When learning a new routine, we first go through it step by step (usually using backward chaining -- starting with the last step and working backwards to the beginning so that, upon beginning the step at the beginning we have the benefit of an increasing amount of practice as we proceed through the routine) until we know what we are doing. We then want to continue the learning with music, but the fast tempo (for learners) of most dance music (slow waltzes are a notable exception) often makes this transition to continuing our learning with music very challenging (really, frustrating). How do others cope with the (at least our) need for dance music with a slow tempo for the various dances?

As you practice gradually speed up your own counting until it matches the speed of the music. Then you'll already be dancing at the right speed when you try it to music.

I have transferred all my dance music CDs to my PC (as MP3 files), and take my laptop to practise sessions with some very inexpensive powered speakers. Using Windows Media Player, I can set up playlists of any tracks I want to use, and alter the replay speed to suit. The quality suffers if you depart more than a few percent from the original speed, but it is fine for practice. A very much cheaper solution than a portable CD player with variable speed.

How do you get Windows Media to play music at a slower than performed speed. I've gone over my Windows Media, and I didn't encounter anything that even had a hint of providing some control over the speed at which it plays music.