So what conclusion can we draw?
First, identify your
goal. You need know why you want a partner. If it is for social
parties, probably just go partying is the easiest.
Second, you need to be
good. You can see from my story that being a well-trained dancer in
fact is a privilege, it makes you popular everywhere, social or
professional, and catch attention from any potential partners.
Third, get exposure to
as many kinds of dance forms as you can , and be good in each of
them. From my point of view, all dances are the same: you have a
rhythm and a beat, you listen to the music with your body, you have
your feet but dance with your heart. The progress you have in one
dance can boost your performance in another dance. And you can
actually have different partners for different dances.
Fourth, know both man's
and lady's steps. You know your step and do it well is not enough,
because what matter most in a partner dance is partnering skill. Know
how to lead and follow can only make your potential partner like you
more.
Fifth, know the solo
(shine), partner, group, and mixer. Even though you only do partner
dance, you should also know how to solo, not only Salsa has shine,
all Latin dances and even American Ballroom have solo. Group dance
and mixer are also important skills that can help your choreographing
and floorcrafting. Once you are a star on the floor, you may find
surprises.
Sixth, know your
partners' expectation. You could see from my past experience that a
social dance partner, practice partner, professional partner or
teaching partner could have different goals. If you want a long term
partner, pressurizing will only achieve the opposite.
In short, getting and keeping a partner may need more effort than
that in a romantic relationship.
Good luck!
Get back to Part 1 to see how you should prepare yourself for your partner.
Go to Part 2 to see a real story of partner search
Get back to Part 1 to see how you should prepare yourself for your partner.
Go to Part 2 to see a real story of partner search
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