Dancing at low volume

N

n'klave

Changui
Hello all,

I just started taking salsa classes again after a year a way from taking classes, and my new instructor tells me that he thinks that I dance at the same rate--always. He seems to think that I come out full blast in the intro, and maintain that all the way through. I think he's exaggerating (as he tends to do!), but I am wondering two things:

1. How do you personally "vary the volume" (add contrast) in your dancing? Speed? Step length? Move choice? Distance from partner?

2. Is Preston dancing too "quietly" here?

http://www.nuevotec.com/index.php?t...d=38&page=view&catid=164&PageNo=1&key=6&hit=1
 
Heh, coincidentally, I've seen this video about 3 times prior to your mention of it.

At one point I showed this to a friend, and we both agreed he had a very hollow expression (perhaps not feeling his partner?), didn't look at his partner at ALL, AND he dances like a robot (literally doing some Robot moves throughout).

Can't really comment about his "volume" level tho, which I assume refers to varying your energy level to the music.
 
In both videos he is trying really hard not to look at her. Do guys actually think this is somehow cool? As for low volume, he is dancing very smoothly but I would call his "style" low social interaction.
 
Jones said:
In both videos he is trying really hard not to look at her. Do guys actually think this is somehow cool? As for low volume, he is dancing very smoothly but I would call his "style" low social interaction.
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He might've been in a situation were she was sending her "intentions" to him, but he was avoiding those "intentions" by avoiding major eye-contact altogether. Or he's simply not good with eye-contact.
 
n'klave said:
1. How do you personally "vary the volume" (add contrast) in your dancing? Speed? Step length? Move choice? Distance from partner?
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Yes, if I correctly understand your use of the term "volume," then I think all of those options are ways to create contrast, and match the changes within the music itself. If you pay attention to the variations in the energy level of the music (e.g., lead singer vs. chorus, few vs. many instruments, different instruments taking the "lead," etc.) and let your personal energy match those variations, then your "volume" will naturally adjust.

n'klave said:
2. Is Preston dancing too "quietly" here?

http://www.nuevotec.com/index.php?t...d=38&page=view&catid=164&PageNo=1&key=6&hit=1
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I thought Preston was dancing just fine in that Salsa clip. However, I thought he was dancing a bit too "loudly" in the Chachacha clip that allantab posted later. Just my opinion.
 
Big10 said:
I thought Preston was dancing just fine in that Salsa clip. However, I thought he was dancing a bit too "loudly" in the Chachacha clip that allantab posted later. Just my opinion.
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Agreed - that cha cha looks like mambo with the triple step - too energetic, not enough flirtation (but then this guy is obviously not into flirting with his partner... :roll:)

As for the volume, I agree with Big10 again. It's about building up the dance in the same way the music builds up. In most songs, the intro is the fairly 'quiet' part (not sound volume but energy level) then it slowly builds up through verses and coruses, climaxing at the descarga, then a big break, another high-energy corus, then either a big finish or a slow decline to a fadeout. If you start dancing with your high-energy, complex move at the intro, you can't really build up from it. Instead, start in a close hold basic and simple CBLs and single turns, then gradually up the energy level, keeping your most energetic, multi-spin/check/double copa etc. etc. killer moves for later.
 
MacMoto said:
Agreed - that cha cha looks like mambo with the triple step - too energetic, not enough flirtation (but then this guy is obviously not into flirting with his partner... :roll:)
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Am I missing something? I thought the complete opposite;

His energy level was just right for the chacha AND the social circumstances.

The song and atmosphere was way more friendly-oriented, than for flirtation.
 
MacMoto said:
Agreed - that cha cha looks like mambo with the triple step - too energetic, not enough flirtation (but then this guy is obviously not into flirting with his partner... :roll:)
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I actually know this couple, and that's what they are...a couple. So flirting or not, he doesn't need to :lol: i see preston's style as just being smooth, and not too loud. he feels it, but he doesn't let it come out as much, and just lets it come out in smoooooothness.
 
...the salsa clip, and a few slight moments in the cha cha, allude to an ability to robot his way through patterns. In the salsa clip everything seems to fall apart.

I'm not sure if I'd call the cha cha energetic more than I'd call it brisk. He's a tad too sharp for the cha cha, shoulders movement is brisk, his CBL too sharp, and too intent filled. Legs seem to be in a hurry to move too far a distance at too fast a speed. It's as if singing a bit out of pitch, but not enough to really say he isn't in tune with her or the music. The dancing overall was smooth. He's a smooth dancer even when in robot mode. Enough that if it wasn't on video where it could be scrutinized, I'd say the cha cha was very good. Where that the best I could cha cha, I'd be really pleased despite the few minor details.

Eye contact isn't the only form of connection, nor is it required to connect. I would even debate that despite eye contact, connection can fail. In the cha cha clip, it's apparent they are an item. He is dancing for her... though he is "louder" than she, he is dancing in tune (though a bit off pitch) with the music while maintaining their relationship. I disagree with the comment of not being flirtations. There are numerous ways to express flirtation. Their body language states that he is being so, seemingly playing with innuendos. Her smile speaks of it. She isn't smiling like many others do (smile because I'm supposed to), She smiles because of his actions. Every so often his smile acknowledges mutual feelings... when he does make eye contact it speaks of joy, of desire.
 
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