I can recall several times where at various gigs, the people I end up working for ask me and whomever I dance with to dress in "traditional" salsa attire, or in something "salsa-ish". When I hear those terms, I really can't help but scoff at it in my mind because I get the feeling that these people don't really know what they're asking for. I figure their conception of "salsa attire" is similar to what is seen on DWTS, which is SO not what we salseros wear. They don't realize that what we wear on any given night can range anywhere from jeans and a t-shirt to dress pants and a blazer, and everything in between (similar counterparts for women). Honestly, though, I wonder myself if I even know what "traditional" salsa garb is supposed to be. Am I, being of the salsero (not necessarily latino) culture, so detached from the latino aspect of it all that I don't know what is considered "salsa-wear"?
Any thoughts on this? What exactly falls under the umbrella of "traditional salsa attire"? Or is this term really just a myth as I suspect, and the people on the outside who ask for such a thing really just don't have a clue?
This is what I think, though I'm probably wrong: traditional salsa attire, in my mind, brings to mind my parents. The woman wears a dress and heels, the man wears slacks and a button down / blazer / guayabera and nice shoes. Formal. But if you go to a latin party, Salseros dance in whatever and look amazing. Well, maybe not beach shorts. But jeans will do. However, for the women, like it or not, it has to be heels. That's what gives that extra kick. Pun intended. Nice blog!
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Li
Twitter.com/LaLicenciada
Maybe it depends on what country the person is from, what they traditionally wear there for salsa dancing/events.
ReplyDeleteSince this is the US, and LA and NY style salsa came from here, I say wear what's fashionable here.
Hi nice reading yourr post
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