Featured Salsa Bachata Stars Who Don’t Social Dance w/Patrons

This subject was inspired by a Facebook post by DJ Renzo. Personally, outside of gauging whether a Salsa or Bachata Pro Dancer can DRAW an audience based on their Name/Brand/Dance Style ALONE making their fee worthwhile & profitable to ME, one of the Top criteria I use for booking Dancers for Workshops/Performances is whether or not I KNOW that the Artist being considered (through personal observation at Congresses & Special Events Not my Own) will willingly social dance with all levels of dancers and not hide out in the VIP areas or their hotel rooms. If I’m not familiar with an artist’s social dancing history or behavior after they have completed their contracted workshops and/or performance, I openly mention to them of my expectation that they DO social dance with the patrons willingly- Not all night but at least 50% of the time they are there (that is reasonable). Because, let’s be honest, one of the highlights of going to a Salsa Congress, Social, or Special Party for many people is the POSSIBILITY they can get a dance with one of the Featured STAR Dancers. That is a strong part of the Congress Experience.The Social Dance Arena (Latin Dances like Salsa/Bachata, Ballroom, Swing, Hand-Dancing) has a strong Aspirational quality that hooks developing dancers into wanting to improve and emulate the Star dancers. This translates into many going to high profile events to DANCE WITH, CHAT UP, Cozy up to, or just SNIFF the RAREFIED Air of these Stars in addition to dancing with as many new dancers as possible. When the Stars DISAPPEAR or huddle in their “Beautiful People/Artists/Stars” Strongholds daring anyone to approach or risk annihilation or certain humiliation, it is very discouraging to the patrons of these events. That is my 2 cents.If you are a Facebook Friend of DJ Renzo (Lorenzo Haire) or just want to snoop,I suggest you read the original post from his page from Sept 17, 2014 (post is public) because the comments are highly illuminating. If not, Here is Renzo’s Original Post below:”I have recently spoken to a couple of promoters about an interesting trend these days. Inviting a bunch of powerhouse stars to your event just to have them act unapproachable, drink upstairs most of the night, and then just dance with each other by the stage when they finally come down seems to be a turnoff for a lot of people. People at least want the illusion that they can dance with these people. People are intimidated to break into these “circle of friends” to ask them to dance. Among other reasons, I think this is dissuading some people from even coming to salsa congresses anymore. What are your thoughts on this topic? Have you seen this happen? Has it dissuaded you from paying money to attend, or does it not really bother you? If you’re a performer what is wrong with dancing with some of your fans instead of your traveling circle of friends the whole time? Are there reasons you think people don’t want to dance with the general populace that much (stalkers, safety, etc.)?”