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Writer's pictureHeather Ramos

To Style Or Not to Style?

Are you ready to salsa but finding yourself tangled in tango? It might be because your styling is out of sync with your steps! In the realm of partner dancing, whether you're into the spicy rhythms of salsa or the smooth moves of bachata, timing is everything. Sure, adding some flair to your footwork can spice up your routine, but style at the wrong time can turn your dance floor fantasy into a clumsy catastrophe. Let's dive into the reasons why adding styling at the wrong time can trip up your two-step in any social partner dance, from salsa to bachata and beyond.





1. The Footwork Fiasco


So, you've mastered the basic steps of your favorite Latin dance, and you're ready to take it to the next level with some fancy footwork styling. You start incorporating intricate spins and taps, but here's the kicker – you're doing it during the basic steps! Your partner is left wondering if they've stumbled into a salsa version of "Dancing with the Stars." Remember, timing is key when it comes to footwork embellishments. Save those spins for the right moment, and you'll avoid stepping on each other's toes – literally.


2. The Arm-Ageddon


Ah, the allure of elegant arm styling – it can truly elevate your dance and make you feel like a Latin dance deity. However, flinging your arms about like a flamenco dancer in the midst of a bachata break can lead to disaster. Those sleek spins you envisioned suddenly become a game of dodgeball as your partner tries to avoid your wayward limbs. Remember, coordination is crucial! Save the arm flourishes for moments where they won't cause a collision and your dance will flow like a river of rhythm.


3. The Head-spinning Horror


Let's talk about head styling – the subtle yet impactful art of turning your head with finesse to add flair to your dance. But beware! Newton's law of motion applies here. If you decide to whip your head around like you're at a rock concert during a salsa cross-body lead, you might leave your partner feeling more dizzy than delighted. Easy does it – head turns are best saved for slow, deliberate movements in the dance where your partner can anticipate and follow your lead without getting whiplash.


4. The Fancy Footloose


Finally, we have the overall styling extravaganza – the moment where you bring together your footwork, arms, head, and hips with the finesse of a seasoned dancer. The temptation to show off your skills might be strong, but executing a full-blown styling sequence in the middle of a partner dance is like trying to juggle flaming torches – it's impressive until things go up in flames. Keep your styling concise and synchronized with the music and steps to avoid overwhelming yourself and your partner.


Tips to Tango Without the Tangles


Now that you're armed with the knowledge of what not to do when adding styling to your partner dance, here are some quick tips to ensure your moves are smooth, stylish, and – most importantly – in sync:


  • Practice Makes Perfect: Before showcasing your fancy footwork or arm styling on the dance floor, practice it solo to ensure it complements the dance rather than complicating it.

  • Listen to the Music: Let the rhythm guide your styling choices. Match your embellishments to the beats and pauses in the music to create a seamless dance experience.

  • Communication is Key: Don't be afraid to discuss styling preferences with your dance partner. Together, you can create a harmonious dance routine that showcases both of your talents.


So, there you have it – the pitfalls of improper partner dance styling and how to avoid them. Remember, the key to a successful dance partnership lies in timing, coordination, and communication. It's all about finding the right moment to shine and letting your passion for partner dancing ignite the dance floor!


Happy dancing!


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