Salsa City Forum » Salsa Music and Dance » Height of partners

Hi everyone I’m new to this forum.

I started Salsa classes a few weeks ago, I’ve been down to The Wharf on Sunday’s a few times and also given Cuba a go last week.

I must admit the first couple of time’s were a bit nerve racking as the only group dancing I’d ever done before was a bit of Twmpath.

I’m just beginning to enjoy it now and may I say Andy you are a great teacher and make the classes good fun by telling everyone the do’s and don’ts of all the moves and adding a touch humour which makes for a relaxed atmosphere.

However one thing that I feel a bit uneasy about, is that I’m about 5’7“ and some of the moves in couples are a bit awkward if you’re the guy and your partner is more than say 3 inches taller than you.

To overcome this I usually make sure I pair up with a female a few inches shorter than me, but the problem comes when you say ”change partners“. Don’t get me wrong it’s actually good to change partners, because as you say it makes sure you are doing the steps / moves correctly.

Can I be so bold as to make a suggestion to overcome this problem, but still maintain the opportunity to change partners. Is it possible to say have tall people on one side of the floor and shorter people on the other. Eg the dividing line say being +/- 5’9” or 5’10“ for guys and about +/- 5’7” for girls. This of course may present it’s own problems particularly if friends of significantly different heights want to stick together.

What do you think?

I’m 5’8“ and in my (moderate) 2” dancing heels that would make me 5’10" so I’m probably one of the taller females you’ve had trouble with!

It’s just something you’ll have to learn to adjust to. Believe me, it doesn’t take long, and once you get better at connecting with your partners it all gets easier. A good number of men I dance with are shorter than me, I’ve also danced with women a LOT shorter than me and it’s worked well. Seriously, you’ll get used to it.

Oh, and some of those short fellers are nice movers -- don’t deprive me of them!

What’s The prob! I’m only 5’7 amd I don’t find it all difficult. One lady I dance with on a Monday is about 6’5. The only Prob I get is when she use to “Duck Down” but now I’ve explained it to her, all is OK. I would say you should get closer to the lady and enjoy the moment. Ie... No ducking and diving.!!! Have a nice day

Does height matter when you have sex? Of course not! Same with salsa. Just enjoy it!

Dr. Love’s analysis is too simplistic, I feel. There are many important differences between sex and salsa.

Hi Dai,

I think Elena is right, you do get used to it. I’m also 5ft 7 1/2 and can really struggle in lessons dancing with people both taller and shorter than myself.

It’s practice I think and, as a woman, u get used to certain moves and so can kind of gauge how much u may need to bend your knees for example when dancing with someone shorter.

It does get easier, perserverance is the key.

Glad your enjoying salsa though! It’s always great to see new faces.

I didn’t mean that in a dirty way - comparing salsa and sex.

When you are dancing, you dance with passion, fun and also work to accommodate your partner (regardless of their height, skills etc). Of course there are differences but some similarities too.

As a man I must be able to lead the lady to execute the moves the way I want (regardless of her height, style and skill level).

Normally if a lady cannot follow my moves, I would find out how I can lead her better (or at times she will tell me how she would like to be lead). “Communication”!

I am 5’8“ and I’ve never had any problems re: heights. (I am no expert in salsa). Of course you cannot do certain moves with someone taller but remember - its not a competiton. You are not competing with the person you are dancing with (or other people on the dance floor).

I had a great dance with this lady who is about 5’11” and I really enjoyed it cos I can do certains moves that I couldn’t with someone shorter than me.

The more you dance with different people with different skills, heights, styles etc etc you will only get better.

Good to see you on the scene mate.

Thanks everyone, some interesting comments.

Since last week, I actually managed to get over my inhibition about this issue when I danced with a very nice girl who was at least 5’11" / 6’ last night at The Wharf.

I also gave the improvers ago for the first time last night which was a bit like the first week in the beginners, but I can now say that I’m hooked.

I couldn’t quite get the hang of the sweeping cross over step and 180 turns in couples, but it was fun giving it ago.