I am new to ballroom, having only been at this since January of 2009. I began taking private lessons in American Smooth dances in June (prior to that time I just participating in group lessons, taking 8 week series of various dances to learn where I had the most interest). I would like to become a very skilled and competent social dancer in the smooth series; however, I am not currently thinking about doing competitive dancing. I have been taking the private lessons once a week and am making good progress, but in looking at the "bronze" syllabus I would need to learn a fair number of additional patterns in both Tango and Waltz to know everything up through Full Bronze. I guess my basis question is: how far does a "social" dance student normally go with learning the syllabus and/or is there any average amount of time I should expect to need to commit to continued private lessons. I do enjoy my lessons and feel a good rapport with my instructor; however, I have hesitated to ask him this question.

It truly is a personal, individual choice. What are your own goals and objectives as your dance(s) progress? is the question you should entertain and only you would know the answer Some dancers I know prefer specific syllabus figures rather than "all" the figures, others learn faster and dedicate a significant amount of their own time to practice (not competition but just plain hard work practice). Many instructors are open to dialog about your goals and it helps clarify for them what direction you would like to take. Private lessons, from my point of view, are great tools but along with the private lessons and your own social dancing as you've indicated comes lots of practice. Dance progress has so many variables - even when your not a competitor. But ultimately that is what dance is - a process with progress. Sit down with your teacher - share your thoughts and get input.