Nadine
Knows
Dear Nadine,
Thank you for the
e-mail about where to go for salsa in Seattle AND the web address for
SeattleSalsa.com. It's funny because I've been curious about Salsa for several
months but didn't quite know how to go about learning it (or if I'd even like
it). Then all of the sudden I looked up at the schedule for the place where I
recently started taking ballet/Jazz/hip-hop and I saw Salsa.
Now all of the sudden I'm thrown into a whole scene I know
nothing about. I was surfing through
the website and saw your column and would love to ask you some questions. I
have learned already, for example, that Latino men can be awfully persistent.
Any helpful hints that you wished someone clued you in on at the very
beginning...etiquette, warnings, advice etc...?
Thanks so much!
I agree with you that some men are very persistent in
the clubs. They just won't take a hint. This has happened to many women I know.
One time, my friend, who is really a patient person, actually said, "Which
part of "No" don't you understand?" I've also been nearly
dragged out on the dance floor by my wrist. That's a definite no-go for me.
The first time a guy asks me to dance, I'll dance. If later I don't want to
dance with him, I smile and decline politely. If he asks a second time, I smile
and decline firmly and tell him I'm waiting for a salsa song, or that I'm
resting a little. And then I move seats, or go find another friend, or go to
the bar, or go to the ladies room and wash my hands or something. (Public
Health Message: One can never wash one’s hands enough. A male friend and
salsero once observed that 5 out of 7 guys did NOT wash their hands after doing
their thing in the bathroom at a club.)
Another way to avoid these "infatuated with your looks" kind of
people is to walk into a club, and search and stand by people you know. It's
kind of harder to find people you know when you're just starting out. But if
you go a few times, you'll recognize faces. Just walk right up to them, say hi,
and ask if they don't mind you putting your coat on that chair as well. (Great
way to find a spot to put stuff down if you get into a club too late to snag a
table.) Most people are quite nice and don't mind at all.
Then, if you see an undesirable person approach, get quickly involved in
conversation with your friend, or immediately ask them to go out onto the dance
floor with you (you can ask guys or girls to dance. It's all good). Sometimes,
these guys, who've been falling in love with you the whole night, will want to
walk you to your car. If you can, ask a friend or acquaintance if they'd mind
walking you to your car.
These situations seldom occur, but it happens. Its just part of the
club scene. Have fun, be on defense and you'll be fine.
-Nadine