the effect of "nurturing your leaders while they're still learning and they'll remember you when they are in demand".

 

[youngsta]

Word! What TJ said

 

[tj]

Word! What TJ said

Where ya been, R? We needed you around last week when a salsera was visiting Denver. She sent you and email...

 

[salsachinita]

"nurturing your leaders while they're still learning and they'll remember you when they are in demand".

Hence I spend 20-50% of my time working on my hand-picked protegees. One of them is now teaching & in great demand 8) .

Random thought: could the above statement apply to followers too :? ?

What do you think?

 

[danceguy]

That's very sweet Salsachinita!

Hmm, I think the same definitely applies to followers...where I go dancing the newcomer follows get so much attention they never sit down. In a short amount of time they will be in high demand and become great dancers. One of my fav Salseras to dance with is like that now...she started after me and we were at about the same level. Now you have to stand in line to dance with her!

I guess that's what happens when there's too many leaders in a small dance community. Maybe I should just learn to follow. :roll: :wink:

SG

 

[youngsta]

Word! What TJ said

Where ya been, R? We needed you around last week when a salsera was visiting Denver. She sent you and email...

Yeah, I replied to her...a bit after the fact. I've been busy with Grad school! :headwall:

 

[Vin]

I have been thinking about thia in the back of my mind for a while now and this is what I have been doing.
When I have a less than stellar connection with someone I try and do whatever it takes to improve that connection FROM HER PROSPECTIVE. If we are on a different rhythm I hold myself back and try and find the beat she is on. If she can't follow certain patterns I try and stick to those that she knows.
Thinking about this makes me wonder though, in general the less advanced dancer enjoys the dance much more than the more advanced dancer. I wonder who out of my favorite dance partners dreads dancing with me :cry: .

 

[MapleLeaf Salsero]

Well, I had a good friend whose teacher used to say something to the effect of "nurturing your leaders while they're still learning and they'll remember you when they are in demand".

Hmm... How come this never happened to me when I was a struggling beginner? :shock:

I totally agree with this point of view however this very rarely occurs on the social dance floor... I also beleive that followers are "nurtured" far more than the leaders. :cry:

 

[squirrel]

Especially if the followers are good-looking, MLS... :lol: :lol: :lol:

 

[MacMoto]

I wonder who out of my favorite dance partners dreads dancing with me :cry: .

I know what you mean. I know that some of my favourite leaders genuinely like dancing with me (because they've told me so), but I do wonder how many of the others are just too polite to say no to me... :?

Note to self: Tell the guys I enjoy dancing with that I enjoy dancing with them.

 

[MapleLeaf Salsero]

Note to self: Tell the guys I enjoy dancing with that I enjoy dancing with them.

Yeah, you should.

 

[Vin]

Definitely the right thing to do.

 

[etchuck]

Well, I had a good friend whose teacher used to say something to the effect of "nurturing your leaders while they're still learning and they'll remember you when they are in demand".

Hmm... How come this never happened to me when I was a struggling beginner? :shock:

I totally agree with this point of view however this very rarely occurs on the social dance floor... I also believe that followers are "nurtured" far more than the leaders. :cry:

Well, that's at least one of the reasons I sit out a lot. I'm seeing exactly how much in demand I am. I'm always in need of a little nurturing.