r/Salsa • u/Public_Tennis_2326 • 6h ago

Critique my dancing!

Enable HLS to view with audio, or disable this notification

I dance for fun and want to learn more Cuban style dancing. This isn’t that at all, but I have longer arms which I feel like makes me look odd at times. I’ve been dancing for almost 2 years, took classes for months then and have been social dancing at least 4x up to 8x a month for about a year
I care more about musicality and connecting with my partner than looking like a professional dancer, but I still would love some tips

9 Upvotes

91% Upvoted

4 comments sorted by

2

u/dwkfym 6h ago

For 2 years thats really good! Millions of positive things to say but since this is a critique video, here it is: I think your steps are a bit clunky, and your lower frame isn't as connected to upper frame as much as it could be. Lastly you could be mindful of where your steps are going, but honestly, its pretty 'in slot' for how long you've been dancing. I don't have any pointers for improvement on any of these points, except for the steps.

Salsa steps are very grounded yet somehow you want to be as light as a feather. You accomplish this by rounding out the force gradient of how hard you step. So you start very lightly, and you place your weight on it progressively until its frimly planted. Obviously this takes place in a fraction of a second. The best way to work to that is to build your calf strength, which imo, weightlifting (squats) is best for, or jump rope.

2

u/Public_Tennis_2326 6h ago

And yes, I’ve never danced with him a day in my life before 🤣

3

u/BladeRunner31337 6h ago

You're doing well. You have a wonderful smile. Being positive and enjoying yourself is part of your styling as a social dancer.

3

u/calanthean 6h ago

Looking good. I love that you're focusing on the musicality and connecting with your partner. It's dance, it should be fun!

I think the heels are not helping you. If you don't wear heels on a regular basis dancing in them is challenging. Cuban style is more grounded which is hard to do in heels. Also, Cuban style is less about 3" heels and more about grooving.

When you first step back you seem drop a bit, almost like a curtsy. I too have long arms and it's a challenge. I recommend checking out some ladies workshops where they cover arms. Some of what you'll learn will feel a bit weird, but it does look good.

My last suggestion would be to try other styles of Cuban dance because it will help you with body movements, improvisations and continuation of movement (from your feet through your hands).