Out of Town Dancing

[bailar y tocar]

I usually try to observe who the gentlemen are, who the beginner, intermediate, advanced and the "do not dance with him for he will try to perform acrobatic moves with you" people are before I accept any dances when traveling. I also see what the customs are regarding after the dance, whether it is a handshake, a hug, a kiss on the cheek or saying something like "dziekuje" to be polite after the dance.

Are you planning on doing some traveling and visiting some new salsa clubs Bailar?

When I am travelling I am always visiting some new (to me) salsa clubs and re-visit some old ones, too. I had created this thread a while ago:
http://www.salsaforums.com/showthread.php?t=7123&highlight=bragging+rights

 

[kerry.alder]

I always try to take the class that precedes the dancing. That way I get to meet one or more follows so I'm not a complete stranger anymore.

During the first hour or so, I'll go into 'ask everyone' mode, where I'll just ask for dances with whoever's standing closest. Later, I'll try to find the better dancers, usually by watching who the best leads are dancing with. If I do get to dance with one of them, I'll try to dance as smoothly as possible, using only moves that I've been doing confidently for a long time.

That's a really great idea to get to know other dancers in new places!!!

I take it that it is common for places to have lessons before actual dances in most countries?

 

[bailar y tocar]

What is your strategy to figure out whats going on in a salsa club or scene far from home and is there anything you do differently ?

When I was starting out in salsa I used to try to get to the new place early. The people who come early often leave early and just want to get their dances in before they have to go home. I haven't been able to do that on recent trips anymore but it doesn't seem to matter as much either, I have been getting most of the dances I have wanted at most venues.

 

[SnowDancer]

That's a really great idea to get to know other dancers in new places!!!

I take it that it is common for places to have lessons before actual dances in most countries?

It's been the case for most clubs I've gone to, but that's only a few cities: Portland, San Francisco, New York, Los Angeles.

 

[gzboston]

It's been the case for most clubs I've gone to, but that's only a few cities: Portland, San Francisco, New York, Los Angeles.

Yes, go to the classes before the party. I just came back from San Diego, my first ever travel-to-salsa-in-another-city. The hardest part would be to find the right clubs. The bigger cities have updated info you can search but the smaller cities would be harder. San Diego was ok, with websites, but it was still tricky to pick the right places. Having classes before the dance is a clear indication of a good salsa club, and seeing videos on YouTube would be a big plus.

I was there for only two nights, and went to two different clubs. They both have classes, beginners, fine, so I went through the basic steps and simple moves with everybody else. The class rotated the partners so I got noticed right away for every lady who went through me. By the end of the class, when the dance started, I already knew who were the real dancers, and I didnt sit down the whole night, both nights.

What can I say, traveling have whole new meanings once you have become a salsa dancer.

 

[Francisco]

ussually when I go to a new venue I go with my regular dancepartner (we actually go every week together somewhere)... we dance the first hour together and then we split up...

this way the first dance hurdle is taken without having to ask a hunderd followers before the first yes