Difference between a social and a club

There are many differences between a dance social and a club. The only thing similarity they have is that people are dancing. In dance socials the price of admission is usually cheaper than going to a club. In a dance social you will only hear one or two genres of music. In Salsa clubs for example about 50% to 80% of the time is dedicated to just salsa music, depending on the Dj. Some Djs will add maybe one or two cumbias, merengue and reggaeton songs. At bachata nights the majority of the time bachata will be heard. Sometimes a few salsa songs will be added. Salsa and Bachata are normally always played together in dance socials. In swing socials, you will hear slow, mid, or fast swing songs. In swing socials people can be seen dancing east coast swing, west coast swing and lindy hop.

In a dance social not everyone is drunk. Maybe only one or two people, and usually they are not part of the scene. The people part of the dance scene might have a drink or two to get courage to ask someone out to dance. In a dance social it is not uncommon for people to dance with many different people. This is because the main goal is to get better at your craft. It is also uncommon for a lady to ask the male to dance. Or a female to lead a male. sometimes  you will see two heterosexual males dancing together! One being the lead and the other being the follower. I know this may sound strange and look strange to people who are not in the scene they might be asking why would two straight men dance with each other? The reason: to get better at their craft. To become a very good and strong lead one must know how to follow.

Following is not easy. It looks easy but it is not but it is easier than being the leader.  For the follower there is a fine balance between anticipating the next move but at the same time not anticipating what the lead is going to do. If you can do that you will be the favorite of many leaders. For the leader he has more on his plate. He needs to lead it correctly, think ahead on what move you will do, have many different moves at your disposal, be constantly aware of your surroundings to be able to protect your follower and Keep the timing. There are more but these are the main ones. If you can do all this then you will be the favorite of many different followers.When you are in the scene for a while you will make many friends some will even become like family.

A club on the other hand is the opposite. Most people are drunk and most people are there to try to hook up with someone. The majority of the people are not dancing in a structured manner. They are all dancing in their own way, usually not partnered, just facing each other. Very little leading and following will be seen here. You will also not see partner changing here. It’s not uncommon to see many girls dancing with each other, usually in a small circle. In a club most people stick to their little groups. Entrances to a club is normally around $20 or more per person or more. Clubs sometimes have different rooms, all with different music or have two room one where there is latin and another the top 40. Some clubs are just one room with only popular music playing.  Sadly, there are no hip hop socials that I am aware of. To dance hip hop one will have to go to a club.