Dear Maleva,
Here's a general question for you. I'm a follower and I want to be asked to dance more. What's your advice?
Thanks,
Sittin' Solo

Dear Sittin' Solo and ALL the Chicas out there,

Yes, it's true that leaders want to dance with women who feel comfortable and follow well (and of course it never hurts if you're attractive and wearing something sexy) but besides these givens, there is one small thing that any woman can do that I think greatly improves the chances of getting asked to dance more often: make sure there is an expression of pure bliss on your face whenever you ARE dancing with someone. If a leader sees you looking happy and relaxed in someone else's arms, he will be more likely to take you into his own.

I have heard leaders say about women: "She's lovely to dance with, but I see her dancing with other leaders and she always has such a bored/pained/scared/cold expression on her face. I don't want her looking like that over my shoulder!"

SO, try not to hold tension in your face or look nervous (even if you are sometimes), and never EVER scan around the room with your eyes and watch other dancers or people on the sidelines. Close your eyes if you can and think about putting a tiny, mysterious smile on your lips.

And this is one instance where it's OK to fake it. Even if the guy you are dancing with hasn't put you in the deepest, sleepiest of tango trances....make sure you look like he has, because other leaders are watching and they will notice.