How to dance with an absolute beginner?

For quite some time, my salsa flame had been burning a little less brightly.

But once the fire of Salsa and Bachata has touched your heart, it never truly dims entirely.

After almost five years of doing an occasional dance in my living room with my daughter, this former salsa addict has finally crawled out of his cave again.

And wow, so much has changed!

Years ago, I could get incredibly frustrated watching people on the dance floor who couldn’t dance.

Today, I absolutely love it.

Because what could be more beautiful than allowing yourself to be honest, vulnerable, and completely free, moving on the music?

When I see people enjoying themselves intensely without knowing a single dance step, I mostly learn a lesson about myself of whom I was 30 years ago.

I remember how hard I worked to learn how to dance.

And how frustrated I became because it seemed impossible.

The truth is, I was simply afraid that people would laugh at me.

Now I see people who have moved beyond that fear and embarrassment. They step onto the dance floor and just dance.

I love it!

But how do you dance with such a complete beginner if you end up dancing with them?

More about that in a moment.

Because it all Gets Even Better

What really surprised me is how many young people are dancing these days.

Last Thursday, I attended Latin Summer Breeze in Amsterdam. I think the average age was somewhere between 20 and 35. Of course, there were also older dancers there—like me at 58.

What makes it so special is that everyone dances with everyone.

All ages. All cultures. All levels.

That is why, for me, the Latin dance scene remains the most beautiful social scene in the world.

People drink hardly to no alcohol, the atmosphere is friendly, people genuinely enjoy dancing together, and security is barely needed because serious problems are extremely rare.

So… it is good to be back!

And although I have definitely gotten older, people still recognized me from the salsa videos on our YouTube channel.

I am incredibly grateful that we have been able to help so many people take their very first dance steps through our online platform, Salsaventura.tv.

In the coming weeks and months, I will be writing weekly articles again and sharing plenty of dance tips with you.

Do you know someone who would enjoy these articles?

Feel free to forward this newsletter and invite them to subscribe at https://salsaventura.tv/free-dance-tips/

How to Dance with a Complete Beginner

The Better Dancer Adapts
If you are the more experienced dancer, it is your responsibility to adapt to the person you are dancing with.
Keep It Simple
When someone is still learning, it can be very discouraging to dance with a partner who constantly tries complicated moves that don’t work. So keep it simple.
Do What Works
During the first minute, try a few basic elements such as: the basic step, cross-body lead and a single right turn. If the basic step isn’t working yet, stay with that—or move on to the next tip.
Use the Frame
If your partner cannot yet dance the basic step, you can always guide them through your frame and dance posture. As a leader, bring them into your arms and let them feel the rhythm and movement through your connection.
Have Fun
No matter how challenging it may be, try to enjoy it. The average song lasts only about three minutes. It will be over before you know it.