In 1995, Skee-Lo let us know that there’s no shame in wishing that things were…different. In our world, that might translate to how much game you have on the dance floor.
They say, “don’t hate the playa, hate the game”…and sometimes while out there on the field, it is hard to keep that in perspective.
Rebecca Brightly’s article, “The Curse of the Entitled Dancer” talks all about it.
If you want to bring the discussion back, comment below!
Summer is almost here. In Minneapolis, this means longer daylight hours. More interest in going outside after work for dancing. And no more running from my car into the different venues at full speed.
Every season, I try to come up with resolutions. Maybe on how to eat better or how I’ll be more committed to dancing. In our Salseros y Salseras (SyS), a member, actually took the time to create a thoughtful commentary on the salsa scene. Perhaps its a starting point to create TC Salsa guiding principles. But, I won’t get corporate on you here.
This is a repost from Papito Gregorio’s April 7, 2015 FB post on SyS that received over 35 likes and comments, respectively:
“My Summer 2015 Dance Manifesto:
Dear Twin Cities Dancers, Instructors, Fanatics, Beginners, and Braggalicious people:
Be Respectful: Some people are beginners in a dance style. Be humble when approaching them with your non-requested critique. Some people enjoy dancing all wonky and have their own style. If they can’t dance by your preference let them do their thing. Let the curious people learn, encourage them.
Dance Studios: 4 new dance studios are opening in the Twin Cities this summer. Still sad that SDS is closing. It’s exciting to see that the community will support these new places. The new studios will listen to student-feedback about classes that are given. Even better is knowing that more workshops and dance sessions will be offered. To the owners: please talk amongst your selves, avoid having “2 parties in 1 day across 2 different studios”. Its all a matter of communication and understanding, maybe come up with some type of agreement. Makes no sense for a Tuesday night to be empty with no dance (shedding tear over Famous Daves), and Fridays having 2 dance social events. Please support your local dance studios, these people are not getting rich from teaching, show up, pay for your class. Stop smooching for the “free 1st class”..
Dance Teachers/Instructors: Please be respectful of them, these instructors attend venues on their free time. Their feet are tired, they do they stuff with passion, yet they do enjoy being social. They don’t owe you anything in public. They teach because they LOVE what they do. NOBODY owes you a free lesson or follow-up from a class that was not done to your liking. Be professional approaching and talking to them. Don’t trash the studio without talking to the instructor first.
Instructor Wannabes: we get it, you performed at some convention or studio, you have a Youtube video with you dancing, you advertise yourself as a teacher without being one, good for you. Knowing HOW to dance does not make you a teacher. Don’t discourage new potential students from approaching Teachers or Dance Studios because you dont’ think they will do well there. Let people explore and take advantage of all the professionals regardless of the studio. Teaching is an Art, and takes patience and it’s not for everybody.
Harassment: For the last time (getting on my soap box) If a dancer declines a dance with you and later accepts somebody else it’s his or her choice to do so, please do not take it personal. Avoid “helicoptering” around a dancer until they says yes. Everybody has their preferred partner for certain types of dance styles.
DJ’s and whoever is playing music: You are the hot sh*t, nobody spins like you, your tracks are so fresh, your style is impeccable we appreciate you! My requests please do not kill a song 0:20 seconds after it starts by mixing in another one. Maybe play 4 songs of each dance style and rotate.. Salsa/Merengue/Kizomba/Bachata(ok maybe 7bachata songs)/Reggeton, etc. What you do is Art and we do want to interrupt your flow, let us know how is best to approach you.
Dating: You are-were-resumed dating, were in Polyamorous situation, got cheated knowingly or unknowingly, are/were in some romantic tryst with somebody from community then GOOD FOR YOU. For everybody else if things went south of the border please MOVE ON and BE ADULTS and keep the caddy kiss-and-tell-how-bad-he-she-was to you. Some people date 5 different people in a year, let them be themselves do not judge them. People choose to run their lives, let them be happy. Be happy for somebody regardless of who they were with before. Life is too short. Stop arguing in public or in front of other people. (Getting off my soap box and dropping mike to the ground).
Apologies for typos and syntax as I am a non-national. Not intended at anybody in particular in the slightest bit. Just tired of witnessing and hearing the same stuff across from friends..
:)”
Amen.
tcsalsa 