Hello,

I have been taking ballroom classes for about 3 months now. I began with my husband, who dropped out after 5 weeks and then began on my own. I've learned alot, but at the last few dance parties the studio has had, I've left feeling frustrated and terrible about my dancing! I know I've made progress, but it seems that the only one I can dance well with is my instructor! Has anyone else experienced this frustration? Does it get any better? I have so much fun during the lessons......but then after a party, and after stepping on so many toes.......I'm thinking I have two left feet!

I emphasise with you, having taught many singles, whose husbands gave up .

In the large picture, you have not even scratched the surface of dance .

let me give you a comparison-- If you started piano lessons , and in the same time period, would you expect to be an accomplished player ?-- I think not.
Dance is an art form, and it takes several months, to begin to understand all the nuances that come into play .

You will eventually be able to follow all and sundry , your focus now should be on patience-- it will happen-- just give it time .

Thank you for your reply.......it is very good advice.......
Part of my frustration stems from the fact that I agreed to participate in my first competition. I know it will be a good experience and get me quickly initiated into the world of dance.........but I'm quite concerned about the times that I miss steps or seem to have two left feet. Is this something that most dancers experience and overcome?

Not only did I experience that frustration (and overcome it), but I also suffered EXTREME nerves at competitions. Now I love to perform! Give it LOTS of time (YEARS), but don't forget to enjoy yourself along the way. Nothing is more rewarding!

There is nothing like competing to improve your dancing. I too started taking lessons with my husband for social dancing, but then wanted to improve beyond that. So I signed up for a competition shortly after I started taking private lessons with my instructor. It was the best thing I ever did! I was a nervous wreck at first, and very frustrated, like you, but I quickly found out that even the best dancers miss steps from time to time or blank out and make mistakes. If you love what you're doing, and you're learning the proper technique, it will show through and you'll do just fine. Having a goal will get you motivated to do so much better. When you get out on the floor, have confidence in your training, perform your heart out and have fun!

I still dance socially with my husband, and take classes with him from time to time, and it's great. But preparing for a showcase or a competition is what I really love. It takes time and hard work to feel competent, and I'm only one year into it, but it's such good exercise and so much fun, I can't imagine life without dancing.

Best of luck to you!! Stick with it!

Thank you to all who responded to my posting. I really appreciate the encouragement. I do love dancing.......the competition is July 27th........I still have nearly two weeks to practice.........I will keep in mind all the positive words.

Probably all of us have experienced frustration in the beginning. With practise and good instruction, it definitely gets much better.

Adapting to different leaders or followers, is one of the many things we all have to learn. We all dance better with a regular partner, learning how to figutre out other partners, is a challenge. Again with practise, it is something you will get better at.