On strategies - Getting better dances

Salsa clubs, classes and socials, like all other group events, provide an interesting arena to watch people, to analyse them and to strategise.

Think about it. When you first started dancing and were but a beginner, what strategies did you use to get other dancers' attention, to prove that you were a worthwhile dance partner, that you wouldn't step on their feet? Practising such social strategies as to make one better integrate a group are social skills that can most probably be learnt on the dance floor and used off it. Or vice versa. Either way, there are useful social lessons that can be learnt from hanging out on a dance floor.

Take the beginner for example. Seeking social integration and acceptance is but the reflection of wishing to learn a skill that others have already mastered. Alternatively, it may just be that you are seeking acceptance by the other sex. Whichever it is, how might you go about it?

The right place at the right time

Edie the salsa freak theorised that you needed to best position yourself to capitalise on opportunities as they present themselves. How do you do this on the dance floor? Figure out what the grand entry and exit routes are to the dance floor and position yourself such that when people come off after a dance, they have to walk around and past you. These are generally the corners and the diagonals - somehow standing on the corner won't guarantee you a dance, standing one meter to the right or left of it seems to work a charm.

This is obviously much the same in life, if you position yourself in the paths of those who are going places, the odds are that you'll get swept up along with them, inspired to do something similar, or offered opportunities as they open up. The key is to be ready to recognise and accept the opportunities that come towards you, just as you would any partner, asking for the next dance.

Body language, smiling, and eye contact 

Body language, smiling and eye contact are obviously key too. I don't think I need to develop these points. Suffice to say that for dancers, swaying on the spot, dancing on their own and keeping their arms at waste level helps. If you don't look up and seek contact with others, it probably won't be forthcoming! There used to be this beautiful Eastern European girl in London (I haven't seen her in a while, perhaps she's still around) who would dance on her own, making grand, gorgeous gestures in the middle of a busy dance floor. If ever she was asked to dance, she would decline. Anyone else who was watching quickly got the point and remained on the sidelines, quietly fascinated. Apparently she was shy and lacked confidence. You couldn't tell from the way she was dancing, but somehow her failure to make any real contact with those around her guaranteed her quasi-solitude in the midst of a bustling crowd.

Making friends

So simple, yet so effective. On the dance floor as in life, making friends can be the key to success. Make friends with powerful or connected people, or in the salsa dancer's case, with better dancers, and you will find yourself climbing the ladder faster than you would have on your own. And all with a smile, some good banter and happy moments. Life really can be that easy!

Networking

On the broader scale, a new dancer is seeking acceptance, not just by individual peers, but by the larger group. Ever thought about improving your networking skills in the real world? Here's how on the dance floor: when you've had an amazing dance, think of someone else who would appreciate sharing this experience and help them enjoy it too! Play matchmaker on the dance floor! Ultimately, it doesn't really matter what level your friends are. If their levels don't match, the junior dancer will be grateful and owe you one. Just be careful to do a favour to the senior dancer next time. Think of it as a series of favours, a way to make those around you happy. Most dancers won't mind being subtly introduced and encouraged to dance with a beginner - we all started somewhere - just be careful not to consistently throw your beginner friends at your favourite professional - it may wear on his or her patience!

I'm sure I read somewhere that being better connected was better for your health. Or at least, it had a positive effect on people's smoking, gymming and eating habits. I'd like to believe that feeling connected to people on the dance floor does the same thing. And if nothing else, what goes around, comes around. Soon enough you'll find that people are making recommendations of their own for you. What you'll find may surprise you, as it did me. It would appear that I have a rather lower sense of self-worth on the dance floor since I am constantly surprised by the amazing level of the dancers that my friends recommend for me to dance with. All I can say is "wow" to my partner and "thanks" to my friends!