Technique makes your dancing better. First it makes you look better as a dancer, but that can be very subjective. Secondly you (lead or follow) are more capable: you push off the standing leg better, you turn better, you handle your role better. And finally in this context your lead or follow is better. Social dancing is an agreement: one will lead and one will follow. The leader must be clear with timing and direction, the follower must not move before they are led.

You actually answered your own question when you said: "hey have a style of their own. It works for them, but he's very difficult to follow." I see this all the time with couples who don't rotate in the classes and stay together at a social dance. She reads him, knows where he's going, is not really following, he is not really leading. I can guarantee that on a crowded dance floor where sudden changes in the figure are utilized he's using force and she is less comfortable. And I would not count the number of figures, I would count the number of figures done well.

Putting aside the lead/follow issues I repeat technique classes make you better. Better is more fun. Better is stronger. Better is faster. Hmmmmm... maybe it's the strength training of dance, but strength training is the strength training of dance, I'm stuck in a loop.

Getting better means you aren't just going through the motions. You are dancing at a higher level.

I agree with every word you said. However, is it worth trying to explain this to her? If I do, how do I couch it? It would be very difficult to say it without the implicit idea that they need to improve. Heck ALL of us need to improve, otherwise why to the world champs still practice? Maybe I'll hope she doesn't ask. Yes, he does use a lot of force to lead. I did speak up one time, as I was afraid of rotator cuff damage during the turns. Yes, I need a strong frame, but it can be challenging.

It will be interesting to see how our instructors bring the topic up. This is the last week of 4 week sessions, so March starts the new class with technique. Our instructors are both thoughtful and caring people, one in particular has that wonderful knack of "criticizing" without you even knowing that mistakes are being acknowledged. I lack that skill, so I've learned to just keep my mouth shut!

I will remember your comments, as they're very positive and could avoid any mis-steps on my part.

Can one dance with poor Techn. ? Of course.. but.the point of Techn. is this ;

It was devised, to facilitate an ease of passage, from step to step. And, in most cases, showcase the "character/style'Origin " of the dance.

Rumba for ex. without Cuban motion, is essentially a Waltz box step with no Rise and fall ( waltz Characteristic ).

I currently, am only teaching social style dances . Heavy techn. does not go down well, with the majority of social dancers, therefore.it needs to be "spoon fed " and tailored.

Students make decisions on THEIR wants and needs. Forcing Techn. = may eventually lead to fewer students..

Dancing is the only 'sport' i know where people will boast about their lack of technique or how they don't want to bother with it. No one would learn how to golf and pay no attention to technique. So how do you answer the question, "Why should I work on technique? Make it personal, "I want to be the best dancer I can and I think technique is important" or "I don't want to look like a beginner my whole life". If you don't want to be asked again, try "I love social dancing, but I just don't want to look like a social dancer".

Good one Lady Dancer.
Habit = Muscle Memory. If we allow ourselves to continuously when dancing, to use the incorrect footwork. For instance as an example . A ball flat instead of a Heel lead we are placing this in our muscle memory which = something we do spontaneously without thinking. Do this for several hours a week and the result becomes ingrained. This could be as well as bad footwork, bad posture.
It is as Aristotle some 2,500 years ago wrote " Repetition produces habit ". Good as well as bad. There is a limit to the amount of instruction that can be taught in a class.I think the most important is footwork and posture.

These are such great answers. My instructors did bring it up the other day and seemed to realize that a few people may be reluctant. The couple who previously had said they weren't interested, did say they'd think about it. Our instructor said she'd see how people felt about it and could always change the plan.

I myself would rather focus on technique rather than learning a new figure. I guess that says something about my fear of failure, doesn't it? This came up in class today. The two other couples are more advanced than I and we learned a rather complicated step. Myy eyes glazed over and my instructor saw me going to that "negative place". He reminded me it will come eventually, I relaxed, cracked a joke and got back into it.

Knowing I need to be pushed and stretched (figuratively) and WANTING to do it can be two different things. For me, technique can give me a feeling for comfort and control. If I have that, the rest will come.

As a T-shirt I saw said "If dance were any easier, it would be called football".

You want to give your friend an answer without seeming condescending. So if you can explain why YOU think it's worth the trouble, in simple terms, that might be the right approach. When you have to work hard to execute a dance figure you're probably doing it wrong. Doing it correctly is more comfortable--and (as a result) more fun. A side benefit is that it usually also looks better.

The most important for a beginner ?.. is.. Direction and Timing.

And of course, preceeding that, Hold / Frame/ Posture .

Everyone has pretty much said why technique is important - makes you look more dynamic on the floor, makes your lead/follow better, it can help you work LESS hard as well. Giant rock steps on a fast cha cha, ECW, etc, etc. to fast music can make for "a LONG day at the office!" Also leaning correct technique now is great - there may come a day might wish to take your dancing to the next level - showcases and competition. It's a bear to unlearn bad habits and relearn correct habits.

Sadly there will always be students who are "step junkies" (that's the nice term). Teach me the pattern, I don't CARE how I execute it!

Based on your comments and question, I was wondering if you would be willing to fill out a survey about what you find important in ballroom dancing and what you feel you get from your classes? I am looking to get information from dancers to help me formulate a class that would be beneficial for either ballroom or tango dancers!

I hope you'll be willing to help me out! I am a dance teacher in Los Angeles, having previously danced with the LA Ballet. Let me know, and I'd be happy to post it up on here.

Thank you so much and keep exploring your dancing!