I am disappointed that no one has responded to this post. I, a social dancer, find a dance to be a perfect moment in time when the right combination of elements all come together. I understand that ballroom style dancers have a higher standard of dance performance but does that mean they cannot attain the pleasure of a "perfect dance" because they are thinking "I could have done better"?

Hi Samueld,

RE: ballroom style dancers have a higher standard but does that mean they cannot attain the pleasure of a "perfect dance" because they are thinking "I could have done better"?...

The short answer is that they are capable attaining the level of happiness you attribute to social dancers with or without getting good marks from the judges.

The long answer would take an essay.

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I remember taking a group lesson from one of the top word-class dancers, and the discussion turned to this subject. She described the ecstatic state she experienced, one time, at a competition. Her motion was effortless; she felt a perfect harmony with the partner and a dreamlike balance between peace and excitement. She said they did place first, but it did not matter, as the experience was so unique.

I think, this state of mind is sometimes experienced by artists of all kinds, including musicians and painters, and it is a uniquely human experience of the highest level.

She said it was a Waltz (Standard); nevertheless, it is safe to assume that their Waltz choreography did not include East Coast Swing steps, as yours. Not that there is anything wrong with such creative touch at social dance. Happy dancing.

I think no one has responded because everyone thought as I did, 'there is no perfect dance'. Even when dancing with a champion, I know of all sorts of things I could have done better even though he makes me look awesome. As an amateur, there has never been a time when both of us have been perfect together. We have moments of brilliance but most often separately. The quest to be better than ourselves (not others) is what keeps me dancing. I never met a competitor that even when they win, say they had a perfect dance. It is more likely that they were just glad the judges were looking at someone else when they made a mistake or their frame drooped or something. There is nothing like looking at a video of yourself dancing to bring your ideas of grandeur crashing down around your feet.

I had two perfect dances last night ( and a bunch of great ones ).
one was with a very good follow that just makes everything work no matter how bad my lead was.
the second was doing a dance that neither of us was good at, but we laughed and tripped and had a heck of a good time.

I'd switch it from a perfect dance to a perfect experience--realizing there is no perfection and few of us reach that state that top instructor had achieved. I've only been dancing for two years, mainly with group lessons going through the 10 popular smooth and rhythm styles. I've gotten to silver for most of them and have just started adding private lessons. I really love to dance and am thrilled I've taken this up at, well, a bit more advanced age.

So, to cut to it. For me the dance would have to be fox-trot. Twice now I felt as if I were literally flying around the dance floor. Despite not having the technique and skills to really do it quite the way it should be done, I felt I was living the dream every little girl has had.

One of those times was in a group practice session with my instructor. It felt so wonderful. I started laughing out loud, it felt so good. As my instructor and I finished our fox trot (possibly to a classic Sinatra or Buble song) we stopped in front of my husband. His mouth actually fell open! He hadn't seen me dance since I started private lessons. I guess I had improved.

Samueld, I've only popped in here occasionally, but if you continue to get conversations like this going, I'll become a regular!

I recently had a wonderful dance. I've been taking lessons for about 2.5 years so I'm not a beginner, neither am I high level. I adore learning picky techniques and complicated steps and I am fortunate to take private and group lessons with excellent professionals. But I like to have fun, too, and I wish my instructors could have watched this dance. My partner was an instructor from another studio but this was a social dance. We had not danced cha cha together before and had only ever danced together a few times. He invited me beyond my comfort zone and I followed almost everything well including some great spins (girls love to spin!). I never knew what would come next, there was no pattern, just pay attention to leader, use what you know, move with the music and do your best! It was like a game! I'm proud to think I could follow well enough to play a good game, and I had an absolute blast! And I think he had fun, too, and I'm grateful for his willingness to play with me!

Foxstepper, it sounds like we have a lot in common-similar levels and favorite dances. Your reply was so much fun to read, I can picture the two of you dancing.

I, too, am a social dancer although I have competed.

I am sure that this sounds "sunshine and lollipops" but every dance that I do is "perfect".

No, the steps and patterns aren't. But, the dance is. When the song is right I sing as I dance (not loudly, not a good singer). When the song is right, I may add a swing turn in the corner while doing a foxtrot. When the song is right, I'll slip from Rumba, to Cha Cha and to Bolero.

My perfect dance is an expression of who I am and what I feel. Ergo, they are all perfect.

It's good to know I'm not the only one who can't help singing along! Those classic fox trots are just infectious, aren't they?