To charmingrose:

I share with you the situation you are describing: I have been trained to a gold level in one dance only (swing, including very advanced lifts/aerials) and I have also been trained in free style figure ice skating to a very advanced level and practiced it for 10 consecutive years. Whenever I take group classes in ballroom dancing, most of the time I feel I am waisting precious time; my background allows me to learn a lot faster than the learning pace of group lessons. Therefore, I have decided to learn at my own pace with a private instructor. This solution does not come without disadvantages: (1) It is very expensive, especially if you want to practice with your own coach. (2) For a male dancer, it does not allow you to polish your own leading skills, since most of the time, a female instructor tends to execute her part in a pre-programmed manner. For a female dancer, it accustoms you to the specific leading style of your male instructor, unless you periodically deliberately change instructors. (3) You cannot deliberately practice what you have learned from your instructor with dancers you meet casually in social dance settings. So, you must imagine a partner while you practice on your own. It can be done during the early learning stages (bronze level; maybe some silver), although it requires significant previous experience in dancing with an actual partner. (4) There is no real substitute for a real compatible partner, even though such individuals are hard to find (I have had an excellent one in the past, with whom I have reached top levels during national and international competitions; getting another one of the same caliper seems to be a one in a million afair).

With the arrangement I have chosen, I at least find some satisfaction in learning at my own pace. In parallel, I keep looking for a partner who has compatible attributes. Maybe I will find her; maybe I will not. At least, I am taking the chance while I continue to learn. So, in a group class setting, I am patiently scouting for a potential compatible partner. Maybe I will find one just like you. Who knows?

I hope that sharing my experiences with you is of some help.

You are fortunate that you have a background which allows you to learn ballroom dancing quickly and enjoyably.
If you REALLY REALLY want to be a good ballroom dancer, here's what you do:
1)Find a suitable partner - this isn't easy. Go to competitions....go social dancing...let dance teachers know you're looking for a partner...
2)Take private lessons - that way, you will progress in a way which matches your potential. Unfortunately private lessons can be expensive
3)Practise..practise..practise..
4)Plan some way to find the time that you will be devoting to dancing

but don't forget - you will have a partner

Ask the instructor if you are able to move to the next level. If they see that you are learning quickly and doing well, they should have no problem advancing you. If you find that the advanced level is too difficult, you can always move down again and work on your technique.

Start taking classes!

Decide what you want to do with your dancing. Do you want to be a great social dancer? Start taking American Style dance classes. Do you want to compete and perhaps go to the Olympics? Start taking International Style dance classes.

Talk to whoever is in charge at the studio where you are taking classes. They are in a much better place to help you decide what you should do next. (Don't sign any long-term contracts, though, make sure you are willing to make the time and money commitment.)

Take private lessons with any qualified (preferably nationally certified) dance teacher. If you can take lessons with whoever is teaching the group class you have been observing, that would be particularly useful.

Start dancing!

Kevin Laddison
kevin@FirstStepDance.com