Lifts in Salsa

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DeeplyDippy

I've just done a class wholly devoted to Lifts - not a Dip in sight. In the end, the simplest move was one I and my partner enjoyed the most.

I half-turn my partner, run my hands from her shoulders, down her arms, take her elbows and UP ! :shock:

It's been a couple of years since I did any lifts but I'm starting them again ! Does anyone else out there perform a lift regularly ?
 
Oh okay. This thread might be a tough one then. :( Most dancers shy away from doing lifts in a social setting. Not that I'm speaking for everyone. I have seen some do it, particularly those who dance LA Style. Mostly, LA Salsa Masters like Alex Da Silva, Jesus Morales and Luis Vasquez, etc... :) Still very rare though.
 
In fact, I didn't see Luis to do any lifts here in Bulgaria with Melissa... but they were amazing - the danced 4-5 days non stop!
 
DeeplyDippy said:
Social :D

I used to lift until 2 years ago, when I put my elbow out. Now I'm back :lol:
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Personally, I don't think lifts and aerials belong on the social floor. Lots of performers and competitors use them, but they are done in a controlled environment -- you have the whole floor to yourselves to perform them, and you get to rehearse them with the same partner many times so your partner is ready for them. Things are totally different on the social dancefloor. You have no control of what happens around you. You and your partner may do a perfect lift, and the guy dancing next to you may decide to bump into you, or someone may spill beer on the floor, or a follower free-spins into your partner's airborne leg...

If you and your partner love lifts, perhaps you should consider performing...
 
I do understand your point and those who think you shouldn't dip on a crowded floor. But I like my dips, tricks and lifts - I'm not called DeeplyDippy because I just like RightSaidFred :D

I believe you can make space for a dip and I've got excellent floorcraft and know when I can lift, turn a lady upside down or have her feet over my head !

However, you're so right about not knowing what the couple next to you are going to do.
 
DeeplyDippy said:
Fantastic clip ! Thanks for posting the link.

One handed lift :D Amazing, the pair of them.
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You're welcome! :mrgreen:
For one part of the clip he even uses no hands at all, i.e. placing the woman on his shoulders. :shock: 8)
I also agree that lifts can be dangerous when dancing socially and it has been said before here somewhere or maybe at the sister site Dance-forums.com.
 
I got in a lift last night :D

Dancing with a tiny teacher, I spoke to her during the dance, turned her, grabbed her elbows and straight up to full extension.

Really smooth, controlled return and we both span out. The faces of the people watching :shock: :shock:
 
DeeplyDippy said:
I got in a lift last night :D

Dancing with a tiny teacher, I spoke to her during the dance, turned her, grabbed her elbows and straight up to full extension.

Really smooth, controlled return and we both span out. The faces of the people watching :shock: :shock:
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Cool!!! :cheers:
 
I was telling them about it at work - we had an Airplane! moment as we imagined me lifting her up into the celing fan and bringing down a headless body :lol:
 
Just Do It!

This is a old post, but I wanted to give me 2 cents on lifts and tricks during social dancing.

As stated in the posts in this thread a majority of dancers here do not approve of lifts in a social setting and with good reason. I for one have executed neck drops, lifts and various flips on a social dance floor. It is about being aware of your environment and choosing the right lift/trick for the situation you are in. There will always be that unpredictable situations of another dancer coming out of nowhere and bumping you or someone getting kicked by your follower's foot. Unlucky for me neither of this has happen in my 2 years of performing tricks on the dance floor. All and all if you try your best to reduce the risk (practicing the trick in private and waiting for enough room) and go for it! You only live once and you might as well get the most enjoyment out of life.

Here is a article that I have writen about tricks on the dance floor.
 
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