Is Skin Still In?

“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.”

– Ana Masacote (Source: Facebook)

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.

Relax. It’s Just About Sex.

I have absolutely no problem when a handsome stranger pulls me in close for a seductive bachata, but if that same good-looking guy pulls me in close at a regular club, my Catholic schoolgirl guilt always comes out.

I try to rationalize that in bachata, there is dance technique involved and this guy I don’t know pressing his body so close to mine is doing it to honour the dance…but really, I should stop kidding myself and relax. It’s always just about sex, no matter what soundtrack is on.

So whatever song is playing, whatever club you are in, just go with it sans guilt. A little fun with your clothes on never hurt anybody. ;)

Giving Up Salsa…For Now

Every year around this time, I go on a salsa fast. I give up most of my salsa nights in exchange for summer fun in the sun and activities that “regular” people (non-salseros) do.

Remember that? When we used to go to the movies on a Tuesday, not dance…when we used to go to clubs where the most impressive dance move was keeping your balance after the fifth shot of tequila...when we blasted the beats in the car driving up to the cottage instead of bachata…

It doesn’t mean I hate salsa. A salsa fast brings me back refreshed and excited to dance, and helps me appreciate the music so much more.

What’s the longest amount of time you’ve gone without dancing?

Play Me That Sweet Music

We all know DJs can make or break our night of dancing. We social dancers can definitely tell the difference between someone who just throws on a random playlist, to the DJ that transforms a room of people into a sweaty hot mess of salsa happiness.
 
I think it's a must for salsa DJs to have extensive knowledge of the music and artists. Part of the job is to educate the dancers -- I mean, if it weren't for the salsa DJs, I'd still be dancing to Lou Bega's Mambo No. 5!
 
Technical ability to optimize the sound system is a great addition to the skill set of a good DJ, but along with a good ear, the kick-ass DJ must use his/her eyes to see what is happening on the dance floor. The best-of-the-best play to the crowd's vibe, while gently guiding the dancers into new directions of energy through song selection.
 
OK, so we praise the DJ...but why do we get so excited (or not excited, depending on our tastes) when we hear a certain DJ is spinning, but lack the same enthusiasm when a live band is playing?
 
When it's an accomplished group of musicians (world famous or local pride) I really appreciate the experience. One of my most memorable salsa moments was when I was in Santiago de Cuba. That’s when my dancing transformed from a hobby into a passion…ok fine, it might have been a mixture of the mojitos and the hot man I was with, but seriously, dancing to live music is a real treat.
 
Just listen to the delivery of each instrument, and then listen to how each musician blends with the other, using their keen ears for even the tiniest variation of pitch, volume and beat....relish in the phrasing of each instrument...bathe in the art.

I know what some of you are thinking right now..."Live bands play songs that are too long" ...and all I have to say to that is, shut up and do some more cardio. Live music is the best! :)

Why Do Salseras Have So Many Dance Shoes?

I've always been rough.

When my mom was pregnant with me, I kicked so much that she was convinced I would be a boy (and a soccer player) because I was rough. When I played with the neighbourhood kids, I was usually hanging with the boys because I was rough.

So, it's really no surprise that I'm rough on my dance shoes. It doesn't matter if I wear a high-end dance shoe or a cheap brand, I go through a pair in a couple of months, easy. I never get lured in by the oh-so-pretty expensive kinds because I pitch them so fast.

In addition to the wear and tear, there is another reason us ladies need so many pairs of shoes...'cause after a while, they start to stink! Hey, I'm not saying I'm a smelly girl, but ask any salsera and dance shoe stank is an annoying thing to deal with.

I've tried every trick in the book to get rid of the smell: baking soda; Febreze, shoe deodorizer; stuffing fabric softener sheets in each shoe; putting them in the freezer (because I heard the cold will kill the bacteria...no, didn't work); and even just thinking that if I throw them in a corner and don't wear them for a few weeks, the stank smell will disappear forever (nope, it doesn't).

And that's why salseras have so many dance shoes.

I’m a Pro

I'm a pro. No really, I am.

Not because I log endless hours perfecting my technique in the studio. (Ya, I've logged a lot of hours, but I'm not talking about that.)

Not because I've traveled to different cities around the world to perform at dance events. (Ya, I've performed salsa routines here and there, but I'm not talking about that.)

Not because I get paid to entertain the crowds or teach. (Ya, I aim to entertain whenever on stage, and I've even taught at some parties, but I only get paid in good times, and I'm not talking about that either.)

I'm a pro because when I go out social dancing, I rock the floor like it's my fucking job!

It's the passion of celebrating the music and movement (no costumes or special effects necessary) and it’s the celebration of friendship and unity – no bullshit about who is affiliated with which inner-circle/school/promoter (no cliques necessary) that makes us the real pros.

And how do I have the energy to go out during the week with a full time job? I could lie and say it's the love of dance that keeps me going, but it's the disco naps!

The disco nap is very important for us die-hard social dancers. You can get the job done with a bit of shut-eye on the couch pre-clubbing, but my best preparations for a hard night out are a few ZZZs in my comfy bed.

Just be careful – it's a delicate balance between the disco nap and full-on crashing for the night. But that's more of a risk in the winter. Summer's finally here and the nice weather brings us all out to party...so no excuses! See you on the floor!

Oh? You Dance Salsa?