What "makes" your salsa night...? [Archive]

salsachinita

04-25-2004, 10:15 PM

My own definition of the fix: THAT euphoric, satisfying feeling achieved by a certain level of salsa dancing. Quality often out-weight quantity. Sometimes even a 'special' connection with your partner (who isn't neccessarily your regular partner).

Boriken can, of course, elaborate on this one. *Please go ahead :wink: ....*

For me, it's all about the energy, closely relating to two things (trick, spins, stylings have nothing to do with it):

1. Your connection with the partner. You dance as one. There's a certain level of clarity & you instinctively know eachother's wants/needs, and you feed off eachother's energy.

2. The music. Even better if it's a good live band. The two of you have become one WITH the music. Dancers become another instrument, playing with/accetuating on light & shades of the music. Feeding off the energy of the band (and quite often, the crowd), you are brought to the next level.

This level of fix, for most of us, doesn't happen every time we go dancing; but we can get somehow close to it.

For me, if I was kept dancing for most of the night, instead of sitting for too long (when your body had a chance to cool down too much :roll: ), I am generally happy. If I get a couple of good numbers from my favourite partners, even better 8) .

danceguy

05-17-2004, 03:11 AM

*-*

MacMoto

06-10-2004, 08:02 AM

The overall amount of good dances I've had during the night. And good dances are made of two main ingredients: good music and connection.

peachexploration

06-10-2004, 01:06 PM

Hi Macmoto. Welcome to SF. Glad to see you on the other side. :D

SDsalsaguy

06-10-2004, 02:35 PM

Welcome over to the SF MacMoto! :D

jenn

06-22-2004, 10:47 PM

for me, i'd say really having a good connection with my dance partners, and yeah, not sitting around for too long.

mostly, a good night will consist of: good dances with partners who dont fling me around like a ragdoll, leaving with all my toes and body parts intact, dancing to good music, and having a few dances with my favorite dancers. :wink:

squirrel

06-23-2004, 04:04 AM

Good music, good atmosphere... my favourite partners!

mistertaz

07-06-2005, 03:34 PM

Miami Rueda dancer

07-06-2005, 06:04 PM

I agree, a great dance is the best thing you can have given to you. or good music is a big factor as well :)

simona

07-06-2005, 06:06 PM

For me...it's the connection with your partner and the music. I could care less at how many "moves" the guy knows as long as he's got a good groove going on to the music and is truly enjoying dancing with me. '

I would also have to say that a group of friends to hang out with on and off the dance floor is key. You know...your drinking buddies. I think that helps set a fun vibe for the whole evening. Plus, you get some fun stories the next morning. ;)

Nickie p

07-07-2005, 03:43 AM

as a beginner its dancing with someone and following their leads for steps I don't know correctly!

yola

07-07-2005, 08:42 AM

Hmm...

From past experiences... I only need *one* great dance. It doesn't matter about the rest of the night, but if I have *one* great dance with a partner, then I'm happy.

And that one great dance requires one good song and a partner with whom I click for at least that three to four minutes... :)

Heheh... Maybe I'm just easily satisfied... :P
T.

yeah i agree... a few weekends ago i was at a party saturdaynight, danced from 10 pm till 4 am... had a great time, quite a few great dances, but no high. sundaynight i was at a party from 11.30 pm till 0.30 am.... and my HIGH really was there....

My high actually can be achieved by two things: a lót of high quality dances in one evening (yes, this one has to do with spins, high quality, high energy, enervating, exhilarating, exhausting dances :D )

and the other is the best high, can be achieved with just óne dance that totally takes your breath away: it's not about spins, turnpatterns or whatever....
it's just about 1. Your connection with the partner. You dance as one. you instinctively know eachother's wants/needs, and you feed off eachother's energy. even your freestyling connects, you're playing, moving, flying, one with eachother and one with the music. 8) HEAVEN!
It helps when you've danced with this partner before, and when you know the music.

Tasek

07-12-2005, 08:54 AM

Claire_Brummell

07-16-2005, 10:56 AM

Mostly a combination of two things, good music, and good connection with my partners and I usually have to be on a roll. Very occasionaly it can happen with a single song, but usually it takes a while, i'll need a nice warmup, and then if i get a few good songs with a decent partner i'll get my fix.

I'll second that - and if they play Valio La Pena or Ahora Quien - which both remind me of dancing on the white sand of a sunkissed beach in Cuba - one of my fondest memories, brings a smile to my face whenever I think about it and makes my night when I get to relive it! :D

smiling28

02-20-2007, 09:27 PM

The anticipation of the night, Your skin prickling with electricity thinking about going dancing. The fact that you now DRESS and LOOK GOOD for Salsa every day no matter whether you dance or not. The feeling in your stomach as you enter the dancehall and look around. The first beat of the drum reverbrating around your soul.

The automatic smile when you see people enjoying themselves.
The wonder and amazement at all the bodies moving so well and so naturally. Being kissed by the magic in the air from all the chemistry, charisma and the good energy flowing all around.

The nervousness of my first dance, yet the beautiful realisation that my body and soul remembers what to do and shall guide me through it. The 'thank god' feeling that my body and mind can take me to that beautiful place of euphoria again that comes from dancing. Just one more time everytime :)

The super smile from my partner, that they did not know they had in them, but that my passion in dancing and life nurtures so that it bursts through the outside shell of society.

That is why so far after 3 weeks, ask me again later :)

LARA7799

02-21-2007, 11:02 AM

My first dance (the war-up dance) dictates everything.

The dj is playing good music...
...the floor is just right for my shoes...
....my dancing is on-point....
.....my outfit works with the venue and atmosphere....
.......seeing who's in attendance that I'll be having good dances with.....

...oh and of course that I didnt' have to pay to get in or drinks...

noobster

02-21-2007, 02:32 PM

One amazing dance is all I really need.

Failing that, three very good ones will do it. :)

LARA7799

02-21-2007, 02:34 PM

Off topic:

Noob, where in NY are you? Do you take lessons?

noobster

02-21-2007, 04:10 PM

Noob, where in NY are you? Do you take lessons?
PM'ed you to avoid thread hijack. Between you, me, memito, and OneCentSalsero, we should just start a New Yorkers' thread. :)

Shooshoo

02-22-2007, 06:53 AM

Is it the music? your partner? atmosphere? floor? vibes that you can't exactly put your finger on....?

It's a combinations of all,
new music without the cd player breaking off,
different fun partners,
dancefloor, not too crowded,
too much smoke also makes me nauseated and dizzy,
I just love it if the night passed and my feet are just aching cause I didn't stop dancing.

lolita

02-22-2007, 09:24 AM

a dance with Sabor would make my night

Sabor

02-22-2007, 09:33 AM

oh stop it.. :lol:

Shooshoo

02-22-2007, 09:38 AM

oh stop it.. :lol:

:shock: since when have you become so modest? ;) :)

lolita

02-22-2007, 10:18 AM

oh stop it.. :lol:

:shock: since when have you become so modest? ;) :)

DITTO DITTO QUESTION

and No i wont stop it..can't hold the truth ;)

Salsera-Danij

02-22-2007, 10:26 AM

What makes my night is when you start dancing with one guy, and then you end up being passed around from guy to guy. I like this because it makes me adjust to different styles plus its fun!

Salsamakossa

03-02-2007, 09:32 AM

Two or three good dances with the right music, or when a move you have been trying comes off smoothly...lol.

Brownskin818

03-02-2007, 09:48 AM

Loony

03-22-2007, 01:17 PM

Here's what makes my night:

1. When I get to the club and people recognize me. Even better when they tell me they've seen me on the dance floor and compliment my dancing.

2. When someone asks me to dance. I danced with this awesome dancer once and then left with my friends to another part of the club. When I came back 20 minutes later he ran to me and said he had been looking for me to dance another song and lead me right to the dance floor. I felt so flattered!

3. When they play my (or my partner's) favorite songs and we just look at each other and walk to the dance floor. I love the energy between us when a particularly good song comes on.

In general, the anticipation, the fact that I look forward to Friday/Saturday night for salsa. It's everything, from picking out the clothes to doing my hair to putting make-up on. Getting to the club, waiting for the salsa song... and jumping on my feet when it comes on!

Brownskin818

04-09-2007, 09:44 AM

Makes:
1. Good floor
2. Plethora of good, advanced and/or musical leads to choose from
3. Chance dance with a newbie/out-of-towner who's advanced and w/ moves I'm not used to

Breaks:
1. Floor
2. Music
3. Very few advanced and/or musical leads to choose from

:roll: Edit to switch the floor thing to number one on both lists. I had SUCH a bad dance week due to sucky floors. I dont see how you ladies do it...

TheBear_CanDanceToo

04-10-2007, 03:00 AM

Smiling faces and people enjoying them selves and having a REALLY good laugh!

Only had 14 folk at my clunbight last night (Bank Holiday - people presumably busy with other stuff) but we had a brilliant night wth those that came. Did some Rueda and even my partner (who normally hates rueda with a vengeance) enjoyed herself! Thanks to everyone that was there - you made my night!

sweavo

04-10-2007, 03:25 AM

clunbight

It is now my mission to get that word into common usage!

Bummer it was quiet, I was in the mood for dancin' last night but didn't know about this.

TheBear_CanDanceToo

04-10-2007, 03:35 AM

clunbight

It is now my mission to get that word into common usage!

Bummer it was quiet, I was in the mood for dancin' last night but didn't know about this.
Yo Sweavo - we hace a clibnught in York every Monday - you'll be VERY welcome should you ever decide to bob along (I understand you're probably busy with your On2 friends most weeks). All details are on our site which is mentioned in my profile.

AndrewS

04-10-2007, 04:58 AM

My night is made when something happens that happened this Friday. I'd just finished a dance and was walking off the floor and asked a girl I'd never seen before to dance. And the dance was perfect. She had a really light touch, could spin effortlessly, followed moves like she was reading my mind, looked great doing shines and she smiled all the time. First dances are not supposed to be like this - there are supposed to be some moves where things don't go perfectly just because you have to get used to one another.

I know what salsa heaven is like now :D :D :D

Actually, that's made my week. My night is normally made by hearing a lot of my favourite tunes, having some good dances with my favourite partners and not getting elbowed, kicked or trodden on on the dancefloor

TheBear_CanDanceToo

04-10-2007, 05:51 AM

...asked a girl I'd never seen before to dance. And the dance was perfect...
:D :D I know exactly what you mean. Fabulous, isn't it, when this happens! :D :D

AndrewD

04-10-2007, 06:23 AM

...asked a girl I'd never seen before to dance. And the dance was perfect...
:D :D I know exactly what you mean. Fabulous, isn't it, when this happens! :D :D

Yes, dances like that are amazing and can rescue an otherwise horrible evening. Had one of my own a few weeks back with one of the several ballroom ladies who attend a local venue. I think they do salsa so they can cut loose once in a while, but sometimes they are still a bit ‘stiff’ – this lady was great however, really flamboyant but still followed like she was on rails. We were dancing to the weirdest record ever, full of breaks and with a very strange structure – a lot of people left the dance floor because it was so odd. But we seemed to hit every break and really captured the individuality of the music – some of the things she did were SO sexy they almost left me a quivering wreck! We danced to Hips Don’t Lie later on – that too was a dance I’ll never forget ;)

SalsaDanceUnderground

04-27-2009, 04:01 PM

My experience from this last weekend was amazing...

I got to dance with a professional Salsa Dancer from another part of the country that was in town promoting and performing. At first I was nervous because she is amazing and I have never gotten to dance with her before- it was the the same feeling as if getting behind the wheel of a Ferrari for the first time. I was filled with excitement, I wanted to see just how good of a drive it was going to be. My heart was pumping so fast, I didn't want to scratch the paint, or wreck, I wanted to experience the AMAZING handling and the speed of god the speed!.

After the dance, I was on cloud 9. I just made the best dancer in the room giggle and smile form ear to ear. Surprising someone who wasnt expecting to have fun at all really does it for me! '

Brownskin818

04-27-2009, 04:40 PM

Makes:
1. Good floor
2. Plethora of good, advanced and/or musical leads to choose from
3. Chance dance with a newbie/out-of-towner who's advanced and w/ moves I'm not used to

Breaks:
1. Floor
2. Music
3. Very few advanced and/or musical leads to choose from

innnnnteresting to read my posts from 2 years ago. my list today looks like.....

MAKES
1. my kind of music, hearing a slamming song that i just HAVE to ask the DJ the name of
2. smiling, happy-to-be here vibed crowd
3. dancing with new leads w/ unfamiliar repertoires, musical leads, and playful leads
4. getting one really good connection w/ a gal to lead

BREAKS
1. cramped, hot, drink-infested floors
2. music (not enough salsa, not enough salsa dura, cruddy band messing up the breaks)
3. dancers that are too serious and cant laugh/smile off a disconnect
4. though ive been way more receptive to dance with offbeaters as of late, i still couldnt do it for more than like 3/4 songs

la_gringa

04-27-2009, 04:59 PM

"offbeaters"

lol i like that.

SalsaDanceUnderground

04-27-2009, 05:10 PM

innnnnteresting to read my posts from 2 years ago. my list today looks like.....

MAKES
1. my kind of music, hearing a slamming song that i just HAVE to ask the DJ the name of
2. smiling, happy-to-be here vibed crowd
3. dancing with new leads w/ unfamiliar repertoires, musical leads, and playful leads
4. getting one really good connection w/ a gal to lead

BREAKS
1. cramped, hot, drink-infested floors
2. music (not enough salsa, not enough salsa dura, cruddy band messing up the breaks)
3. dancers that are too serious and cant laugh/smile off a disconnect
4. though ive been way more receptive to dance with offbeaters as of late, i still couldnt do it for more than like 3/4 songs

Makes:
• Respectful, considerate dancers on the floor.
• Plenty of ladies to dance with.
• Seeing people I know when I go out!
• Live bands that are into the music

Breaks:
• Getting overcharged because there is a performance I didn't want to see in the first place.
• People bringing Drinks on the Dance Floor**you got that right Brownskin**
• Jealous bf who won't let their girls dance with other people.
• Competition and showing off ***especially when someone makes someone else look bad on purpose*** :mad:

Brooklyn.girl

11-01-2011, 03:30 PM

I dont like drunks trying to dance salsa but then want to grind all over you!1 eewww

What makes my salsa night: Dancing with all good dancers, be it beginners or advanced. just dancing and laughing it out!!

mccool

11-01-2011, 04:59 PM

What makes my salsa night? She knows who she is...

MMaatttt

11-01-2011, 06:17 PM

When I'm possessed by the music and I can share it with my partner.

EMOYENO

11-02-2011, 08:12 AM

Enjoying a good dance with a good dancer no matter if he is beginner or advanced. Having a good time watching my friends and fellow dancers do a good routine while I'm catching my breath and drinking water.

Of course, getting asked to dance by everybody!! :banana:

MacMoto

11-02-2011, 12:00 PM

Wow, a thread where I was welcomed as a new arrival!? :shock: That must go back a bit...

The overall amount of good dances I've had during the night. And good dances are made of two main ingredients: good music and connection.
This still holds true for me after all these years :)

matty

11-02-2011, 12:49 PM

As salsaholics, when we go out to get our 'fix', what makes you night?

Is it the music? your partner? atmosphere? floor? vibes that you can't exactly put your finger on....?

Let's share some experiences/stories :wink: !

a good salsa night is a combination of things

the music must be good of course
the sound must be good
the lights must be good (appropriate)
dj play certain good stuff that i know and its always great if he plays good stuff that i dont know

but all in all
as long as there are Latin girls there i am happy :cheers:

EMOYENO

11-04-2011, 02:49 PM

Live music always make my night great!!

wonderwoman

11-04-2011, 03:11 PM

Makes:
Floor is filled but not crowded, good energy level
Favorite leaders and some out of towners that are good
When I don't sit all night, but it has to be a good balance of asking and being asked

Breaks:
Divas
Rejections
Turf wars
Getting hit on
Getting asked repeatedly by non-dancers

azana

11-04-2011, 09:48 PM

Blair

11-05-2011, 03:39 AM

Makes: New women to salsa that I can prey on

Breaks: Rejection

sagitta

11-05-2011, 05:52 AM

Makes - my attitude

Breaks - my attitude

Blair

11-05-2011, 10:40 AM

So deep, so deep man.

Smejmoon

11-05-2011, 11:26 AM

"Alcohol - the cause and solution to all of life's problems."

lolita

11-05-2011, 02:21 PM

Last I heard, you are the only one responsible for making or breaking your night

wonderwoman

11-05-2011, 06:43 PM

I don't care how great my attitude is, if I go to the latin club and its all drunk guys and girls and the dj has to play reggaeton and merengue for them, it's not going to be my night lol

lolita

11-05-2011, 06:45 PM

Yet we are talking about a salsa night (is it at least the general consensus?)
Reggaeton and merengue make the night a Latin one, not a salsa one

wonderwoman

11-05-2011, 07:18 PM

Which would ruin my night... Would I be there if it wasn't a night that played salsa?
That is the venue 2 nights a week. What gets played depends on the crowd that turns out, which is never predictable. There are nights that the dj can play salsa for an hour because that's what the crowd wants. And that would make my night :)

azana

11-05-2011, 09:32 PM

"Alcohol - the cause and solution to all of life's problems."

Alcohol caused zouk and kizomba?

Tocador

11-06-2011, 01:46 AM

Alcohol caused zouk and kizomba?

This.

Makes:

Great live music.
Great music in general.
High energy from everyone.

Breaks:

Getting hit on by women old enough to be my mother.
Snobbishness.

tresto

11-06-2011, 01:54 AM

Makes :
music : DJ, great music, mostly salsa or only salsa, songs that aren't too long
friendly people
proper follow/lead balance
high level dancers. on1, on2, or cuban. I even enjoy cuban when my partner is good.

Breaks :
bad music/DJ/not enough salsa
live music. It's not the fact that it's live that bothers me, I could care less. It's that for some reason they consistently play 15-20 minutes songs and I like 3-5. can't dance to it. not to mention that 99% bands just don't have more than a couple good songs in their repertoire and the rest is crap. AND it makes the entrance more expensive !! Boo !!
bad lead/follow balance
unfriendly people (if it's only a few I'll just ignore them, but if the majority is like that ... not cool). This also includes people in small scenes who will only dance with people they already know. It happened to me in Lyon (local clubs) and in Cannes (yet it was a congress!!! worse congress ever!!!)
low average dancing level. I'm fine with a few "beginner" dances, I'll always invite 2-3 each night, I find it normal to contribute to the community and give them some practice so they can improve, but I also want to have my own fun ...

chrisk

11-06-2011, 10:41 AM

Last I heard, you are the only one responsible for making or breaking your night

Word! It's all about taking control of your life and especially attitude and expecations when you go out on any given night. It's up to each of us to either turn our night into a good one or not.

Which would ruin my night... Would I be there if it wasn't a night that played salsa?
That is the venue 2 nights a week. What gets played depends on the crowd that turns out, which is never predictable. There are nights that the dj can play salsa for an hour because that's what the crowd wants. And that would make my night :)

And this is where my just mentioned expecations and attitude come into play.
If you're going out with certain expectations about your night, then you're bound to feel annoyed if you get anything less. But if you avoid having any expectations and rather think of 'Let's see what this night is going to bring', then you're going to enjoy yourself more and feel much better about any dancing that you get.
And if you really get a night of mostly reggaeton and merengue, it's up to you and your attitude about it, to still make the most of it. I can either complain about how bad this all is or I can decide to make the most out of it, by having fun with the ladies that are around. And I'm saying this as somebody who's not really a fan of merengue.

Breaks :
bad music/DJ/not enough salsa
live music. It's not the fact that it's live that bothers me, I could care less. It's that for some reason they consistently play 15-20 minutes songs and I like 3-5. can't dance to it. not to mention that 99% bands just don't have more than a couple good songs in their repertoire and the rest is crap. AND it makes the entrance more expensive !! Boo !!

Both issues that you're mentioning here are remind me about what I've just written in reply to wonderwoman. It's again about the attitude and expecations that you have. But with regards to live music, I think we shouldn't forget that without it, quite some bands wouldn't be able to play salsa and record CDs. As far as I've heard from some people with knowledge about it, you're not going to really make money from CD sales. The money is made by live performances and the entrance fee for it. Also have you considered that while you think of some songs as 'crap' that others in the audience will think of them as 'good song'? It's hightly subjective what we think of as good or bad music and I think one should rather think of music that they like or not, then of the categories good and bad.

low average dancing level. I'm fine with a few "beginner" dances, I'll always invite 2-3 each night, I find it normal to contribute to the community and give them some practice so they can improve, but I also want to have my own fun

Hm, do you think that you're maybe a bit spoiled with your experiences from Paris?

wonderwoman

11-06-2011, 04:28 PM

But we all still have preferences! I prefer dancing over sitting I prefer room to dance over not having room to dance and I prefer dancing salsa over dancing merengue, simple as that :)

SalsaGipsy

11-06-2011, 04:32 PM

Makes: free punch

Breaks: lack of free punch!

DJ Ara

11-06-2011, 04:45 PM

Music, music, music. The music (good salsa) and the sound system are my priority. Then come the people and their energy, and their ability to dance without taking too much of other people's space.

Other factors such as airconditionning; good bar prices (I don't drink, but you know what I mean); friendly staff; intelligent club design; location etc. also come into play.

tresto

11-06-2011, 05:02 PM

Thanks for your comments.
I have my tastes for a salsa night and that includes mainly dancing salsa.

Word! It's all about taking control of your life and especially attitude and expecations when you go out on any given night. It's up to each of us to either turn our night into a good one or not.

Exactly! My super advanced secret "life control" technique is that if I don't like what's happening at a so-called "salsa night", I just go away and do something else that I do enjoy, instead of hanging around in a place I don't like with music I don't like or people I don't enjoy dancing with.
This way everything is fine.

I'm not as radical as you may think though.
Medium level friendly people with good music is nice too. Nothing is perfect, it's all about balance.

I think one should rather think of music that they like or not, then of the categories good and bad.

Yes. It was inappropriate wording on my part. Well, I dislike very long songs, not only because they are long, but because the "extension" always feels very uninteresting and repetitive to me.
If you come across a band that plays normal length music that I could actually dance to, please tell me about it, I'll give it a try.

BTW, I've been to the Sydney Monday Pumphouse party twice and it was good. Sure, it's nothing like Paris, but the level was good enough to actually dance and the people were friendly. I'll maybe have to adjust a bit to find a second weekly night. We'll see !

chrisk

11-07-2011, 03:33 AM

But we all still have preferences! I prefer dancing over sitting I prefer room to dance over not having room to dance and I prefer dancing salsa over dancing merengue, simple as that :)

No, because while we all have our preferences in life, it's again going to be about our attitudes about it and our expecations. Think of for your example your favourite menu in a restaurant. Now what do you do when you head over to it and the waiter tells you that (for whatever reason) it's not available today? If you're determined to stay, then you can either complain about all of this and go back home still being hungry or you can decide to order and try a different menu. Or you follow the third way and go back home and cook something for yourself. But this is again all about your attitude and expecations and not just about preferences. Whatever we do it's all about what we make of it!

Exactly! My super advanced secret "life control" technique is that if I don't like what's happening at a so-called "salsa night", I just go away and do something else that I do enjoy, instead of hanging around in a place I don't like with music I don't like or people I don't enjoy dancing with.
This way everything is fine.

And that's in my opinion another way of perfectly handling the situation as you still end up saying it was a good night for you. :)

P.S. I'm not thinking of your as radical, I only see you're having a different opinion.

crazygirl

11-07-2011, 08:33 AM

Life is rarely perfect and a salsa evening is full of way too many variables, many of which I can't control.

I've learned over time that going out with low expectations avoids disappointment. Hugely though is my own attitude and being determined to make the best of whatever is on offer.

However, should anyone fancy indulging me.....

Great venue, lighting, music, dancing, cheap entrance, free parking, floor, cheap drinks and air conditioning. Of course all the men should also look and smell gorgeous and fight over my attention :D

sweavo

11-07-2011, 11:56 AM

It is soooo much in yourself.

Last week I went out with a goal to dance with everyone, and I said to Ami "I have too high expectations tonight, it could end in tears"

The strange thing was, I did dance with every woman in the club and had a great time, but still went home feeling some strange anxiety. Saw it coming, but did not avoid it.

Luke

11-07-2011, 12:00 PM

WessexSalsero

11-07-2011, 05:08 PM

Life is rarely perfect and a salsa evening is full of way too many variables, many of which I can't control.

That's what I enjoy the most: the unpredictability, the diversity, the box of chocolates effect.
I have come to the realisation that the negatives are part and parcel. They make me appreciate the sweet moments even more.

moments of sweetness:
that look on a beginner's face when she realises that we are actually dancing;
making an improver forget the battle with the learning curve for a few minutes;
creating that astonishing feeling of oneness with my faves;
instantly connecting with an exciting stranger;
noticing that my dancing is evolving;
being asked to dance by a super-musical, advanced girl;
losing myself in the music, the movement, a girl's eyes;
a steamy flirt. Or three. Last but not necessarily least lol

I have had an unusually excellent run of late so I am not sure what it was that 'broke' my night last time it happened. I would probably agree that 'expectations' spell trouble.

Embrace your journey and accept that others are also on a journey (including the DJ).

Chris_Yannick

11-07-2011, 07:20 PM

What makes my salsa night is to go in with the mindset of having a good time. If I don't feel great, I don't go out, period. I won't project a negative attitude upon any potential partners. Fortunately, this rarely happens.

When i'm at a venue, I take my time. Pacing is very important as I can last much longer (3-4 hours) when I pace myself correctly.

I also look to having a few conversations in between salsa sets. This helps break up the "i'm only here to get my dance fix" attitude, which I truly despise.

I used to put a lot of pressure on myself to make sure I get in at least "x" number of dances, or to seek out dances with super pros or with that great looking out-of-towner. I realized, however, those goals went against my care free personality. As a result, I usually went home conflicted, frustrated, and unhappy.

My dancing as a whole improves when I just go out and do my thing. I know before I go out that i'm going to have a great time. I notice a lot of people of all levels asking me now to dance, including those i've never, ever danced with.

I'm reaching a level in my dancing that is just short of pure salsa bliss, and it all started with my attitude. Mind you nothing in the scene actually changed. The snobs are still there. The drama is still there. I just chose to ignore it and focus on the things that matter to me.

MMaatttt

11-08-2011, 02:41 PM

What makes my salsa night is to go in with the mindset of having a good time. If I don't feel great, I don't go out, period. I won't project a negative attitude upon any potential partners. Fortunately, this rarely happens.
It's funny, but more often than not I have the opposit night than I feel like I'm going to have. Normally if I go out feeling rough, I have a great night. If I go out feeling great, it can go either way.

Chris_Yannick

11-08-2011, 04:33 PM

It's funny, but more often than not I have the opposit night than I feel like I'm going to have. Normally if I go out feeling rough, I have a great night. If I go out feeling great, it can go either way.

I hear ya. There are many mitigating factors that might make or break a night out. I guess what I try to do is go in with the mindset of feeling good and adjust my attitude should anything to wrong. I used to allow certain things to get to me (eg. rude dancers taking up too much space/bumping into me or my partner, too much non salsa music being played, a string of rejections). There are certain things I can control and certain things I can not. I can't control the crowd/music/someone else's antisocial behavior, so I leave up to chance. Thus I can't be disappointed if things don't go the way I want since it was never under my control. If I allow those things to bother me, it will inexorably ruin my night.

On the flipside, if I go out feeling rough or tired, I will make sure I sit out the first little bit. Maybe i'll dance a few songs and go home. No pressure though since i'm already on the downswing. Dancing while tired or from being "out of it" can not lead to anything good.