The Salsa Socialite: Salsa Hate
Ashanti Altovese - professional dancer and instructor
Hola Salseros!
Have you ever gone out to the club after a long day of work and stress only to find yourself a victim of stares and whispers? Ladies, you get dressed in your best attire, do your hair and make-up, put on an attitude of positive energy because you already had enough drama earlier in the day, and you step out for a night on the town – ready to feel good and dance the stress away. Gentlemen, you shower, shave, pull out the suit to wear that makes you feel like a million bucks, and you press, dress, and get ready to impress – prepared to dance with follows who make you feel good and happy that you came out for a dance. You arrive to the club, feeling good inside, and then it happens – Hateration.
You’re on the dance floor enjoying a lovely dance with the lady or gentleman who so kindly gave you the pleasure, and when the song ends, you retire to a section of the club dedicated to observers and those waiting for their chance to enjoy the music with a charming partner. Next thing you know, you catch eyes rolling at you and you hear whispers and giggling. Your intuition tells you that it’s not a harmless conversation but a jab at your confidence and style. You wonder to yourself, “Did I do or say something wrong?” And of course the answer is no. But the reality is, you stepped out in style, with swagger, and tore up the floor, so what is an observer to do? Option number one, get inspired by your presence and be happy for the people that are in the Salsa community. Option number two, appreciate the style, finesse, and talent of someone who’s only looking to enjoy the music and have a friendly conversation or two. Or option number three, take the easy way out and hate on your decision to do you, be you, and love what you do.
Let’s be honest, hateration is a form of a compliment. The person hating doesn’t want to give love with full security in their inner person and spirit, so instead, they hate fully with complete insecurity with who they are. You’ve seen it at the dance club, at work, at the grocery store, any time, any place, hate is there, ready to rear its ugly head with the goal of only striking at what’s positive. But there’s no need to worry; because where there are haters, there are supporters who look to give love unconditionally. And, the general rule is, if you don’t have some haters, then you’re not doing something worth hating on!
So the next time you’re out and you feel dagger eyes watching, snickering, giggling, and catch eyes rolling, just know that you’re on your way to somewhere others can’t follow. Know that you’re doing something worth talking about and use it as ammunition to continue learning, growing, and contributing to world we know and love as Salsa, because it’s more than just a dance, it’s a lifestyle!
Ashanti Altovese
