Few misconceptions about salsa

I am not an expert in salsa and I still have a long way to go..
Would like to list down a few common misconceptions about salsa

1 ) One should have prior dancing experience before salsa
This is one of the major concerns a layman has.. A lot of
People think that they need to have a prior dancing experience or learn jive before
Salsa.. In fact salsa is one of the easiest form of dance and any non dancer can learn it

2) One should have an hourglass figure to Salsa
This was one of my major concerns before I joined coz im a little on a heavier side.
But eventually I saw people who are literally overweight dancing so beautifully that they can put anyone to shame..

3) Salsa is about shaking your hips..
Maybe im wrong here anand but people think that salsa is about shaking the hips.. Its not about deliberate hip shaking but about weight transfer right.?

4) Only a particular age group can salsa
Again a myth.. Anyone from can salsa..
In our class itself I used to see this 60 year old gentleman who used to dance with such zeal and zest who can make any 18 year old jealous..
Age is just a number here..

5) Its better to stick to a particular dance partner..
Again a myth..In fact its better to dance with multiple partners coz everyone has a different style of dancing a different way of leading..

6) Salsa is too sensual a dance..
Salsa is not just about sensuality. The beauty of salsa dancing is in the freedom of expression.. Its sporty, sensuous, bubbly, flirty, romantic, peppy… It has all the elements.. Get as innovative as you can guys…

7) I remember anand once in class you were explaining about shines and you said
that you are an absolute combinations person and don’t use much of shines in your style of dance.. If a person knows basics and a lot of shines they cannot survive the dance but if a person knows basics and a few good combinations and little or no shines they can still manage to pull it out

If you know the moves and sequences then you’ve got it right…
One thing anand that you have hammered into us is that no matter how well one knows the moves, combinations or sequence its all a disaster if danced off time..
Its all about timing.. So guys listen to as much music as you can and get the timing right…
Anand I might be wrong in a few of above listed.. Please lemme know.. Thanks. .LATINA

hi Latina,

good post!!
i agree with you on most points here except the 7th one... there are dancers who do mostly shines and very less of combinations on salsa music... and they do it pretty good
... its upto you how you want to express yourself on salsa music.
here's an example for you...
http://in.youtube.com/watch?v=9LpPsCX2xiM

enjoy!

Actually, I have to agree with Latina on #7 when it comes to social dancing. There is of course always room for self-expression and therefore shines in salsa; however, the major focus should be on the partnership and the connection between the two dancers. Of course musicality is a major focus as well, but this has to fit within the partnership. You have to make sure that your shines do not interfere with your partner. This is especially the case with beginners but applies to all levels. So shines are always a secondary consideration.

However, I would agree that shines are a legitimate form of self-expression, and in the context of performance they are often the primary focus. So I would separate the discussion into shines in a social context versus shines in the context of performance.

On #3, Latina, you are definitely on the right track. The question I get asked most frequently from female students in my beginner classes is "how do I move my hips like that?". The biggest misconception is that this comes mostly or solely from the movement of the hips. In reality, it is the placement of the feet and the knees during weight transfer as well as the stabilization of the upper body. Once these are mastered, there is of course deliberate accenting of the hips to complete the movement, but this is secondary. So definitely a misconception that deserves clarification.

Hi joy in motion..
Are you a student of Quickstep...
Which centre?

yes Joy in Motion...
which centre of Quickstep???

Joy is from Sarah Palin's territory

Sorry for the delay in responding. I have been out of town...

Yep, I am from Sarah Palin's territory... I live in the state of Alaska in the US. Alaska is very unique and almost feels like a foreign country because we are so far from the continental US and are closer to Canada and Russia. No, we don't live in igloos. But we definitely have salsa!

So I am not from one of Quickstep's centres, but I found your forum through a couple of members who visit my site on occasion. I enjoy reading the discussions and hope you all don't mind me joining in on occasion. I love being a student of the dance; you can never know enough.

Good to meet you all!

Joy in Motion wrote:Sorry for the delay in responding. I have been out of town...

Yep, I am from Sarah Palin's territory... I live in the state of Alaska in the US. Alaska is very unique and almost feels like a foreign country because we are so far from the continental US and are closer to Canada and Russia. No, we don't live in igloos. But we definitely have salsa!

So I am not from one of Quickstep's centres, but I found your forum through a couple of members who visit my site on occasion. I enjoy reading the discussions and hope you all don't mind me joining in on occasion. I love being a student of the dance; you can never know enough.

Good to meet you all!

can you see russia from your house?

Dear Joy in motion..
Your presence is very appreciated..
We are very glad to have you as a member in this forum
Happy to see you back...

Love and regards...
Latina

Thank you for the kind words, Latina.

Haha, Fireball... Very funny, although I'm sure there are people who would ask that as a serious question. To satisfy anyone's curiosity, no.

5th one was one of my earlier misconceptions................