I am finally making progress in my dancing. I am systematically working through everything that is wrong and WOW there is plenty of that to work through. However what I am finding is a consistent area of weakness throughout all of my latin dances.

I am having a terrible time with syncopations, or more clearly since I'm probably using the terminology inappropriately, steps that require one less foot movement than the actual count of the music, but still incorporate a weight change.

For example, the Boto Fogas in the Samba just killed me. I understand them now but they were so difficult to learn and I know they aren't difficult. I mean I look at them and I feel so damn stupid as I struggle through them. Another…after two weeks of nightly practice I can now successfully perform cucarachas (I'm not saying I'm good I'm saying I can do the movement in the right timing with appropriate weight changes). Its embarrassing and it is soooo frustrating. (Especially after I could pick up the entire fruity Fred Astaire bronze syllabus on Rumba in only a couple lessons)

Is this something that others have struggled with? Anyone know any tricks to alleviate this seemingly ridiculous problem I suffer from?

You are, I believe, trying to make comparisons between an Amer.style social level, and the Intern. style.

There are instances where this might be valid.. but.. think of this as a new learning experience, and, the technical aspects are going to vary from time time, from what maybe has been taught in the Amer style. .

There are no short cuts, but as you progress, the foundation work you are now doing, is going to substantiate all that is to follow ( no pun ).