Hello
I would like to get people's opinion regarding practice. I don't have a partner now, so I usually pracice myself 4hr. a day. I am definetly feeling improving my dancing level. *BUT* people said that I never reach the top level if I don't practice with a partner. Don't you think sould I get a partner even he is lower level of my level? I don't care too much when I practice latin with anyone, but Standard is close position all the time....so.....I am frustrated if a leader couldn't lead well.....

Practicing on your own is fine up to a point. You can get away without using CBM. Also in a Foxtrot you are possibly keeping your feet too close, whereas you should have a minimum of one floorboard space between your feet which probably doèsn't happen when you are dancing solo. Latin is a different ball game. A Rumba Walk remains the same whether you are with a partner or not. There is one problem though, and that is what is affectionaly called by coaches as push pull, which is the conection with the hands,between the parnership as in leading. You just can't do that on your own. Having said all that I will add, that I beleive that the man should know, and be able to do his steps, and the ladies, and vice versa, solo and to music. This is what one of my earlier teachers made us do and I thank him for it.

Refer back to the post about practice on your own...That was a great post.

I am the opposite of you.....My partner of 10 years is my husband, and we always practice together. The down side to this..I rely to much on my partner to lead me, rather then know for myself my postions and alignements.... Recently our instructor made us dance alone to make sure we both understand each step and alignement.... Can you believe it, I could not do it, without my partner!!!

Thus, I think there is real value in your practice time without a partner.

Both the man and the lady should be able to see their routine in their head. That is every step and every alignment. If you can't then you are trying to fly without wings. You should also, in your mind be able to to see yourself doing all the slows and quicks, plus the correct footwork. A good time to do this is just before you go to sleep. If you get stuck on any part, then in the morning find out where you went wrong.