How can I improve my Salsa/Bachata leading skills?

Today, I'd like to share a few ideas to help you improve your dancing skills.

Let’s face it, being a good leader is not an easy task. Probably you have been taken dance lessons for couple of years and still you do not feel always comfortable dancing with everyone at the regular social venues you visit. Or even worst, not everybody is entirely comfortable dancing with you. I am pretty sure you practice a lot every single move you have learned at your dance academy. Nevertheless, it works different on the dance floor. Sometimes the dance moves are not flowing as they should. Therefore, you might be asking yourself some questions: am I responsible for that? Or, it is just a few beginners not following my lead properly? Maybe they have not learned how to follow that combination yet, am I right? The answer to all these questions is very easy: of course it is your fault dumb ass! You are the leader! It is your responsibility to make your dance partner to have a good time on the dance floor. It does not matter your dancing level, you need to learn how to lead properly.

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Please do not worry. Of course you can enhance your leading skills. You only need to practice a bit more and follow the right directions. I will just review a few technical aspects. On my experience, some other topics are more important to improve your leadership. I am pretty sure, your dance instructor will give your all the technical background you need. Please, read these tips carefully and take the best out of them. Some of them are very obvious. They are just common sense practices. Although, common sense is not that common sometimes, isn’t it? Make your own criteria and adapt these ideas to improve your abilities on the dance floor. Remember, it only takes time and practice. I will start with a few technical aspects.

Keep in mind these few technical aspects.

If you are dancing salsa or bachata remember this technical aspects at all times:

• Always dance with the beat of the song. The sooner you learn to master this issue, the sooner you move forward.
• Be aware of your resistant. Tuning your resistance is very important to transmit confidence and control.
• Count when practicing. You should count at the same time of the instructor when taking a lesson. Do not count when dancing on a social context.
• Prepare before executing. Always prepare the step carefully. Be clear and never hesitate. You should be able to execute a step with different people. Not only with your regular dance partners.

Not Technical Aspects

Be respectful. The main idea is to have fun, right?** So, how can your dance partner have fun if she does not feel safe? Here a true story. A friend of mine was pushed against her will to a small (and dark) room while dancing a bachata song. She asked for help and that guy was banned from the social dance venue. This is a very creepy story, isn’t it? Of course that is an extreme situation, but even your conversation or just taking a peek can make your dance partner feel very awkward. In summary, just be a gentleman.

Be aware of your dance partner level skills. I think this is a very important aspect. Do not push your dance partner to do things far ahead from her abilities. Of course it is good to challenge your dance partner. However, if you keep doing your fancy moves all the time just to show off and she is not able to follow you, then she is going to feel very frustrated at some point. Please, I beg you; do not try to correct her technique during a song. That is a capital sin. You are the frame, she is the painting. It is very simple, if everybody is looking at your dance partner on the dance floor, you are doing your job. Of course you can show off a bit. Just remember, that is not your priority.

All level skills are welcome. You should consider asking girls from different levels for a dance. Remember to assess your partner’s level and adapt. If she is not able to follow you, then it is your fault. Do not blame her level. Instead, you must show her what she is capable of!

Are you aware of what are you dancing? This is an aspect that really troubles me all the time. A Salsa song is pack of emotions, lyrics and inspiration. All of them were written to express something. I see people all the time dancing (even pros) with no connection with the music at all. Let the song tell you what you should do. Adapt your skills to the beat and let the music lead you. Put aside those tricky combinations during a romantic song and listen very carefully to it. It is not necessary to do complicated steps all the time. Your goal should be to find the right moment to execute them. This is not easy, it will take time to improve your musicality.

Make sure your dance partner is safe all the time. Do not let the excitement distract you. You should never lose sight of your dance partner. Remember you are not the only couple enjoying a good song. You must be careful with your moves when the dance floor is crowded. It is very important to respectfully share the dance floor with other couples. Adapting your technique is a must. There is no reason to lead a triple spin at all times just to show off. If you feel that your dance partner is at risk, then you must stop for as long as it takes to make her feel safe again. Her safety must be your priority.

Review your personal hygiene. Do I need to add something here? It will not hurt to bring an extra shirt or a toothbrush in your bag.

Please do not blame me if you become popular and girls start asking you for a dance. Enjoy!

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