Some of the things you may or may not learn at a dance studio
by Stephen W.N Choo Quan

We all have our thing on the dance floor. It's pretty much a given. We know what we like and what we don't like, we sometimes like to stay in the comfort zone with people we know and we sometimes like to test the waters with someone new. But the more you dance, the more you learn about human behavior on the dance scene. So while dance studios teach the technique of a turn pattern or the finer points of styling, I would like to share some of my observations (from a guy's perspective) on tips and tricks that all guys should be mindful of while dancing. It should not matter if you are the greatest and most experienced dancer who needs a hot fix or a wet behind the ears baby of Salsa. These are just some of the things you may or may not learn at a dance studio

Mind your Space; As leads, it's our responsibility to create a space for you and your partner to dance. Not minding where other couples are on the floor and leading your partner into another person can not only lead to serious injury to you or your partner, but will also make you look less experienced than you really are.

Cut your nails. You might be amazed to know that the edges of your nails are sharp and when they pass women quickly, even on the palm of the hand, they do scratch. Although women over look us scratching their palms I am sure it would be more pleasurable to not be scratched.

Ask girls who stand on the side of the dance floor to dance. Most women take time to look good and leave the house to come out and get a good dance. That takes energy and determination on their part, so dance with someone new.

Be patient and smile during the dance. Not only will it make your partner feel good, it tells her that she can relax and enjoy the dance. Dancing is about having a good time. When you smile it lets her know you are enjoying the dance and her company. You can be surprised that this can make up for a lack of 1000 combinations. When you walk away from the dance, it feels much better than you would have expected when you started.

Make her look good. One great salsa instructor once told me that "they" are always watching. Whether they are friends, instructors, strangers or admirers, others might be watching and you will want to do your best to make her look good. If you do a good job, you might get more dances with her and possibly other women too. One thing to keep in mind is to dance for the music not for the latest slick combination that you might not have mastered as of yet. That might not make her look too good if you fall off the beat ;-) Keeping her on beat always looks good.

Pay Her Compliments. Even a simple thank you at the end of the dance goes a long way. People always like to hear that they are doing well and that you enjoyed the dance with them. You might be surprised that a compliment coming from you might mean the world to them. It takes hard work to get better and when we let others know it can be very uplifting.

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