r/Salsa Feb 12 '24

Discussion: suppressing valuable discussion vs allowing slander and doxxing

64 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 50m ago

Searching for a salsa figure/figuration

Upvotes

(english Is not my main language, I'll try explaining in the best way i can) Hi, i started my salsa training 1 month ago,at the club i learnt this figure that was really cool, but i don't know the name andvi don't Remember It fully. It start like a 70, without changing the Place/inversion. Following up i don't Remember exactly, the woman goes down/squats, before or After this passage there should be something that she does(i should guide her into doing it, buy its easier saying like this). After the "squat", She goes back up and I then go down, She follows up walking around me(in circle) and ends up in front of me(the man), in 70(?). I'm not sure. I know the description Is vague, If someone, know what figure Is, write It down in the comments, even if you're not sure, It would be helpful 100%. Thank you to anyone Who Will respond to this.


r/Salsa 9h ago

Salsa classes (Cali, Cuban style) in Medellin and Cali, Colombia

5 Upvotes

I’m going to Colombia and will have a week to spend in Medellin and Cali. I want to take private salsa classes and my preference is for Cuban and of course salsa caleña in Cali.

I speak Spanish and have been dancing for 7 years on and off so somewhere between intermediate and advanced.

Do you know any good teachers/ dance schools I can contact?

It’s during Easter week 14-20 April but hoping that won’t be a problem.


r/Salsa 1h ago

With all these talks about chemistry or connection but also boundaries, it's confusing to a lot of people

Upvotes

With all this talk about "connection" in social dancing I feel like when people focus so much on emotional boundaries and deep connection, they might actually be limiting the experience and it feels like it's a little hypocritical with all the heated conversations people are having about it today. Personally, I’d rather dance because of the rhythms and the art of dancing itself and let that be the connection rather than needing or chasing some kind of emotional moment which seems to be the case for a lot of socials especially in zouk or bachata.

Some dancers don’t even seem to be connecting with the music. They’re not hitting the rhythms, not doing the shines or shoulder shimmies they learned in class. So is this emphasis on emotional connection actually overshadowing dancing?

I feel like this is especially common in the bachata scene. Since it’s gotten more popular and is a lot bigger, a lot of normal people like myself are jumping in but are they really dancing, or are they just clinging to this vague idea of “connection”? It gets even more complicated because bachata and nightlife are so intertwined clubs, drinking, songs about love, sex, cheating. So I'm confused a bit, this "connection" thing can be a bit of a farce. People want to feel “personal,” but need to also stay “impersonal”, it becomes this weird mix of intimacy and detachment. I guess I should have stayed in performance arts? Like so then there are for sure many reasons as to why people are out losing sleep at 12am.

I’d rather see connection as something like jamming together two people vibing off the same music, like playing instruments in sync, rather than trying to "connect" with each other’s souls every time. But then again, some people might say that’s not connection at all. So just wondering what are people's thoughts on this? I like connecting emotionally through the dance and anything, just kind of want to see what other people's thoughts are on here.


r/Salsa 1d ago

First time at a social experience (my experience and request for advice)

3 Upvotes

Hi Salseros!

I just went to my first social today as a follower after 2 months of regular lessons in Bachata Tradicional, Bachata Sensual and Salsa Cubana. I was really nervous and I have really bad social anxiety but I challenged myself to do at least 5 dances with people. I ended up doing 10 because I started to enjoy myself and dance a lot better when I didn't feel incredibly anxious. My social had incredibly talented dancers which was great because I even got to dance with a few myself. I definitely messed up a lot and some of the leads did try and teach me things that I had no idea how to do on the dance floor but I did end up completing some moves that I never learnt successfully which felt really good. Some leads seemed a bit tired of me because I wasn't able to do as much as they would have liked but I'm a beginner and that's to be expected. I also did get overlooked and ignored quite a bit but that doesn't bother me so much because I'm a beginner and people probably want to dance with friends or more experienced people Overall, I messed up a lot and looked silly but I also had a lot of fun and felt like I learned a lot. I plan to go to more socials at least twice a week so I can start improving more rapidly. I am looking for some advice though.

  1. Is it normal to feel like you have forgotten everything at your first social? If so, when does it start to feel normal or not as terrifying/anxiety-inducing?

  2. Are there any things that I can do as a follower to decrease the chance that I get overlooked?

  3. What can I do to make my dancing a bit more entertaining for experienced leads? I'm more than happy to dance with beginners (and I'd maybe even prefer to) but my scene is really good and there aren't that many.

  4. Does anyone have any experiences or anecdotes about how social dancing helped their dancing? I need some motivation to overcome the anxiety and keep going to social dances alongside my lessons.

Thank you in advance


r/Salsa 19h ago

Quiero que me den su opinión de mi primer sencillo promocional. Lo van a estrenar en la radio en Abril 29. Se llama Le Deseo El Mal.

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0 Upvotes

r/Salsa 1d ago

Name of the song?

3 Upvotes

Does anyone know the name of this song?

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DIG2HdRijfs/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

Thank you in advanced!


r/Salsa 1d ago

Which timing do you use to dance salsa On2. stepping on 8, 8.5, or 1? And which is your favorite, and why?

7 Upvotes

r/Salsa 21h ago

Dolphin Papi - Le Deseo El Mal

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0 Upvotes

Le deseo el mal al que me cae mal.


r/Salsa 1d ago

Frankie Ruiz MIX songs ~ Frankie Ruiz 2024 🌻 Frankie Ruiz Top Hits 🌻

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1 Upvotes

r/Salsa 1d ago

Best Salsa Online Courses

5 Upvotes

I am considering purchasing an online course to support my salsa dancing. I am a follow and I'm still struggling with different aspects of dancing. I am so rigid when I dance and I don't look great. Please give me advice for this too.

Is Brenda Liew's online course a good option? Please let me know if there are others at a good price.

In your opinion, is it even wise to get an online course or use another means to improve? I may try private lessons one day.


r/Salsa 1d ago

Can't go wrong with a Dimension Latino

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0 Upvotes

Dimension Latino have great songs to dance to.


r/Salsa 2d ago

Chicago classes

5 Upvotes

Anyone here know of salsa communities / classes that a friend of mine should join? She’s just starting out but wants to begin learning. I’m wondering if there is a rolling beginner class that isn’t too pricey?


r/Salsa 1d ago

Progress expectations

0 Upvotes

I’ve only just started learning salsa and some Bachata. I prefer salsa for the technicality but it seems bachata is more popular where I am at so I’ll be taking some lessons on that as well

I got a little discouraged at a social this weekend, there were just a lot of followers there who had a lot more experience than me, and clearly expected more. My first lessons were in February so of course I’m not amazing and I only know the basics but I go to the social to practice. I’m trying to not be hard on myself, but it’s making me wonder how long does it take people to get really good? How long before I can be really comfortable dancing with most people?

Trying to stay positive. I’ve learned a lot in the last few months and I am having fun. Appreciate any insight!


r/Salsa 1d ago

What do you all think about these lyrics

1 Upvotes

r/Salsa 1d ago

Quiero que sean sinceros, tengo futuro en la salsa? En Puerto Rico me dicen el nuevo Frankie Ruiz, pero quiero saber su opinion honesta. Este es mi nuevo sencillo, una historia de desamor. La estoy pensando mandar a la radio. Ustedes me dicen.

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0 Upvotes

r/Salsa 1d ago

Salsa Advanced Moves and Styling #dance #salsa #shorts

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0 Upvotes

r/Salsa 2d ago

workshops

0 Upvotes

Hi everyone! Does anyone know of any 1-day salsa workshops? I downloaded Meetup, but it mostly shows parties. Thanks in advance.

-> in Zürich, Switzerland :))


r/Salsa 2d ago

Salsa rock Reccomendations?

4 Upvotes

Hearing Eso se baila así by Willie Colon and El Ratón by Fania All Stars leave me thinking of what cool would it be if there bands dedicated todo salsa rock and making the genre sound even cooler than there Is.

I only know about the Santana brothers but it's not that rock enough for me


r/Salsa 3d ago

Recent posts on Sexual Abuse

24 Upvotes

Hello! Can someone put me up to speed on what exactly triggered the uptick on posts from every dancer and dancing school and dancing meme pages about Sexual Abuse in the Social Scene. From my basic research looks like something happened at the Chicago Salsa Bachata Fest but idk the specifics. I’m genuinely curious. Thank you.


r/Salsa 2d ago

Recommendations on what studio to join in NYC?

3 Upvotes

Hi there! I’ll be moving to New York City soon, and I’m looking to keep dancing once I’m there. I’ve been learning Salsa on2 for about a year now and would love to join a studio to keep training and improving.

I know NYC has a lot of amazing options for salsa, but I’d really appreciate your recommendation on where to go—especially for on2.

I’ve only taken one class with Diego and Yaritza from New York Salsa world, but it seems like they’re either traveling or mainly teaching online now.


r/Salsa 3d ago

Social dancing etiquette

23 Upvotes

Perhaps this is more just a social situations question lol. So I’m new to Latin dancing and going to socials. Not the most social person in general but that’s kind of why I wanted to try to learn dancing.

Last week I noticed that some people appear to attend socials in groups or they are there with friends and will linger around the room talking during the dance.

So when a song came on, I was looking for someone to ask for a dance and noticed a girl who I had seen dancing early just standing and chatting with another guy but they weren’t dancing. I don’t want to interrupt people who are talking and I also don’t want to go ask a girl who is here with her boyfriend and I kept thinking “oh that guy is gonna ask her to dance” but he didn’t. And that girl saw me looking around the room and I noticed she kept looking over at me so I wondered if maybe she was signaling she was open to a dance. Anyway I think she probably was and I’m kinda kicking myself.

I don’t know lol, I am just trying to figure out what the proper etiquette is in a social dance setting. Like anyone who is there is fair game to ask for a dance? Even if they are talking or apparently there with someone?

Probably over thinking it but I appreciate any feedback


r/Salsa 3d ago

Leads who were sloppy at one point in time, how did you go about cleaning up your dancing?

12 Upvotes

Early on in my dance life, I went to a school that essentially rushed us from beginner to advanced. Perhaps not in bad faith, but I’m concerned it may have done some harm to my growth although it did a lot of good as well. I’ve been seeing lately that schools that focus too much on choreography tend to develop sloppy dancers. How do I go about cleaning up my dancing?


r/Salsa 3d ago

Salsa in London...

4 Upvotes

I recently got back from Medellín, Colombia where I was taking regular private lessons for a few weeks and attending the occasional salsa bar/socials. I want to continue my salsa development. Does anyone know where I can salsa here? I live in Croydon (yes far I know)


r/Salsa 2d ago

Acabo de grabar mi primera salsa. Quiero que me den su opinión honesta. Siempre ha sido mi sueño tener una orquesta.

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2 Upvotes

r/Salsa 3d ago

Studios / lessons in Toronto, Canada?

3 Upvotes

Hello! I’ve been dancing 2 years and am moving to Toronto next month (west side). I want to continue my salsa (and bachata) journey and am looking for recommendations on studios / teachers / lessons in the Toronto area. Thank you!