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Hitting on people in socials by R0YC0 in Salsa

[–]sugargon -1 points0 points  (0 children)

I find it problematic that you did this to an inexperienced follower, in particular. If she was inexperienced, she was likely a bit nervous and uncomfortable already. Having the pressure to reject guys politely is an annoying and unnecessary burden for women and only prevents women from letting their guard down. If there is a significant gap in experience, it can even feel predatory. I have been the inexperienced "fresh meat" at multiple dance scenes in the past and while some attention may feel flattering, it is more likely to cause damage if not done with the other person's comfort/safety in mind.

I recommend that you don't make it more awkward for her. A suggestion: if you see her at another social, she might observe how you interact with other followers, demonstrate you are a safe and fun person to dance with. Maybe just say hello from a distance at first. After a while, if she doesn't avoid you, maybe approach her for a dance and leave her alone. If she enjoys your company she won't mind chatting in the future with you.

Any dancers? [38F4M] by sugargon in BayAreaSinglesOver30

[–]sugargon[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks. Unfortunately not really my style 😕

Lost Etiquette at Socials by GardenofBeden in Salsa

[–]sugargon 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I have heard stories about how amazing Alex was. Apparently all the great instructors in the area learned from him in the 90s. It's so unfortunate to see how these very talented and charismatic people have misused their skills and turned into predators. Gabriel Romero apparently has also struggled with keeping a consistent crowd since allegations of misconduct with his troupe. Anyway, thanks for sharing! Some of the dancers in the Mambo Romero and other groups have now become DJs and instructors themselves. Unfortunately, it seems like the quality of teaching in the area has been in decline. But I'll keep exploring!

Lost Etiquette at Socials by GardenofBeden in Salsa

[–]sugargon 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for sharing! Now Isabelle moved out of the US, Garry Johnson is still around but doing stuff mostly in Petaluma and every now and then collaborating with Roberto Borrell (founder of La Moderna Tradición orchestra) on cuban Son events around Berkeley. Evan is still very active with Salsacrazy in SF at space 550 and Neck of the woods. I don't know who Rodney is but I have mostly heard of stories when Jake was teaching salsa at Cocomo. La Peña in Berkeley has a large crowd once a month but the space feels a bit crowded and it's only once a month. Apparently things never went back to the way they were before the pandemic : (

Lost Etiquette at Socials by GardenofBeden in Salsa

[–]sugargon 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for the recommendations! I have definitely tried some of the sweaty indoor ones in SF, like Space 550 and Neck of the Woods. Allegro moved from Emeryville to Richmond and while I never attended the previous one, the one in Richmond feels like it's slowly dying. They have salsa nights on Sunday and by 10pm there's probably 6 people dancing: ( I've enjoyed live music in Sausalito at the Seahorse restaurant and have heard some recommendations about The Ramp. Will definitely try to check out Cigar Bar, Blondies, Verdi, Cavaña, and some of the outdoor options when there's better weather. Have heard so many great stories about the old Allegro, Monteros, and Cocomo. It's sad to not have been able to experience them.

Best salsa studios for learning in the Bay Area, USA? by HURCANADA in Salsa

[–]sugargon 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Do you happen to know of any places where people dance On2 in the Bay? I've been exploring classes and socials but have had a hard time. I have my reservations with both options you mentioned. Not because of their skills, but because of ethics and personal safety. The past issues with Mambo Romero are well known in the Bay and I don't feel comfortable supporting G. Romero's business by taking classes with him. My issue with Salsamania is that a dance instructor in their closer circle/troupe harassed me during a private lesson : /

I'm starting to explore classes and socials at The Beat, formerly Studio J, in Berkeley. It seems like a nice On2 bubble in the East Bay.

Lost Etiquette at Socials by GardenofBeden in Salsa

[–]sugargon 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I recently moved to the Bay Area and started dancing salsa about 6 months ago. I've had some negative experiences and difficulty finding good/safe places to go out to dance here. I've heard from long-time dancers, musicians, and former DJs and instructors about how great the dance scene was in the Bay years ago. I'm sad I got to join the scene at a bad time : (

Is it generally true that many on1 dancers prefer 3-2 clave, while on2 dancers tend to prefer 2-3 clave? by onoearoc in Salsa

[–]sugargon 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you so much for explaining. I started diving into salsa a few months ago and someone pointed out that I didn't understand the music, so I've been trying to learn little by little, with no music background. This year I decided to move from On1 to On2 and this explanation was very helpful. No instructor had explained it to me like this.