Do you have "SS" in you???

Another Classic article from Salsa Dynasty I wrote. :)

In my constant search of learning different things, I came across a term that kind of blew me away and I had to write about it to see what other people thought. I was reading a blog and this individual was speaking about the “Salsa Snob” in them.

“Salsa Snob" I said. What a crazy thing to say. What would that entail? I continued to read and what I gathered was that a salsa snob is someone who has taken their level of salsa to the point that they feel comfortable to either dance with others on their level or higher and simply do not like to dance with others that are at beginner levels. At first when I read this I was very upset about it. After seriously thinking about it, Did I have a “salsa snob” in me? I backtracked and thought about my early salsa days when I was in beginner class and it was fun while meeting new people, as we all progressing into higher levels. Some stayed back, some moved up the salsa chain quickly to Intermediate and Advanced levels; I was one of those people. I remember seeing how some people may not have wanted to help out the beginners because it was boring or it was lame. However, we still did it. Why? Well, because how can you say no; even though inside of us we wanted to. Was that the salsa snob in us?

We would see guys struggle to stay on beat, and ladies not move as men tried to lead them. We have made faces of frustration thinking that our partner wouldn’t notice. In actuality, they see it all. Beginners see that and start to think, “What a stuck up person”. Is that considered an “SS”?

When we are at a club and a non-advanced dancer, or someone you haven’t seen dance before asks you for a dance, do you see yourself saying no because you are not sure if you want to dance with them? Maybe they are not a good lead; or she can’t turn the way you want her to. Or maybe it’s because you don’t want to look bad on the dance floor. Is that the “SS” in you?

Personally, I have witnessed this, and some is intentional and some unintentional, in a class scene and even at the club. I have seen guys who just want to dance, and just because they may not be on beat, they are denied a dance. They stand in a corner while everyone else is dancing. Ladies who can’t follow well, but have had a few “courtesy” dances, sway away with friends for the rest of the night; while their “more advanced” friends get asked as they are left standing. It is definitely not the greatest feeling.

Will it be a perfect salsa world - No! These things will continue to happen. Let’s realize that in class we are all learning and we all started as a beginner. In all my years I have never seen anyone start in advanced level classes. Remember, it’s a CLASS, not the running for America’s Best Salsa Dancer! For me I would rather dance with a beginner and know that whatever it is worth it will keep their interest in salsa alive. Who knows, they might become a very good social dancer, or even go pro. So all those cross-body leads and single turn pattern will pay off, and if it doesn’t then at least you tried.

I know not everyone is like that, but at least it has finally been said. I can say that my “SS” is contained and it only comes out when necessary. If someone is intoxicated, or I have seen them lead someone into injury and not care about their partner, my inner “SS” will make an appearance.

Reverting back to the article I read, the author mentioned that an advanced beginner asked her to dance and actually had a good dance. At the end of the song, the beginner thanked her and said it took him 2 years of practicing and getting the nerve to ask her to dance. Needless to say she realized how she was being looked upon and appreciated having her inner “SS” in check, because it made her more humble.

I’m not saying that everyone is an “SS”, but there are individuals out there in the scene that possess those negative demeanors. Take a look and see if that is what you want to be perceived as. We understand being shy or not knowing someone; but be brave to ask a stranger to dance. You never know if that single dance can help someone in the long run. Don’t let the negative “SS” get in you.