Clubs vs Socials

Through the years salseros want to get their "fix" of salsa dancing. Question is for most newbies is where to go? Latin Night at the club or the local dance studio social.

Here are some pros and cons to consider and what might help determine where to go.

Latin Nights at the Club:

This is for me a hard one to talk about because sometimes I love to go out and hang out at a club and there are times when it's been great and other times when it's the pits. Here is my outlook on it.

Clubs ~ Latin Night
1) If you go make sure you ask and see if other Salseros are going. Sometimes you will have dancers that go and they don't. You may have people that you don't know and/or don't know how to dance. Good times may or may not happen. :(

2) If their is alot of dancers out there you can ask dancers that you may have never danced with before and make new friends in the scene. :)

3) If it's a spot where salseros go week after week it could be your hangout and you get to dance the night away. :)

3) Sometimes DJ's are required to play more of "Top 40", or commericial music that your accustom to hearing on the radio. That could mean that you won't get too many dances in. It's not the DJ's fault, sometimes it's the crowd or what the manager of the club wants. Some of you may like it some of you may not. Bottom line is that's a risk you take when going to a "International Night" or "Latin Night" at a club.:(/:)

4) Some clubs have live music and concerts, if it's a group or singer that you like then you will probably have a good time. :) Also realize that many are there to see a concert that can crowd up a dance floor. You don't want to be dancing and hitting every person every 5 ft because they are waiting on the show. :(

5) DJ's from radio stations that play in a club is most likely to play and cater to what you hear on the station. Unless it's 100% salsa radio station that is the only way you can guarantee yourself to hear lots of salsa.

6) Remember if your a dancer you know, understand and respect dance space. Club goers that don't dance may not. If they are drunkies around, they will be all over the place. Gentleman if you see a drunk couple protect your partner by not dancing near them. I have seen plenty of injuries in the past. (Some of them were mine very painful to get a heel gouged in your Achilles Tendon) Ladies if you see people that are drunk and moving everywhere make sure you take tiny steps and don't get in their way because they will tumble on you and it can get ugly sometimes.

Whew that's my view on clubs.

Socials~

1) Socials are good in the sense that it's dedicated to the salseros and they know what the people want to hear. Usually no alcohol is served but sometimes they allow BYOB (Bring Your Own Bottle) and allows it. Not everyone does it but some do.

2) Some socials if you see the same crowd and not new people coming in to check it out. You may get tired of dancing with the same people. I believe that in order to get better in your social dancing it's to practice with as many people outside of your dance crew of students. :)

3) Going to a social with another school is a great thing. You'll meet new people that enjoy the same thing you do and you will be able to compare your styles and exchange tips to each other. A great way to meet and make new salsa friends. :)

4) Attending a social outside of your area in another city or state, it will show your support to salsa and you'll definately make new friends and see the type of music that is played vs. listening to the same DJ week after week. :)

5) Socials help develop confidence in beginners because you will have instructor there to dance with and help you with anything you might have a question on. Remember it is a social so don't expect a private lesson. ;) Just know that they are there and will dance with you and build your confidence up so you will dance with anyone. :)

Also know that if you go to the social it's catered to salseros, and brings in a bit of cha-cha, bachata, and even some merengue. Sometimes just to add some spice they'll put some fun music just to change it up. The DJ at the socials will play music that will keep you dancing not sitting so the floor will be crowded.

That's it from me today, just was thinking about the pro and cons of this and just wanted to give some tips. Again what I write is not what's right or wrong. It's just opinions and what I feel. :)


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