In the contest arena of the Chicago steppin’ community, I have talked with many people about “dance chemistry.” LC Henderson told me some time ago, “Sonji, when you get on that World’s Largest stage you may be competing against couples – people who are married or in relationships for a long time or who have competed for years together. You and your partner have to stand out against those couples. You have to look like a couple on stage – the real thing. Chemistry is important.”
I thought “Hmmm, so there is “mature” chemistry with long-standing couples and then there may be “new” chemistry for partners who just connected thinking only to compete but then something more grew out of it quickly.” LOL. There you have it. Chemistry is important – if competing to win. I Google’d dance chemistry for a definition and came across two simple statements on a Salsa dance forum:
“I’m not sure why it exists. But a sign of it is when you can just do basics for a while and feel a really nice flow, without either partner being bored.”
“I am not sure what makes a good chemistry, but for me, a sure way to know that we have it, is when the both of us are smiling (genuine smiles). “
I think real chemistry cannot be created and it’s something special you won’t find with everyone you dance with. Maybe it is even safe to say that thinking about chemistry too much kills the chance of feeling it, which is why some say it’s not a feeling or experience you can manufacture. Chemistry is something I personally can’t find the right words to describe. I think I know it and understand it when I see it or experience it personally.
I don’t believe dance chemistry = sexual chemistry
You don’t have to have sex with someone to have dance chemistry with someone. And if you have dance chemistry with someone that does not mean they want to have sex with you. Those statements I can say with certainty. This is a good time to mention that sometimes for steppers seeking contest partners the biggest hurdle and stopping point can be the must-have conversation with a partner’s significant other to ask, “Is it okay for me to partner up with someone else for a contest?” I believe the reason partnerships don’t go past this point when a significant other says “no” is that someone believes partnerships and time together always lead to something more intimate, something sexual. “Trust and mutual respect are often the key components of believable on-stage chemistry.” That I believe and is what I seek in a contest partner.
What are your thoughts? Do you believe there have to be any romantic feelings between dance partners for them to have chemistry? Do you agree or disagree? What do you think is dance chemistry? Please comment and share your opinion.
