What is the right way to dance Salsa?
On 1 – On2 – Cuban – Cali?
With or without styling?
I did some thinking and then followed it up with a little bit of research, this led me to the discovery that Passionate people will always have A Way that as far as they are concerned is “the right way”. They will advocate this Way as the the Only Way (or the next best thing since sliced bread) because it works for them. Now make no mistake, their way works. In fact it works so well, that it is the reason they advocate it.
This passion and conviction of having the way is why you have a lot of debates and politics in Salsa. Where there is Passion – Politics, Dogma and conflict are soon to follow.
So, what is the Right way to dance salsa? Well as far as I am concerned, there is NO ‘The Right Way’. There are in fact just a bunch of different right ways that all work for various people for different reasons.
So my advice – Listen to everything, learn everything – because everything out there works for someone. Think about it for a second – who would advocate so strongly for something that did not work and they did not actually believe in?
So try out all the different bunch of ways, step out of your comfort zone, challenge yourself and you will eventually figure out the right way to dance Salsa for you.
Those are my wise words of wisdom for this week. Till next Thursday, you know the drill.
Live, Laugh, Love & Salsa.
P.S. Feel free to post a comment if you have any thoughts that you would like to share….
Nice one Chilly.
You are a born diplomat.
Perhaps politics and international diplomatic policy is your next calling.
🙂
John
Bailaqui
John, maybe I should be an International Salsa Diplomat 😉
I think you already are 🙂
Word!
(I’ve always wanted to use that to agree with something!)
Have you given Cali style a try then?
Unfortunately not. I tried to take a class in 2011 with a Cali salsa couple, but they did lifts instead. Then wanted to take a class with John & Yudi in Hamburg earlier this year, but I unfortunately was unable to. Its still on my to do list and plan to find one in Istanbul next year. 😉 Though I have done on1, On2, puerto rican, cuban, bachata, kizomba, tango, cha cha & merengue.
In my opinion, the right way to dance Salsa is the way that is best for the partner. If one is not sure, ask the partner-to-be what their preference is. If they don’t know or care, dance it your way without making them feel inadequate.
Great Blog. Very thorough and valuable information