The annual
Fiesta Latina Salsa competition is coming up, and Salsa dancers across Eugene are gearing up their routines to impress the judges in the hopes of winning prizes and prestige. So how exactly does one win a Salsa competition? The answer is not as simple as most people think. You need to know how to Salsa, right? Well, not exactly. Here are a few tips that will get any couple - even the ones that don't know Salsa from square dancing - to win.
You might be wondering how can I offer any advice. Sure, I have never been in a Salsa contest, but I've watched a few.
First, choosing to do a routine to a Salsa song is absolutely not necessary. You will get more attention if you use a song in a completely different genre like country or jazz . Heck, go for Classical. Pretty much, the Salsa crowd has heard just about every good Salsa song there is - you need to stand apart from all those other Salsa routines. You need to catch the crowd and judges off guard and go for something different. They won't expect it, and you will create an aura of mystery.
Second, choose your outfits wisely. You need to match your partner; There's no way around that, but, be creative. Everyone has seen the sexy little tops and flare skirts on Salsa girls - boring! Try, a butcher's apron, a utility belt and chaps. That would get their attention. For the guy, get rid of the nice black slacks and matching black T-Shirt and try a fish-net shirt, some bell-bottom pants, and an eye patch (a definite winner with the ladies).
Now, for the routine Enot as important as the items above, but you still have to do some kind of dancing. It IS a Salsa contest, after all. First, ignore the required length for the routine and take your time. Go for a 10 or 15 minute choreography. After all, is that not what the crowd came for: to see you dance? So give them their money's worth. It really is OK. The judges are not expecting you to follow the rules of the contest.
Second, acrobatics, acrobatics and more acrobatics. If it doesn't look like Cirque de Solei it's not a true Salsa routine, right? Adding the element of danger is always a crowd pleaser and a sure win with the judges. Go for the gasps instead of the cheers. If you want to take it one step further, add an element of danger for the crowd. Use swords, fire or other objects that could potentially cause severe injury to yourself and those around you. You'll snatch up first prize for sure because the crowd and judges feel an overwhelming sense of relief that your routine is over and you didn't kill them.
Make sure to shine, and I don't mean buff up your skin so you literally glow (although that might help you) I mean "shine" as in "do intricate footwork away from your partner". Sure, Salsa is a couple's dance, but why bore the crowd with that when you can impress them with fancy footwork. And remember, repetition is the key. There's no need to be creative or even to use the music to your advantage. Just move your feet as fast as you possibly can. At first you'lll confuse the crowd, but eventually they'll come around and understand that you must be really good if they don't get it.
Lastly, try to create drama. Argue with your partner, cry, throw things backstage or take the John McEnroe approach and yell at the judges about how unfair the rules are. The crowd will love it. They will really feel for you and think your heart and soul has gone into this contest. Use emotional sympathy to your advantage.
So in conclusion, choose a weird song, wacky outfits, and wild routine, and make sure to weep in view of the crowd. It's not a sure thing that you'll win, but it will make the contest a lot of fun for the rest of us.
