Is it cool for a 18y.o. guy to want to become a salsa dancing instructor?

Question

I am in process of acquiring a prestigious degree in economics (even though I'm in my 1st year, I've already started disliking economics. Boooored), and the only joy in my life lately is learning to dance salsa at weekly salsa classes. Now I enjoy it so much that I find myself simply dancing in the street while walking.

And yeah, my friends diss me because of it, while my family pressure me and don't approve my newly found passion. They want me to become an investment banker and make lots of $$$


So what is your opinion?

Answer 1

snowflake et al have some really good points. I'd say that there's nothing wrong with pursuing your passion -- but temper it with a little caution. One of my instructors works as a technical contractor by day, but teaches Latin dances in the evenings. She has repeatedly told me that it makes a *huge* difference when you teach because you love teaching, rather than teaching because you *have* to. It also makes a big difference when you can choose students that you like working with, as opposed to working directly for a club and having little or no choice in the matter. Economics might not be the right discipline for you, but you're still in school, so nothing stops you from pursuing your dance studies in an academic environment (ie, affordably!) while simultaneously exploring other (more lucrative) vocational options.

Another consideration is that most certification programs (like DVIDA/NDCA) can be quite pricey, and it's nice when you have a second, higher paying job to help cover the expenses. It's common for instructors to make money directly based on the degree and quality of their certifications, so if you're really serious about teaching dance, the cost of quality training can add up *quickly*.

Some of the other posters are absolutely correct in suggesting that you experiment with other dances (cha cha, tango, Argentine tango, rumba, swing, etc) -- it gives you a broader range of students to cherry pick from and it also means you're more likely to have something to do at social dances when they play music that can't be danced with salsa.

As a final note (about it being cool or whether it's gay to dance)...well, I had similar concerns about that until I stepped onto the floor with this blond with luminous green eyes and a killer dancer's body and danced tango with her plastered across my front...and she was loving every minute of it. I've never had doubts since. =)

Answer 2

Salsa is good but not enough. You should consider taking serious dance classes, study latin dance in depth if you think this is really your passion in life. I'd say, don't drop out yet, take some dance classes if your college has a dance department. Rather than jumping the trains, make it a nice and solid transition. It is possible that you will find more dancing along the way and become actually a good dance professional, or it is possible that you will get your degree in economics and salsa will remain your hobby and passion. Keep in mind that things change when your hobby becomes your job. Also, new things are always exciting, you tend not to see the future hurdles along the way. Now you know enough about economics to see that, but not enough about salsa and dancing. Give it time before you jump to conclusions, do both in the mean time. Try to become a salsa instructor in the evenings and see if you actually like it.

Answer 3

First of all, congrats on finding something you love to do - staying in shape means finding a physical activity that you have a passion for and can do 3-5 times a week.

Sorry to hear that your main area of study is something that bores you - that's not a good thing.

What you may want to do is stick to a career that lets you pay the bills and keep the dancing as a hobby; you can always teach classes part time in the evening once you get proficient enough at the dance style you love. It will earn you some extra $$ and keep you doing what you love.

Unfortunately, you'll run into a lot of close minded people who will decide that since you're a good dancer and a male, you must be gay. Learn to ignore it and do what you love to do.

I don't know if walking away from your education and a potentially lucrative career would be the wisest choice for you right now; you may want to consider sticking with both the dancing as well as the econ classes (as boring as they are) until you have enough experience and solid technique as a dancer to assess whether or not you have a shot at making teaching dance a career.

Answer 4

What may start out as an innocent enough activity can turn into something else if you are not extremely cautious. Im not accusing your girlfriend of doing anything to hurt you but the truth is the fire is always burning on one side, if not her's then of other males. With so much physical contact involved in the dancing, you may trust your Girlfriend but can you trust other men? You never know whats going through their heads. To be honest i do feel you are being as understanding as you can towards her passion for slasa dancing and it's nice that your making the effort whether it be for her or be for the fact that you don't want other men to be all over her. There is a little sense of jealousy there but who can blame you?! There's a limit one can take. I believe if you do allow her to dance with other men it would be best in your presence that way the other guy will definetly know where he stands. Hope this answers your question :)

Answer 5

Hello,

WOOOOOOOOWWWW!! I really admire you for having great skill in dancing. If only I could too. :)

However, my opinion is this. I would suggest you continue to pursue both. You see in my point of view "like" and "dislike" or "bored" and "interesting" are but temporary. In short, how you feel about something is sometimes short lived.

What if someday you wake up and you feel the same way about economics? I guess that would be something to look forward too. Don't you think?

If you have a family in the future, or a partner or just yourself for that matter, economics might not be able to provide food on the table, but salsa might be able to provide you income. And it can also be the opposite of it or none at all.

Life is about risks. With two professions, you are lowering the probability of not having a decent job.

Give yourself time to learn to love economics :)

Take care and merry Christmas.

Answer 6

Oh YESSSS it is very cool and sexy to become a salsa dancing instructor. If you love it, and you can do it, you are the envy of many people.

However - why not strike a compromise: don't shut the door on a career in banking - if you have the talent do it, you should stick to it: why not become a salsa instructor in your SPARE time.

This will give you the chance to develop all your talents and interest, and CHOOSE when you are further down the line.

There's also a key in the words 'newfound passion' -- sometimes we grow out of these things, and then you will be sorry if you've ditched a promising career for something which is not that longlasting.

Answer 7

I think it's damn cool! I don't know about where you come from but people here think guys who can dance well are sexy. And, salsa's a sexy dance!

But hey, I'm not telling you what to do and be sure of anything before you take action. It's also good to have a plan B, like what you're gonna do if that doesn't work out. Anyway, follow your dreams, and good luck <3

Answer 8

...DUDE YOU SOUND LIKE A TOGETHER GUY SO DO BOTH KEEP THE FAMILY HAPPY BY GRADUATION AND BY THEN YOU WILL BE HOT HOT HOT ON THE DANCE FLOOR AND CAN TEACH SALSA. AFTER SCHOOL IT IS ALL YOU AND NO ONE ELSE you just have to get your act together with the classwork thing graduate with honors so everyone is happy and then dance your *** off and live it up.....it is so very cool to be feeling that way so go for it and the hell with the rest of the world

Answer 9

YES! however, economics was one of my fav. classes b/c it was so challenging. it didn't hurt that i had one of the best instructors either. follow your heart but don't hurt your future. life is about balance. i would much rather dance with some one i could communicate with off the dance floor as well. intellect and spicy moves....mmm. dancing is healthy in so many ways. allow it to be your fuel to get to class, or your reward for going to class.

Answer 10

salsa dancing instructor during college and when you graduate you can be a banker.