CHAT ROOM

Many a [male] partner dance teacher leaves a trail of ex-girlfriends (both in and outside salsa).

Partner dances attract a wide variety of people. Of those that have the confidence (or arrogance) to become teachers, there are a fair number of 'players'. Some, inevitably were 'players' before they came across dancing, others gained their confidence from dancing.

It is a natural response for a student to look-up to their teacher and mentor, many confuse that for attraction and some may become infatuated. (I have seen this with a friend becoming infatuated by a salsa teacher even though in that case he did not respond initially)

The less-reputable teachers may play upon this for their own benefit. As it progresses, a 'player' will learn how to develop such behaviour in women they are attracted to. This is only natural behaviour for a man.

Some of the women in whom these teachers show an interest will actually appreciate the attention and many of the guys will recognise this and concentrate their efforts in their direction.

Other women, for various reasons will not appreciate the attention. If a student has made this known to the teacher, he should honour her wishes and leave her alone. Some teachers may then over-compensate and ignore her - that is unlikely to be intentional.

If a teacher over-steps the mark and his unwelcome attentions go too far, the student in question should do whatever is necessary to prevent him from doing so again (there is a recent example that I am sure many people here know about - enough said!). An honorable and astute teacher will never let things get that far. Indeed I know of one salsa teacher in the south-west who makes it a rule that he does not date his students.

There may be on-lookers who come to their own conclusions, possibly fuelled by jealousy, but unless they know for definite that the teacher is behaving improperly, they should be very careful about making unsubstantiated accusations. If you were to damage someone's reputation sufficiently, they might have a claim against you for slander (or libel if in writing - such as here).

Unfortunately even the slightest unwanted attention may put a beginner off salsa for good, but if this particular teacher is running successful classes, it is likely that he is managing to be discreet enough that only long-term observers realise what is happening (I am assuming that the OP has observed this behaviour over an extended period).

You say you are from Bristol. That puts you in a good position. If you, and other students of this teacher, disapprove you have the option of going to another promoter's night. If the teacher in question is working for a promoter, a little feedback about why you are moving to another promoters events might, when combined with falling numbers, lead to the teacher loosing his class.

Any attempt to remove a salsa teacher for paying attention to an attractive student would be similar to removing a club DJ for paying attention to the most scantily-clad girls in his club.

It really is a jungle out there!