Dancing in Clubs

After you've had some lessons, you'll have enough confidence to venture back into the clubs. Not only is it a blast to go out dancing, but it can also help reinforce those things you learned in class. Nothing is like some real world practice. It also helps you get used to the music in the clubs, which by large is faster than what you find in your Salsa class. Dance with as many people as you possibly can. Even if you have a partner, don't only dance with them. It pays to learn to lead and follow a variety of people. You will learn FASTER! That being said, watch what style other people are doing first before asking them to dance. Try to dance with people who have the same style with you if you're a beginner. Just make sure not to practice on the edges of the floor, take huge steps, bump into everyone around you, and throw your arms, elbows, knees, and heads into people near you. That would be bad!

Dance Floor Etiquettes

• Men, when asking a lady to dance, do it politely. When finished, say "Thank you" even if the dance was "bad". Never take being turned down to dance personally. There are SO many dancers in this world, and not everyone wants to dance with everyone else. Just move on to the next person. You can even add a "Thanks anyway".
  
  
• Ladies, when you don't want to dance with a guy, a simple "No" is NEVER the correct response to being asked to dance! While it is perfectly acceptable to turn down a dance with anybody you don't want to dance with, it is never acceptable to do it rudely. Generally, add a thank you, and even an "excuse" to your "No". Say it with a smile. Don't say "No thank you. Maybe later", unless you mean it!
  
  
• Be aware of the people around you and actively avoid hitting them! This is much easier being said than done. Avoid throwing your partner into people as a means of clearing space for yourself. If you're dancing in a crowded place, don't take large steps; keep your steps smaller (this will help with the faster music anyway).
  
  
• If you knock into somebody, or step on somebody, acknowledge your mistake. Say you're sorry! Even a friendly nod is better than nothing! If they are busy dancing, and they ignore you, it's o.k. to go up afterwards and just say you're sorry.
  
  
• Men: protect your partner. Her safety is in your hands, and only your hands. Whether she is a beginner, or a truly advanced dancer, you are the leader (at least in most cases). Remember the simple truth, followers are following your lead. If an accident happens it's always the leader's fault (whether it IS or not). Leaders need to be vigilant in preventing dance accidents before they happen. Stay sharp!
  
  
• Ladies: protect your partner. Keep your steps small, and keep them tight. In fact, most advanced dancers dance incredibly tightly, and very controlled. One more thing, if your dance partner has trouble with the steps or the beats, it would be nice of you to guide him through the dance. Try to be patient. Salsa is not an easy dance to learn!
  
  
• Finally, keep smiling! It will help you relax and dance better. Your dance partner will feel the same way too!