“Call me old fashioned, but I believe you can put on a beautiful and memorable salsa show without having to show skin. Sometimes what is invisible to the eye is what is sexier.”
Raise your hand if you think salsa dancing is synonymous with sex? I asked a few people in my office to describe what they envision when they think of salsa dancing. The responses were variations of “girls in short skirts dancing sexy” ...not that there is anything wrong with that, but Ana’s thoughts emphasized that all too often, stage shows focus on this stereotype – men fully clothed while the women wear skimpy costumes.
Could it be that these groups are covering up something – like weak technique – with the illusion of skin? Or are they relying on the tradition of the over-sexualized female salsa stereotype for lack of confidence to break the mold?
Yes, I know there's an expectation to “dress the part” and it’s all part of the entertainment value – however, I really admire performers who go beyond the expected.
Take a look at Masacote Dance Co’s recent performance from the Boston Salsa Festival:
Notice something? No bouncing cleavage. No ass hanging out. Instead, we see costumes that are feminine yet don’t distract from the movement. Here, the emphasis is on the artistry of the dance. It’s still incredibly hot as hell, but the sexiness comes from their attitude and movement, not their clothing. The ladies exude confidence and strength. They present a subtle sensuality with just the right amount of flirt that makes this performance truly “sexy”.
Kudos to Masacote Dance Co for showing the salsa world that less (skin) can indeed be more.
