4.) Be Goal Oriented
The Pyramids weren’t built in a day. They Ancient Egyptians didn’t say “Well, we have a bunch of rocks, lets see what happens when we stack them up…” Instead the plans were laid, the end result was detailed on papyrus, there were meetings, approvals, recommendations, revisions, and re-submittals. Only after a final design was blessed by the Pharaoh did the actual physical labor begin. At least that’s how I like to think it went. It’s OK to take 10 years to plan the building process for something that you want to last for centuries. While the exact approach will not be the same when it comes to improving your social dancing, it remains important that you have a goal. While you may say:
“I want to be awesome!”
“I want to be as good as <insert your role model here>”
That can help to inspire, but it will not let you know what you need to do to get there. Do you want to improve your musicality? Do you want to know 6 different copas? Do you want 4 options for following a cross body lead with an open break? Do you want to be able to do at least eight 8-counts of open footwork (shines)? Specify your goals, check them off and continue to develop. When you practice these things to the point that you don’t think about them anymore, then you can break them out on the dance floor and it will feel natural. Now that you have established your goals, it’s time for the next step…
Very good article,The number one problem is you get to a level and plateau this is where you need the experienced dancers to practice with to get better however they are too overwhelmed with dancers who want to dance with them,and some donot want to dance with you because you are not at there level.the challenge should how many new dancers can you lead and get them to do exactly what you want them to do and make it look effortless
A really good insight! And from a great social dancer too! Had a pleasure to dance with you once in Krakow – it was effortless (despite significant hight difference) and smooth. Great stuff!
Best,
Eva
Great article! Thanks for posting. I’ve been doing all of these over the last couple of years but I live in a city with limited salsa resources. What can one do when they’ve exhausted all the professional help they that’s available in the city? (actually there’s no one close outside my city either)
Thanks…and yes, there is a link back to this article.
Thanks for giving these great tips! As a new salsa dancer, I’m loving my classes and my Monday nights out and really need tips to look as smooth as some ladies I see! I always ask the guys to honestly critique me (I’m like their salsa baby now! Lol!) But I’ll try the video next!
Great Article, Shaka! Especially believe #4 and #5 helps alot. Once someone see themselves dancing, they will identify their problems QUICK instead of accepting baseless “compliments” from other dancers, LOL!
Hey there Guno, I don’t mind at all. Please include a link back to this website, in case people want to view the full article, and have an opportunity to leave comments as well.
Thanks for the sharing, Shaka. I am a student of Jack Dunn in Beijing and I did a summary of your 5 tips to become a better social dancer in Chinese and share them with dancers here in China. Hope you won’t mind.
Absolutely LOVEEEEEEEEE these tips! Being in the salsa scene socially for 6+ years….I myself had to take steps like these to become better for myself first and others. I did have to become part of a dance studio to get the professional teaching I need while still dancing socially:)!
Glad to help Nestor! Looking forward to seeing how your development comes along, shoot me a link to a video and I’ll see if I can give you some pointers.
sGB
Thanks Shaka for putting this together!!! I have asked my friends to take videos of me social dancing and they tought it was kind of weird even when I explained my strategy. I will show them your recommendations.
Thanks very much!
always stand on the ball of your feet and take small steps, Only stride when necessary. I am teaching the same small steps in tennis.