Should We Correct Others During Social Dancing?

Recently, a discussion arose in our studio, Latin Moves Dance Studio, with one of our students. She shared her experience where a dancer asked her to social dance, then proceeded to criticize and correct her, in an attempt to become her instructor. She was upset and embarrassed by the encounter and it ultimately was a huge turnoff for the rest of the night. 

The anecdote brought on a couple of questions; should this dancer have corrected her? Is this proper etiquette?

As an instructor, I've encountered many social dances in which I am asked for feedback on the experience. Whether it’s at a smaller local social, or a larger Salsa Congress like Tri-State Dance Fest, I am often asked questions like: How was it? Was my timing correct?

At this point, should I answer? Should I not answer? Should I have offered my opinion without being asked? This is not a new topic, and I'm sure that many have different opinions on what should transpire. 

I will take a few lines to offer my perspective. Intrinsically, Salsa is a social dance that made its way to the classroom/studio and eventually onto the stage. Therefore, social dancing should always be at the heart of Mambo. Social dancing is the equivalent of free writing, where we express our thoughts and ideas without any worry or anticipation of criticism.

Personally, I do not correct while social dancing. For me, it is not a time to judge dance technique, but rather, a time to enjoy movement and music. Correcting while social dancing makes dancers feel pressured, makes them feel judged. They then become focused on mechanics instead of enjoying and expressing what they feel. Essentially, if the dance is enjoyable and feels good to both parties, then you're dancing the right way, because that’s the goal.

My advice: leave the learning of mechanics to your classes. Use your social dancing as a way to feel, express, and enjoy the music. Learn to connect with those you dance with; after all, that's what brought you to dance in the first place.

I'd love to hear what dancers around the scene think and feel about this type of interaction. Have you been in a similar situation as a student or as an instructor? What is your take? Do you or do you not correct?

Drop us a comment and weigh in.