Because they are rude and don't think that the rules apply to them. Most of them seem to think that their skill is far beyond anything on Earth.

Stop asking them to dance. They don't deserve to dance with anyone.

Unless you have other intentions in mind, the age of your partners during a group lesson shouldn't matter. And it could be that the younger girls sense that you have other intentions in mind. That's not to say you do, but their perception is their reality. So keep that in mind. Otherwise, don't let it be a distraction of any kind. Concentrate on becoming a skilled and confident dancer, and partners who have the same goals and enjoy dancing will be available without much searching. You'll want a dance partner you are comfortable with once you move into one-on-one private sessions, if you go that route. This dance partner could be of any age. I have seen women 50 years old dancing with a partner who is 70, so there's no real "rules" in that regard when one is learning.

There is another possible angle on this sort of situation (and I'm not seeking to suggest that it applies in this particular case).

Women not infrequently dance because they want men. This is particularly true of an older generation, who sometimes want the men more than they want to dance. One is the means to another. If the man in question JUST wants to dance, the ladies may well (correctly) interpret the signals, and move on, to other prey. We men will usually do well to stay very well clear of such entanglements.

It can work the other way too, of course: the man wants a partner (a mate) not a dance partner. As long as each party is honest about what they want, there is no harm done, but there is a good deal of exploitation, of all sorts, in the dance world, as in the world at large.

Telemark,

I think this is exactly what is happening more often than not. It just clarifies the lack of etiquette when they can't even pretend to be polite to non-prey.

I think both sexes engage in dancing as a means to this end but have to admit women tend to be the worst offenders in being rude when someone doesn't seem to be a good potential mate.

I'd agree to a point.. but..the "level" of a dancer is also for consideration, particularly in a social setting .( and thats empirical evidence )

Well if the context of the original post was a group class, you wouldn't expect a huge variation in level between members, but I accept the wider point.

So many good points made here. There are many whom I don't care to dance with because of skill level or a total lack thereof, I'll have nothing to do with the women who attend social dances hoping them to be "meat markets," and then there are the frotteurs who use their legs to explore more areas than the necessary points of contact: avoid smooth dances with them at all costs. Women should consider this advice, as well.

I'm sorry that you are being treated badly by the young women. It happens at our studio quite often. These girls want to dance like they do on TV and not put the work in that a partnership requires. I have had girls call me at the studio and ask for a new partner because "I learned a step faster than him" or the classic "I want a better dancer than me". Even if I had other young men (which I don't), I wouldn't find them another partner. I tell them I'll put them on "the list". I know you'd like to dance with girls your own age but dance with the older women (30 and up) who appreciate you until a young girl comes along that will put in the effort.

Young ladies are just that. Young and immature.

I teach dance and this is a common issue how ever I do think it is the Instructors responsibility to teach these young ladies patients and why leads have a more challenging time picking up their steps.When I teach the young ladies they are also taught thank their leads. In the long run when they are older they will have leads to dance with. When leads get milage they will only dance with the ladies who try and appreciate them.

For now you are learning and who cares about age? Get good and let the younger girls start to wait in line to dance with you later.Right now just set yourself up for your future. Really when you turn 30 who is going to go to a Rave?Ballroom and Latin is always in style and always will be.

Try dancing with some of the older women. They probably know how to dance and will be thrilled to dance with a young man. You will learn confidence and skill. Then if you go out to a dance club you will wow the young girls with your skills!