Confidence is key when it comes to dancing salsa. There is nothing worse than watching a dancer do the right steps, yet look awkward or uncomfortable. Many beginners feel self-conscious when they step into the dance floor, but there are a few things you can do to build your confidence.
In this article, you will find useful advice for beginner salsa dancers on how to feel more comfortable, have more fun and be more genuine in your dance.
How does confidence play a part?
Here’s what confidence enables you to do:
Try to keep your movements fluid and in time with the music.
Effectively communicate with a partner using lead and follow.
Don’t be afraid to play around with steps and turns and body movement.
Get to enjoy social dancing and not have to worry about feeling self-conscious.
Understanding the fact that confidence will improve not only your technical dancing, but your fun as well, is the foundation upon which you must build in order to develop stronger presence in your dance.
Be Consistent with Your Practice
Consistency is key to building confidence.
Take some of those initial steps over and over again, until they become second nature.
Mirrors are used to assess posture, timing, and body motion.
Add solo practice to work on rhythm, footwork, and style.
As you get more confident, add more steps in gradually.
Practice is key as it forms muscle memory that means less inner deliberation and more confidence when you’re out dancing.
Learn the Basics
The following are the essential steps you should master before trying any complicated patterns or spinning:
Step forward and step back
Side step
Basic turns
Easy partner combinations
Once you have these basics down, you can then concentrate on the flow and connection of the dance, rather than fear of messing up and feel more in control and secure when dancing socially.
Emphasize rhythmic and musical considerations.
You’ve got to feel the music to feel confident.
Focus on listening to salsa music and try to count out loud.
Note the rhythm and timing of the drums in songs.
Let your body loosen up and sway with the beat, hips, torso, etc.
When you can connect with the music, the movement will feel more natural and you will not worry so much about following your partner.
Mindset is Everything
Having a good mindset plays a big role in being confident:
Don’t worry if you mess up! Everyone, even advanced dancers make mistakes.
Don’t compare yourself with others, focus on your improvement.
Imagine that you’re dancing well and with confidence.
Switch negative self-talk with positive self-talk. Instead of doubting yourself, support yourself.
Having a positive attitude enables you to have fun and dance while at the same time working on getting better.
Connect With Partner
A good lead-follow connection increases the confidence of both the leader and follower:
Keep the hand and arm in a relaxed position.
Persuade by nudging instead of coercing.
Try to be reactive to your partner’s actions.
Train with various partners to improve flexibility and confidence in different contexts.
If you feel you can trust your partner, it means you can relax and have a better time dancing.
Take It Easy on the Social Front
For inexperienced dancers, it can be intimidating to start off in a packed club environment:
Start off by watching others to learn how to flow and space.
You can begin by practicing shorter social dances with a patient dance partner or fellow student.
When you become more confident, try to gradually increase the time and add more challenging elements.
Slow means you won’t panic and will get used to dancing in everyday situations.
Comfortable Clothing and Footwear
The comfort of your clothing helps your confidence:
Wear shoes that make it easier to walk and balance.
Opt for clothes that won’t confine you and hinder your posture.
Maybe try dressing in your performance clothes sometimes, to try to become less self-aware when you’re at these kinds of gatherings.
It’s important to be physically comfortable so you don’t get distracted and can fully engage in the dance.
Fourth, acknowledge and celebrate the little victories along the way. This will help you stay motivated and encouraged throughout the process.
Recognizing achievements strengthens belief:
-Keep track of progress in timing, footwork, connection with partner, etc.
Praise yourself for learning a turn or combination of turns.
Be aware of any progress you make in your comfort level of dancing, even if it’s slight.
Reaching small successes will help you stay motivated to keep trying, and will help you stay positive about yourself as a dancer.