“Social” Dancing

filed in Dance, Ramblings on Mar.13, 2009

My usual routine when I go “social” dancing consists of almost non-stop dancing except for the odd song that I dont like or dont feel like dancing to, which I use to go to the mens, have a drink or have an occasional conversation. Some have argued that Im taking the “social” out of social dancing due to my non-stop dancing!

Since then, I have spoken to a few people about this and on one side of the field, some say that theres nothing wrong with that and their out to just dance and any meaningless chatter is just small talk.

On the other hand, others feel theres not enough social in social dancing and that people are too caught up with JUST dancing and theres no real substance in that.

Does that mean we are Fuck Dance Buddies and all we know each other for is to dance and once thats done, we wont see each other in any other circumstance(damn, thats harsh). Story: There was once, the power went out at one of my local clubs(this means no dancing) and everyone sat around not knowing what to say to each other because all we do is dance and not social.

Personally, I find it insanely hard to hold a conversation in a club while dancing when:
1) The music totally overpowers your own voice(unless you wish to have a very bad sorethroat the next day(which has happened)) also making it impossible to have a conversation with more than 2 parties. Im usually the one who has problems hearing, read no.9 on my 25 list of things.
2) Your conversation gets cut off when you or the other person gets asked to dance before you can even say “Salsa”.
3) You cant think over the music and all your body is moving automatically to the music.

That said, I think everyone can choose(dance or social) and if you wish to social, there are many conduscive places to do it away from the dance floor to avoid music and people asking you for a dance.

What do you think?

Tags: Dance, Salsa, social dancing

Min Wye

@Roshana: what do you want out of it?

@SK: The worse is they so no, but thats alright :p Thanks

@Duncan: Dont get me wrong, it is definitely possible to have friends from the dance scene. I personally try my best to take it outside the dance scene.
I think that point of view might defer between guys and ladies and the problem might not be as clear to a guy? I do see your point though.
You are right, there is more to socializing than just conversation, I failed to take that into consideration =) you are very observant ;) I wonder though, who you are referring to...

Duncan

Funnily enough most of my best friends are in the Salsa scene so I spend heaps of time chatting to them at training, events, even shock horror!) outside dancing hours. You're right though, it's easier to chat without having to compete with the blare of Chukale.

I've never encountered the dangers of socialising in the Salsa scene. I chat with heaps of girls and they know it's just a chat. If something more happens... well then hopefully they know what that means too. : P

P.S. Min, I see you with your arm around a certain someone a fair bit of the time at Casas so isn't that socialising? ; )

Anonymous

I think the social bit can be dangerous in the dancing scene coz it can create awkwardness.

The dance scene is where guys and ladies meet to dance and most of the time ppl are busy dancing so they wont have time to get to know each other.

So when they do start socialising, one party might think the other could be a potential. For a regular dancer, this is a rare situation coz we all come purely for dance. But for some ppl who come to dance scene coz of dance and to MEET potential partners.

Conflict happens when their efforts arent fruitful with the dance addicts and subsequently get mad coz they feel like they wasted their time thus causing awkwardness to happen

SK

Always take the chance to dance if someone asks. :) What's the worst that could happen? BTW this is a great site and you have some amazing photos!

Roshana

isn't the whole point of social dancing having fun dancing in a social situation with friends rather than in a class/competition situation? i'm totally in agreement with u on this one - if u want to socialise, y not go somewhere that is more conducive to it :P

however, i reckon the point does need to be made here that it depends on what u r comparing social dancing to: if u compare it to a lesson/competition, yes, it is totally different and the focus is totally different. if u compare it to another alternative outing with friends, not so different a situation, however i still feel that the focus is different. ultimately i reckon it depends on what u want to get out of it :P

Min Wye

James: The camera is the ultimate social replacement, cam-whoring means I dont have to really have big conversations(cause Im really bad at it :p )

James Quinn-Hawtin

Don't you usually have a camera in your hand and a circle of friends surrounding you for a group self-portrait? You're definitely more social than me!

jan

i've never liked socializing in clubs. it's always too awkward to scream at each other and you end up making inane small talk. clubs are way more suited to dancing.