What I learned this week in my dancing...

[peachexploration]

So maybe you've been to a workshop or a couple of classes or maybe even to a club this week. Besides a new move, what do you think is the most important thing or the "something" about your dancing that you've learned this week?

[SDsalsaguy]

I actually haven't been out dancing this week... :oops:

[lucretia]

Neither did I....

There hasn't been any chance for a dance until tonight. But since 3559 Swedes still are missing at Thailand/Sri Lanka after the earthquake and the big wave that followed it....I don't care.

I don't know if any friends are missing. The only one I can recall was there is safe. Both he and his family.

/Lucretia

[SDsalsaguy]

Glad to hear that your friend and his family are safe Lucretia. My heart and prayers go out to all who have been effected... :cry:

[peachexploration]

Note: thread name changed to "What I learned this week in my dancing" Since some of us may not be in class, I thought the name change was appropriate. :D

[David]

I second that lucretia. I'm deeply moved by this terrible situation.
I am curious, however, how come there were so many Swedes down in Sri Lanka?

With regard to my dancing, I was reminded (for the 5672nd time) that I need to keep my head up. :lol:

[squirrel]

I learned again how much I love dancing... for the millionth time!

[MacMoto]

I learned again how much I love dancing... for the millionth time!
Ditto! :D

[peachexploration]

In a moment of clarity (and while dancing in my office :wink: ), I did a double spin on2. As long as I'm not doing anything fancy, I can stay on2 with no problem. Well, today I surprised myself. I didn't even have to "think" about the "2" beat after coming out of that spin. Cool!!

[Lockstep]

For me, I suppose it's realizing the importance of 'spotting' the proper person to ask for a dance next...last night I ended up dancing with four *complete* beginners in a row...apparently there'd been a beginners workshop before. I love teaching some beginners the basic, but four in a row is a bit too much :) Then I figured, okay, that girl looks like a more experienced dancer, and ended up with a competition dancer who refused to make life easy on me and kept stuffing in weird styling and moves and effects that totally confused me as a intermediate dancer...so...guess ill have to learn to distinguish a bit better between possible dance partners!

[peachexploration]

Hi Lockstep. :) Sounds like you got a challenging dance. Other than the weird styling, what else did you get from that dance?

I figured something else this past weekend. I was going through certain patterns (On2)I was viewing from one of my video tapes and couldn't figure out why I was getting throught some but not others when they seemed rather simple. Aggg!!! It was driving me crazy. Then it hit me! [inner salsa voice speaking to me] You need to start forward on the 2 beat and hit the 6 beat going back. :roll:

[Rosa]

I learned - as David, I think it was, also said - to keep my head up! Mind you, I've learned that week after week for years now, and I'm still getting there after a lifetime's struggle against bad postural habits. But I didn't realise exactly how bad my posture was until I took up salsa. So that's got to be good.... there can be no improvement until you recognise your faults. :)

[SDsalsaguy]

Welcome to the Salsa Forums Rosa! :D

[Rosa]

Thanks SDsalsaguy :D It's great to be here 8)

[peachexploration]

Okay, what did you learn this week? :banana:

[Miami Rueda dancer]

that I no longer sweat in salsa classes :shock: amazing because I'm always soaked when I'm done :lol: no seriously, I learned Paseala y Complicate and La Jenny :)

[lucretia]

The "salsa class" this week was a lot of feedback.

Video
I saw myself at video for the first time dancing salsa of course. What did I see:

- I have the problems I already have figured out
(big steps, leaning forward beacuse I believe I'm too tall to get under that arm when I spin :roll:)
- I may add some more styling (I expected it to be too much already :D )
- I look younger than I thought (:D I have been ill and sometimes feel older than I am)

Mostly I saw what I expected. :cry: :D and I don´t need any psychologist :D. But this was at a class...so I guess I look different when I'm at the club.

Personal
I was a the club last night and had a chat with one of my favs. He thinks I'm a bit wild when dancing salsa. (I'm not suprised). I'm too quick in the turns and spins. And he said that the result is that I feel slow :shock: just beacuse I'm not in the position he believes I would be. I have already completed the pattern he want me to do when he believes I'm on my way to complete it. When he is trying to catch me on my way I'm not there anymore :lol: . (He tried to explain....).

I have heard a comment like this before so I believe him even if I don't understand exactly what he means. His recipe was to slow down. I guess I can follow it even if I'm a bit puzzled.
Do you have any comments on this?

/luc

[peachexploration]

.......I was a the club last night and had a chat with one of my favs. He thinks I'm a bit wild when dancing salsa. (I'm not suprised). I'm too quick in the turns and spins. And he said that the result is that I feel slow :shock: just beacuse I'm not in the position he believes I would be. I have already completed the pattern he want me to do when he believes I'm on my way to complete it. When he is trying to catch me on my way I'm not there anymore :lol: . (He tried to explain....).

I have heard a comment like this before so I believe him even if I don't understand exactly what he means. His recipe was to slow down. I guess I can follow it even if I'm a bit puzzled.
Do you have any comments on this?

/lucIs he the only lead that says that to you? If so, I'm wondering if you could just ask him to go through his "signals" with you. Maybe it's how you're interpreting his signals. Maybe it could be lead "timing" issue rather than you be "wild". :? Just a thought. :)

[lucretia]

I guess you are right Peach, it is a timing issue.

Last night my mind and my body was not in the same place. My legs where tired even before starting to dance. I didn't feel well even if I enjoyed dancing. This did affect my motion & timing - I'm sure about that. Usually I manage this leader better than this time.

This guy is a very talented and creative leader. His creativity is so big that you almost get exausted...by just watching him :shock: ;)
But it is not any kind of egotrip-leader. It is great teamwork. And one of my top-ten-leaders. He has given me the best moments I ever had on the dancefloor. Almost as good as s-x :oops: :lol:

I think he is trying to shortcut/hijack "ordinary" patterns - starting one thing and ending it as another one. I guess he have no idea at all what he is doing. Mostly we fails when I'm at his backside. He believes I'm somewhere else than I actually am. And last night he had a few more drinks than usual...I guess is ability to adjust his style to mine was decreased.

Perhaps my creativity is competing with his ....but mostly I'm so occupied by follow him so I have no time for any creativity of my own. I am creative when I don't know what to do. But I'm not aware about it in this moment...the moment I/we fail.

But I have heard before that I'm to quick in my spins/turns. I guess the reason is that I always tries to establish eye-contact as son as possible. Especially when I feel I dance on the edge of my capacity. Like when I dance with this guy.

I will ask him more next time. And I know he likes my style...that feels really good. Perhaps we will end up as a real good team. :D

/luc

[peachexploration]

.......I will ask him more next time. And I know he likes my style...that feels really good. Perhaps we will end up as a real good team. :D

/luc

That's great Lucretia. Nothing like having good dance friends to share the joy and ideas. Looks like you guys dance really well with each other. :)

[lolita]

i learned one important thing... i learned to shut up and follow
last night i was dancing with this guy, i dunno wuts wrong , is it me or him or wut i cant really decide
but i heard the beat a lil bit faster than he did , IN EVERY SINGLE TRACK WE DANCED ON :doh: and he was TOO slow for me
so i started leading which put him in some rageous mood sayIN NEVER EVER TRY TO LEAD ME AGAIN :evil:

i was scared of him he might spin me and break my arm or something lol

so now i know how to follow with mouth wide shut

[peachexploration]

Yeah, Lolita. It's not easy when you hear the musically differently than your partner. Well, at least he didn't spin you into the universe. ;)

[lolita]

he better clean his ears.. or adjust his rytheming clock

[lucretia]

What did I learn this week.....

People can change (if they are aware they are doing bad things).

Do you remember the story I told you about a rude teacher and when I told him I didn't like his style. Last week he was very nice AND I did step on his heel two times :oops: :lol: :lol: :lol:

I learned to put up a shielding fence/wall. If someone threat you bad it sometimes is caused by you "allowing" them to do that.

And I learned that I actually do step on peoples heels. He made me aware of that.

/luc

[DeeplyDippy]

What I learnt this week was ...

... that it is possible to do a lesson with your ex without coming to blows or hurling insults at each other. I won't tell you how much it cost me though :)

[peachexploration]

What I learned this week....
My On2 timing is much better. I am at 90% now. Only revert back to On1 10% of the time. :D

[lolita]

i learned like 5 combos in my miami classes, actually am doing very good that the instructor cant believe himself!!

[MacMoto]

I learned that my Cuban salsa needs work... I still have a habit of staying in place when I should be moving.

[funseeker321]

I learned that I haven't met a single salsero/salsera who was a "natural"...they all practice practice practice! I also learned in my group class that none of us are great at finding the rhythm in every dance and we're wondering a lot of the time if we're on the beat or off! I don't feel quite so humilated now....

[peachexploration]

This week, I learned not to be afraid to use more of MY OWN STYLING. Not only does it feel better, it looks better well, because it looks like ME. :D

[mexi_gabacho]

I learned some more On2 timing issues that I have and worked on those privately and with a couple of partners.

I picked up a couple of new On1 moves and was able to convert them to On2 pretty well.

Let's see..... I learned that my lead is better than I give myself credit for as I had a straight talk with a couple of fellow instructors/dance partners about that and having confidence.

I also learned to let myself go a little more in shining and styling and noticed that I actually am starting to like the way I look when I dance more :) (that one will take some time)

[peachexploration]

...... I learned that my lead is better than I give myself credit for as I had a straight talk with a couple of fellow instructors/dance partners about that and having confidence.....

Yup! Your lead rocks, Dude. Following you is a breeze. :banana:

I learned a styling feature on2 this week. It's a hip shift on 6 & 7 beats that I've been trying to get for months. Finally got it this week practicing in my office during lunch. Amazing what a "salad" can do in order to help you with moves. :lol: :lol: :lol:

[peachexploration]

I learned that my double spins need work again. :? :lol:

[DeeplyDippy]

I learnt that if you hurt someone badly then four months isn't enough time for either of you.

[peachexploration]

I learnt that if you hurt someone badly then four months isn't enough time for either of you.

Everything okay, DD? :(

[DeeplyDippy]

It's that old, old story Peach. My moods go up and down like a rollercoaster :D

[peachexploration]

Okay. I know the feeling.... ;)

[MacMoto]

I learned this week that I have to work on my balance if I want to be better at spinning. :(

[pr]

I learned this week that I have to work on my balance if I want to be better at spinning. :( I think this applies to everyone. :friend: I have found this too... :)

[dickda1]

MacMoto and Pr, I totally agree.

As a beginner, I was getting away with really loose technique in single spins. Didn't have to worry about losing balence or ending up with my weight on the wrong foot.

Now I am practicing left and right double spins and hook step. I found that I really needed good posture, extending arms in anticipation of turn, tightening stomach muscles, etc. I started reading about spotting in these forums and it really helps. For me it makes all the difference in a accomplishing a smooth spin.

-Dick

[Deltarain]

This week I learned that no amount of money is too expensive for a good pair of dance shoes!!!

[peachexploration]

This week I learned that no amount of money is too expensive for a good pair of dance shoes!!! :lol: :lol:

Especially, if they keep your knees and legs healthy. :D ;)

[peachexploration]

Double-turns! I got it! I got it! :banana: Practicing in the bathroom and kitchen really paid off! :banana: :lol:

[MacMoto]

:cheers: :banana: :cheers: :banana: :cheers: :banana:

In the meantime, my quest continues... :(

[pr]

Double-turns! I got it! I got it! :banana: Practicing in the bathroom and kitchen really paid off! :banana: :lol:
Congrats! :cheers:
The kitchen is my place for salsa practice too... :P

[peachexploration]

Thanks guys. :D Hey Mac, the way I finally got it: As you watch others spin, notice what the foot is doing opposite the one they're spinning on. I noticed that each time my instrutor turned, his opposite foot hit the 2 beat (The prep is on 6 & 7). There is other stuff I need to work on like keeping my feet closer together but for the most part, I have it and much better. :D

[MacMoto]

I learned this week that I have to work on my balance if I want to be better at spinning. :(
My teacher commented on how much my spinning had improved in a week! :banana:

What have I learned? Not to look up at the leader's face when spinning! :roll: :lol: Instead of doing prep -> spin, I have learned to do prep -> look down (well, straight ahead) -> spin. What a difference.

[pr]

I learned this week that I have to work on my balance if I want to be better at spinning. :(
My teacher commented on how much my spinning had improved in a week! :banana:

What have I learned? Not to look up at the leader's face when spinning! :roll: :lol: Instead of doing prep -> spin, I have learned to do prep -> look down (well, straight ahead) -> spin. What a difference.
:cheers: :cheers: :D

[mexi_gabacho]

Let's see... not much big time progress this week... but, I learned how to lead a move that had previously given me hell. I also learned some new (good) shines and how to do a double-"scoop" :D that last one is cool.

I have my tryout for a dance team this Sunday, so I've mainly been practicing trying to get my double spins clean and my triples to just finish :) Haven't been able to do much "new" stuff the last week or two. I want to get back in the On2 classes starting perhaps next week.

[peachexploration]

Good Luck on your Dance Team tryouts, Mexi_Gabacho! We're all cheering for you! :banana: :D

[DeeplyDippy]

What I learnt this week is -

Don't tell your girlfriend she's off-time :?

[peachexploration]

Class rocked! :rocker: today! Learned a full length shine sequence today. Got about about 95% of it but, my pivots need more work. So I learned tat I need to work on my pivots. They're a little sloppy. :P

[salcero2005]

Went dancing in New Mexico this weekend (business trip). Hit a spot called Cooperage Friday and Saturday. Both nights had bands that played 99% salsa. The thing I noticed is that most of the dancers have a unique style. They don't do a lot of mambo back and forth. Instead they do more of a back step or salsa step. I also noticed that they only have about 10 moves, which include rueda type enchufla and pa'ti pa'mi type moves. This style looks very good if you have the moves down, but there are no shines and hardley any freestyle movements. Its more continous, simplistic turn patterns, but they are smooth if you have it down. There are no double or tripple turns in this style. I noticed a lot of women wanted to back lead me because they are so used to this particular style and know the routine since there are only about 10 basic moves, but I wanted to do different turns because the Eastcoast style (my style) has a lot more patterns. I would like to learn this style because I like to know all styles. Its not as innovative as what I'm used to, but it looks good when you have it down. This is what I learned this week.

[peachexploration]

Yeah! :rocker: Learned some smokin' Cha Cha moves to enhance my Mambo. Totally awesome! :banana: I noticed Milton Cobo adds it alot when he dances On2. Now I understand the logic behind it. Cool! :banana:

[peachexploration]

Well, I learned this week that I really dont like pretzel arm type moves. For some reason they just aggravate me. :? There was this move we did over the weekend that involved like a double twist under a guys arm pit and like a patty cake hit on the 2 beat. Arm tosses are okay but when you get close to somewhat twisting my arm, I just don't like those moves.

I also learned that making my moves "smaller" really helps with smoothness. I had a shine sequence that was hauting me last week. Once I made the moves smaller (as my instructor pointed out) It became much more easier and made more sense in the execution of the moves. :D

[DeeplyDippy]

I've learnt that I can use my Merengue moves / turn patterns in my Bachata !

[DeeplyDippy]

This weekend I've learnt that Bachata can be as good as sex :shock:

[memphis salsero]

Tonight we had some Houston in Memphis escaping from the hurricane. One of them happen to be a professional dancer and OH MY. this guy was incredible, so in control of the girl, so in command with his lead. His moves were so seasoned and the style he put in them. I was amazed. So much so that after watching him I felt like my legs were heavy as bricks that I moved like I never danced a day in my life. Once I got over that though I danced better than I ever had before. So this week I learned that dancers from houston ROCK! :rocker:

[lolita]

uhmm i learned my biggest lessons ever this week!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !
I NEED TO LOOSE WEIGHT:D :oops: :roll: :cry:
** am being so down bout it **

[peachexploration]

uhmm i learned my biggest lessons ever this week!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !
I NEED TO LOOSE WEIGHT:D :oops: :roll: :cry:
** am being so down bout it **I can relate Lolita but try not to focus on it too much! Focus more on your dancing and not so much on your weight. Bad thoughts can be lethal and will hinder your progress. Believe me, in time, the weight loss will come. Big hug to you muchacha! :friend:

Today I learned the my improvisational basic is much improved from a month ago. I was really working on getting back into my basic on time while coming out shines. I saw a big proud look on my instructor's face as he watched me practice and that was like icing on the cake! :D :D :banana:

[DeeplyDippy]

I can relate Lolita but try not to focus on it too much! Focus more on your dancing and not so much on your weight. Bad thoughts can be lethal and will hinder your progress. Believe me, in time, the weight loss will come. Big hug to you muchacha! :friend:
See, this is why I prefer this forum over all the others :D

[lolita]

OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOh , that was a very nice hugg , thankies peach :oops:

and i think i'll have to focus more on dancing but the problem is that whenever i look in the mirror while dancing, i feel like am as fat as an elephant, while my partner says am not!! maybe hes trying to ease it up on me:(
and even if am FAT like a potatoe sack, if am dancing really good, no one would care!!

[lucretia]

Lolita
Last Saturday night I saw the most beautiful & SEXY butt. It was hugh & grandios. I wondered - who is that awesome woman having this butt? She used it in the most magnificent way. I was pertified (although I'm a woman with preference for men ;) )

It was that girl I've seen all summer. But all those nights she did hide her butt in a top with plenty of fabrics over the hip. It made her look like a lampshade. Now her behind had "come out".

She was so beautiful and I think she knew it. I have never seen her move that way before.

/Luc

[salseralon]

Sorry that you feel so bad Lolita, but remember we ourselves are always our hardest critics, what u don't like, another may LOVE! And like Peach said, keep on with the dancing, have a goal in mind (whether it be weight loss or not) and think positively, i too this week started a fitness/diet regime, i decided to set an abstract goal, usually us girls say 'im gonna look great in a bikini by next summer' but im going to say by xmas, just to push myself a bit harder!

[LilWhiteBlondGrl]

Lolita,
Tonight I practiced at my gym in the dance room that has mirrors on all sides. And I had just worked out before, so I was sweaty and not very pretty looking at all! On top of that, I was wearing gym shorts, a tee shirt, and my dance heels. Yep, pretty silly looking...and there was no getting away from how I looked! Just wanted to say that I know what it feels like to be completely aware of your own body's flaws. As a white girl with some booty....gotta learn to love it!! :P Here's too ya woman...you can do whatever you set your mind to!! We're here for you!

[memphis salsero]

LWBG
I'm sorry sweetie but I dont care who you date or marry, you are staying in the salsa community. Salsa is better b/c YOU dance it!

[lolita]

thanks every one for ur support, ithink i'll have to start my diet/exercise regime today .
hope it works before xmas cuz i have registered the biggest competetion over egypt;)
wish me luck

[salseralon]

LOADS of luck Lolita, but i don't think you'll need it, im sure you're exercise regime will go well, and the competition too :)

[lucretia]

I learnt that I had plenty of time all dances until very late that night :shock: . It was almost like when you see an accident coming and everything seems to go in slow-motion. But the dance did surley not go i n slow-motion. It was fun!!

I guess it was a combination of feeling content about my dancing ability, excellent floor and leaders I know pretty well. It was nice...very nice.

Later when I got tired this "state of mind disappeared". But I didn't mind....I had been surfing on top of that wave for several hours :D . It was time to go home.

/luc

[LilWhiteBlondGrl]

I learned this week to stretch your calf muscles before you do lots of footwork on your toes. :headwall: Today, my legs are KILLING me! I don't think my calves have ever been this sore...and I've worked more than a few times! OUCH.

:doh:

Okay, and what in the WORLD is this? :buttkick: How mean is this little guy? It is a sad world when our happy little smiley men resort to bullying other smilies.

:lol: :lol:

[MacMoto]

Back from the UK congress... I am still learning that I need to work on my balance and also stop looking up when spinning (yes I'm a slow learner :oops: ).

I must tell you this though... I was very surprised by the number of guys who said "that was very nice, I enjoyed it" after 3+ minutes of me stumbling out of spins losing balance, going off the slot, missing leads and responding late, etc :shock:. Either I was lucky enough to dance with very kind men, or I was actually dancing better than I thought... :? Not sure which, but it was nice to get unexpected compliments.

[memphis salsero]

Having A dance partnership is extremely hard. My partner and I are working on some choreography and can not agree on the last 45 seconds of music. She wants it to be more entertaining and do some acting type of stuff where we mess with each other (it would be a continuation of a theme we do in the first 30 seconds), however I think it makes the routine choppy and just not flow very well, I want to just dance with a little acting added as flavor. finding a compromise has been a daunting task and here I am at the computer again trying to mix something that we can both be semi-happy with. Now I know I will never marry someone who is as stubborn as I am!

[praecantricis]

This week I learned that I should not try to drink and dance...One vodka & cranberry seems to help me relax into my following...but 5 makes me clumsy and slows my reaction times. Valuable experiment - I'll stick to water.

[memphis salsero]

:cheers: + :banana: = :doh:

[peachexploration]

:cheers: + :banana: = :doh:

:lol: :lol: :lol: MS, you are too funny! :lol:

[Smooth and Silky]

I learned that u need speed and energy. Cuz if u do a move slowly versus if you u do it with energy & a bit faster, it looks alot different.

Acquiring that speed and energy is another topic

[memphis salsero]

:oops: Thanks Peach, its because I sit at home all day and think up jokes for salsa forums :D

So this is kind of a no brainer but I was reminded of it this week, good leaders look so good!

[DeeplyDippy]

This week, I learnt to turn my partner in a sommersault :lol:

[lucretia]

I've learnt that I like leading (in the beginners classes). First I felt awkward but then I realized I cannot dance in a female and sexy way when I am supposed to lead. I looked at my male teacher and tried to use his body language. It worked when I tried a more male approach.

/luc

pst. I am a girl ;)

[praecantricis]

I do beginners classes as a leader too! I figure it's only fair to see what it's like for the guys! How do you find it? I really like it.

[memphis salsero]

You know I kind of like following. Its like a roller coaster! I liked it so much though that its probably a good idea for me to not do it very often

[pr]

You know I kind of like following. Its like a roller coaster! I liked it so much though that its probably a good idea for me to not do it very often
I have found that I like it a lot too... :D :P

[LilWhiteBlondGrl]

:cheers: + :banana: = :doh:

This is really clever! Nice one!

[memphis salsero]

:lol:

[LilWhiteBlondGrl]

I learned how important your head (spotting) and upper body is when spinning...I have a tendancy to use my legs too much for momentum. Today in my kitchen I was really focusing on whipping my head around to spot, and I was doing tripples...without falling over, switching feet, or crashing into the cabinets! Ha ha. I need to stick with doubles though..but it sure was fun!

I also learned Saturday at the club what a difference your outfit can make in your dancing. I just felt more confident!

[Jones, Nikka]

I learned that u need speed and energy. Cuz if u do a move slowly versus if you u do it with energy & a bit faster, it looks alot different.

Acquiring that speed and energy is another topic

Funny that you mention speed and energy. My teacher gave me the complete equation this week:

Perfect balance = (Time x Distance) / Force

In which Time relates to the interval between beats or steps, distance is the lenght of the displacement my leader allows and Force is the amount of energy I have to generate to cover such distance in the allowed time.

[praecantricis]

This week I have learnt that I have no idea how to isolate any part of my anatomy form the rest of it! And when I try I look l like a jerky odd robot...Not exactly what I wanted to learn, but we all have good and bad dance weeks....

[peachexploration]

Right double spins are great however my Left double spins need work. My arms still aren't firm enough as I whip around I think. :?

[peachexploration]

Funky chicken shines. Yup, one of the instructors let the secret out. Pretty cool but my legs are too short for all the spaghetti movement. Fun to learn but not something I would do while social dancing as you can't really do them in heels. :) Class rocked yesterday! :D

[lolita]

weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee :D :D ehem.. i learned this shine, where i get to jump on the lead's legs from the side, then facing him ..its WONDERULL..was really fun specially that we fell OFF tooooooooo many times before really getting it.. for the first time when dancing..i didnt feel i was that fat.

[praecantricis]

This week I learnt that denim mini skirts are hard to dance in! But mainly I learnt how massively i've improved in the last month or so - stuff just finally seems to be coming together. I feel beautiful and free when i'm dancing not worried that i'm getting it wrong....

[peachexploration]

So, what did you learn this week?. :D

[DeeplyDippy]

I learnt I want to see more ladies in denim mini-skirts :lol:

[DeeplyDippy]

Seriously now ...

If you're not enjoying a lesson, walk away from it. There'll always be another lesson.

[praecantricis]

I learnt that I am a 'smooth' leader - my instructors wife said so so it must be true!

I also learnt that hitting a break as leader makes you look and feel like a dance god(ess) - even if only for half a beat!

[lolita]

i learnt that dancing with someone i really like makes the dance enjoyable, and pleasurable!

[DeeplyDippy]

I learnt that I am a 'smooth' leader - my instructors wife said so so it must be true!
Yes - I've had this said a couple of times in the last week so I must finally be returning to form :D

[esa negrita...]

I learned that I need to remember to press my feet into the floor and roll out, not to be lazy with my hips and that my arms have gotten much looser and lighter...yay!

[lolita]

i learnt : I WANT DEM SHOES ESA :cry:

[Arc]

I learned that if you move your whole body right, you don't need to do much patterns for people to tell you: "you dance very well" ;)

[Tony_salvi]

Went to my first Social this weekend. Learned how refreshing it is to dance on a good, smooth, and clean floor without having to worry about drunks slamming in to me with their equally drunk dates.

Oh yah.. and I leanred Socials are awesome! :D

[lucretia]

Too much sexy hips will cause you a bad back :evil: :(
I was soo inspired dancing with a cuban dancee. I tried to imitate him...to much. A overstretched gluteus maximus hurts very very much. I cannot sit. I cannot sleep. I cannot dance. The only thing I can do is stand upright and walk.

And on top of It I had a virus with a lot of coughing. I cannot cough without screaming.

/Luc

[peachexploration]

Ouch! :x I hope you feel better soon. :(

[lolita]

hope you feel better luc :(

[esa negrita...]

Lolita...I wish I could do them justice...gettin' there though:)

[Tony_salvi]

Lucretia - I hope you get better soon!

[peachexploration]

I learned that I need to remember to press my feet into the floor and roll out, not to be lazy with my hips and that my arms have gotten much looser and lighter...yay!

How's it going so far, Esa...Negrita? :)

[thespina13]

This is an excellent thread.

This week I learned how to RELAX. Give it up. NOt take myself too seriously. And suddenly I was free again. I also re-learned trusting myself during spins, and trusting my lead. I managed to click with one lead I find VERY difficult, but last Thursday it just fell into place as I threw caution to the wind and started listening to him, trusting myself, and putting myself totally in the moment. Investing myself in the futureless, pastless present. Anything more techniquey I learned all stemmed from that. Mostly connection and really absorbing the lead's energy and style and reflectively communicating it. A partner and I wound up inventing a totally goofy move that either of us had ever seen anything like before.. it was totally imrpovised, spontaneous and in unison. It was so funny and exhilarating I started laughing almost hysterically while we were dancing, and he was laughing and saying, "what was THAT? I am just FULL of tricks! Look at me! A never ending hat full of surprises." Oh it was fun. I was also sort of laughing because I was remembering africana discussing, many times, the art of conversational dancing and how it's sort of rare... and I was thrilled that I was experiencing it for real. ;)

[amo_dile_que_no]

This is an excellent thread.

This week I learned how to RELAX. Give it up. NOt take myself too seriously. And suddenly I was free again. I also re-learned trusting myself during spins, and trusting my lead. I managed to click with one lead I find VERY difficult, but last Thursday it just fell into place as I threw caution to the wind and started listening to him, trusting myself, and putting myself totally in the moment. Investing myself in the futureless, pastless present. Anything more techniquey I learned all stemmed from that. Mostly connection and really absorbing the lead's energy and style and reflectively communicating it. A partner and I wound up inventing a totally goofy move that either of us had ever seen anything like before.. it was totally imrpovised, spontaneous and in unison. It was so funny and exhilarating I started laughing almost hysterically while we were dancing, and he was laughing and saying, "what was THAT? I am just FULL of tricks! Look at me! A never ending hat full of surprises." Oh it was fun. I was also sort of laughing because I was remembering africana discussing, many times, the art of conversational dancing and how it's sort of rare... and I was thrilled that I was experiencing it for real. ;)

Yes it is exhilerating when you have moments like that. What I hate is I usually have no idea how we accomplished it so it's impossible to repeat on purpose. The ecstasy & agony of improvisation :D

[EMOYENO]

I learned what I had forgotten at classes..keeping in line and not just following the leader. My line , my line,

The sad thing was I learned it when the dance was over.

But I now know!!!!!

[PielCanela]

I learned from esa negrita that I should be pressing the floor, so I been working on getting that incorporated in my dancing.

I learn from one of my dance partners that I am still too tense when dancing, my steps are too big, so I am working on that too.

I also learned that if I really bend my knees a lot, too much even, I can pull a triple axel, barely, but triple, so I plan to work on getting the same effect with less bending.

the greatest thing that I learn is that instead of waiting to have a dance partner to practice, it would be more efficient if I actually work some 2 hours on my own, learning the patterns, the moves, the lead, and then meet my dance partner. I take forever to learn so yesterday I realize, that I should actually prepare before coming to dance with my partner, other ways I am kind of wasting her time, while I struggle to remember some type of sequence

[DeeplyDippy]

I've learnt a new technique for double spins, at least when turning left !

I've tried other methods but this one seems to work for me :D

[PielCanela]

I've learnt a new technique for double spins, at least when turning left !

I've tried other methods but this one seems to work for me :D

may we know what this new technique is ? :) :)

[amo_dile_que_no]

I've learnt a new technique for double spins, at least when turning left !

I've tried other methods but this one seems to work for me :D

may we know what this new technique is ? :) :)

Yes please share if you would. I just had a private on spins and am currently working on it. Singles for now, but I'd like to get to doubles.

[Cesario]

I learned to do more with less this week. Instead of expending energy and brain cells to learn more patterns...I just took my basic on 1 along with a CBL and 360 CBL and danced my butt off. What fun! :D It's great to just go out there and improv somewhat...the music just takes over and your body moves in response. Yo Quiero Mas, Mas, Mas!


Cesario

[thespina13]

OMG! I learned I don't HAVE to go dancing on Thursday! (I'll go Fri instead). What an exhilarating feeling. Weird. Sort of freeing. NOt that I felt trapped. But it's nice to rest.

[DeeplyDippy]

OMG! I learned I don't HAVE to go dancing on Thursday! (I'll go Fri instead). What an exhilarating feeling. Weird. Sort of freeing. NOt that I felt trapped. But it's nice to rest.
NOOOOO !

You must go - your dancing will suffer - your timing will be off :lol:

[EMOYENO]

I
the greatest thing that I learn is that instead of waiting to have a dance partner to practice, it would be more efficient if I actually work some 2 hours on my own, learning the patterns, the moves, the lead, and then meet my dance partner. I take forever to learn so yesterday I realize, that I should actually prepare before coming to dance with my partner, other ways I am kind of wasting her time, while I struggle to remember some type of sequence


GREAT ADVICE THANXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

[pr]

OMG! I learned I don't HAVE to go dancing on Thursday! (I'll go Fri instead). What an exhilarating feeling. Weird. Sort of freeing. NOt that I felt trapped. But it's nice to rest.
NOOOOO !

You must go - your dancing will suffer - your timing will be off :lol:
Nooooooooo :o, don't listen too them! :!:
Agree with DD there... 8) Your timing will be off, but that is just the beginning... :twisted: :lol: (;))

[lolita]

i learned that i love dancing on the beach..wut a lovely feeling

[thespina13]

I learned that if I don't dance on Thursday, Fri won't happen and I'll forget all about the social on saturday, dream abut dancing four nights in a row and be pretty grouchy until Monday when I can go and practice with my buddy at the gym again.

Turns out I actually need my dance night ritual like it's Sunday morning at church or something. Fancy that. I must really like to dance. Need to dance. Must... dance.... RRRRGH!

[pr]

I learned that if I don't dance on Thursday, Fri won't happen and I'll forget all about the social on saturday, dream abut dancing four nights in a row and be pretty grouchy until Monday when I can go and practice with my buddy at the gym again.

Turns out I actually need my dance night ritual like it's Sunday morning at church or something. Fancy that. I must really like to dance. Need to dance. Must... dance.... RRRRGH!
Don't say we didn't tell ya'! 8) :lol:

[thespina13]

LoL.. yeah yeah. FIne. Lesson learned... with auhoriTAY. :) :p

[EMOYENO]

I learned that if I don't dance on Thursday, Fri won't happen and I'll forget all about the social on saturday, dream abut dancing four nights in a row and be pretty grouchy until Monday when I can go and practice with my buddy at the gym again.

Turns out I actually need my dance night ritual like it's Sunday morning at church or something. Fancy that. I must really like to dance. Need to dance. Must... dance.... RRRRGH!

I hear ya!!!!! I'll include Wednesday nights too!!!!!
just found out a club where Wedenesday's it's salsa night live!!!!!!

[EMOYENO]

To spin more, that I need more arm styling.

I learned the Titanic and it wasnt in class, it was dancing some very nice young man taught me that one.

Went to a new Salsa club called "Palo Once". Anyone who's into salsa goes there and I had soooooo much fun!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[akbernier]

This week, I learned that asking a guy to dance wont kill me and coming out of hiding to participate in the social dancing before class is a good thing. :P

[DeeplyDippy]

This week, I learned that asking a guy to dance wont kill me and coming out of hiding to participate in the social dancing before class is a good thing. :P
Excellent :D

[peachexploration]

Just from watching a video clip, I learned that spining to the left is much easier that spinning to the right for me. :? (Dancing ET2) I can get more momentum hitting the one and going to the left as opposed to prepping on 6,7 and spinning to the right. Don't get that at all. :?

[irishgirl]

I learnt that I should stop looking at the guys face when spinning and look directly ahead of me even if that means i'm looking at his bellybutton (ok slight exageration , i'm not that small!)

Makes a world of difference to my travelling spins and stationary (on the spot) spins. I remain perfectly straight instead of leaning back.

[peachexploration]

Cool, Irishgirl. :)

Anyone else?

[lucretia]

I have learnt never to give up. I can spin again after my disc rupture.
Balance exercises, pivot-training-in-stairs, stretching and dancing has recovered me enough for spining. The doctor verified my toughts taht nerves heals quicker if they are "pushed". If they are needed - they speed up :) (like anyone else)

/Luc

[peachexploration]

Very happy for you, Luc. Good to see that you're back on the floor again.

[lolita]

i learned this week that
no matter how good u r, no matter how u or people think that ur the bomb and ur the best in town... PERFECT PRACTISE MAKES PERFECT.

and that a one month of doing nothing related to salsa except reading some posts on salsaforums will do u no good when u return to the dance floor

[naturallove]

I have learned that leading is even harder than I could have imagined! Ladies, it takes a lot of courage for a guy to approach us on the dance floor and even more skill to think about what turn patterns to execute! It's going to take me a long time to learn to lead.

[tj]

Save me a dance, NL! :)

I have learned that leading is even harder than I could have imagined! Ladies, it takes a lot of courage for a guy to approach us on the dance floor and even more skill to think about what turn patterns to execute! It's going to take me a long time to learn to lead.

[irishgirl]

This week I nailed 3 spins consistently on my own when having a dance and 4 on my own in practice. :)

[peachexploration]

That's cool, Irishgirl! :)

[irishgirl]

thank you peach :)
I think i surprised myself!

[peachexploration]

Yeah, I love when those surprise moments pop up. Particularly, when just 24 hours ago, you thought you couldn't. :)

[pr]

Congrats Irishgirl! :cheers: :D

[lolita]

this week i learned :
Alot of AND ONE dont look right.

begginers never ask me to dance ! :roll: so i ask them ;there has to be at least a non intemidating nice salsera outthere!

[irishgirl]

thank you pr :)

I also learnt this week that dancing every night for a week is NOT conducive to being able to pack up a house ! All done now though....i will sleep well tonight :)

[noobster]

This week I nailed 3 spins consistently on my own when having a dance and 4 on my own in practice. :)Hey irishgirl, do you have any insight into fitting multiple free spins into a led move?

I feel like once I have done one spin the guy usually expects to pick me back up again... I can fit in two but I always feel like I am interrupting the flow of the dance by surprising the leader (even if they are fast enough to leave plenty of time before the next beat).

[irishgirl]

hey noobster

wow...am just battling with that right now.....

The only conclusion I can come to on this one is that you have to do it, the guy will probably try to pick you up after 1st spin but will hopefully figure out that now you want to do 2 spins and then he can do something while you are spinning.
I know what you mean though, no matter how fast you spin, if the guy comes into early you feel like you've slightly hijacked the dance.

Interestingly, one of Santo Rico girls mentioned this at a spinning workshop, she said in New York the guys are much better at letting the girls have time to free spin out of moves and don't pick them up until they are done, but in a lot of places they come back in too early, so her message was "guys let the girls spin out"

If I figure out any more insights on this I'll post and hopefully someone else has a thought.....

[jayzen]

most times, it's because, in most places, most follows

- can't do a double free spin much less three
- come out of it tottering worse than a the leaning tower of pisa constructed of jello
- don't do more than two free spins anyway
- most leads are not thought to pick up a girl in the middle of their spins properly

hence, many leads don't expect the multiples

heck, in singapore, the number of ladies who would hit a 3 ore more on a free spin i can count on one hand (actually there are probably more who could but most don't due to various personal reasons :) )

also, it does come down a little to lead and follow. if I don't lead my follow into a multiple free spin (by the amount of prep and send I give you), the less I should expect my follow to do more than 2.


Jason

ps - irishgirl, you could always do those multiples just that you know why you couldn't :tongue:

[noobster]

also, it does come down a little to lead and follow. if I don't lead my follow into a multiple free spin (by the amount of prep and send I give you), the less I should expect my follow to do more than 2.
I thought it was up to me how many frees I wanted to put in, as long as I didn't ride into the next beat? Isn't that one of the few places where we get to have our say? :?

Interestingly, one of Santo Rico girls mentioned this at a spinning workshop, she said in New York the guys are much better at letting the girls have time to free spin out of moves and don't pick them up until they are done
I am in new york, but I am most likely not dancing with the same partners as the woman you spoke to (she is probably dancing mostly with the Santo Rico guys and they are notorious spinners).

[jayzen]

hi noobster

yes...and no :tongue:

yes, in a sense that you can always do as many frees as u are able to when put into a spin

no, in a sense that if a lead gives you a light lead on the free, it would mean that he wasn't intending for you to do many frees and likewise if he winds u up and send u out, u know he wants u to do a few

of course, as with anything, u as a follow have a right to decide if u want to do that many or just one! :)

in some ways, lead and follow is about the guy asking/inviting a lady if she would go somewhere or do something and the lady has a right to decide if she wants to or not. a good lead is, ideally, clear and polite in his invitation so that the lady does not feel forced into it but rather, flattered and would then deign to accept the invitation gracefully. a good follow then would be one who understands the invitation, and, would, in good grace, accept it.

gods, sounds like something out of the Victorian era and yet....fitting :)


Jason

[irishgirl]

ps - irishgirl, you could always do those multiples just that you know why you couldn't :tongue:


:P

Jason has a point about you have to be able to do the free spins yourself stably before you'll nail them out of moves - its only in the last 2 weeks that it all clicked even if i could randomly do spins on my own......

Noobster, hope you're getting somewhere with your spins - try asking a regular dance partner nicely if he wouldn't mind letting you practice more than a single out of various moves - not every dance but now and again then if people see you doing it more might give you space for it!

(oh and hello everyone from Penang Malaysia - next stop Bangkok! - and hopefully some salsa there.)

[noobster]

Noobster, hope you're getting somewhere with your spins - try asking a regular dance partner nicely if he wouldn't mind letting you practice more than a single out of various moves - not every dance but now and again then if people see you doing it more might give you space for it!
I do have a friend I like to practice with, he is pretty good about letting me spin out. On the floor I am a little more hesitant though - half the problem is that I am worried about surprising the lead, so then I don't fully commit to doing the double myself, and then it all goes to h3ll in a handbasket because I can't go into a free spin without having decided how many to do, it just comes out all wrong. :o Maybe I just have to decide for myself that I am going to do the double and the lead is going to have to deal with it. Otherwise I'll never get anywhere.

(oh and hello everyone from Penang Malaysia - next stop Bangkok! - and hopefully some salsa there.)Fun! Sounds like an amazing trip. :)

[sac]

ps - irishgirl, you could always do those multiples just that you know why you couldn't :tongue:


:P

Jason has a point about you have to be able to do the free spins yourself stably before you'll nail them out of moves - its only in the last 2 weeks that it all clicked even if i could randomly do spins on my own......

Noobster, hope you're getting somewhere with your spins - try asking a regular dance partner nicely if he wouldn't mind letting you practice more than a single out of various moves - not every dance but now and again then if people see you doing it more might give you space for it!

(oh and hello everyone from Penang Malaysia - next stop Bangkok! - and hopefully some salsa there.)

any chance of you coming to KL instead?heard salsa in penang is dead....KL is more happening

[sweavo]

Maybe it's just early days for your multiple-frees noobster? It takes a good leader and a follower who is a good spinner PLUS a little chemistry between the two to get this right:

The leader has to be reasonably good in order to judge when you're done, and even so is probably used to dancing with girls who prefer fewer rather than more spins... and if the leader is really excellent but your spinning is a little rough then he'll notice that and move in to give you support. Of course you need to be given the opportunity in order to become more solid so it's catch 22! I think the other post about asking a couple of times per night for a little space to spin out more is a good way to get over this hurdle.

WRT leading single or multiple free spins, yes, this happens. For a single I "allow" the free spin, for a double I'll "indicate" or even "drive" the free spin and for more I'll add more power to the lead before she is released. Part of the fun for a leader is to learn each follower's levels of power required to get her to do the various numbers of spins.

... and obligatory "what I learned this week" is:

Even with jazz shoes there is a big difference between a good pair and a bad pair.

[noobster]

Maybe it's just early days for your multiple-frees noobster? It takes a good leader and a follower who is a good spinner PLUS a little chemistry between the two to get this right:
Okay, but lots of people do them. I wasn't thinking of it as some kind of special advanced move?

WRT leading single or multiple free spins, yes, this happens. For a single I "allow" the free spin, for a double I'll "indicate" or even "drive" the free spin and for more I'll add more power to the lead before she is released. Part of the fun for a leader is to learn each follower's levels of power required to get her to do the various numbers of spins.
Yeah, unfortunately I blatantly ignore these signals (that's a big part of my problem, I know). There have been plenty of times that I've felt the guy give me enough momentum for several frees but I refuse and brake after one because I'm just not comfortable with it at that moment. Then other times I know he is just suggesting a quiet single but I feel frisky so I'm more likely to go for two. Bad follower, I know. :evil: I guess if I am misleading my leaders like this it is no wonder they are confused. :?

[sweavo]

Maybe it's just early days for your multiple-frees noobster? It takes a good leader and a follower who is a good spinner PLUS a little chemistry between the two to get this right:
Okay, but lots of people do them. I wasn't thinking of it as some kind of special advanced move?

Not advanced per se, it's just not something that will come instantly... takes a bit of 'bedding in'

Yeah, unfortunately I blatantly ignore these signals (that's a big part of my problem, I know).

Well there's your problem right there! If he gives you a double and you take a single, a considerate leader won't give you another double unless you seem to have significantly relaxed since the last attempt!

[praecantricis]

I learned (most unhelpfully) that my X body on1 is crap and that I have to take a whole lot more classes before I try another congress. I am quietly determined to crack this style of salsa. My cuban and Rueda is great, my on2 is quite solid. My on1 = wobbly nightmare hesitant mess. Just ask Capibaribe

[noobster]

Well there's your problem right there! If he gives you a double and you take a single, a considerate leader won't give you another double unless you seem to have significantly relaxed since the last attempt!Okay, okay. Actually I had lots of dances with a very fun leader last night who gave me a few occasional frees, both single and double. You're right, it's much easier if you just follow the leader, take what you're given and go with the flow. Duh. :) I guess that can be my not-very-enlightening contribution to the what-I-learned thread. I will definitely have to get these to be more reliable before I try to fit more in though.

[lolita]

Lilly: hey leader i'm not leaving tonight before dance wit you
leader: ok lets do this now, i love this song

Leader: leads
Lilly, gets confused and messes up a complicated move
Leader: another move
Lilly, Leader, i can't get ur lead, try harder
Leader: a couple of turn patterns
Lilly follows but could hardly get the leading segnals
..... dance is over....

Lilly: Leader, why is it that i cant dance with you
Leader: (without hesitation) because you are not used to my moves
Lilly: :?

Lilly learned this week: No dancing with leaders who think leading is based on Getting used to the moves

[irishgirl]

noobster

I'm with you on the missing signals etc but one word you said that is very true is "commit" you have to commit and stuff the leader sometimes
i was dancing in bangkok last night and i attempted more than 1 several times and resulted in slight crashes with my leader but i'm like grrr let me go :)

once you stall though you're stuck coz then the leader will come back in and then you'll go oh i have time for 2 and then crash bang wallop.

just keep trying with regular partners and sneak them in when possible, its one of the few occassions when we ladies can dictate (other than hijacking blatantly) what we are going to do, and the leads should be aware and not just assuming we'll do only 1 spin

Anyway, off again tonight, will see how multiple spinning on unsuspecting victims goes!

sac - nope not going kl lah, been orredi :) and its not on my trip itineary

chiang mai have salsa anyone know? I know hanoi does :)

over and out, dinner time in bangkok!

[peachexploration]

...Lilly learned this week: No dancing with leaders who think leading is based on Getting used to the moves

Those kinds of leads are just frustration! :roll:

[lolita]

...Lilly learned this week: No dancing with leaders who think leading is based on Getting used to the moves

Those kinds of leads are just frustration! :roll:
they need to go diving

[catarina]

Still related to the spinning business...I learned that it's time I graduate to "grown up" dance shoes...ones with heels, that show my toes, and that have good soles. I was so surprised to hear that it's my shoes that are hindering my spinning at this point and not necessarily my form as my jazz shoes don't have enough surface area on the floor when I'm spinning (though I'm sure once I have good shoes, my form will need to be cleaned up that much more because I won't have the jazz shoe excuse!)

[Capibaribe]

I learned (most unhelpfully) that my X body on1 is crap and that I have to take a whole lot more classes before I try another congress. I am quietly determined to crack this style of salsa. My cuban and Rueda is great, my on2 is quite solid. My on1 = wobbly nightmare hesitant mess. Just ask Capibaribe

Hey, you should not make such a drastic conclusion based on the dances with me, I was a mess of on1/on2 & new patterns big part of the congress :) I think that we got pretty good flow parts of our dances. Looking forward to our next congress together and we'll see if I have made any progress :)

[SnowDancer]

Having take a couple on2 classes in the last few weeks, I finally managed to dance an entire song on2 without accidentally switching back to on1. Now I have to learn more than just CBL, inside/outside turns...

Got to say (hopefully without sounding like a raving on2 convert:-)) that dancing this way does seem smoother.

[noobster]

Still related to the spinning business...I learned that it's time I graduate to "grown up" dance shoes...ones with heels, that show my toes, and that have good soles. I was so surprised to hear that it's my shoes that are hindering my spinning at this point and not necessarily my form as my jazz shoes don't have enough surface area on the floor when I'm spinning (though I'm sure once I have good shoes, my form will need to be cleaned up that much more because I won't have the jazz shoe excuse!)
You know, I learned to spin in jazz shoes (couldn't for the life of me in heels at first), and then when I finally got a good pair of heels (not like the tottery ones I started out in) I found it was no problem at all!

You keep your heels off the floor in jazz anyways, so as long as the heels are shorter than your typical heel-to-floor distance (for me, about 2.5") there's almost no difference at all (other than the plastic-to-suede transition, which you get used to quickly).

[lolita]

a leader said: ur so smooth

i didnt really get wut he means, but later on through the night, another leader told me that i move with the slightest segnals i dont really need to push u for a CBL... i just wish every other follower was like that

what i learned : FOCUS FOCUS FOCUS , paying attention to the lead is very important

[Swannie]

a leader said: ur so smooth

i didnt really get wut he means, but later on through the night, another leader told me that i move with the slightest segnals i dont really need to push u for a CBL... i just wish every other follower was like that

what i learned : FOCUS FOCUS FOCUS , paying attention to the lead is very important

Ohh yes. Some follows are so light and balanced. It makes it so easy to dance with them, as in physically easy. Also because they are so light, it is easy to dance with amazing timing. (And it doesn't really have anything to do with the size of the salsera!)

Sometimes I will really get into a song, and it just *demands* :D lots of flowing moves/spins - if the follow isn't light and smooth it will usually end up off of time.

[Pierre]

I learned (most unhelpfully) that my X body on1 is crap and that I have to take a whole lot more classes before I try another congress. I am quietly determined to crack this style of salsa. My cuban and Rueda is great, my on2 is quite solid. My on1 = wobbly nightmare hesitant mess. Just ask Capibaribe

Prae, your On1 seemed perfectly fine to me in Blackpool. Although we only had one dance, it was one of the most memorable dances I had all weekend! :) I promised to do half the dance On1 and the 2nd half On2 but we were having such fun On1 I forgot to switch!

[Brownskin818]

ive learned that i really dont mind offbeatness as much as i thought i did. it's the unknowing of the offbeatness that irks me. i danced with an advanced guy who started on3. (he wasnt cuban, didnt dance cuban style). i grimaced, then settled in to bear it. he saw the discomfort on my face and he immediately acknowledged... "we're on3, i know ;)". we switched to on1 later in the dance, then back to on3. and it didnt bother me in the least because i understood that he knew his timing, but chose to dance it as he saw fit. i can get with that! :P

now offtempo'd dances on the other hand... :neutral:

[Jambo]

This week I learned......

During a private lesson it's not a good idea to get myself and my teacher in such a giddy mood that neither of us can dance for laughing........learned very little (except that my teacher cries when he laughs) and I still had to pay! :lol: :lol: :lol:

[noobster]

Okay, okay. Actually I had lots of dances with a very fun leader last night who gave me a few occasional frees, both single and double. You're right, it's much easier if you just follow the leader, take what you're given and go with the flow. Duh. :)
Follow-up: here's what I learned tonight - whipped frees are really fun!!

I finally had another private (after no instruction for about five months) and my teacher reiterated the whole thing about not taking a double free when you're given a single. Okay, okay, I get the point. :P Hyperreactivity has always been a bit of a problem of mine. However, we were on a super-spinny floor and he demonstrated what the lead would feel like for a true multiple free, and - wheeee! You can just keep going and going and going! I love it! (Actually he started laughing because I just refused to stop, thereby demonstrating that I'd internalized nothing of his notes for me on avoiding hyperreactivity.)

So if I am not to be allowed to careen myself into multiple frees willy-nilly, I am going to have to pester my salsa friends to start giving me these whipped frees. They are just way too much fun.

[lolita]

if you think that u can't take no more... just keep on dancin...Advancing...!

[sweavo]

So if I am not to be allowed to careen myself into multiple frees willy-nilly, I am going to have to pester my salsa friends to start giving me these whipped frees. They are just way too much fun.

Heheh! I can see you now... oo! oo! spin me! spin me!

SPIN ME B**TCH!

*guy is scared, but happy to oblige*

[terence]

maybe in your next life-- you should come back as a top !!

[noobster]

SPIN ME B**TCH!
B**tch? You guys say b**tch across the pond also? I thought that was a US thing.

*guy is scared, but happy to oblige*
Heheh. Actually I am going to have to figure out how to control my travel a little better before I start asking for these on the floor. With all that extra momentum, some of it seems to keep getting directed into translational movement. It was doable in the lesson because we had lots of space, but that's not the typical environment. :?

[esa negrita...]

I learned that I actually enjoy LA style salsa!! :)

[peachexploration]

I learned that I actually enjoy LA style salsa!! :)

Cool! :D

[Staged]

That I need to adjust/taper off the power I give followers when spinning them....

[peachexploration]

That I need to adjust/taper off the power I give followers when spinning them....
Is it throwing them off balance? Just curious...., :)

[Staged]

Not really throwing anyone off balance, but sending signals for triples when I'm only leading doubles, etc. Sometimes the girls over rotate or I abruptly stop there momentum with a lot of time left before their half of the measure (where they typically spin) is over.

With some girls it's not an issue because they need a lot of momentum to spin, with other girls it's like they just need a suggestion and they are spinning like a top! I'm going to really focus on reading that early in the dance, and watch the signals I give during their preps.

[akbernier]

I loved it! Too bad it was in Orlando. This guys beginner class was like my schools advanced! No wonder they have the reputation of turning out the "sickest" dancers in Orlando! :)

[AndrewD]

Not really throwing anyone off balance, but sending signals for triples when I'm only leading doubles, etc. Sometimes the girls over rotate or I abruptly stop there momentum with a lot of time left before their half of the measure (where they typically spin) is over.

With some girls it's not an issue because they need a lot of momentum to spin, with other girls it's like they just need a suggestion and they are spinning like a top! I'm going to really focus on reading that early in the dance, and watch the signals I give during their preps.

Yes, as I start leading more multiples I’m beginning to encounter a greater variety of spinning techniques from followers. I met my first proper 'spinning top' the other night – she was lightning fast and generated her own momentum ,all based on the timing of the lead. A fraction early and she went into a double (when I meant a single) or a triple (when I meant a double). It took me most of the dance to get used to her twitchiness. I think our next dance will be lots of fun though :)

Other ladies expect you to generate a lot of the rotation yourself, this gives you more control, but you really have to crank the spins, it helps that I’m tall. They tend to be stiffer when you raise their arms to lead the spin, but seem to be able to rotate as fast as you can get them around – allowing you to recover if your timing is slightly off.

I don't know which I prefer? The second technique if I haven't danced with them before perhaps?

[TheBear_CanDanceToo]

Girls that can really spin under their own steam?
Me, I love 'em!
(I too had to hone my lead to cater for these wodnerful ladies but the more you do the easier it gets and it's SO much less effort than cranking 'em round!)

[sweavo]

Yeah, if you've not encountered that before it'll be a bit odd, but those girls CAN be excellent followers... a bit like a high-powered sports car, you need a lighter and smoother touch. As to whether it's good or bad behaviour on her part, that depends on whether she stays in contact around the turn. I remember dancing with a follow way above my level and if I hesitated at any point in a spin she would slam on the brakes and I would end with her 3.75 times spun! It encouraged me to up my game somewhat!

[AndrewD]

As to whether it's good or bad behaviour on her part, that depends on whether she stays in contact around the turn. I remember dancing with a follow way above my level and if I hesitated at any point in a spin she would slam on the brakes and I would end with her 3.75 times spun! It encouraged me to up my game somewhat!

The one I danced with was great - like you say, you have to go easy on the accelerator when she is so finely tuned. (I feel like Jeremy Clarkson, talking about followers in this way). The problems we had were all due to my timing not being perfect. I suspect this lady wasn't that experienced with salsa though (she didn't 'get' CBLs), - possibly a trained dancer, but did salsa to cut loose once in a while?

[Staged]

Sports Car is a great analogy, and one that I relate to well.

The high performance spinners are FUN to dance with, I just have to adjust my lead so they are not doing quads when I'm leading triples. When that happened they usually ended up in a lock (because I brought there arm down at the 3rd turn, but their momentum kept them going), and I just laughed and went with it...:) They knew what was going on, they were good sports.

I meant to do that...right ;)

[Brownskin818]

...Lilly learned this week: No dancing with leaders who think leading is based on Getting used to the moves

Those kinds of leads are just frustration! :roll:
Hmmm... I dunno about that ladies. Depending on your dance level, there ARE certain moves that you have to get used to before you can follow them properly. If one is a beginner and only exposed to CBLs with inside turns, the first guy to try one with an outside turn won't be received so smoothly. Even for an advanced follow, there are some moves that call for you to bend (and lightly contort :lol:) through arms to complete them. If you've never seen or done that before, there's no way in heck you would understand the lead signal for that.

I'm sure lolita's instance was just a self-absorbed guy, but I just wanted to insert that his remark does have merit sometimes.

[peachexploration]

Hi Brownskin. :) The reason for my comment is that leading, in my opinion, is *not* about the moves. It's about leading: The "action" put forth to allow the "reaction" desired. I think too much emphasis is put on the "move of the week" instead of getting behind the philosophy of action/reaction. For example, concentrate more on the execution and communicating a right turn rather than just demonstrating and asking others to just copy what I do.

[Brownskin818]

Hi Brownskin. :) The reason for my comment is that leading, in my opinion, is *not* about the moves. It's about leading: The "action" put forth to allow the "reaction" desired. I think too much emphasis is put on the "move of the week" instead of getting behind the philosophy of action/reaction. For example, concentrate more on the execution and communicating a right turn rather than just demonstrating and asking others to just copy what I do.
Hmmm.... so do you think that a beginner should be able to follow anything a "proper" lead indicates? Though I agree with your general action/reaction philosophy, I definitely feel some moves require familiarity (especially the more novice one is) no matter how good the lead.

ETA: Hi PeachExploration! :D

[noobster]

Hmmm.... so do you think that a beginner should be able to follow anything a "proper" lead indicates? Though I agree with your general action/reaction philosophy, I definitely feel some moves require familiarity (especially the more novice one is) no matter how good the lead.
Well, there will always be a few moves (neck drops, etc.) that require a good bit of familiarity on the part of the follower.

But have you ever tried to follow a good leader in a dance you don't know? I have a couple of friends who swing; and although I've had no formal training in swing whatsoever, once they explained the basic to me I was able to follow their leads with a reasonable degree of accuracy. I wouldn't say a beginner should be able to follow anything, because she hasn't learned the skill of following yet; but I think someone who knows how to follow should be able to follow most clearly-led moves reasonably well.

[lolita]

Hmmm.... so do you think that a beginner should be able to follow anything a "proper" lead indicates? Though I agree with your general action/reaction philosophy, I definitely feel some moves require familiarity (especially the more novice one is) no matter how good the lead.
Well, there will always be a few moves (neck drops, etc.) that require a good bit of familiarity on the part of the follower.

But have you ever tried to follow a good leader in a dance you don't know? I have a couple of friends who swing; and although I've had no formal training in swing whatsoever, once they explained the basic to me I was able to follow their leads with a reasonable degree of accuracy. I wouldn't say a beginner should be able to follow anything, because she hasn't learned the skill of following yet; but I think someone who knows how to follow should be able to follow most clearly-led moves reasonably well.

And i know i am a good follower or so i've been told. and i am comfprtable saying : IF THE LEAD IS PROPER I DO FOLLOW NO MATTER HOW ADVANCED, COMPLICATED, OR FAST the move is... my experience was with a guy who is too lazy to lead, too lazy to give a proper lead. just because he has his girls used to his moves.

[lolita]

i learned that i should never ever ask a rude leader to dance !
hopefuly during the week i'll learn how to hate someone...cuz i am intending on showing him sooo much hatered!

[chr]

i learned that i should never ever ask a rude leader to dance !
hopefuly during the week i'll learn how to hate someone...cuz i am intending on showing him sooo much hatered!

What happened?

[Jambo]

I learned never to dance again with the man who seems to enjoy ripping arms out of sockets and leading with such force that my feet actually left the floor!!


i learned that i should never ever ask a rude leader to dance !
hopefuly during the week i'll learn how to hate someone...cuz i am intending on showing him sooo much hatered!

What happened?

Yes, what happened?

[Jambo]

I learned never to dance again with the man who seems to enjoy ripping arms out of sockets and leading with such force that my feet actually left the floor!!


i learned that i should never ever ask a rude leader to dance !
hopefuly during the week i'll learn how to hate someone...cuz i am intending on showing him sooo much hatered!

What happened?

Yes, what happened?

[irishgirl]

I learned never to dance again with the man who seems to enjoy ripping arms out of sockets and leading with such force that my feet actually left the floor!!


i learned that i should never ever ask a rude leader to dance !
hopefuly during the week i'll learn how to hate someone...cuz i am intending on showing him sooo much hatered!

What happened?

Yes, what happened?

Jambo - you left the floor??????????? that's quite scary....

and yea...what happened !

I learnt just because someone says they are an instructor does not mean they are ANY good at dancing!!!

[Salsamakossa]

I am an instructor NOT. :lol: :lol:

I learned never to dance again with the man who seems to enjoy ripping arms out of sockets and leading with such force that my feet actually left the floor!!


i learned that i should never ever ask a rude leader to dance !
hopefuly during the week i'll learn how to hate someone...cuz i am intending on showing him sooo much hatered!

What happened?

Yes, what happened?

Jambo - you left the floor??????????? that's quite scary....

and yea...what happened !

I learnt just because someone says they are an instructor does not mean they are ANY good at dancing!!!

[lolita]

there is this good leader who thinks hes the %$&^$# , I dunno wus wrong wit him, but i dont let it bother me as long as we are in good terms, and we dance frequently every other friday.

last night, he didnt ask me to dance, so i went to him and said this is my dance... so he said i'm sorry but i have to rest this one i've danced 5 dances in a row. i said okay no problem and we smiled .

song was over so i jumped infront of him and said: comon make my night, this one is mine.. he looked at me, smiled, and then asked the girl next to me to dance with him ! and just walked away on me !!!!!!!!!!

tell me i shouldnt bother and i shud just be glad i havent danced with him, as we all know rudeness is infectious, i just might've cought the virus.
but i still am sad about it :( i dunno why would anyone behave in such a way, specially that i'm very sweet to everyone and i never say no to a requester :(

[salsaForfun]

there is this good leader who thinks hes the %$&^$# , I dunno wus wrong wit him, but i dont let it bother me as long as we are in good terms, and we dance frequently every other friday.

last night, he didnt ask me to dance, so i went to him and said this is my dance... so he said i'm sorry but i have to rest this one i've danced 5 dances in a row. i said okay no problem and we smiled .

song was over so i jumped infront of him and said: comon make my night, this one is mine.. he looked at me, smiled, and then asked the girl next to me to dance with him ! and just walked away on me !!!!!!!!!!

tell me i shouldnt bother and i shud just be glad i havent danced with him, as we all know rudeness is infectious, i just might've cought the virus.
but i still am sad about it :( i dunno why would anyone behave in such a way, specially that i'm very sweet to everyone and i never say no to a requester :(

It is somehow rude, no good manner for sure. Maybe you insisted "too much", if i were you i would have waited that he comes to me after he told you he needed a break. Let him miss dancing with you so that he comes to you by himself. Don't think too much about that.

[lolita]

It is somehow rude, no good manner for sure. Maybe you insisted "too much", if i were you i would have waited that he comes to me after he told you he needed a break. Let him miss dancing with you so that he comes to you by himself. Don't think too much about that.

I didnt Insist, i was saying it in a fun way, in a very childish way...Beside if he needed to rest for some more time he wouldnt have asked another lady to dance.. or is it me bugging?

[Salsamakossa]

The way you said it I think you were nice, so that's unfortunate. Next time you see him, smile (and make light of the incident), but make sure not to ask again. If he wants to dance, then he should ask you. And then you can choose whether to dance with him, or tell him you are tired ...lol.

there is this good leader who thinks hes the %$&^$# , I dunno wus wrong wit him, but i dont let it bother me as long as we are in good terms, and we dance frequently every other friday.

last night, he didnt ask me to dance, so i went to him and said this is my dance... so he said i'm sorry but i have to rest this one i've danced 5 dances in a row. i said okay no problem and we smiled .

song was over so i jumped infront of him and said: comon make my night, this one is mine.. he looked at me, smiled, and then asked the girl next to me to dance with him ! and just walked away on me !!!!!!!!!!

tell me i shouldnt bother and i shud just be glad i havent danced with him, as we all know rudeness is infectious, i just might've cought the virus.
but i still am sad about it :( i dunno why would anyone behave in such a way, specially that i'm very sweet to everyone and i never say no to a requester :(

[sweavo]

It is somehow rude, no good manner for sure. Maybe you insisted "too much", if i were you i would have waited that he comes to me after he told you he needed a break. Let him miss dancing with you so that he comes to you by himself. Don't think too much about that.

I didnt Insist, i was saying it in a fun way, in a very childish way...Beside if he needed to rest for some more time he wouldnt have asked another lady to dance.. or is it me bugging?

Put him on your do not ask list, and hope he catches something of that other girl!

[KP-salsa]

Put him on your do not ask list, and hope he catches something of that other girl!

I agree. I never say no when asked to dance (which means that some nights I seem to have no say in who I dance with) unless it's a cha cha cha or merengue, and if I say no then I will agree to dance to the next salsa tune.

Maybe I'm a fool to myself, but no matter how bad the dancer is, I reckon it's just 5 minutes and try to make it as good as dance for my partner as I can. I remember when I was starting and barely danced because I didn't have the courage to ask others, so I will never damage someone else's ego by refusing.

This guy, no matter how good he is, doesn't justify being rude - and the fact that he excused himself from dancing with you because he was tired then asked someone else right in front of you is just plain unfeeling. There will be other guys just as good as he is who will treat people with a bit of respect. He could have told the other girl that you had prior call - that's what I'd have done. So, as Sweavo says, this guy's not worth asking again and although I don't know how good he is, I'm tempted to suggest that if he asks you to dance at some time, that you say no, you don't like his style or something.

[lolita]

i got my mind set on hurting his feelings...next time (if) he asks; i\ll just grab the nearest guy and dance with him!

[Swannie]

Agh. And so the cycle will continue...
best just to subtley move away and ask someone else to dance when you see him approaching? That way he doesn't get a dance with you, and you are not continuing his rudeness.

By acting the same way as him, you are agreeing that you find that behaviour acceptable, not just in other people, but for you yourself too.

[KP-salsa]

Agh. And so the cycle will continue...
best just to subtley move away and ask someone else to dance when you see him approaching? That way he doesn't get a dance with you, and you are not continuing his rudeness.

By acting the same way as him, you are agreeing that you find that behaviour acceptable, not just in other people, but for you yourself too.

Maybe, but it would feel a lot better. Obviously the best thing would be, if the guy asks again, to explain exactly how rude the behaviour was and tell him that he should give people more respect in future. I don't see how slipping away and pretending you haven't seen him will help him to become a better person: it's either got to be told to him in words, or shown to him by doing it to him. It's not as though Lolita is going to start behaving like this habitually.

[TheBear_CanDanceToo]

I don't often come over all philosophical (too busy fliting) but here I go...

I kind of imagine all the goodness in the world vs all the badness.
If someone does something bad (the leader who was rude, for instance) then that adds to the "badness"
If we respond in a negative way, this may help us feel better coz we've got our own back, but we've just added more badness into the world by doing so. No good's gonna come out of it. :(
If we always respond courteously and add goodness then we'll feel better just coz we know we're adding to the goodness in the world. We may never win over some people (some people are intent on adding badness - that's up to them :evil: ) but we may win some people to our "good" side so that they can add some goodness back :D .
= Yet more goodness in the world. Hurrah! :) :) :lol:

In a more practical sense, I like KP's take on explaining to the person concerned what we feel about their behaviour, but I'm not keen on anything that's likely to perpetuate that behaviour.

We can't control other people's behaviour but we can control our own, and how we respond to others. I try (and ineviteably sometimes fail, but still try anyway) to live by a code of conduct I feel is good. Other people shouldn't affect what MY rules for MY behaviour are.
Some people are just 4rses! Doesn't mean I have to be one too.

Responding to badness with more badness, simply perpetuates badness. And there's already enough of that around.

Right. I'm gonna shut up now.

[noobster]

Responding to badness with more badness, simply perpetuates badness. And there's already enough of that around.
I agree with FB_CDT. Stop the spread of bad qi!!

[TheBear_CanDanceToo]

But back to the original question...

What did I learn this week?

I learnt that I still love dancing as a follower (just give me a nice, firm lead, boys!)

[KP-salsa]

But back to the original question...

What did I learn this week?

I learnt that I still love dancing as a follower (just give me a nice, firm lead, boys!)

Nicolai is a great lead though, isn't he.

[Jambo]

I learned salsa is dangerous :(

[peachexploration]

I learned salsa is dangerous :(What happened? :(

[Jambo]

Well, I think I might start a new thread if that's ok 'cos I've had two injuries in 3 days and the one that happened yesterday is staring me in the face when I look in the mirror :( I've simply got to get this off my chest shortly ;)

[TheBear_CanDanceToo]

Well, I think I might start a new thread if that's ok 'cos I've had two injuries in 3 days and the one that happened yesterday is staring me in the face when I look in the mirror :( I've simply got to get this off my chest shortly ;)
I hope you've not been fighting on the dancefloor again! :twisted:

[Jambo]

Well, I think I might start a new thread if that's ok 'cos I've had two injuries in 3 days and the one that happened yesterday is staring me in the face when I look in the mirror :( I've simply got to get this off my chest shortly ;)
I hope you've not been fighting on the dancefloor again! :twisted:

Yes, but you should see the other guy :lol:

[Brownskin818]

I learned that I'm not as light a turn as I could be. I generally torque myself on turns. I judge by his prep how many times I'll need to get myself around. And that makes me seeeeeem like a light turn. But on the occasion that I get a lead whose prep isn't so obvious, and I get turned more than I torqued for or anticipated... I don't adjust/react well.

I noticed this from one of my regular dance partners who I hadn't danced with in a little while b/c he'd been prepping for a competition with his official dance partner. When we reconnected, he was used to her turn follow, so he lead me the same, and it ended with what I would have called a half ass multiples lead. But apparently his partner can do multiples on such light turn indication. Had this been anyone else giving me such a weak turn lead, I'd have written it off as his err. But knowing him, and knowing that he had to adjust back to accommodate me versus her made me realize I need to aspire to a lighter turn follow. *sigh*

[Sabor]

I learned that I'm not as light a turn as I could be. I generally torque myself on turns. I judge by his prep how many times I'll need to get myself around. And that makes me seeeeeem like a light turn. But on the occasion that I get a lead whose prep isn't so obvious, and I get turned more than I torqued for or anticipated... I don't adjust/react well.

I noticed this from one of my regular dance partners who I hadn't danced with in a little while b/c he'd been prepping for a competition with his official dance partner. When we reconnected, he was used to her turn follow, so he lead me the same, and it ended with what I would have called a half ass multiples lead. But apparently his partner can do multiples on such light turn indication. Had this been anyone else giving me such a weak turn lead, I'd have written it off as his err. But knowing him, and knowing that he had to adjust back to accommodate me versus her made me realize I need to aspire to a lighter turn follow. *sigh*

very nice analyses.. one should always try and see things from different angles.. this ability, i found to be unfortunately lacking from many a dancer .. where they miss the opportunity to 'do it differently or better' cause they think its the other's lack.. which is very possible, yet may not be..

[Swannie]

I can do a triple left turn (prep 12, turn on 3,5,7) :D

My pattern memory is getting better (or am I just practicing more?).

I'm still stuck doing lots of repetitions during a song, after using up most of my repetoir :-(

It's getting harder for me to get my salsa fix! Usually now requires me to pull off trickier moves that I really like + musicality + connection.

[Brownskin818]

*sigh* I don't know why I have such a hard time adjusting my foot placement. If I'm on a sticky floor, wearing my suede bottom shoes, it's torture to navigate. Yet I can't seem to just pretend like I'm wearing dance tennis and make do that way. I think it's time to invest in a pair of leather bottom shoes.

[Brownskin818]

I can't spin slowly. :? I don't know that I should be able to. So this guy that I dance with pretty regularly has started trying to give me the equivalent of 9 spins/turns over 3 bars (567, 123, 567). So that's three cycles per bar. But these wanna-be-spins are hellllllllla slooooooow, so it feels like (and what I end up doing is) I'm paddling myself around through half the duration. I am supposed to be able to maintain my weight and balance on slow spins as I would/could on fast ones?? The whole thing just felt so wrong.

[Brownskin818]

I can't spin slowly. :? I don't know that I should be able to. So this guy that I dance with pretty regularly has started trying to give me the equivalent of 9 spins/turns over 3 bars (567, 123, 567). So that's three cycles per bar. But these wanna-be-spins are hellllllllla slooooooow, so it feels like (and what I end up doing is) I'm paddling myself around through half the duration. I am supposed to be able to maintain my weight and balance on slow spins as I would/could on fast ones?? The whole thing just felt so wrong.
Yes, I'm talking to myself. :D So I think I found my solution. I have a friend who turns and always steps on the syncopation no matter how many turns she's given. So she's not "spinning" but she's mastered it so that it certainly appears that way. And she does it slow or fast. So if I just intentionally measure my weight changes, I should be able to comfortably do these slow multiples I had problems with before. *fingers crossed*

[peachexploration]

Great pointers for others, Brownskin. Even if you are talking to yourself. ;) :lol:

[sweavo]

Great pointers for others, Brownskin. Even if you are talking to yourself. ;) :lol:

Heh yes, nothing wrong with stepping a slow turn. And when not stepping, your turn will really depend on your leader providing support and not introducing too much imbalance ... and of course on your structure so that his lead is not converted into turbulence!

[lolita]

I learned that three somes are awesome, and i need to work on my posture; i've got a comment that i was letting go!

am i really letting go, don't i care anymore? i know i dont but that's because of the frustration i feel around the salsa scene, leaders being rude, followers thinking they're the sh*t, and instructors who stopped updating themselves along time ago because they think they have it all.
i dont smell salsa in the venues anymore, no one even cares to improve but thats with a few exceptions; and just because they've got a couple of salsa DVDs they think they can compete with Da silva...actually Da Silva has this influene on em they really think he's the best, but i understand thats because they havent been exposed to other than him. anyways i confess i'm letting go but i know i will be back soon as better than never before and i'm so sad that work took all my time to the extent that i do not even listen to salsa music..i dont have the time; and expectantly i dont deserve to be good.

[GTO Bruin]

I learned that three somes are awesome, and i need to work on my posture; i've got a comment that i was letting go!

am i really letting go, don't i care anymore? i know i dont but that's because of the frustration i feel around the salsa scene, leaders being rude, followers thinking they're the sh*t, and instructors who stopped updating themselves along time ago because they think they have it all.
i dont smell salsa in the venues anymore, no one even cares to improve but thats with a few exceptions; and just because they've got a couple of salsa DVDs they think they can compete with Da silva...actually Da Silva has this influene on em they really think he's the best, but i understand thats because they havent been exposed to other than him. anyways i confess i'm letting go but i know i will be back soon as better than never before and i'm so sad that work took all my time to the extent that i do not even listen to salsa music..i dont have the time; and expectantly i dont deserve to be good.

Sounds like a short break might be a good idea.

[Swannie]

I learned that three somes are awesome, and i need to work on my posture; i've got a comment that i was letting go!


Salsa threesomes are pretty cool. Don't know many moves, don't practice them very often.

am i really letting go, don't i care anymore? i know i dont but that's because of the frustration i feel around the salsa scene, leaders being rude, followers thinking they're the sh*t, and instructors who stopped updating themselves along time ago because they think they have it all.

Big *hug* :friend:
I can't say I have ever been in the same position that you have described. But you know what? That frustration, that's passion. I like it when people get frustrated because you know they care deeply about something.

I don't know your level of dance experience, but it seems you consider it quite high. So you feel that the instructors aren't offering the scene anything more, well, you won't be the only one. Find these like minded people, and push the instructors. If the instructors don't feel the pressure to improve, then you're just going to have to improve yourself - and stop attending their classes.

By association, if you go to a congress to improve and come back to their class, almost everyone will think that it is the instructor who developed that skill in you. They will know it's not true, the best dancers will know it too. But if you stop classes, people will start asking where you go for classes and how you got so good... happens with some of my friends who no longer take classes.

but i know i will be back soon as better than never before and i'm so sad that work took all my time to the extent that i do not even listen to salsa music..i dont have the time; and expectantly i dont deserve to be good.

Don't deserve to be good? Deserve to be bad? Don't think that you deserve anything! If you put in the work, you might get good, you might not. You hold massively high expectations for yourself. That's great. I do too. Often unrealistically high ones at that. But if I didn't, I wouldn't be me. But whilst reaching for the stars, I try and stay grounded, and love what I have now, for it is more than I had before.

[lolita]

A short break soiunds good GTO
Swannie... thank you for the hug ;)

[Brownskin818]

YAY for acceptance of posting to one's self!! :banana:

So I learned that I'm waaaaaaay too susceptible to dance floor condition and I allow it to ruin my night. I never hear other salseras complain as much as I do when a floor is cruddy. :( Everyone else continues to dance and have a good time, while I sulk and get pissy over a less-than-perfect floor. :roll: I need to learn to adjust better.

[irishgirl]

leather shoes brownskin - you know you want too....

[lolita]

i learned that i dont wanna go dancing again!

[Salsamakossa]

oh oh... not good. Burnout or did someone turn you off it? Either way, not a good thing....

i learned that i dont wanna go dancing again!

[AndrewD]

i learned that i dont wanna go dancing again!

Sorry to hear this Lolita :( - sounds like you had a really bad experience?

But surely the effect of you stopping will be worse for the men on Salsa Forums? If I go to Egypt, who will I dance with? And as a minimum you still owe dances to Terremoto and Swannie!

Once you’ve danced with all of us you have my permission to stop. In the meantime you are allowed a short break from salsa.

[andrep1]

1. Girls asking me to dance is good for the ego! And it might mean I'm not such a crappy dancer...
2. On a crowded dancefloor there is only so much you can do to protect your partner against stiletto heels!

André

[Brownskin818]

leather shoes brownskin - you know you want too....http://www.herogames.com/forums/images/smilies/snicker.gif

[lolita]

oh oh... not good. Burnout or did someone turn you off it? Either way, not a good thing....

i learned that i dont wanna go dancing again!

Some people turned me off..however they don't deserve my dancing :roll:

Sorry to hear this Lolita - sounds like you had a really bad experience?

But surely the effect of you stopping will be worse for the men on Salsa Forums? If I go to Egypt, who will I dance with? And as a minimum you still owe dances to Terremoto and Swannie!

Once you’ve danced with all of us you have my permission to stop. In the meantime you are allowed a short break from salsa.

You're right Andrew, i'll just take a short break, i cant tisk not dancing with you, T or Swannie... guys u should come over to Egypt and salvate me from all of those hypocrate double standarded dancers!

[MacMoto]

This past week I learned:
Shoulders, Mac, shoulders. The arm turns the shoulder, the rest of the body then follows the shoulder. Everything feels so easy when the arms and the shoulders are properly connected.

And also:
There's a big difference between knowing how something should be and knowing how it *feels* when something is as it should be.
Yay to private lessons! :banana:

[sweavo]

This week I learned how I've got habituated to the distance between partners that our local girls like. In one dance with a really good follow from out of town I managed to bump knees once and nearly push her over another time!

I need to get dancing out of town again!

[navajo]

what I have learned during last week :

a. If the music is not good I can never reach nirvana on the floor
b. Combinations are nothing body islolation is everything.
c.DOn't bring your friends to the salsa clubs who are not related to salsa dancing.All they do is spoiling your night by asking "when will we go?"...

[Brownskin818]

salsa is my one and only workout. though ill find a groove to most any style, i prefer fast, high impact dances and usually end up with them. so i sweat almost as much as the guys who bring multiple shirts to the club. i even bring my own towel at times. :oops: anywho, i hadnt been dancing in a WEEK. i went this past friday and it felt like the gap had been a month... i was SO .... OUT ... OF ... SHAPE ! had absolutely NO stamina!! after every high impact dance i was damn near wheezing on the floor for air!!! so ive learned this week that i need to start working out outside of salsa so that my cardio can stay up to par. :roll:

[lolita]

salsa is my one and only workout. though ill find a groove to most any style, i prefer fast, high impact dances and usually end up with them. so i sweat almost as much as the guys who bring multiple shirts to the club. i even bring my own towel at times. :oops: anywho, i hadnt been dancing in a WEEK. i went this past friday and it felt like the gap had been a month... i was SO .... OUT ... OF ... SHAPE ! had absolutely NO stamina!! after every high impact dance i was damn near wheezing on the floor for air!!! so ive learned this week that i need to start working out outside of salsa so that my cardio can stay up to par. :roll:

make sure you do some workout for me too :D for i got no time at all

[SnowDancer]

I learned there are 3 ways to get women to dance with you:
1. Be one of the top dancers at the club.
2. Be tall and good-looking.
3. Be nice and make friends with the women.

I think #3 is what works for me. ;)

[Swannie]

I learned there are 3 ways to get women to dance with you:
1. Be one of the top dancers at the club.
2. Be tall and good-looking.
3. Be nice and make friends with the women.

I think #3 is what works for me. ;)

:lol: Yeah, #3 seems to work alright for me too, though #1 isn't too far away in my small scene :o

[DeeplyDippy]

I learned there are 3 ways to get women to dance with you:
1. Be one of the top dancers at the club.
2. Be tall and good-looking.
3. Be nice and make friends with the women.

I think #3 is what works for me. ;)

3 out of 3 isn't bad :lol:

[KP-salsa]

I learned there are 3 ways to get women to dance with you:
1. Be one of the top dancers at the club.
2. Be tall and good-looking.
3. Be nice and make friends with the women.

I think #3 is what works for me. ;)

Ach - #2 is a real sticking point for men and women. If you're a looker, it seems that even if you're a mediocre dancer you'll get people flocking round you (seems to be the same for willowy blonde girls or tall, muscley guys - as long as they're not awful they'll always be asked).

For the rest of us mortals, we just have to rely on the other two.

Of course, there is a fourth - go and ask them, most of them won't bite (ha, this coming from someone who is still mortally afraid of asking complete strangers to dance).

[sababa]

I learned there are 3 ways to get women to dance with you:
1. Be one of the top dancers at the club.
2. Be tall and good-looking.
3. Be nice and make friends with the women.

I think #3 is what works for me. ;)

Well, my experience shows that 1 and 2 are exclusive. You can't be both tall and one of the top dancers. <sigh>
So if you are tall, you better be good-looking or nice and friendly.

[azzey]

I learned there are 3 ways to get women to dance with you:
1. Be one of the top dancers at the club.
2. Be tall and good-looking.
3. Be nice and make friends with the women.

I think #3 is what works for me. ;)

Well, my experience shows that 1 and 2 are exclusive. You can't be both tall and one of the top dancers. <sigh>
So if you are tall, you better be good-looking or nice and friendly.

I disagree. I'm almost 6ft tall and I've met top dancers (from Cuba and other countries) who tower over me. The secret if you're tall is emphasising elegance and small steps. I'm a fair dancer myself and usually give the good-looking guys a run for their money when there's a top dance babe around.

You gotta just make sure you're THE top for her.. and not everyone's tastes are the same.

[sababa]

I learned there are 3 ways to get women to dance with you:
1. Be one of the top dancers at the club.
2. Be tall and good-looking.
3. Be nice and make friends with the women.

I think #3 is what works for me. ;)

Well, my experience shows that 1 and 2 are exclusive. You can't be both tall and one of the top dancers. <sigh>
So if you are tall, you better be good-looking or nice and friendly.

I disagree. I'm almost 6ft tall and I've met top dancers (from Cuba and other countries) who tower over me. The secret if you're tall is emphasising elegance and small steps. I'm a fair dancer myself and usually give the good-looking guys a run for their money when there's a top dance babe around.

You gotta just make sure you're THE top for her.. and not everyone's tastes are the same.
azzey,
I didn't say that tall people can't be good dancers. They can even be excellent dancers. But the thing is that for every excellent tall dancer that i have ever seen, there are a few short dancers that are better than him.

[Salsamakossa]

This can be a real pain... I bump knees now and then, but where I come from, we tend to dance a lot closer anyway. Also, how close you should be varies from instructor to instructor in this town. Some are 'zouk' close while others are 'ballroom' close...lol.

This week I learned how I've got habituated to the distance between partners that our local girls like. In one dance with a really good follow from out of town I managed to bump knees once and nearly push her over another time!

I need to get dancing out of town again!

[lolita]

1-I dance real Good when i am trying to let go ofmy problems
2-Isolation ...there's no dancing without isolation

[Brownskin818]

i did a jack and jill comp last night. my first ever comp. it didnt go well, but i learned quite a lot.

ive never had a problem with styling before. in fact i tend to get compliments on it so i thought i was good in that area. well last night i realized that my style is very dependent on my connection with the guy. if my connection with the guy sucks, i dont know how to overstyle to compensate. i dont know how to make myself look good despite my partner.

so the initial problem last night was that of the 10 guys in the comp, 8 of them were 5'7 and under. in my heap of 5 to dance with, all of them were 5'7 and under. of the three i actually danced with, the connection was zilch. ive been turned out by some short guys before, but in this case, the tall-girl-techniques weren't the best and we were relegated to quite basic dancing. unfortunately, i wasnt able to compensate and make myself look good anyway.

is that something i should be aspiring towards?? being able to overstyle? i know that i at least need a bigger solo styling repertoire. but styling to compensate for connection doesnt appeal all that much to me. :(

i think i also learned that ive been harboring a secret desire/goal to compete. and now that ive sorta let it peek out, im ready to table it. this has been my first real hiccup since i caught the dance flu bug 2.5 years ago. otherwise it's always been a high, always been a progression towards something bigger, something better. and here ive gotten a taste, and im 2 seconds away from moving on to the next dance style. not in a bad way. maybe just a temporary way. who knows. but ive definitely lost some salsa gusto and i probably need to channel it elsewhere. swing has been beckoning for a while, and ive never had a shortage of tall guys to dance with there! :P

lastly, i learned that uh... losing kinda sucks. lol. so ive been on the other side of the equation where im supporting friends competing and theyve not done well. and i hate those moments afterwards when u dont want to lie and tell them they did well if they didnt. so you hug them, endure some silent dont-know-what-to-say tension, and finally wish them better luck next time. OMG it sucks to be on the receiving end of that!!! LOLOL. never again. :lol:

*sigh* just venting. thanks for reading.

[sweavo]

Well last night i realized that my style is very dependent on my connection with the guy. if my connection with the guy sucks, i dont know how to overstyle to compensate. i dont know how to make myself look good despite my partner.


I don't believe it can be done "despite" your partner.

Before I go further I have to disclaim: I've never been interested in competition, the only times I've got up have been at York's 12th-nights when nobody will get up and get the proceedings started!

Maybe you shouldn't try to "overstyle to compensate" for a bad connection. Maybe you should go overtime to get your guy to relax and thus *find* that connection.

If I'm dancing with a relative stranger and she really overstyles, it makes me unsure of what I can lead and when... it's guaranteed to make me back off and become more cautious. With the extra pressure of being in a competition I can imagine it would render my lead at about 40% of what its like at my best!

If you want to ride a jittery horse, you start by calming the horse... same goes for your leader.

As I say, I'm not speaking from a well of experience here, but I hope this gives you a perspective that's useful for you!


Don't worry too much - it was only a Jack n Jill anyway. It's only half skill, the other half is a lottery! Better luck next time!

[Brownskin818]

Well last night i realized that my style is very dependent on my connection with the guy. if my connection with the guy sucks, i dont know how to overstyle to compensate. i dont know how to make myself look good despite my partner.


I don't believe it can be done "despite" your partner.

Before I go further I have to disclaim: I've never been interested in competition, the only times I've got up have been at York's 12th-nights when nobody will get up and get the proceedings started!

Maybe you shouldn't try to "overstyle to compensate" for a bad connection. Maybe you should go overtime to get your guy to relax and thus *find* that connection.

If I'm dancing with a relative stranger and she really overstyles, it makes me unsure of what I can lead and when... it's guaranteed to make me back off and become more cautious. With the extra pressure of being in a competition I can imagine it would render my lead at about 40% of what its like at my best!

If you want to ride a jittery horse, you start by calming the horse... same goes for your leader.

As I say, I'm not speaking from a well of experience here, but I hope this gives you a perspective that's useful for you!


Don't worry too much - it was only a Jack n Jill anyway. It's only half skill, the other half is a lottery! Better luck next time!
TOTALLY agreed for a social dance. if i have bad connections socially, i just relax to as light as possible so i can at least follow optimally. but for a comp, an applause-judged one at that, styling is a must. thats why i expressed that view on styling (or overstyling) "despite" the poor connection. i can currently only add spunk if im connected. but i know plenty of ladies who can do it at the drop of a dime and look striking with ANYbody. mind you, the lead might walk away shocked at how heavy these ladies were. but they always know how to impress, with or without him. im not aspiring to that per se, i just know that that was my deficit last night.

eh. whatever though. i will not be a worry wart here. youre right, it was only a J&J. :)