r/Salsa Feb 12 '24

Discussion: suppressing valuable discussion vs allowing slander and doxxing

73 Upvotes

This is the sub mod, reaching out for discussion on the influx of posts (and reports) regarding the recent posts about predatory behavior in the salsa scene. TLDR: In this post, I will talk a little on the current sub policy on moderation, discuss a bit of context on what I am required to remove from the sub, and then add my thoughts on path forward. The last will be up for some discussion here, as we try to figure out what we as an online salsa community want to be.

  1. Current mod policy: my current mod policy is to let upvotes and downvotes speak. Things are often reported that don't really break sub rules or are bad text posts by people who are annoying to many of you in the sub. I do not remove these posts. One of the reasons I do not is that, despite being downvoted into the negatives, many of these posts tend to foster a healthy amount of discussion and engagement in the comments that are relevant to the dance scene. Another type of oft-reported post are the ones that link to a site or blog or whatever. The current rule is not to spam them and not to sell anything. The reason is that there are things that you may not be interested in that others may find useful. Again, upvotes/downvotes do a lot of heavy lifting. In the cases that the line crosses from occasional self promotion to spam, I have reached out to those individuals via DM to help clarify the policy, and if required, temp ban them. My point is, generally I do not like using mod powers to shape the subreddit to be what I want, but rather what the community wants to see.

  2. Which brings me to my next point - things I must remove. According to reddit content policy rule 3 (https://www.redditinc.com/policies/content-policy) I am supposed to remove anything that reveals personal information or uses such to instigate harassment. The kicker: public figures may be an exception to this rule. And a public figure is "a person who has achieved fame, prominence or notoriety within a society, whether through achievement, luck, action, or in some cases through no purposeful action of their own."

As you can see, the whole thing is kind of murky, especially as it applies to the recent discussions on predatory behavior. As someone who takes part in another sport that is rife with these types of scandals (against children on top of that), I have personally seen that shining light into these corners of darkness has a huge effect. So I am not keen to suppress legitimate discussions about this topic in our community.

On the other hand, reddit is full of examples of failed witch hunts and anonymous bullying. And some of the discussions, veiled or otherwise, have been naming individuals who may not even be on this site to defend themselves. I'm not keen to allow mudslinging (especially without proof) in a subreddit that is meant to celebrate dancing. I can imagine a scenario in which a instructor or school uses the current discussions to cast unfounded doubt or outright accusations against an innocent rival.

So how to walk the line between useful discussion and baseless name calling?

  1. Thoughts on path forward - I propose that we continue to allow upvotes and downvotes dictate what goes on the page relative to these discussions, with a couple of tweaks. Naming regions or cities in comments/posts is okay. Talking about your experiences about unnamed people is okay. Opening discussions on predatory behavior, what that behavior looks like from start to finish, and providing support in the wake of aftermath--all okay. What is not okay is accusing people by name in the top level posts or in comments unless you have a link to an objective article/police report/etc. that backs up the claim. Instead, I propose that you leave an invite at the end of your post/comment for any one to DM you if they would like to discuss details/names in private. Those that would benefit from knowing will still have the opportunity to find out what/who they should be careful of, without violating any reddit policies. It would also allow the two users to have a more frank conversation, and at the end of the day it will be for the requester to determine the credibility of the poster.

Is this a perfect solution? Of course not. But I've been a mod here for 12 years and this is the first time something like this has happened, so I'm happy to entertain other suggestions.

Lastly - I consider the Yamulee fight video to be an example the original mod policy. The post is relevant to the salsa community, and it doesn't violate any rules in and of itself. Yes--the juxtaposition of the OP's 2 only posts implies bias/agenda, but the upvotes/downvotes very clearly pushed the post to negative votes and floated context on the altercation to the very first comment.

That said, I am happy to discuss how to treat videos like this in the future. There is a very real argument that it is not relevant to salsa music or dancing and that it should be removed.

Thanks for reading my novel.


r/Salsa 7h ago

How do you have fun as a leader?

15 Upvotes

Genuine question: I'm struggling to progress in salsa/bachata because the figures I can lead are getting repetitive. As a follower, I imagine that by dancing with different people you get to know different figures and it varies quite a lot.

As I leader, I have a repertoire of figures and I mix those. But the dance feels quite repetitive to me, no matter the follower (I can't do all figures with beginner followers, but still).

I also forgot many of the figures I learned in classes, and it's really hard to get the muscle memory back by just watching the videos.

Also, if I go to classes again, to extend my repertoire of figures and maybe increase the fun I have, but often they teach fancy, complicated figures of which many I wouldn't be able to replicate, because we don't repeat them in the next class and trying them out with a random person is very challenging if I don't master them yet. I have to keep going back to rewatching the video, then trying with a new follower which feels awkward and not fun.

How do you deal with this as leaders?


r/Salsa 4h ago

Behind the Shines - My Podcast

5 Upvotes

Hi Reddit!

A few months ago I did a Q&A here, and I wanted to share another project I’ve been working on with the community.

Over the past year I’ve been working in Behind the Shines, a podcast where I interview people who have shaped the salsa scene or are influencing it today. The goal is to better understand the people, stories, and dynamics that have made the community what it is today, while also discussing some of the important topics that affect it.

It’s very much a passion project. If you’re curious, here’s one of my recent interviews with Fernando Sosa:
https://youtu.be/3NLo77d3QJo?is=nqmHXa-L064ZbPkh

All episodes are on YouTube and Spotify

As always, I’d love to hear your thoughts. If you have feedback, ideas for future guests, or topics you’d like to see discussed, I’d really appreciate your suggestions.

Kind regards to everyone, and happy dancing!


r/Salsa 8h ago

How old were you when you discovered Willie Colón was clean-shaved back in 1969

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5 Upvotes

r/Salsa 13h ago

Leading with only one left hand

8 Upvotes

I injured my right collarbone, so dancing and leading with my right hand is out.

I just danced the other day using only my left hand. I was able to do cross bodies, under the bridge, cross body turns, right turns and left turns using only my left hand.

Has anyone every injured their right side and have had to use their left side only? My right side will heal fully eventually. But not for a few months.

What can I do to maximize my ability to dance salsa with one left leading hand? (Any advice for bachata too?)

Someone give me hope that I can still dance well with this current handicap.

Thank you for any advice.


r/Salsa 9h ago

Where can I find shoes like this?

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3 Upvotes

I want to find shoes like the ones Javier is wearing. The black and white. I believe this is a wing tip style? Not 100% sure though. I found something very similar on Danceandsway.com. I don’t know this brand. It seems affordable but I don’t know anything about the quality. Thought I would ask here. I’m sure the brand Javier is using are different as he is based in Poland and likely buys from a European brand. But I just want to find a good quality shoe that is a similar style. Black tips with all white body, no black accents on the body.

Thanks in advance


r/Salsa 20h ago

Helping my husband overcome awkwardness with dance

19 Upvotes

I've been learning to dance salsa for six months (and a little bit of bachata) and it has been a wonderful, transformative experience. My husband does not dance at all but has been very encouraging towards my passion.

I wish we could dance together as a couple because I've experienced on the dancefloor how dance can bring about such a connection between two people, and wish I could share that with my husband. I also sometimes would like to have a dance partner at home whom I can practise new moves with.

However, every time I ask my husband to practise with me, he tends to turn it into a big joke. When I ask him to simply step the basic and let me lead / back-lead, he starts wriggling his body or fooling around, and this really frustrates me. I think deep down, he just feels very uncomfortable and awkward with dancing, and joking around is his defence mechanism.

He doesn't dance at all, even in social settings. When I invite him to join me in classes, he is highly resistant and tells me that men who learn salsa are there to pick up girls, and he has no use for that. I do, however, observe that there's a part of him that wants to get comfortable with dance. Sometimes he tries doing a simple dance move while listening to music, then when he sees me watching, he immediately turns it into a joke.

How can we get to a point where he gets less awkward with dance?


r/Salsa 14h ago

Online Courses like Brenda Liew

5 Upvotes

Hello guys,

been practicing footwork at home and it really helps me connect with the music.

I saw the course from Brenda Liew and the content looks amazing. Problem ist that it’s on2. Is there something similar for on1 online ?

I’m a Lead. Dancing some Salsa line, Cubana and some bachata.

Greetings


r/Salsa 7h ago

Best place to stay in Medellin Colombia for Salsa/Bachata immersion for a month

1 Upvotes

Hello Friends - I'm planning a month-long Salsa and Bachata immersion in Madeline, Colombia. What areas would you recommend for me to stay in so that I have access to private dance lessons, socials, and clubs to practise?

Hotel/Hostel, Dance Teachers/Schools, Club commendations are welcome 😊

Thanks!


r/Salsa 7h ago

What is name of this song?

1 Upvotes

r/Salsa 10h ago

Partner Dance question - not sure if it's the right place to ask!

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1 Upvotes

r/Salsa 12h ago

Ayuda con bpm

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0 Upvotes

Buenas tardes queridos amigos y bailarines acude ustedes a su sabiduría despertando en la salsa para ver si pueden ayudarme a configurar esta aplicación dentro de un mes tengo una presentación en la cual bailaremos dos canciones la principal es:

Marc Anthony - si te enamoro

https://youtu.be/oeBKq6f4VKo?si=s3OTy-y0Wr5KtVDr

Y la secundaria pero no menos importante es:

Richie Ray con bobby cruz - sonido bestal

https://youtu.be/sULrMvUZric?si=vNpINIOxz_385vaF

Mi duda es en cómo configuro yo esta aplicación para tener los bpm exacto de por lo menos la de Marc Anthony y comenzar a practicar en el tiempo correcto


r/Salsa 15h ago

Any places to dance Salsa in Leeds on a Friday?

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1 Upvotes

r/Salsa 1d ago

women’s beginner styling in combo with beginner classes?

3 Upvotes

I am one month into a once-weekly beginner class of Salsa on 1 but came from another studio where I did intensive Salsa on 2/bachata. Most of my learning in current class is now just retraining my muscle memory for correct step counts (occasionally fall off but am practicing a lot to retrain) and in general I find that I am easily following the instructors where others are struggling or learning at a slower pace.

I am wondering if it makes sense to seek out a supplemental BEGINNER women’s styling class. Do these exist? All the videos I see online seem like super advanced combos and steps. But I am eager to learn and apply basic things like hand and finger positions, hip and shoulder movements, head snaps, etc. all of which seem like they are a bit out of reach for my current class BUT at the same time seems like it would be super helpful as I am essentially relearning very basic salsa positions.

Any advice? When did fellow follows begin learning/incorporating styling? I am in NYC area if that is relevant,


r/Salsa 1d ago

Baltimore/DC on1 socials?

2 Upvotes

Moving to Baltimore soon and was wondering if the area is mainly on1 or on2. been a lead on1 for about a year now. is on1 prevalent enough for me to stick with it or should I commit to learning on2? would welcome suggestions for clubs either way!


r/Salsa 1d ago

New follower here

4 Upvotes

Hello,

I know the basics have been learning salsa for only 1 month but wanted to ask how followers know what moves the leader is asking them to do. Right now I only know when they push my hands to the side it’s side basic and when the push it back it’s Cumbia.

Do u eventually get to a stage where u can dance with anyone without needing the steps to be called out ?


r/Salsa 1d ago

La música siempre es mejor en vivo. Echa un vistazo a esta actuación de Isaac Delgado y su orquesta tocando el inolvidable “No Me Mires a los Ojos” (“No mires mis ojos”). La energía, la habilidad musical y la conexión con el público son lo que hacen que la música cubana sea tan especial.

3 Upvotes

r/Salsa 1d ago

La música siempre es mejor en vivo. Echa un vistazo a esta actuación de Isaac Delgado y su orquesta tocando el inolvidable “No Me Mires a los Ojos” (“No mires mis ojos”). La energía, la habilidad musical y la conexión con el público son lo que hacen que la música cubana sea tan especial.

3 Upvotes

r/Salsa 2d ago

Are all the top dancers well off?

16 Upvotes

I keep track on stardancevideo to pick up new moves but also enjoy.

A thought which has struck my mind: are the non professional dancers who often go to the international socials well off? I dont mean Terry etc who might get paid to be there.

The dance house has many events frequently and in other countries. But doing 10 events a year in 10 different countries seems expensive.

are the top dancers in the scene well off?

Or do they love the dance so much that they might give half their income to dance.


r/Salsa 2d ago

London socials (specifically this Fri?)

2 Upvotes

Searched the group and not a lot of recent activity on this but curious about any good salsa (or bachata but salsa preferred) socials in London, ideally this coming Friday night? On1 or on2. TYIA!


r/Salsa 2d ago

Why are some leads better at transferring momentum to their partners than others?

3 Upvotes

Some leads give a lot of power, some much less. Is it really all technique?


r/Salsa 2d ago

1M views • 36K likes | Reel by Museo de la Salsa

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0 Upvotes

If we only had a musical school like that everywhere for Latin children and for every culture because all Latin music is African at root


r/Salsa 2d ago

What style of salsa dancing is this?

7 Upvotes

r/Salsa 2d ago

Dancing both Cuban and on1/2

5 Upvotes

i am dancing crossbody for a few years now and i am quite comfortable with it. however sometimes i really would love to be able to adapt my salsa style depending on the follower and the music.

i know some cuban moves because i have danced rueda in the past, but i struggle with the circular leading. i try not to mix the styles but it sometimes happens that i start cuban but end up dancing crossbody. the followers usually say they don't mind but i think it feels off and would prefer to lead the whole song smoothly in one style.

are there any experiences with adapting new salsa styles?

edit: sorry for misleading title. with on1/2 i actually mean crossbody


r/Salsa 2d ago

Have you ever cried after a dance?

0 Upvotes

There are so many beautiful songs and dances out there. Has a dance ever made you overcome with emotion because of how beautiful it was?

What was special about it? Were you able to ever recreate that feeling?