Social dance is a unknown medium. The most visible consequence is an accumulation of beliefs that are very often unjustified. A review of some false ideas that maintain the fear of moving forward.

"You have to be flexible"

The flexibility in dance is really only worked for an aesthetic purpose, for shows. To make a splitz, it impresses, it is beautiful, but it never made a good dancer or a good dancer. This applies both to solo dances and to partner dances. In fact, most partner dances are social, and the purpose of a social dance is to ensure that the partners spend the three minutes of a dance taking maximum pleasure, not by making Convoluted pirouettes.

credit photo : siavach

"I'm not old enough"

This is probably what is most ridiculous, especially as some say it as early as 30 years. Like walking, dancing is an activity that can be practiced at any age. Without making the feats of this 80 year old grandmother dancing salsa in this video, you can find the genre that suits you. From tango to acrobatic rock or kizomba, you are bound to have the necessary physical condition for one of the dances. Never having danced before is not a handicap: it is simply the case of most pupils of beginner classes of dance with two!

"As a man, dance is not a virile activity"

Yet, in partner dances, the rider (usually the man) must secure his partner, have the guidance light but precise. He must also ensure the rhythm, the guidance of variations and listen to his partner. Moreover, the dance allows him to work his posture, to be more straightened and more assertive in his approach. In short, it is more reassuring and this is found on a personal and professional level. Finally, by working posture, the man works his jacket, which tends to develop his muscular mass and coat his belly. Then, quite the contrary, dance is a virile activity. Especially the partner dance where the role of men and direct women. Would not that be a macho activity? :)

"I do not know many figures"

There we are going to be short and direct: the girls do not like the sequences of convoluted variations. Even the best ones are limited to three or four complex figures per dance. The girls will always prefer the precise and light guidance of a simple variation to a complex variation too often forced!

credit photo : siavach

"I'll never get to that level"

If you consider the world champions, no doubt! Otherwise, know that a few weeks of practice, you can go out in dancing evenings. It's a great way to move forward. If beginnings can be difficult, do not discourage because later satisfaction is all the greater. You will then see that in two or three years you will reach a level you do not imagine possible. As with many things, the important thing is not where one leaves but the regularity of the practice.

" I am too fat "

In dancing, being fat is never a problem. Overweight people also have an increased presence that, with a bit of technique, can become very enjoyable. One of the most striking examples is John Lindo, who must exceed the weight of his partners of nearly 100 kilos. He is one of the best west coast swing dancers in the world! One can also quote the teacher of salsa Super Mario. Unless you want to participate in Dancing with Stars, you should not worry about your weight, nor your age or size.

"I will not invite good dancers"

There are dances, indeed, where a certain label may exist. But in Latin dances (salsa, bachata ...) or swing and related (rock, west coast, lindy hop ...), the rule is that everyone invites everyone (and vice versa!).

"I do not want to be stiff when I dance"

The dancer's posture varies enormously between bent forward (boogie, lindy), straight (LA style salsa, west coast swing) and cambered (standard dances). So there is bound to be a dance whose posture will please you!

credit photo : siavach