Learn to Salsa with Two Left Feet Singapore

In a salsa club, how do I indicate to other dancers that I am open to dance requests?

Jean (Lee) says:

I will actively ask other dancers to dance! Instead of standing there, waiting and signaling that I am open for invites, a easier solution is to be shameless and proactive by asking guys/girls to dance. With that, people around you will notice that you are an easier-going person and will seem to be more approachable.

Kelvin (Yee) says:

1) Hang around the dance floor area where everyone ask everyone to dance. Stay away from corners where it is the least likely for a dance to take place.

2) Smile.......look interested while watching if you are watching at all.

3) Make sure you are seen asking others to dance.(If not ppl might think either you don't dance at all, just a watcher) Don't sneakily ask your friend at the corner for a dance.

4) When asked to dance, and your answer is "yes", look as friendly and cheerful as you can. Don't act cool or others might think you're a snob or you are obliged to dance.

Carol says:

To indicate that we are open to dance requests, make eye contact to anyone that is in search of dance partners. Always maintain a smiling face when you dance with your partners, and say "Yes" to most of the invitations. This signals that you are open to dance with anyone and you really enjoy dancing, hence encouraging others to invite you to dance. Do not stick to just one partner during the night as it will indicate to other guys that you are not open to dancing with others.

Jean (Goh) says:

There are a couple of things you can do (applies to both men and women):

1) Smile, on and off the dance floor. A smiling face indicates a friendly and approachable dancer. Scowling is the quickest way to reduce all chances of being asked to dance.

2) Look at other couples dancing (whist still smiling). This indicates that you enjoy the dance you are looking at.

3) If possible, groove to the music, e.g. sway your body, move your feet to the beat, etc.

If you do all three, you are almost guaranteed to get asked to dance (as a lady). For a guy, you may get asked to dance too, but don't hold your breath. Ladies here are still fairly conservative about asking guys to dance.

If you don't get asked, then there may be some serious reasons behind the lack of invitations. Check with your close friends or instructors, as the reasons may be more personal in nature.

Having said all that, you should not wait to get asked to dance. If you want to dance, just go ahead and ask. The more dance hours you get, the better you'll be. So don't spend your time waiting to be asked. Ask and you shall DANCE!