Learn to Salsa with Two Left Feet Singapore

What do you think most guys should focus on: 1) acquiring more patterns, or 2) improving their lead?

Pearlin says:

I think they should focus on improving their lead. Dancing with a guy who keeps trying out different patterns but does not have a good lead can be a big problem for beginners like myself. It might make both parties embarrassed since it'll most likely not be possible to complete the dance. A guy with a good lead on the other hand can even guide the lady to do new variations of the basic moves.

Nicolette says:

Definitely focus on improving the lead! Only with a good lead will the lady be able to interpret your moves, you'll be able to feel the music and get into the groove together. It'll be such an enjoyable dance! Simple moves does not equate boring dance!

James says:

Lead!!! Master the basics then move on to more advanced stuff.

Kelvin (Yee) says:

I would say it is always tempting for us, guys, to want to learn new patterns because :-
1) We don't want to gals in general to be bored with our few moves.
2) Familiar ladies will be so used to our turns patterns that they can anticipate what comes next....so no challenge.
3) It looks cool to be able to do so many moves.

However, I think that improving the lead should be the most important for both the lead and the follow to enjoy the dance; because instead of looking cool to others and impressing the gal by doing many different patterns, we can actually look quite silly if the gal can't follow and end up giving the wondering look, and it can be uncomfortable for the gal to dance with. Few things to focus on the lead:-

1) Guide (firm but gentle pull, push, stop) the lady on time. Besides doing the basic steps on time. The timing of the lead is the most important to the lady in order to follow.

2) Do not use to much force on the lead or you will be label as a rough lead.

3) Try to attain a constant connection rather than a "loose-and-tight" kind of lead.

4) Guys, don't move your arms too much during the basic steps because when you really want to do a lead, the lady can't tell. It is confusing.

5) Watch your partner; look at the crown of her head to minimize knocking her head (hehe I'm guilty about this); look at her arms when you fold or unfold so as to avoid twisting her arm.

Note: Most importantly, be attentive. If you realize you have misled your lady, don't insist on finishing the move. Sometimes can lead to injury.

Patricea says:

Personally, I prefer a clear lead to fancy moves. If the guy tries to lead
the lady in a fancy move but his lead is not clear, the move doesn't turn out good at all. Further, the rhythm of the dance is broken and the lady will probably go "I'm not going to dance with this guy until he improves his lead!".

I remember a lesson where I did adios, cross lead and cross lead turn with Kelvin Yee. Only three simple steps, but I enjoyed the dance as the lead was clear and strong.

It's important to improve on the basic steps and lead first, before acquiring new patterns. After all, everything builds on your basics - getting the basic step, following the beat and having a clear lead. Without these, no matter how fanciful your moves are are, the lady is not going to be able to follow and complement you.

So saying, I have to commend most of the Two Left Feet guys on their wonderfully clear and strong lead.

Chan says:

My personal opinion is to improve your lead first before going for more patterns. Once u have a good lead, it will be easier to pick up new patterns.

Jacquelyn says:

Hmm... tough question...

I think having strong fundamentals on how to lead and good rhythm are important. Once the fundamentals are there and the guy is confident of the lead, he can learn and even create new patterns. Just a little variation here and there and voila! You can lead your follower into a new pattern! Isn't that exciting!?

The best way is to seek the instructors' advice on what should you be improving/focusing on. And be really open and aware of their feedback. Hey, no pain no gain right??

So I feel it's a question of what is important at that point of time - should I (as a leader) be focusing on acquiring new patterns or should I be improving my lead?

Ultimately, it's what you want your salsa dance to be like that matters.

So guys, hang in there! The girls aren't having an easy time either! :p

Raymond says:

It appears to me that by learning more patterns, the guy will become more familiar with the over-arching concept surrounding these patterns and become more confident. If you ask me, nothing beats low self-confidence and timidity in causing a guy to have a crappy lead.

Joel says:

I think that the guys lead is more important... After dancing for a couple of months now, I realized that it's not the patterns that are difficult to pick up. Just download some salsa videos, or ask a friend to show some nifty moves, and you've got it. But in order to acquire a good lead, I think it's the most challenging task. A lot of bad habits would tend to sip in as we concentrate to much on patterns. So, focus more on the lead. Once that is mastered, the patterns would naturally multiply.