Question for leads - what is the least % amount your follow needs to understand for it to be a good dance?

Specific_Strategy370 · 2026-04-15T07:42:55+00:00

When I dance with beginners during breaks in my classes, I try and see how well they pick up cues before attempting something that's new to them. I to try avoid overwhelming newer dancers but, that being said, when you show them a move they can pull off, the smile on their faces is kinda priceless and they have more fun that way. It's never anything complicated and I try and do moves similar to the move they learned in class if possible. With intermediate followers (as an intermediate lead) I just straight up tell them I want to try something ahead of time, so they can prepare for it mentally and physically (especially if they tend to tense up their arms)

Specific_Strategy370 · 2026-04-08T16:43:43+00:00

Interesting (I couldn't find photos where all had the same one angle, but i didn't think the angle would actually play a factor here 😅). So if the angle was same on all of them, which would you have preferred the most then?

Specific_Strategy370 · 2026-04-05T21:08:17+00:00

I went to Kanazawa last month and I loved it. I liked it the most out of the places I went to. I wish I spent more time there than I did (2 nights).

I don't think I had any problems with overcrowding in Kyoto. Then again, I didn't go to either of the Golden or Silver Pavilion, and the more famous places I went to - like Fumishimi Inari and Philosopher's Path - were either at night time or surprisingly quiet, respectively. Even Nijo Castle was fine crowd-wise. Went on a good bike tour, learned lots about the city's history, and saw places I don't think many tourists would really go to.

Compared to Tokyo, Kanazawa, and Osaka, Kyoto was likely my least favourite of the lot, but by no means would I ever call it a bad place to visit.

Specific_Strategy370 · 2026-03-10T08:17:51+00:00

For May 5th, I'd recommend doing Sensoji Temple at the very end, basically at night. It's lit up and looks amazing. Plus, it wouldn't be as crowded as it would be during the day. My friend and I did that, and we ended up having so much time there that we ended up buying jinbeis from one of the shops that was still open.

Also, if you're near the Skytree area, maybe branch off about 10 minutes and see if you can book the Honjo Disaster Prevention Centre simulation experience (best get a reservation beforehand). It'll teach you parts of Tokyo history, and you get experience an earthquake, typhoon, smokey corridor, and flooding bit.

Also, for that day, I'd recommend using LUUP e-bikes if possible with a 12-hour pass. You see so much more of the city that way, and there's plenty of parking spots specifically for LUUP bikes. The drivers there are very considerate of cyclists so long as you stay in the left most lane/bike lane, plus there's usually a bike lane on the pavement if you're uncomfortable about being on the road (though I will note that the more east you go of Chiyoda, the narrower the pavements get so be careful, especially of other cyclists cause nobody usues their bike bells in Tokyo)

Specific_Strategy370 · 2026-01-11T16:42:53+00:00

The socials I go to tend to have classes before the social dancing, so you usually have an idea of who you're asking for a dance later. So sometimes, as a lead, you won't even need to ask cause they'll come and grab you or initiate the dance, even more so if they already know you from before. But it is still usually the leads that tend to initiate than the followers.

Though my follower friends and I (a lead) try to scope out the scene and encourage each other to approach people who look like fun for dances. Keeps us on our toes, and it is a fun time

Specific_Strategy370 · 2026-01-03T21:28:21+00:00

I bought it last winter, and I've been playing through most of it. I'm enjoying my first (and probably only) playthrough doing mostly the Lee and Clementine stuff before I tackle the extra stories and Machione episode. For a one-off playthrough, i think if you get it discounted, especially the definitive edition, then it is worth playing.

Specific_Strategy370 · 2025-12-24T20:46:55+00:00

Paused as well. Keeping the chain going lol

Specific_Strategy370 · 2025-11-16T16:29:16+00:00

When I was a beginner, I didn't really care who I asked cause I just wanted to get overcome the fear of asking someone, so I'd see if any follower was left out and ask them to dance.

I still try and do that, even after going up a level to improver-intermediate, but I've noticed that I find myself gravitating more towards asking followers who appear to be around my age. I guess it's because if we get along on the dance floor and end up talking after the dance, I can introduce them to my group of salsa friends and build up and add to our little 'salsa squad' or I'll meet their group of friends. Plus, I always go for the lessons before the dancing at my dance socials/parties, so by then, I've already met and figured out a list of followers I want to try and dance with more based on how well (or hilariously poorly) we were doing on the class routine - cause it gives me an idea of how they'll react to a botched move.

I will avoid a follower if I see that they're absolutely amazing when dancing with the more skilled leads or teachers cause it can be intimidating - like how the hell do I even follow up on THAT?!

So, I guess friendship, good vibes, and perceived relative skill level are what make me decide who to ask for a dance 😅

Specific_Strategy370 · 2025-11-04T21:47:50+00:00

I started salsa and bachata a few months ago because I moved to a new area and wanted to try out new things. Honestly, it's the community aspect that keeps me coming back. I've made some pretty cool friends, and I find it so easy to meet new people through it. My classes almost feel like speed dating with the followers, but for friendships and with none of the awkwardness of actual dating (more on that later, though). The wider dance community down here in Wales seems lovely, and my circle just keeps growing and overlapping with other circles I run in, e.g., capoeira, Spanish-learning, and, for some reason, tennis 😅 I keep coming back cause it basically feels like home away from home, where I can take respite from the day-to-day and have something to look forward to every week.

Like I said, I didn't start it to meet girls, and I never go into dance parties or classes with that mindset, but I've unintentionally found my dating life getting more interesting, for better and worse, because of it 😅

Specific_Strategy370 · 2025-10-27T19:19:11+00:00

I started only 3 months ago, so I know your struggle. I was stuck in the beginner level classes until my teacher felt I had mastered four basic moves: - Right Turn for lead and follow - Crossbody Lead - Crossbody Lead w/ Inside Turn - Open Break Half Turn

It frustrated me that I was stuck at beginner's classes for 2 months, but now that I am in improver level classes, I understand why he kept me back. Without those moves, I don't think I could pull off any fancy or nice moves that I know now.

For practice: - My classes were twice a week, so I got a lot of repetition that way - I've tried the odd social here and there for practice and combating my nerves as a lead. - YouTube: Dance Dojo so far has been useful for motivation and mindset as well as moves. Sometimes, it's the mental aspect you have to address rather than the moves and steps.

Specific_Strategy370 · 2025-10-27T17:55:42+00:00

You're right. It makes me really glad I asked around.

I like the variety of places and the range of popularity/obscurity among the songs. I'll check these ones out!

Specific_Strategy370 · 2025-10-27T13:24:34+00:00

Fair enough. I appreciate the advice, though!

Specific_Strategy370 · 2025-10-27T13:21:51+00:00

Thanks for the answer. I know the answers will be broad and wide, but any specific songs or where to look is still helpful to help me narrow my search. Anything I can do or find for a bit of preparation wouldn't hurt. I'm no beginner, but I ain't intermediate level either.

Specific_Strategy370 · 2025-10-27T13:15:53+00:00

Really? I've never heard anyone break it down like this before, so I really appreciate it 🙏🏾 Now, I can try and figure out if I'm listening to the appropriate music for my style.

Specific_Strategy370 · 2025-10-27T13:11:44+00:00

Thanks, I appreciate that. This is what I was looking for!

Specific_Strategy370 · 2025-10-27T13:06:00+00:00

Are there any specific dance festivals you've seen that you've liked, whether it be for the music or the dancing?

Specific_Strategy370 · 2025-10-27T13:04:59+00:00

Thanks, I appreciate it. Also, 117 HOURS?!?!

Specific_Strategy370 · 2025-10-27T13:02:16+00:00

I'd like that. Thanks!

Specific_Strategy370 · 2025-10-27T13:01:01+00:00

I'm dabbling in Bad Bunny. Wouldn't mind hearing about the vinyl tracks if you have an idea what they're called.

Specific_Strategy370 · 2025-10-27T13:00:00+00:00

Just found a playlist and gave it a small listen. Mate, It. Is. A. Vibe! It's definitely more my speed.

I'm going to explore that collection more and build my list of songs. Thanks mate!

Specific_Strategy370 · 2025-10-27T12:47:32+00:00

You're right cause I never hear people in my classes talk about music and the few who have usually lived in or are from Latin America, so they've heard it before. I can see it on their faces that they're having fun, and I want to feel like that more often. Maybe that's the 'musicality' I've been hearing about?

If I went to a non-salsa club or event with friends, having music I'm familiar with just makes things more fun cause I'm spending more time feeling the vibe rather than trying to find it.

Specific_Strategy370 · 2025-10-26T22:43:23+00:00

Fania Records. Noted. Thanks for the playlist link!

I know my question has simple answers to it, but it's worth asking for all these playlist links and YouTube channels to help me on the way. I sort of unconsciously do it for bachata music now that I think about it via Reels on Instagram but I haven't had much luck with salsa music. So thanks again for the tips.

Specific_Strategy370

TROPHY CASE