What do "outsiders" think of us....

[peachexploration]

I had an interesting conversation yesterday about dancing. I was talking to a DJ friend of mine yesterday and as usual, trying to encourage him to take classes. His response was that he doesn't like the "structured" type of dance. He goes on to state why including the following:

:arrow: Doesn't like how the men treat the women on the dancefloor.
:arrow: It's supposed to be about the woman, not the man.
:arrow: It's supposed to be romantic, not a show.
:arrow: It's too stiff.
:arrow: It's not real dancing.
:arrow: You guys are off beat.

And on, and on, and on......

The funny thing is, it's the exact same things that we "dancers in training" talk about all the time. :lol: :lol: So, anyways my friend and I talk about this and I give him a crash course in the differences in Salsa styles, the musical timing and how it relates to our footwork, etc. I don't think he was really convinced but I did try. :lol: ;) Have you ever come across "outsiders" with preconceived notions about what "Salsa dancers in training" are like? What is the most common statement you hear? I'm interested in this of course because I like sharing the joy of Salsa with others and would like to get everyone I come across, addicted! :twisted: :lol: :lol: I know Salsa isn't for everyone, you really have to love it beyond just the dance but it's just interesting to me how others view it who are not in the Salsa world. Any thoughts? :)

[mexi_gabacho]

Well, here's my opinion (and it's just my OPINION), but I find that people who makes those type of statements are usually just making excuses.

It's just like how you can take some 'homegrown' dancers, and in their family and their circle of friends, they are the 'Dancer!', but you put that person around people who WORK and PRACTICE and have really put effort into improving their dancing, and they can sometimes pale in comparison. Therefore, those are the first people that will say things like "It's not real dancing". They are also the worst students, because they constantly are too worried about their ego or perceptions to let someone teach them something.

The truth about salsa being structured is true. It has a basic structure.. but ALL partner dancing has a basic structure. You know WHY? Because, it is necessary. It is an unspoken language where both people must at least have a small understanding of the language in order to communicate. That's what makes it impressive and beautiful to me. To see two people, working together, feeling the music, and doing things that, alone, are impossible.

As far as the other arguments of 'it's too stiff, you guys are off-beat, etc.", I think you could watch a room full of people dancing ANYTHING and use those arguments. Anyway, I have more to say on this, but I'll post that later after I have more time to break down exactly what I mean.

[peachexploration]

Great points, Mexi_gabacho! :D

Anyone else? :)

[Mala]

People who are learning and dancing salsa are so taken up with it. Like me. But sometimes I get completely off guard by the views of others to whom salsa is well... just a word, really. "Why are you guys just going round and round and round" is one question that made me gasp in indignation. Then there's my dad who was around when I was listening to a salsa CD and he goes "Why are you listening to the same song again and again?"

I totally couldn't believe it.

But it's a bit horrifying when you find that there are nice complex moves you've worked on, long sequences of them etc and someone thinks you're actually just going around in circles!

I suppose that's the time to put in a few breath taking dips and falls.

[JazzHands]

Tend to find that those who stand on the sidelines and jeer with pint glass in hand, are actually just really jealous of those of us that get up there and have a great time dancing salsa with others.

The old green-eyed monster pure and simple.

Besides, everyone knows that all the hottest girls dance salsa :raisebrow:

[DeeplyDippy]

Besides, everyone knows that all the hottest girls dance salsa :raisebrow:
Amen to that :D