Some people seem to be much better social dancers than in class

[n00bdancer]

I went to a social dance yesterday and saw some of my classmates.

I’ve been dancing salsa for a bit over a month and now comfortably do advanced beginner classes.

I was observing some of my classmates and they seem very natural social dancing but are honestly a bit mid in class. (Note, I’m not judging them or anything - I’m just observing a trend).

That is in class they’re fumbling basic combos and get lost in the footwork classes. I would say I’m much less natural than them when it comes to social but in class, I usually can execute the partnerwork combo and get the shines down. I think it could be that class just depends on how well you can quickly follow and remember the steps learned.

When they social dance, their level looks way higher than you would think if you saw them in class.

Has anyone else noticed that some people seem pretty good when they get on the dance floor but mid in class?

 

[sunsoul]

Depends on what is being taught, at what speed, if instructions are clear, and so on.

I have rarely found a systematic and well structured salsa teacher.

I was always better on the dance floor compared to class.

 

[Chris_Yannick]

People who are better in class than in social dancing spend more time in class, thus are better performing in that structured environment.

Similarly, people who spend more time social dancing aren't used to the ridigity of class, resulting in their skills being handcuffed in that environment.

Is the same for learning languages. Those who learn grammar in the classroom aren't comfortable with having a conversation outside of class but those who spend most of their time speaking outside of class struggle with grammar rules and have poorer in class results.

 

[Smejmoon]

It will take you several years to get a good grip on what you call "level 1" material. All combos and multiple turns, you're adding on top of it, probably makes you worse dancer.

Keep improving these basics, pay attention on how they work when you dance socially and immerse yourself into music. If you want to train, train body movement, shines, do gymnastics, pilates, improve cardio, flexibility, mobility.

Right now, I can do a basic step, side basic, follow the beat of the music, do left and right turn, and a cross body lead. I can lead basic turns.

If you are bored, invent your own moves.

 

[1derpalm]

People who are better in class than in social dancing spend more time in class, thus are better performing in that structured environment.

Similarly, people who spend more time social dancing aren't used to the ridigity of class, resulting in their skills being handcuffed in that environment.

Is the same for learning languages. Those who learn grammar in the classroom aren't comfortable with having a conversation outside of class but those who spend most of their time speaking outside of class struggle with grammar rules and have poorer in class results.

In class I appear completely kept. Then when they see me social dance they are surprised that I'm only partially inept.

 

[Offbeat]

This is the reason to start social dancing and do more of it. Rather than wait to be perfect in class for several months. Taking classes doesn’t make anyone good social dancer. Social dancing makes you good social dancers. The class can only teach you the mechanics of movement. Putting the into dancing requires going out social dancing.