first dance with an advanced dancer

[acpjr]

So I was at a social which I attend occasionally at small dance studio where most of the people who show up are improver/intermedate like me.... until one of the most advanced followers I'd ever seen dropped in. I'd seen her at a club before, bogarted of course by the advanced leads, and I at wished at the time that one day I would be able to dance with her.

And that day arrived sooner than later. We danced twice, on1 and on2, and I felt outclassed in both dances just mesmerized by her shines alone.

Here's the strange thing: I wasn't as excited to get to dance with her as I was at having the opportunity to sit and pick the brain of an advanced dancer (she mentioned having 8 yrs experience.) I was so ready to go into all the standard SalsaForums debates, e.g. on1 vs on2, lead/follow technique, incorporating different styles, timing on certain patterns, opinion about performance teams, preparing for/attending a congress, social dance hierarchy, etc... But I didn't as I figured she came to dance and not have her ear chewed off by a newbie.

My question is for advanced dancers: do you guys mind having discussions about salsa with people new to the scene? Personally, I love discussing this stuff with super-newbies because I have very many opinions given the limited experience I have (this coming May will be 1 yr since I started)

 

[sagitta]

well...now that i cannot dance...yes you may chat with me as much as you wish. otherwise it depends...quiet night..sure...lots of new people, new music...probably not....for long...i would excuse myself pretty quick

 

[chrisk]

Here's the strange thing: I wasn't as excited to get to dance with her as I was at having the opportunity to sit and pick the brain of an advanced dancer (she mentioned having 8 yrs experience.) I was so ready to go into all the standard SalsaForums debates, e.g. on1 vs on2, lead/follow technique, incorporating different styles, timing on certain patterns, opinion about performance teams, preparing for/attending a congress, social dance hierarchy, etc... But I didn't as I figured she came to dance and not have her ear chewed off by a newbie.

My question is for advanced dancers: do you guys mind having discussions about salsa with people new to the scene? Personally, I love discussing this stuff with super-newbies because I have very many opinions given the limited experience I have (this coming May will be 1 yr since I started)

I'm not really advanced but let's try to answer anyway.

While I think it's good to have discussions with new people, I would advice to be careful about giving too much of your opinion. I'll rather let new people make their own experiences first and develop an opinion of their own. Then when you've got some discussion with them, you can find out about agreements or difference in your opinion.

If you also keep yourself open to other opinions and experience the opinion and experience of the new people can be very interesting and lead to change of your opinion as well. Also giving too much of your opinion can either feel like some lecturing for some people. And most people don't like to be lectured but rather experience and learn on their own.

So give newbies some time to developer their own experience and opinions and then have some discussion with them. And I would also give only my opinion on those issues that the new people asked me about or that we are discussing and not additional issues.

 

[Ron Obvious]

I'd seen her at a club before, bogarted of course by the advanced leads, and I at wished at the time that one day I would be able to dance with her.

I had to look this up, it's funny.

bogart
(slang verb) To keep something all for oneself, thus depriving anyone else of having any. A slang term derived from the last name of famous actor Humphrey Bogart because he often kept a cigarette in the corner of his mouth, seemingly never actually drawing on it or smoking it. Often used with weed or joints but can be applied to anything.

 

[Gemini1357]

bogart
(slang verb) To keep something all for oneself, thus depriving anyone else of having any. A slang term derived from the last name of famous actor Humphrey Bogart because he often kept a cigarette in the corner of his mouth, seemingly never actually drawing on it or smoking it. Often used with weed or joints but can be applied to anything.

http://www. youtube.com/watch?v=ZHJNqn-miUc
Easy Rider soundtrack

Artist: The Fraternity Of Man
Song: Don't Bogart Me

"Don't bogart that joint, my friend
Pass it over to me.
Don't bogart that joint, my friend
Pass it over to me.

Roll another one
Just like the other one.
This one's burnt to the end
Come on and be a friend.

Don't bogart that joint, my friend
Pass it over to me.
Don't bogart that joint, my friend
Pass it over to me.

Ro-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-oll another one
Just like the other one.
You've been hanging on to it
And I sure would like a hit.

Don't bogart that joint, my friend
Pass it over to me.
Don't bogart that joint, my friend
Pass it over to me"

 

[MacMoto]

My question is for advanced dancers: do you guys mind having discussions about salsa with people new to the scene? Personally, I love discussing this stuff with super-newbies because I have very many opinions given the limited experience I have (this coming May will be 1 yr since I started)

Personally, I don't like to talk at salsa venues at all, whether it's with newbies, superstars or close friends - I have a voice that doesn't carry well and a weak throat, and when I try to get myself heard over loud music I end up with a coughing fit. Besides, I'm there to dance, not to talk. When/where there's no music (e.g., after the end of the night, outside the venue...) I'm happy to chat, and I'd happily discuss salsa with enthusiastic newbies.

 

[Another AndrewS]

I agree, MacMoto.

The other problem with raising your voice to talk over the music is when the music stops and suddenly everyone hears you shouting.

 

[sweavo]

I like to talk to newbies about their salsa experience. I'm circumspect about giving advice even if asked, but love to hear budding obsessives and the enthusiasm they have for the whol thing!

 

[sirenita]

I don't like to talk about anything really during the dance. Chit chat is fine, you know- hi my name is, how long have you been dancing, where are you from- But even that is difficult sometimes, because of the music and I hate saying "whaaat?" fifty times a minute.

In theory I like to talk while dancing because it helps me relax a little I think, but in a club- I would talk actively off the floor, and not on it.
I am a beginner, I don't really know anything about salsa beside that I like it. I'm just learning.

I also don't like the shouting.
I like discussion at the lessons, I can hear, be heard, and you have much more space, less maneuvering. And I can try stuff that's brought up.

Of course this never happened in the 1 beginning class, but in the level 3 one, there are more advanced people who take it as a refresher, or for fun.