u/Opening-Shower-7950

It is said by followers like leaders that lead soft. This seems abstract and I want to know what it means in a more detail.

Ok follows, especially on the younger side (talking 20-30's) are you comfortable dancing with older men (men in 40's-50's, and even 60's? Be honest.

I was looking at photos from a festival in Hungary and I was surprised at how many older man were dancing with younger women. I don't think this is common in the states. Is this a Europe thing or something.

Younger women, would you reject a dance to a guy who is a lot older and is not physically attractive? Be honest. I think that would happen a lot in America than other places. Younger women dance Bachata so I think they would stay away from older men because it's not common. Convince why I'm wrong.

I'm tired of being and feeling alone when I go out. How have you connected with other people? Is it weird to strike up conversations with strangers in between dances? I don't know what to to do when I'm not dancing. I'm sitting alone by myself like a weirdo. How do I approach this? Please help.

Ok follows, especially on the younger side (talking 20-30's) are you comfortable dancing with older men (men in 40's-50's, maybe even 60's). Be honest.

I was looking at photos from a big festival and I was surprised at how many older man were in attendance. Salsa is not like Bachata, but it's still a partner dance and it can be sensual at times.

Would you reject a dance to a guy who is a lot older and is not physically attractive? Be honest.

That's it. I'm not going to wait until I become good. I have attended enough classes and socials at this point. I can attend 20+ more and I don't think it would be that much of a difference.

I have a couple questions. Remember when I asked the difference between classes and workshops? Well there was a reason for that. There are going to be workshops and demos at this congress.

I'm not used to crowded workshops where everyone is gathered around trying to get a good spot to record the steps and moves. Any tactics on where to get a good spot? I want to record the steps with my phone so I can review them. Should I be further back to get a wide shot? Or should get in the front and film the footwork only? I'm afraid I'll be smushed around people though. I've seen this demos online and they are crowded. Plus, you have other videographers that might in the way.

How do the experts on here go about this?

Thanks.

Is there a difference? I see these overcroweded workshops at these festivals online, but they aren't technically classes? How is it structured?

Do you rotate and dance with complete strangers at workshops like you do in classes at a school?

How long do the last? An hour?

Are there any workshops that you attended that were really good?

It's so hard to dance as a beginner as a leader. I feel like skilled followers are just going to get bored with me.

And then if I try to do something cool or interesting they will feel embarrassed and just brush me off.

I want to make a follower feel happy, but when I try I just look so weird. I don't know what to do.

I was told that making mistakes is fine, but when I make mistakes I feel like I'm not only embarrassing myself, but I'm embarrassing the partner I'm dancing with.

This is so difficult.

So first of all I just want to state that I'm a complete beginner at the moment. I don't know what it's like to climb up the skill ladder in terms of beginner, intermediate and advanced. That's why I'm curious from others perspective on this.

How would you describe the learning curve in Bachata? How realistic is it for a beginner who started in his late 30's to reach at a somewhat advanced level? Like, what is a realistic time frame on that? 6 years? More? Obviously, this depends on how much time, money and work you put in.

I'm getting pretty serious about this and I want to be "good" rather than it just be a hobby for time to pass. I'm not saying I want to be some skillful master that performs at shows or become some certified teacher/instructor, I just want to be able to dance where it feels like second nature. Like it should feel like walking. I really want to get at that point.

I'm working really hard at this and I practice home everyday. I listen to my instructor all the time. I wish I had a practice partner, but maybe that will come later.

Also, as a side question...is learning a new dance bad for my bachata growth, or can it help it? I want to learn another style, but I haven't decided yet.

As a beginner, I'm interested in different perspectives on how to grow as a dancer. I'm open to any feedback and suggestions.

Thanks.

New Bachata dancer here. I'm enjoying the learning process. It's been very interesting, but when I dance with other people I kind of tense up and get anxious. It's so hard to remember moves in advance. I keep doing the same simple moves because I don't want to mess up.

Leading is so hard. I have to memorize rhythm, memorize sequences and steps and then guide a person all at the same time. This is going to be a long process. People were telling my Bachata is way easier than Salsa and other social dances. If this is consider "easy" then I have no chance in those other dance styles.

I feel awkward and just completely out of style.

Hello,

I'm a 38 year old man considering taking up Bachata classes. I have zero dance experience in my life. I'm not as a coordinated as I was when I was in my 20's (used to be an athlete).

I'm also not an extraverted person. I'm kind of a hermit and I like to have my own personal space. However, I'd like to grow out of this because I think it's somewhat healthy for me to have some social interaction at this point in my life.

Before I consider this as an activity what should I actually know? Am I too old to be considering this? How do you actually practice besides going to classes? Do I need to find another dance partner to level up?

How often should I attend dance socials as a beginner? Do I just tell people I'm a beginner and will they be okay dancing with a complete beginner.

Sorry if these sound like dumb questions, but I'm just nervous and I don't want to embarrass myself, especially around women.

I'd appreciate any feedback on anything that'd be helpful for me.

Thanks.