Salsa Dancing For Beginners - What To Look Out For

Salsa is all about your connection with the partner you are dancing with. Unfortunately, sometimes you do stumble upon people who are all to ready to establish that connection, in fact, a very tangible one.

Truth be told, the lovely world of salsa is not spared from the occasional plague of opportunistic men, who dance for the thrill of getting a chance to deliberately misplacing their hands.

Opps, a brush across the chest 'cos she did not turn fast enough.

Or a convenient brush on the behind while trying to lead by the hips.

The fact is: 100% of men are hot-blooded males. 99.9% of men who dance salsa are decent, polite gentlemen. But it's that 0.01% that women have to be wary of, especially the newbies.

Most of the seasoned dancers avoid them like a plague, however, it is always the innocent and unsuspecting beginner ladies who are the unfortunate victims.

Here is some advice for the newbies out there:

1) Be a little more streetwise. If you would not let a suspicious, sleazy-looking man into your home, then do not let such men near your bosom. Trust your gut instincts (all women have it! just search deeper) Avoid men who give you the bad vibes, if you are unsure of his intentions, then turn him down politely first. If later on you realise that you have misjudged his character, then you can always ask him for a dance.

2) Do not feel obligued to continue a dance which makes you feel uncomfortable. If you find yourself wondering whether salsa is about allowing men to touch you in all the places your common sense tells you he should not, then stop. Because salsa is not a 'touchy feely' dance and the genuine dancers would never touch you in places other than your shoulder blades, hips and hands.

3) Be alert. If you have accepted a dance against your better judgement, then be vigilant at all times. Do not get to caught up with trying to following his crazy turn patterns, just keep your cool and keep your distance. If he tries to lead you into a compromising position, then don't do it. Just let go of his hand, go "oops" and pretend you did not get that lead.

Remember, men may initiate the lead but it is up to the ladies to accept it and choose to follow. Even though it may be a male-dominated dance, in a sense, there is always room for women's rights.

In the unfortunate event that an incident occurs, do not be afriad to speak up. 'Cos if you do not, nobody will be able to help you!

I hope this has not scared any of you beginners who are eager to start dancing. It really is not that bad, a few bad eggs does not spoil the whole basket. It is just a matter of raising awareness so women do not let their guard down just because they are learning a new dance.

Try going with your instructor to the salsa club for the first time, he/she will probably point out who to be wary off.

Rachel Cheong http://www.danceunlimited.sg

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