Salsa City Forum » News and Chat » Lost my confidence in a big way at Cuba last night!

Hugh, just wondering when you last went to Cuba? I went last night for the first time in ages and the atmosphere in there was lovely, really warm and friendly and not at all chaotic. Also from talking to a few people and recognising a few more faces from other venues, I’m not sure they’d be best pleased at you describing the majority of them as ‘inexperienced and uncommitted participants’. Most of the class also stayed on to dance afterward, with a number of people coming in later just to dance. Salsa music was played all night until close. Although your experience may not have been great in the past I’m just concerned that this out of date view may put people off what has become in my opinion, and many others that I spoke to, a fantastic night. Why don’t you try it again and see if it can win you over, or even if it doesn’t at least you can have an up to date opinion and talk to some other people there to see what they think?

Thanks for the update. Yes, it’s been a long time since I visited the Cuba Bar. I’m glad you enjoyed it; I’ll have to check it out again.

Cuba was again a bit chaotic last night, lots of new faces, I think it was relatively quiet last week because of Easter.

I feel now I have been taught quite a few new moves over the last couple of weeks almost to the point of saturation where now I just want to be able to practice them in combination as Andy suggested at the end of the class last night.

However I feel I’m caught between the devil and the deep blue sea at the moment. On the one hand I am desperate to improve and the only way I’m going to be able to do that is by practicing after the classes. On the other my confidence seems to be on roller coaster ride as I still find Cuba quite intimidating, particularly when the classes have finished and all the more experienced dancers come onto the floor.

At one stage last night, one of my partners said that I wasn’t moving my hips. I said in response, ‘I was just trying to concentrate on the steps.’ At the time I found this a bit off putting as consequently I then lost the timing with the music.

I realised after, this was a simple case of me not bending my knees whilst doing the steps, which surprised me because I do try to concentrate on doing it correctly in the beginners warm up. But thinking about it, I do seem to become a bit wooden and loose the fluidity of movement in my hips when we partner up.

Sorry I don’t know your name, but thanks for telling me this, even if at the time it was a bit distracting.

That’s a good attitude to have. When I get a “you’re not doing it right” type comment, I always take it seriously. Even if I decide she’s wrong, I never say so. I just think, “At least she was interested enough in dancing with me to express an opinion.”

Just a hint,

If you are thinking of asking any girls out, the one’s that let you know what’s wrong with your dancing in class, may just continue the behavior off the dance floor. I suggest asking out the women who treat you well on the dance floor...

Keep up the attitude, the dance skill comes with time...