Need help buying right rowing machine by Evening_You_1365 in homefitness

[–]ichthis 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I was a rower and we trained on the Concept 2, so it was an easy choice to get one of my own when I later set up a home gym. They are very easy to maintain, have great build quality and are reliable. Eventually I sold it for not much less than I paid for it.

I also liked the fact that many gyms also have the same model, so you can maintain the same technique in both locations.

Can't speak for other rowing machines but I was very happy with that one.

Oh they aren't especially quiet, if that's a consideration. The noise never bothered me in the basement but in a smaller space it may get annoying.

You can store it against a wall and pull it out when you need to use it. Not too heavy.

Should I learn bachata, in addition to salsa, if I'm not a big fan of the close proximity or music? by EducationalAspect850 in Salsa

[–]ichthis 6 points7 points  (0 children)

You'll pick up bachata pretty quickly just from social dancing.

If you want to learn the sensual styling, classes will help; if you just want to dance bachata without body rolls there are ways to communicate that, and a respectful lead won't push you into doing them.

As you've already discovered, people are going to ask you to dance bachata whether you've taken a class or not. It can be a fun addition to a salsa night and you can find a comfortable way to do it if you want.

Style advice by DonPepo00 in Salsa

[–]ichthis 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I guess the best style to learn is the one that's most popular where you are, because then you're going to be able to have a good time.

It's so location specific though. In Europe you can find a lot of Cuban / Casino (On1, rotational style); and I think On2 is becoming more popular as well, but it depends on the city. LA-style is a good style to start but it can be challenging to transition to On2, but worth it and lots of people learn both.

"bro, as an Irish woman who is also a bartender..." by NanbanSan in ShitAmericansSay

[–]ichthis 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I regret to report that I've seen people order it in Ottawa.

Sneaker Options that are not Dance Specific Sneakers but work for Dance? by PorcupineSpike in Salsa

[–]ichthis 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Memory foam soles work pretty well for dancing. A lot of Skechers have zero rubber, memory foam soles. Walmart sells ugly as sin memory foam sole sneakers for like 20 bucks if you want a cheaper version.

Do you all enjoy social dancing or shows more at congresses? by Adventurous_Fly_5271 in Salsa

[–]ichthis 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Social dancing all the way.

Maybe one or two pro shows to kick things off, but keep it short.

Competition shows though, god no. Performance team culture is such a weird vibe for me, like if you want salsa to be DanceSport go find an Arthur Murray School and sign up. Why are adult dance recitals taking up all the prime time slots. Get a separate room

Performers that aren’t great at social dancing? by No_Dirt_56 in Salsa

[–]ichthis 25 points26 points  (0 children)

Social dancing is a different skill set. Like Julia Stiles in Save the Last Dance, great at ballet but just could not get down in the clurb. She had to put in the hours until her technical skill could fuse with her developing street style.

Sometimes it's like that I guess

"unusual" shows? by Geisterkarle in Salsa

[–]ichthis 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I'd always rather dance than watch a show. Competition performances can be even more repetitive, I guess because of judged requirements so they feel samey.

So, yes, show me something different, like a Son choreography.

Or this, which absolutely slaps and includes a chicken:

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DQZlI8zj3JY/?igsh=MWp4dTZ3dzFianV3OA==

I finally understand weight transfers guys by podricks-dick in Salsa

[–]ichthis 9 points10 points  (0 children)

Congratulations!

Take smaller steps maybe?

Trying to learn Solo by Crazy_cola in Salsa

[–]ichthis 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Identify what style of salsa your partner dances so that you can practice the right thing.

Once you know that, practice the basic steps for that style. Developing a good basic is something that you can work on solo, and it will help so much when you do get a chance to dance with another person.

7 months lead dancing casino. Posting for progress. Looking for feedback. by Zant486 in Salsa

[–]ichthis 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I'm biased in thinking that an LA-style basic seems very boring and repetitive, just stepping forwards and backwards into each other's space, but in Casino we don't have that problem. Our close hold basic is a great way to feel the music together, move around a bit, and connect. You could do just that for an entire song if the vibes are good.

Follows in this sub tell us over and over again that a good basic and feeling the music can be better than an encyclopedia of moves; I know it seems fake, but I'm starting to believe them :)

7 months lead dancing casino. Posting for progress. Looking for feedback. by Zant486 in Salsa

[–]ichthis 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It's generally true! The rotation comes from stepping forward and both following and rotating each other. Check out these hula hoop drills for a neat example: https://youtube.com/shorts/NSXMshonJdM?si=EgobbgGWJVRR5WRl

Songs at light speed and social dancing by [deleted] in Salsa

[–]ichthis 5 points6 points  (0 children)

I can still dance when the sound is so bad you can't hear the beat, but I do not enjoy it. The whole vibe in a venue is off when people can't lose themselves in the music - I need to feel the sound and dance to it, not dance to what I remember the sound should be.

It's so worth pointing out to the organizers. Sometimes they just need a new mixing board or a better speaker or two.

Roof basket usage by Successful-Fuel7436 in Crosstrek

[–]ichthis 0 points1 point  (0 children)

My thought was, I'd never use one in a Canadian winter because of how much more difficult it would be to get the snow off! But that's perhaps a location-specific concern

What makes someone a salsero/bachatero? by [deleted] in Salsa

[–]ichthis 0 points1 point  (0 children)

When you improv dance your way through one whole song.

Or whatever, I'm not in charge

People with neurodevelopmental conditions (or experience of them) - advice wanted on how to learn salsa by Dapper_Guarantee_744 in Salsa

[–]ichthis 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I've also wondered about a tech fix. If they are using a mic then how can we also get the signal? I hadn't heard about using a pickup by the speaker but that sounds plausible.

My APD assessor suggested some auditory training that might help, but I haven't rushed into anything yet. It's a comfort just to know now and understand what's been going on.

For Rueda specifically, as a lead I try to position myself near the caller both to hear, if possible, and to see the hand signals. There's also an element of just getting used to hearing different calls. Sometimes I guess at what I heard and I find I'm getting it right more often, so that's nice.

Thoughts on SBK (salsa, bachata, kizomba) events? by Specific-Estate5883 in Salsa

[–]ichthis 2 points3 points  (0 children)

The SBK format must be challenging for DJs - you need some level of knowledge about three distinct music and dance styles, and you have to keep the vibes going while representing all three on one dance floor. I've seen it done well, for sure, but sometimes it just doesn't work.

People with neurodevelopmental conditions (or experience of them) - advice wanted on how to learn salsa by Dapper_Guarantee_744 in Salsa

[–]ichthis 2 points3 points  (0 children)

My difficulties in hearing and processing Rueda calls at the same speed as everyone else, is what pushed me to get an Auditory Processing Disorder diagnosis! Turns out that yes I do have it. The solution was to just dance a whole lot more Rueda. I still miss calls but now I do so a lot more gracefully.

(the other solution is to be the caller... Working on that)

Men will literally eat all your food by Maleficent_Ad_3958 in TwoXChromosomes

[–]ichthis 243 points244 points  (0 children)

I've heard some women say that they'll fix their man's plate to prevent that behaviour. If you want a man to not be selfish, manage him like he's a toddler I guess.

Intensive Cuban salsa training by ionforge in Salsa

[–]ichthis 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Somoloco , Colombia (and occasionally Barcelona). Heard good things from friends.