“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.
Amen Linda Bella! FINALLY someone says this in Toronto, about time. It also allows you to focus on the beauty of the moves, like the way he lifts his arm up more slowly in a moment, and to appreciate how the moves come from inside, how each individual dancer connects with the same moves and how they find expression in different bodies. Masacote is ALL about the dialogue between the finest and smallest of moves with the whole, from traditional to contemporary and back again across time, so, great choice of example! But most dancers in Toronto are not about the art of it, the playful generous dialogue between partners for expression's sake, or revelling in the beauty of it. ;)
ReplyDeleteI'm not implying Toronto groups, rather it's just a general observation in the world of salsa. And I have to give my love to all the Toronto dancers who express the art of the dance!
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ReplyDeleteWe get them on their feet cheering. Sharon is covered from head to foot - literally. Mike is buttoned up to his throat. The dance is the message, not the clothing.
Did catch a bunch of crap from one of Toronto's dancers and her posse for a picture of her in the skimpy ill fitting costume her choreographer dressed her in. You do not want to see the cutting room floor from that particular routine.
Guess the choreographer did not know how his dancers would look executing his turn patterns and such in those clothes.
Perhaps Toronto's choreographers and costumers and the dancers need to talk among each other to find that magic balance between sensuality and practicality and dignity for the dancer.
I love my Ana Masacote!! Such a class-act and inspiring on the dance floor as well as off!! Thanks for sharing! PS More fabric means less possibility for "technical difficulties"... I have seen too many boobs that are not mine as of late and it's totally not necessary... less fabric does not mean sexier... sexy is an attitude... for example Ana, Burju, Karel, Julissa and Griselle could all wear sweatsuits and still be SEXY! Let us also remember that many times there are also children in the audience who don't need to see all of that either... Just my too sense! Kisses to all from Kellye from Philly!
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