Rejection on the dance floor

After reading Erin's article No But Thank You, I was inspired to publish my own personal thoughts on rejection on the dance floor here in Indianapolis.

When it comes to Latin dancing, men face the problem of rejection and women face the problem of not getting asked to dance. I see a lot of new dancers quit Indy’s salsa scene due to this. The ‘regulars’ have a tendency of dancing with those that they know or have practiced with in the dance studios. It is a comfort zone for them, they know that the next 4 to 5 minutes on the dance floor will be enjoyed. When a guy asks a lady to dance that he has never seen, it is like rolling the dice. Does she have any experience Latin dancing? Will our styles mix well on the dance floor? If the answer is no to either of those questions, expect to have an awkward experience on the dance floor.

I enjoy dancing with new faces in the clubs and have never minded taking a lady to the dance floor who has never danced to show her the basic steps and right turn. I will be honest that there are times where I just want to go out and dance and not play the role of instructor. If I am looking for a new face to dance with that does not need any instruction, I sit out for a few songs and check out the dancers. If she can do a right turn, cross body lead and an inside turn, I know that when I dance with her, it will be a positive experience.

Ladies may ask, what if I never get asked to dance and no one can see that I can? I would suggest putting in your time and socializing with the regulars. If you come out the clubs regularly (let’s say every other week), this will catch the attention of the salsa addicts and trigger curiosity to see if this new salsera can dance. Also, socializing with the regulars will create a more relaxed environment to be asked to dance. The issue I see is that a lady joins the Latin dance community, visits the clubs once a month and does not attempt to socialize with other dancers. They expect to be showered with attention from hordes of handsome salseros and dance the night away, but in reality this is typically not the case. After a couple of months of sitting on the sidelines watching everyone else dance, they get frustrated, blame the crowd as being too ‘clique-ish’ and quit. Latin clubs are not your typical hip-hop clubs, where guys are diving to the feet of every attractive woman wanting to dance/grind on. Guys can grind on anyone; salsa does not follow these rules. Clock in your hours in the clubs for a couple of months and be social (it is a social dance) before putting your dance shoes to rest.

For us guys, well, rejection is something we are always going to deal with. It is a fact of life. No matter what level dancer we are, how well we dress/smell, there will be times in the club where it feels that no one wants to dance with you. Been there, done that. From what salseras have told me, they are willing to dance with any guy who is not trying to sleep with them and knows what they are doing!

Guys, try selecting ladies that have a style similar to your own. If you have learned in a studio here in Indy, most likely you are dancing LA style salsa, where your basic steps are back and forth. If you see a lady dancing a cumbia step (back and to the side), expect a harder time leading her. Remember, the ladies are also watching you, if they have seen your style and know that it will not mix well, expect to be declined for a dance. I am not suggesting that we should never dance with dancers with other styles, but I would recommend getting confident with what you know before experimenting with other styles on the dance floor.

As for removing the stigma of being just a guy trying to pick up women, well, that is a hard one. Going to salsa clubs that are not labeled as meat markets will help. Establishing a reputation as a regular salsa dancer in the clubs of your choice will also benefit your image. Even with that said, we are men and will forever be labeled as ‘nightclub guys’ or players by women who do not know us. It is a numbers game, so suck it up and keep asking until someone accepts your offer.

Category: [IndySalsero-rants]

Needed: Dance Space

There are two things that the Indianapolis Salsa community is in need of. One is male salsa dancers, which I have covered in a previous article, and the other is dance space. All the venues in Indy suffer from insufficient dance space to some extent. Places like the Vault may have a full dance floor on a Saturday night and not be overwhelming crowded, but at places like the Jazz Kitchen you feel like a tightly packed sardine after 11:00 pm.

While is it great to see the popularity of salsa venues soar, it is becoming more and more difficult to find space to dance. For the more experienced dancers, we lose our ability to execute some of our stylish and more complex patterns on the floor. I am not talking about flipping someone in the air, but fun stuff that we like to do that requires the lead to move out of their slot to execute. When my portfolio of patterns is cut in half due to space, it makes it more difficult to express myself on the dance floor because I am forced to ask myself whether or not executing the pattern will send myself or my partner into a collision course with the couple next to us.

There are two solutions to this problem. Our quick answer is to increase the dance space provided. I feel that the owners of restaurants and clubs have already done an excellent job at providing dance space at their expense and risk. As our community grows, owners will invest in more space for the dancers. The other solution is more practical - for dancers to be more space conscious. I am no saint - when you are 6'3" it is not an easy task conserving space with arms and legs like mine, but I feel that I make great efforts in utilizing less space when needed. My issue is with the dancers who bluntly do not the take into consideration that there are other dancers and dance as if they are the only couple on the dance floor. I have broken down these dancers into three categories.

The Beginner Dancer
You and your dance partner are minding your own business and then you feel someone’s heel/shoe nail the back of your foot. You turn about and see a couple taking huge steps and not maintaining their slot on the dance floor. If this has happened to you, then you have encountered a beginner dancer. It is typically not their fault; sometimes their instructor neglects to mention it, or may not mention it enough for it to stick in their minds. I tell my students to take small steps and to maintain a slot when dancing. Salsa is a slot dance where the couple dances in an invisible rectangular box. A easy way to determine if you are staying in your slot is to position yourself parallel to the closest wall. After you have danced a song check to see if you are still parallel with the wall (not at an angle) and have not move too far from your original position (it is ok if you have traded position with your partner). Working on dancing within your slot takes time and effort, but after you have mastered it, you will find that you can utilize less room on the floor and your dancing will look more polished.

The Macho Dancer
You know who you are, we understand that you love the Jazz Kitchen and will do anything in your power to dance as if the floor is half empty, but you have pissed off at least a half of dozen dancers in the process. I really do not have any advice to these dancers other then to get off the floor if they do not know how to behave. Take it easy and there will be times when there is more room to dance.

The Drunken Dancer
Do us a favor and stay off the floor or take that mess to Rock Lobster or the Vogue. Most of us dancers have invested our time to learn how to dance and we feel cheated when a drunken couple hits the dance floor like a bowling ball and we are the bowling pins. There many non-salsa bars and clubs around Indy to get drunk and grind on your partner.

Till next time Indy, conserve your space and keep dancing.

Category: [IndySalsero-rants]

Tee and Jessica's Wedding

Let’s take a step back Indy and revisit last summer’s Wedding of the Year! Now what does a wedding have to do with Salsa? It has everything to do with Salsa if it’s the wedding of Tee and Jessica, two New York Latin dance instructors who were formerly based in Indianapolis.

I came across their wedding pictures on Larry Gindhart’s photography website. The caption mentions that Tee's pinstripe suit was custom designed by his son. His suit looks very sharp and when I find that special someone to marry, I would be honored to have a custom made suit from him. While I was not able to attend the wedding, looking at the pictures brought back memories from my experiences with them.

I first met Tee and Jessica at the Jazz Kitchen while they were teaching the free salsa lessons. After a couple weeks of attending their free lessons I decided to take lessons from them. I remember entering a small red brick studio with an interior that was in need of a new coat of paint and furniture. Like most newbie dancers, I was nervous, trying not to look 'that bad' learning the basic steps and turns of salsa. A few times I had to practice leading Jessica (also know as Frankie), which made me extremely nervous. She is a very beautiful woman and last thing a guy wants is to look like a fool. While my stay at their studio only lasted 2 months, due to the fact that my dance partner’s schedule changed, I still attended their free lessons at the Jazz Kitchen from time to time.

I was never close to Tee and Jessica, and I would not have been surprised if they didn't remember me if I had gone to their wedding. Even with that said, I would like to give my best wishes to them. Tee learned how to dance in Chicago and used his knowledge of Latin dance to help set the foundation of Salsa dancing in Indianapolis. Most of Indianapolis’ Latin dance instructors (including myself) have either learned from Tee or have been influenced by his style. I doubt that Indianapolis’ Salsa Scene would be what it is today if it weren’t for his efforts.

Category: [IndySalsero-news]

Is Havana Night Indy's Next Latin Hit?

It is very rare to become a hit success over night when it comes to running a Salsa night. I have seen a handfull of Latin/Salsa venues start up with great potential, only to see them close after a month or two of operation. Running a Salsa night is not an easy task and takes hard work, sacrifice, and having a few friends in the community to be successful.

IndySalsa’s Havana Night was first launched at Radio Radio in Fountain Square. Our opening night, in my opinion, was successful - our attendance was great and we were given compliments in regards to venue and music selection. While Radio Radio was an ideal venue, we decided to look for another venue due to the fact that we would not be able to reserve every Friday night. So we decided to move Havana Night to the Savoy. The Savoy, being an upscale and classy venue, was a perfect home for Havana, but our kickoff party which had a good turn out, paled in comparison to Radio Radio. There were various reasons - one being the kickoff of another Friday Salsa venue, winter weather and student dancers getting ready for finals (my dance partner was one of them).

You either sink or swim at this point, I thought to myself. We focused on promotions and other activities like expanding our music selection and bringing in live entertainment. In conjunction with AlexAlex Events, we brought in a live Salsa band from Cincinnati, which was received very well by the community. After a couple of months, Havana Night began to gain momentum and is becoming a popular night for both the salsa dancers and for the Hispanic community.

While Havana Night was not an overnight success, the venue is heading in the right direction. Our attendance has been growing at a rate faster than I had expected, and every night becomes more and more enjoyable and memorable. We have big plans for Havana’s future, look forward to seeing live bands from all around the Midwest, fun theme parties (check out our Blue Friday party), AlexAlex on the mic and Indy’s Salsa dancers heating up the dance floor every Friday night.

So where will you be dancing on Friday night?

Category: [IndySalsero-news]

The Salsa Experiment

Here is another high energy salsa video clip with sound effects for added effect! The clip is called the 'Salsa Experiment' and is performed by Ed and Stephanie, two exceptional dancers. I have never heard of the couple, but after watching the video, they certainly look like professional salsa dancers. There is also a downloadable video clip available for those who would like to steal a move or two from them.

Category: [IndySalsero-videos]

My 2006 New Year's Resolution Rant

Well, it is the start of a new year and it is time to make unrealistic resolutions, right? I am going to hop onto my soap box for a moment and say that self improvement is an ongoing and never-ending process. I was at the gym (I am typically there at least once a week) and it was packed! Was this to my surprise? Of course not! To get in shape is the #2 most popular New Year’s resolution. The other 9 are not at all that surprising either. All I am trying to get at is why use the excuse that it is January 1st to improve your life. Self improvement and reflection should be done on an ongoing basis so that we don’t let things like our health, love or finances go unchecked.

OK, let’s say you make a resolution to find a hobby (#9). You pick skiing for example, and you go out there on the slopes and discover that you do not like the cold. Typically that resolution will die out because there is no periodic check and you would have forgotten that you even made the resolution. Why not make a resolution and perform a quarterly review to insure that you are on the right path? If skiing does not work, your quarterly review will tell you to find another hobby. Then you find this interesting hobby called salsa dancing and fall in love happily ever after.

Now, why not have this quarterly review to check everything that is going on in your life. Hence you are now in a state of constant self improvement and when 2007 comes around you find that life is in order and you can kiss the New Year’s resolution nonsense goodbye.

So when people ask me what is my resolution for 2006, I tell them that I do not have one, but I have been working on balancing my work, IndySalsa and love since way before the start of the new year. So Indy, what do you think about the whole New Year’s resolution hype? Did you make one? Did you accomplish the one you set in 2005? Do you even remember your resolution from 2005? I am anxious to hear your answers.

If you cannot think of a good and worthwhile resolution, let modern technology generate one for you.

The 2006 New Year's Resolution Generator

In the year 2006 I resolve to: Teach my dog to fly. Get your resolution here

Category: [IndySalsero-rants]

2006 Chicago Salsa Congress Returns

Update Again:
Check out the day pass options which are $115.00 for the full day or just $75.00 for the workshops.

The Heatwave Returns February 16-19
I was going to wait to post this blog for next week, but after navigating though the Chicago Salsa Congress website and noticing that their early bird discount for admission will expire on January 9 (They move the date from Jan 6 to Jan 9), I wanted to give everyone the heads up ASAP.

What is a Salsa Congress and why would I want to waste my valuable time and money going?

If you wish to grow as a dancer, I would highly recommend attending a few congresses from time to time. If you are content with your level, a congress may not be your cup of tea.

Salsa Congresses provide:
Salsa workshops taught by some of the best salsa dancers around the world.
Live dance performances every evening.
Social dancing every night on a huge dance floor with live bands.
Meeting and dancing with a lot of salsa dancers!!!

Ok, if I have sparked your interest, here are the details. Sign up before January 6 for the entire package (February 16-19) for $200. The price will inflate to $300 when the early bird discount expires. There are also day passes provided. If you do not want to head to the congress alone, give me an email, - a handful of us from IndySalsa will be attending the congress.

If you are still not convinced about going to a salsa congress, check out the salsa video clips from the 2005 Chicago Congress - we had a great time last year.

IntoSalsa Night is Back!

It has been over 2 months sense we had a Saturday night salsa venue. To pass the time on our Saturday nights most of us just stayed in, caught up on sleep or even worst, dare I say, go to a non-Latin nightclub! It is with great pleasure to announce that IntoSalsa’s Saturday night salsa venue is back! After taking a 2 month break and a change in venues, IntoSalsa Night is now back, bigger, better and badder! Every Saturday IntoSalsa Night will be held at the Vault in downtown Indianapolis. DJ Taz and Jimmie Jim will be spinning our favorite Latin and international beats. It was about 2 years ago when I was learning how to dance and IntoSalsa Night was held at a small Italian restaurant called IL Gargano. Even though their dance floor held only a handful of dancers we all had a great time and friendships were made. A lot has changed in the last 2 years with the introduction of Havana Night on Fridays and now the return of IntoSalsa Night. Let’s continue supporting our Latin venues, they give us so much and ask for so little in return. The social bonds and pleasurable experiences I have made though salsa dancing keeps me coming back for more. Until next time Indy, see you on the dance floor.

Orquesta Tropicoso Visits Indy!!!

Last Friday, IndySalsa, AlexAlex Events and EscapeLatino brought us Orquesta Tropicoso to Havana Night. Over 200 Latin dancers showed up to dance to Cincinnati's premier Latin ensemble. Everyone was very please with Tropicoso, they played Salsa, Merengue and Cha Cha (their own songs and a few covers) which kept the dance floor full on night long. The event reminded me of my experiences in Cincinnati while checking out Salsa Caliente, another premier Latin ensemble. El Master Franco, Indy's own Reggaeton artist performed during the Band’s intermission. Franco filled the dance floor with Reggaeton enthusiasts. He sings very fast and I wonder how he was able to take a breath thought out his songs. Overall it was a fantastic night; there is something special and unique that only a live band can provide to a Latin night. Look forward to seeing future bands at the Havana Night parties. I am still working on posting the pictures on IndySalsa, but for now here are a few teaser pictures.

Update, I have posted the pictures! You will be able to find them in the IndySalsa photo gallery.

Update on a Dancer's Recovery from Knee Surgery

It has been 2 months since my knee surgery. On week three I started to dance again, but I over did it and my knee got inflamed. It was nothing major, but a reminder that I am still not in the clear. My therapist suggested that I increase my level of dancing gradually. I follow their advice and I feel that I am on road to a 100% recovery. Was knee surgery worth the trouble? It is still to early to tell. I am able to dance, but my knees are a little soar the morning after. The real test will be when I resume practicing with my lovely dance partner Sonja and give 100% on the dance floor. It is hard to hold back, especially when one of my favorite songs is playing, but I will not expect anything less than full recovery. For now I will keep up with my strengthening exercises and take it easy on the dance floor for a few more weeks.

Side note, there were a few occasions where a Salsera approach me and ask for a dance and I declined. I only declined because I needed to take a one to two song break so that I do not inflame my knee. I love dancing with everyone here in Indy and I would not want to give a false impression that I was not interested in dancing with someone.

Music Mill an Upcoming Latin Venue

Look out Indy, we have another Latin promoter in town! Las Americas Entertainment gives us Noche Pa' Rumeros at the Music Mill. The Music Mill has over 3600 square feet of dance space, which makes it an ideal venue for salsa dancers. Currently Las Americas has hosted two Latin parties at the Music Mill. The last party was a pre-Thanksgiving Party (November 23). With the support of IndySalsa and Las America s' promotional effort, the Music Mill's huge dance floor was filled with energetic dancers. While I am still recovering from my knee surgery, I was able to dance for a handful of songs with some of my favorite dancers. Near the later half of the night , DJ Cisco from Chicago was spinning less salsa than I was accustom ed to; hopefully in future parties their DJs will keep the frequency of salsa high throughout out the night. The Music Mill has potential; will it be Indy's next Latin hit? We will have to wait and see. Here are the pictures from the pre-Thanksgiving party.

Blue Cactus No More???

Remember the Blue Cactus? I revisited Blue Cactus to discover that they were closed! For the last two Saturdays (11/26 and 11/19) their doors were locked and the lights turned off. I have attempted to contact them in the last 2 weeks via email and phone to get an update, but with no luck. Is this permanent or temporary? I do not know, but will keep everyone informed of any new information that I receive. Here is a picture of the Blue Cactus yesterday night, Saturday, Nov 26. The place looks dead, maybe I will save my bar money for another night ;).

Random thought, if you are an American Idol junkie here is a site that might interests you. Check it out.

Category: [IndySalsero-news]