I spent 3 years in lessons with my first ballroom dance instructor. I told this teacher from the beginning I wanted to do light, local competition (NOT aiming to go pro or compete all across the country). This person taught from an independent studio whose principal teachers, responsible for continually training their staff instructors, are rising star professional-level competitiors. For the first year I split my time among smooth and rhythm; the second year I added standard (but decided it wasn't for me and stopped after 5-6 months); the third year I put my focus entirely on rhythm.


I feel like I've now learned all I can from this instructor. I want to do latin, so I am switching to an instructor at a different independent studio who primarily teaches children on the track to becoming competitive latin champions. This instructor thinks my past 3 years have been a waste of time and money because 3 years' experience should make me a better dancer than I actually am. I know I can learn a lot from this new instructor, but I hate to think that my last 3 years have been a waste because I was able to dance all the styles I wanted and had so much fun.

My question is, can a teacher who by no means a 'national champion'-level dancer still have enough infromation and skill to teach a student in weekly lessons over the span of 3 years?

Thanks

JEKenny, I have switched teachers a number of times over the past several years and it is not uncommon for the new one to criticize what the previous one taught you. It's part of conditioning you to accept whatever the new teacher says without questions.

I personally think that such behavior by an instructor is a bad sign but I don't really know the particulars of the situation.

If you enjoyed being on the dance floor for those three years then, no, they were not a waste of your time.

If this new instructor seems to spend an inordinate amount of time complaining about what you've been taught then you'll need to decide if the new one is a waste of time. If what the new instructor shows you seems to make sense to you then you should probably stick it out for a while.

Finding a good instructor can be as difficult as finding a good partner. It's one of the biggest challenges facing most amateurs.

Good luck.

jj

You have now switched to an instructor who teaches children to be "competitive latin champions" so his/her focus is going to be just that. Naturally, she/he is going to think that all the time you spent on the waltz etc. was a waste of time. Your first instructor (it seems to me) gave you what you asked for. Compentency in all the dances and fun. This new instructor may not consider fun as part of the equation. I have seen these competition-driven instructors reduce people to tears and if your goal is only light, local competition you two might not be a good fit in the long run.

JEKenny, you mentioned that you had fun with the first instructor/studio. And it appears that you made decisions for yourself, in terms of your dancing, that you were satisfied with and that the instructor/studio listened in accomplishing what you wanted at that time.
You split you time among smooth and rhythm, tried standard then focus was on rhythm. Learning "latin" is somewhat different than Rhythm. However, tsk tsk on the new (to you new) instructor at the other studio. As each person is an individual, so is each person's goals for their own dancing and what they want from their instructor. You do not say what is the new instructor certification? Trust your instinct. There are many well versed instructors out there - who have more than enough information, skill and experience - yet chose not to compete for various reasons.

JEKenny....you spent three years having fun, learning to dance many different styles, building a foundation and discovering what dances you preferred to focus on. I wouldn't consider that a waste of time.

Although you may have outgrown your first instructor....you may want to reconsider this new instructor. To me, it seems like arrogance and insensitivity that motivated his remarks about "a waste of time". Is he telling you that you are a terrible dancer? I'll bet you're not a terrible dancer, but if an instructor told me that I wasted three years...that's what I would think he is saying. I wonder if he is stroking his own ego, by criticizing you and the other instructor. An instructor with a courteous and professional manner (and genuine confidence in his own abilites) would have your best interest at heart and would not make such harsh and discouraging statements Even if you do need improvement, there are better ways to approach that....such as encouraging you to work on the things that need improvement and pointing out the things you do well.

There are so many factors that influence a dancers progress... including how often a student is able to practice, how many lessons are taken each week and even changing goals during the course of study. You mentioned that you wanted to do light, local competition when you first began dancing. So maybe you and your instructor paced your learning to meet that goal at that time, before you became more serious.
To me, it would not be worthwhile to study with an instructor that seems so arrogant and insensitive. In my area there is an instructor that is well known (in the area) and considered to be one of the best. He is almost rude to his students in the way he communicates with them. I don't find that productive. If he was as great as he thinks he is, his students would perform better at comps that the students at the other local studios. If he was as wonderful as says he is....he wouldn't let some of his newcomer and Bronze I level students show up at the comps dressed and made up like Gold competitors.

I personally would not want to waste any more time thinking about whether of not one instructor thinks I wasted the last three years of my time and money. My time with an instructor should be spent learning, not listening to his destructive commentary about other instructors....

Anyway, I'll get off my soapbox now....best of wishes to you.....follow your heart and don't let anyone determine if you have wasted your time.

Thank you all for your responses!! I really appreciate them!

JEKenny. If you were wanting to learn the International Style of Rumba and the instructuctor hasn't kept up with the latest trends which has changed the Rumba in the past few weeks. it would be a waste of time and money. Just very briefly. We used to count 2 and 3 and 4 and 1 and. Which were half beats. Instead we have a slower step on beat 2 which before was brought in fast. Also that heavy settling of the hip on beat 1. has gone also. Something else has been added in both Rumba and Cha. Once we only heard of a body tick in the Samba. Not any more. A body tick of some kind is now being used in all three dances. Good Luck.

I dance a fair amount of latin, but haven't heard of this new trend. Polished, would you mind elaborating on this more?

Thanks!

Dear JEKenny,
I have to agree with the other posters here. Whenever one instructor speaks ill of another to a brand new student, he/she is sending this student a warning and raising the red flag.

An emotionally mature teacher would never subject a new student to such pettiness.

This comes up in other areas as well: music teachers, coaches, trainers...

I have noticed the really solid, grounded teachers I have studied under never criticize a fellow teacher; even if the other teacher is less than proficient in her/his methods and qualifications. After all, it really is a matter of opinion. As students, we all have unique goals and learning styles. I personally don't think one teacher can serve each and every student.

The ideal is to try out several teachers and go with the one that is the best fit for you:)

Good luck and happy dancing!