Commercial music and newbies

S

squirrel

Most of my beginner students prefer the commercial songs (cumbia, lambada etc.) over the real Salsa songs... they come to me and ask "Oh, I love this song! Who's singing it? Do you have it on CD?". Also I noticed that when we took the "suggestion" of the club owner where we teach and played commercial music instead of Puerto Rican Salsa that I love, more people actuallyt got up from the table and started dancing on their own (or joined us... I have 2 new students!).
I wonder why...
 
I've heard from a few salsa dancers that they didn't take to salsa music immediately when they started. Salsa music, I think, is a bit of an acquired taste. If you are not used to the sound -- the complex rhythms, the relentless assault of percussions, the montuno piano, the "full-on-ness" of the horns, crazy descargas -- it can quickly become too much.

"Commercial songs" as you call them (cumbia is commercial? :lol:) have a clear beat to pick up and are less overwhelming. Good introductory music to use -- until the students get hooked on salsa (at which point they will have got used to full-on salsa music and want more of it :wink:). Teachers in the UK often use "R&B salsa" music for classes for the same reason.
 
Though this happens mostly with newbies, there are a few old timers who just don't get the music as well. Yes, real Salsa is an acquired taste for many. Even the Salsa teachers in my area don't get it. I brought in some cuban salsa (not Celia) once at studio social and only the students who knew the music, danced. (4 people) :lol: I think that some of it has to do with exposure. If they hear only the popular stuff on the radio and in the clubs, for instance, it takes a while to get into the music if at all.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top