This is a good topic. Where I take my lessons, they have a rule that people should switch partners for every dance at parties. Not everybody is comfortable with that. I do understand the reason for the rule though.

In a studio in a class I would expect to change partners. One way is for all the ladies to be seated after each dance and the gents to pick a partner in strict rotation the lady in the first seat being number one.
In a Dance not a class. If you want to mix people up. Have a Ladies or Gents invitation.
Or an excuse me dance anybody can cut in by tapping on the shoulder. Or another way is have one couple on the floor as the music stops they will pick a new partner which means the number will double every time the music is stopped.

I usually dance with one partner (who I happen also to be married to). But at dances there are often "mixers," and I enjoy the opportunity to dance with several partners, trying to determine each partner's skill level and dance accordingly so that we both have fun. I understand why some people resist dancing with other partners. I was that way, when I was much less experienced than I am now. I changed my outlook--gradually.

nloftofan1, I think your story is an excellent example of a studio that did a great job! When you first started, they made you and your spouse feel welcome to stay together. Over time, you saw the benefits of changing partners and when you were comfortable, you did! That's wonderful.

Studios that put too much of an emphasis on changing partners early on lose students. The reason that they do this is primarily (if we're being honest) so that singles don't have to sit out as much during socials when the numbers are uneven. However, teachers can use this as an opportunity to grow your classes by encouraging your singles to bring someone of the opposite gender to the next class / social. Also, you should hire teacher aids that will be able to dance with singles.

Again, if the teacher explains the benefits of changing partners without making couples feel awkward for not changing, the couples will almost always see the benefit eventually and gradually begin to change partners without being coerced into doing so.

I have been dancing for 2+ years and what you discuss here is part of a larger issue.
Women who don't mix!! I am a single guy and (I'll admit) I took up ballroom dancing mainly to meet women. All the time and money (private lessons) that it still takes, is worth it if I get to dance with lots of women at social dances. Notice I said social dances. That's how they are listed, people are supposed to mix.

Imagine my frustration when I see a lady at a dance I really want to dance with, but noooo she just dances with the same guy all evening. I know not to approach her if I see that. So I wait, and wait, but to no avail.

I have also had the experience of women (professional dance instructors, usually) telling me they can't dance with me because they are "working", which means they are paid escorts for that one guy for the evening.

And so I watch them glide across the dance floor, wondering what would it be like to be with them, but well aware that I may never know. As the poet says "So near, but yet so far".

Many dances have "mixers" (chair dances, snowballs, etc.), usually at a break. For 5-10 minutes you have a chance to dance with several partners--and meet them. Keep looking.

You are presuming that a woman dancing with one man doesn't want to dance with anyone else. Try asking her. I have seen this same situation at my studio and it turned out the woman liked to dance with others but was never asked. Ask everyone, including instructors. Most women do not ask men to dance. As for instructors 'working', I have never heard of such a thing. Most instructors like to be free at a party to dance because it might result in a new student for them.

The practice of paying instructors to accompany a student to a dance and partner the student is very common, at least in this area. Our favorite dance instructor (also a friend) called them "dance whores."

Hi, its bob again. I have tried what you suggest and in my experience I get a shocked "no" from the woman and a dirty look from the guy she is with. Let's face it, quite a few men feel "this is my woman!". Also, I don't want any trouble and I certainly don't want to get any blood on my shoes when I beat the crap out of him (ha!).

Dancing, like alot of things I suppose, is an exercise in human nature. I try to read the women at dances. Should I approach? Is she available? How does she dance? What kind of dances/movements is she good at, and/or like? And, How does she look at the guy she is with? bored? amused? turned-on? just being polite? or is she a mystery?

There is also something called "date night" which seems very odd to me. If they just want to be together couldn't they stay home and play the radio?

Hi Bob, find a new party and or studio. If you find a studio with both competitors and social dancers (for lack of a better description - those who take their dancing seriously but don't want to compete), you will find those who will dance with anyone at a party and don't go for any of the crap you describe. That being said, since you started dancing to meet women, have you got a reputation that you are looking for a girlfriend? Are you a good lead, not overbearing or bossy? Why don't you find a partner with no conditions or expectations and go with them to the dances?