Welcome to Salsa and the City! This is a new monthly column by Erin about Salsa in the Circle City. Salsa has become a lifestyle for some of us: music, dance, parties, fashion, travel, friends, relationships, and, did I say dance? For those who are addicted to Salsa, this is a place where you can read about what's going on in the city, and share your ideas, comments, and gossip. Erin has been a regular of Indy's Salsa scene since 1998.

Door Dodgers
by Erin Lamb
posted January 16, 2007

I consider myself an independent woman. I like having a job and being able to pay my bills. I like the fact that I am as mechanically inclined as I am good with hair and make-up (which may or may not be a good thing). I don't need a man and his wallet to get me through life. That is the beauty of being a woman of today. We can do it all.

However, on a weekly basis I meet women who are a disappointment to the gender. They talk big. They talk about their jobs, good income, good education, etc. But when it comes to one little task they become sad little girls. What's that task you ask? Paying Cover At the Door!

I've sat at the door, taking money many a night. Every time I can see it coming and it almost makes me laugh. I ask for ID and $5. She gives me the ID and hesitates. She starts to look around. Then she asks the price again. She hesitates. Other people begin to move in so she shifts to the side to let them in while pretending to talk on her cell. Then slowly, while you are taking money from the other people, she edges away into the club. That's when you send security after her.

Another tactic is the girl who walks in the door and immediately has to use the restroom. She can't wait, so she does a little pee dance just to show you how desperate she is. So you let her go, but you have someone keep an eye on the restroom door. Of course, the next thing you know she is out on the dance floor dancing away - and it is not the pee dance.

Finally, there are the girls that always know someone who said they could get in for free. When you tell her that their name is not on the list, she proceeds to call up a million people on her cell phone. Thirty minutes later, and probably at least $5 in cell phone minutes she finally finds some boy to pay her way.

How hilarious! They have good jobs, good income, good education, but there is some conviction in them that won't allow them to pay the $5! And when they finally get caught rushing the door, they get furious. They look at you as though you are the devil! You are greedy!

But I don't believe these women really think that promoters are greedy even though they may say it. Their thinking is not that complex. I think that they are just spoiled. They want to be respected as independent women, but pampered and paid for like 'kept' women. You can't have both, ladies. You will never earn respect in this world by acting like children. So next time you are getting ready to go out, put $5 in your pocket. Be happy that you can afford to pay to go out and enjoy some drinks and some dancing. Be proud to call yourself an independent woman.

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