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I personally feel it depends on situation, and on your dance partner. If through dancing, you know your dance partner is the open type and doesn't mind getting some good feedback for her to improve, I think it's good to let her know how to improve further.

All Feedback, I think should be taken positively. I have had feedback by some beginner students that my lead wasn't too clear, and based on that, I worked on improving my lead.

But if your partner isn't the kind that's open to feedback, and you're not good at giving advice in a subtle way, I think it's best to enjoy your dance and not give feedback. It's not worth the dirty looks and perhaps the awkward moments. It makes dancing less enjoyable.

That's my two cent's worth, through dancing with so many people.. but I do enjoy feedback that will help me improve myself. Especially each time I go back for lessons, Jean & Wendy's feedback on my framework and posture does give me some good ideas on how to improve myself further.

Enjoy the the dance and enjoy the feedback positively. But digest the feedback before taking it seriously. This way you will improve a lot in salsa dancing.

Beixian says:

Ooh, it depends on the situation. Sometimes giving feedback is helpful, especially if you're dancing with someone who's fairly new to the salsa scene. But there are also times when it can ruin the mood of a dance. If you're dancing with a friend, or someone who's asking for feedback, then feel free to speak your mind. However, if you're dancing with someone that you're not as familiar with, just go with the flow and enjoy the music and the dance. Have fun with it. Unless they're accidentally wrenching your arm the wrong way. Then its time to speak up.

Sharon  says:

I think it's alright as long as my partner asks me for it, as it can be helpful. I personally got loads of feedback while dancing with people, and it's helped me improve my dancing. But don't overdo it!

David says:

Yes, but only if it is done politely and most tactfully! Perhaps also to come as a suggestion rather than a lesson!!

Chian Chian says:

From my experience we usually give feedback only to those we know so they can improve.  If it is strangers who ask us for a dance, we usually don't give feedback. A lot boils down to if we feel  we can comment on the dance partner. I never comment on sweaty hands though as I think it's not so nice, after a guy asks you to dance.

Eugene says:

I guess it’s ok, as long as one is tactful… there are some people that tell me when I do something right or wrong, but some are more tactful then others… I guess a big “No-No” would be to sound like one is commanding the person on what is the right thing to do.

Jean says:

I wouldn't unless someone specifically asks me for it. After all, most people are out there to have fun, and not to have a lesson.

As an instructor, I will only give unsolicited feedback if:
1) The person I'm dancing with is my student, AND
2) That person is engaging in some pain-causing movements, OR
3) That person is very keen to learn and I know s/he would appreciate getting feedback.

The danger in peers giving feedback lies in giving the wrong feedback.  After all, how does one know if the challenge lies with the other person or with themselves?

Therefore I would recommend not giving feedback, unless the other person asks for it. And while the receiver should appreciate the giving of feedback (when requested), s/he should not accept the feedback given as THE TRUTH, but rather check with the instructor or other better dancers, on the validity of that feedback.

Years ago when I was just starting out in Salsa, I personally benefited from receiving feedback on arm tension. I'm not sure I would have figured it out if that person had not told me. So to that person who gave me that valuable feedback, THANKS!

Julian says:

sometimes its really a dilemma. I want some feedback but I'm also afraid being embarrassed.

Whether I can accept feedback during or after a dance depends on the situation... if an experienced lady gives me more advice on how I can lead better, I would gladly accept and try to improve. I can also accept feedback from not-so-experienced dancers. But there was once when I really had no feel for this lady's hands, no tension, cold, more like bones, and she said I was leading poorly. In that situation I gladly end the dance and probably not dance with her again.

When giving feedback, just let me know in a kind manner and I would be happy to accept it. I've also given feedback to my lady partners, in as subtle a manner as I could..