Guys, What Not to Do on the Dance Floor

   Standing along the edge of the dance floor, you see him approaching out of the corner of your eye.  Your heartbeat quickens.  Your palms begin to sweat.  Should you make eye contact? He moves nearer. What will you say?  Just as he summons up the courage to ask you to dance, you make a mad dash for the exit.   

Ouch! Okay, maybe this scenario is a bit exaggerated.  Typically, when I don’t want to dance with a guy, I opt for the “No thanks” method.  Whatever your chosen escape strategy may be, it is most likely the effect of one or more of the following reasons.  So gentlemen, if you’ve ever suspected we may be giving you a “line” to avoid dancing with you, read on. You may be committing these perilous pitfalls.

Some of our very own, local salseras respond on what makes them want to run for the door when they see you coming.  (Names have been excluded)

“When a man stares at his feet, other people, or worst of all…your chest.  Guys, remember to dance with the partner you are with and look them in the eyes.  Afterall, it is a partner dance.”

“Lack of confidence.  It is much better to dance with someone who is rhythmically-challenged, but does his best and tries to have fun than it is to dance with someone who is scared.”

 “Pride.  If you think you are so good out on the dance floor that nothing is your fault…then you are annoying.  This applies to both guys and girls.”

“Timing!  This complaint is huge.  It is sometimes painful to dance with someone who cannot stay on rhythm.  I lose focus of the dance because I am just trying to follow his lead and have no way of predicting on what count it will be.”

 “A rough lead.  Pushing and pulling your partner around on the dance floor shows a lack of respect.  Partner dancing is supposed to be fun and enjoyable for both people involved, and it is difficult to have a good time while you are being shoved around.”  

 “Showing off.  I hate when a guy is more interested in showing off to the crowd than he is in interacting with his partner.  It is completely obvious to the crowd that you are showing off and not paying attention to your partner.  As both a dancer and an observer, I find the interaction between partners to be one of the most pleasurable aspects of the salsa experience.  I love watching two people out there dancing together and enjoying themselves together.  And showing off isn’t necessarily bad, but don’t neglect your partner.” ;

Poor hygiene.  Dancing is a close-proximity activity and nothing is worse than bad breath or body odor.  Especially when he is trying to have a conversation with me while dancing.  I just lean back, turn my head to the side and try to breathe.  Ugh!”

“Too close for comfort.  Do not try to pull a girl in closer than what she is comfortable with.  Typically she will let you know by pushing away slightly with her hand that is on your arm. Guys, get the hint.  Stop trying to pull her in if she is giving you signs that she doesn’t want that.” 

So guys, we know you’re not perfect.  And most of the time, we will dance with you even if you do possess some of the above mentioned shortcomings.  However, if you want to keep your dance card full, I suggest eliminating as many of these pitfalls as possible.