I just wanted to get some feedback on how to survive criticism with one time dancing partners.
I have started dancing last year. I have spent already enough money into dancing lessons. I thought I would get more for the money, I have spent but I decided to go and venture social dancing at local community centres.
I have been asked to dance which I am certainly greatful for but I had to get the odd criticism on the dance floor... such as but I don't understand... this step is not difficult though... or not to do this and now do that.. no... not this... You certainly need guts to go and dance again... Any tips that you can offer to new dancers not to be turned off or a tiny bit pissed off?

Always a tricky situation for either party.

Is the person sincerely trying to help? Is the other party receptive to help?

My wife and I are more advanced in our community. I'll get asked to dance at community centre situations often. I'm never quite sure if I'm being asked because the other party wants feedback because they know I'm a teacher. I try and handle it by asking first if they want feedback. If, yes, OK. If,no, I keep it to myself.

Same sort of situations occur elsewhere:

My wife taught visually impaired people. They resent it when people talk to their seeing eye dog first.

Physically disabled people resent it when you open a door for them without asking first if you can open the door for them.

Thing is, the motivation of these helpful people is honest.

Now if it's just a person who criticizes with out asking then just tell them you'll ask your teacher about it.

OB

Thanks operabob. It is helpful. It is certainly making a difference. Simply and unfortunately if I get the odd comment, I can ask them if they are to help and from criticism, I may end up with real help... I can certainly try.
Thanks again.

Lifeisbeautiful. If somebody puts that on you again. Why not say can we go into the corner and you might be able to explain better. If they do you might get a free private lesson. If they wont they more than likely haven't the foggiest. Especially if you ask them to demonstrate your supposed problem steps. Either that or say nothing. It goes with the territory. Have Fun.

I've been taking lessons for one year,also, and I gratefully accept any criticism or suggestions from anyone who is better than I am. I've learned so much from one time dancing partners. They have to put up with me! I try to "leave my ego at the door" each time I step onto the dancefloor.