Something that I think about from time to time (and even got asked to comment on as part of a college newspaper's report on social dancing).

While certainly not intending to generalize by any means, I have observed that the friendliness level at social dances seems to be connected to the type of dance it is.

For example, I have personally found that EC Swing events seem to have the friendliest most relaxed atmosphere and people, while more traditional ballroom is noticeably less so at times, somewhat more uptight (though I have been to one regular mixed ballroom studio party that is extremely friendly). WC Swing events I have noticed some uptightness at too (though I love the dancing).

I haven't really delved into the Salsa scene yet, so I am curious of your observations in that realm too.

Any thoughts or observations from y'all?

Hoo Hooooo Hoo Hoooooooo

[This message was edited by Phil Owl on 04-01-03 at 02:49 PM.]

Here is an article on the Salsa Scene. http://www.latindance.com/men_in_salsa.htm

It is very shocking and sad.

Great thread Phil!

As far as I see it, salsa, more then any other dance really is a family atmosphere...but not just at the surface level. Once you're in, it is very warm, while if you are not, even if you're treated in a very friendly manner, it is still clear that you're not an "insider." I know that the last time I was in Toronto, it was very difficult to get any of the more experienced dancers to dance with me, since I was an “outsider” and, since only the less experienced dancers would dance with me, I wasn't being seen as an “unknown relative” by the more experienced dancers. Note, however, that in one's familiar haunts, familial membership is not proficiency based – this just tends to be the only calling card recognized when visiting other “families.”

There's also the fact that many "families" (especially these days) have very dysfunctional elements and dynamics as well...so there's definite “in-fighting" but, because its still a "family", everyone still comes together when faced with an outside "threat." For example, a couple of years ago there was a huge fight in San Diego about if salsa should be danced "on1" or "on2"...people were really getting angry and upset, and clear factions were forming. When it was suggested, however, that the dancers from "x" city were better dancers, well, that was pretty much the end of the division regarding timing (at least as a socially divisive issue).

I think there's also the more blatantly sensual (/sexual) dynamic of salsa, as well as the Latin cultural influence which all contribute as well…if one looks do be of Latino decent, one is more readily integrated into the family (regardless of dancing ability). Such a person is assumed to have cultural affinity to the scene and to understand that the sensuality and even blatant flirtation of the dancing is not (necessarily) indicative of anything off of the dance floor. Since such an assumption cannot be made about non-(appearing)-Latinos, they are less readily accepted, although, once accepted, are just as much of an “insider.”

I would guess that a similar dynamic is at least partially in play regarding the other dance forms you mention – the more body contact involved, the less (initially) friendly the setting…until one establishes one's “credentials.”

Anyway, just my take on it…

SDsalsaguy,

Yes, and it is sad. Anything that turns people away from dance is bad.
And for you, as a male, it makes it more difficult for you to go out and have a good time. As the women who have experienced such bad behavior or even heard about it, will first look at you with suspicion.

Ain't that the truth!

I agree with the "bank account/friendliness" reasoning as well as the ballroom vs. hustle friendliness since i have had the same experience in the North East where i have been dancing over the last year or so......

How does the fast East Coast friendliness compare to the laid back West Coast friendliness ? I am fairly sure there is a difference.....

lol im going to a social dance this saturday so i'll se what the atmostphere is like..

Phil Owl:

phil.samways hit it right on the head. I used to be "strictly ballroom" (pun intended), and was single at the time. I found that the ballroom venues were somewhat stuck up (I'm sure I'll get respones on this), and that couples 'did' stick to themselves and the singles were in their own cliques. I didn't want to steal a wife or have a relationship, I just wanted to dance!

I moved on to Swing/Hustle events, and things vastly improved.

Next I tried UCWDC events, which have Country dance areas and the Swing/Hustle/NC2S area, or the best of both worlds.

This is where I have been since 1996, and I plan to stay with that . . . yet, I'd like to try the ballroom arena again. Maybe!

Hi dolphindancer,
Those dynamics are certainly a large ortion of the dynamics I was getting at (See my post of April 2, 2003).

My experience has been with Ballroom Dance parties and the Salsa Clubs.

The Salsa clubs are meat markets with most of those there looking to find a romantic partner. If you are just there to dance, forget about it. You may not get asked to dance and if you ask someone to dance the chance that you'll be turned down is great. It's like a Junior High School dance. I end up standing around most of the night. I have more fun in my Salsa class or at a studio salsa party.

At the Ballroom dance parties I go to people are there to dance not hook up, so if you ask someone to dance they know that that's all you want is a dance and not to get married and have kids together. I've only been turned down once or twice when I've asked someone to dance.

I go to 2 different places to Ballroom dance and the experience is different. At one there are mostly couples and while they do dance with people other than their partners, it seems I end up standing around more than dancing or dancing with the same guys all night long. At the other place, it's mostly singles and I dance more.

How well off the dancers are tends to affect the level of friendliness. The more they have in their bank account the less friendly they tend to be.