Welcome back!
Well today's posting is from a suggestion from my Salsa buddy, Christian. Thanks dude.
Today's topic is about Etiquette and manners.
Anyone with any experience in dancing would have had the "bad" experience. Today's topic will cover some of Do's and Don'ts. The idea is to give as pleasant time for you and the people around you.
1) Hygine
Ladies and Gents. Let's start with the real basic stuff. Salsa, at the end of the day, is a social gathering. So all Social convention applies. So the likes of shower, shaving etc would be a good idea. If you are a smoker, additional mint/cologne/deodorant etc would be nice.
2) Dress, dress code
Ladies. If you want to wear something nice, us guys love to see it. But let's think a little about it. Skirts that flare when you spin, or rides up over time, makes it difficult to dance. It's rather annoying to dance with someone who is more concerned of their dress than their partner or the dance!. Give it a quick twirl or a shuffle at home, before you come out.
Same applies to flimsy fabrics. Don't complain if someone's watch snags your dress and tears it. Similar logic applies to hair and jewellery. Wear something practical, unless you know you can get away, or willing to risk it. I have seen someone's watch get caught by a ear-ring, so anything is possible.
3) Change of cloths.
This is more for the gents. If you know you will probably end up sweating, it's nice to see you have a change of shirt. Ladies appreciate this and you will feel refreshed. Obviously it is a little more difficult for ladies.
4) At arrival
Meet and greet. Like said before, it's a social occasion!. It's polite, and will also give you more dances.
5) When waiting for a dance.
Please keep out of the way of the dancers. Dance is for dance floors. Be seen, but don't get in the way. I try to clear obstacles for people as well, chars, tables etc, which is nice.
6) While dancing
We differ in opinion here, but some people insists on sticking to one style. In a nut-shell, Circular vs Linear. Some of us are very ok with it, some of us are not. I suppose knowing who you dance with, is the key here.
Watch out for - Excessive shines, over-extending arms, or steps, unnescecary or fast dipping, moving your partner to where you have not checked (there might be an obstacle in the way). The key is to keep the moves simple, if you don't have space.
7) After the dance.
Thank your patner, hug/kiss as appropriate. Getting to know their name may also be a good move. In addition, it's ok/nice to have a chat with your partner after, but please move away from the dance flor.
8) Asking for a dance.
Again, usual social convention will be nice. If the prospective dance partner is talking an "excuse me" would probably be a nice move. I have seen occasions of someone just coming up to a guy/girl and grabbing them without aucknowledging the person they are talking to.
9) Drinking
Here's a little paradox. It's a nice gesture to the establishment to purchase something, especially if there is no cover charge. If you want the venue, or the event to stay alive, the venue needs some form of return, most likely financial. However, getting drunk and stumbling/harming your partner, is a bad, bad move.
Well, that probably covers a large portion of it. I will no doubt get feedback and more to list, so there may be a part 2.
Happy Dancing!
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