Does it bug you when people call styles incorrectly?

[azzey]

Does it bug you when people who don't dance your style (Cuban, NY, LA, PR, Colombian etc) say they do? i.e. When they don't have a clue about style differences and just go by class names and hearsay.

What about people who say someone is X style and they're not?

What about when they teach how they dance and call it X style when you know it's definitely not (as in they not only don't have the right aspects of the dance, but they're actually doing the opposite style)?

What about when their students are all dancing to the wrong music for that style and calling it X style? Assuming they're reflecting the music. This often happens when someone who doesn't dance that style tries to teach it, as they use the music they like.

 

[GroovyMambo]

If it's an instructor, it would bother me a lot because they're supposed to be knowledgeable in what they teach but are actually spreading misinformation. They're in a position to influence others and "with great power comes great responsibility..." It wouldn't bother me if the person making the statement is not an instructor; this would just reveal their ignorance.

 

[Salsa Bear]

LOL - That's kind of funny, actually. It would be cool to make a movie - a comedy - about two people who get into salsa for different reasons, neither of whom know what style they dance, and they speak different languages.

 

[Lawndart]

Yup... it bugs me.

 

[terence]

If it's an instructor, it would bother me a lot because they're supposed to be knowledgeable in what they teach but are actually spreading misinformation. not an instructor; this would just reveal their ignorance.

Welcome to my world

 

[MMaatttt]

I think many instructors like to use a name with some reputation. I know a cross body school which advertises as NY style (but they dance on 1) . Most people call what they dance there LA style, but it seems to be generic cross body rather than any specific style.

 

[Smejmoon]

Usually when people use labels, that means they're selling something or have no clue about actual diversity. Personally I'll try to avoid using style names on salsaforums to avoid flamewars.

 

[SalsaGipsy]

If it's an instructor, it would bother me a lot because they're supposed to be knowledgeable in what they teach but are actually spreading misinformation. They're in a position to influence others and "with great power comes great responsibility..." It wouldn't bother me if the person making the statement is not an instructor; this would just reveal their ignorance.

Exactly. When a dancer has no idea what style they are dancing it would most probably mean that this is how their instructor is calling it. So I would blame the instructor.

I do find it irritating when styles get misrepresented like this, it gives the wrong message and dilutes the diversity. It often goes together with unknowingly mixing styles. To me each style is like a beautiful bright colour. Mix them and occasionally you might get a new beautiful bright colour but most often you'll just get beige.

 

[Offbeat]

Does it bug you when people who don't dance your style (Cuban, NY, LA, PR, Colombian etc) say they do? i.e. When they don't have a clue about style differences and just go by class names and hearsay.

Yes.

What about people who say someone is X style and they're not?

Depends on how far off they are.

What about when they teach how they dance and call it X style when you know it's definitely not (as in they not only don't have the right aspects of the dance, but they're actually doing the opposite style)?

Definitely bugs.

 

[EMOYENO]

yes it bugs, but I know nothing about anything
& the more I learn new stuff, the more I realize I know less!!!

 

[timberamayor]

I get irritated when people teach something a Cuban but it's actually Miami. I think they should let the students know the difference. Fine to teach them together if you want, but educate the students please.

 

[bas]

Not really unless it's an instructor.

That said, I've even gotten used to seeing NY on1 advertised. When I was talking with the guy teaching the class he just shrugged and said 'they all call it NY on1 here. If I call it anything else people get confused and won't come. I tried but gave up cause I have bills to pay'. Can't really argue with that either

 

[Benergy]

Doesn't really bother me. I think you should always question what u see and hear and make up your own mind. People love to label things to describe them or put it in a box or use it for an agender. It doesn't change what that thing is.
Having said this there are self appointed educators at there sharing misinformation that can confuse and hinder others on their journey to understanding dancing and themselves. I think this will always be the case. So question everything.

 

[bailar y tocar]

No, it doesn't bug me.
I am forced to deal with ignorant people in my day job, all day and every day. I can't let ignorance of others during my personal time activities get to me or else there is no escape.

 

[Smejmoon]

Usually when people use labels, that means they're selling something or have no clue about actual diversity. Personally I'll try to avoid using style names on salsaforums to avoid flamewars.

This has worked just fine for two months. I guess I can use style names now, but avoid comparisons.

 

[DJ Yuca]

It's routine in this area for instructors (slot style) to use r&b type tunes - Latin or not Latin - in lessons. Incorrect terminology pales in comparison to that.

 

[premier]

It's routine in this area for instructors (slot style) to use r&b type tunes - Latin or not Latin - in lessons. Incorrect terminology pales in comparison to that.

 

[wonderwoman]

I don't hear it a lot... but I do get irritated when I hear instructors use "spin" when it is just multiple turns.

 

[MMaatttt]

It's routine in this area for instructors (slot style) to use r&b type tunes - Latin or not Latin - in lessons. Incorrect terminology pales in comparison to that.

I met one instructor who enjoys dancing Salsa to R&B. Debating it with her didn't get anywhere. She teaches at some event up my way occasionally. The crowd here is hardcore Cuban style so she's never tried playing any.

The thing is, she's a really good instructor from a technical point of view, she's a trained dancer and teacher and I've learnt a lot from her.

 

[MacMoto]

It doesn't bug me really. I tend to think of style misnaming as local dialects - Cuban style dancers calling LA on1 "New York", French dancers calling all linear/slot/crossbody styles "portricaine", Power2 being referred to as "ballroom on2", Miami style passed off as "Cuban"... all these tend to be related to how salsa was introduced in that particular area and what sort of background the early pioneers had.

I agree with Yuca - "R&B salsa" feels so wrong and is far more irritating.