I'm sure there are pros out there who do not bother to properly teach their students. Mine is an exception to that. His goal is to help me become the best dancer I can be. He emphasizes the importance of developing the skills and technique to be an active 'half-of-the-whole.' He insists I learn to maintain my own balance and implusion, and not rely on my partner to "haul" me around the dance floor. I'm finally on my way toward those goals. In his words, I'm... "beginning to dance like a dancer."

Luckily for me, my pro is not at all "brutal"...*S* He's a polite, considerate, and precise teacher who has the patience of a saint, and NEVER lets me get away with anything. I couldn't be happier.

And, yes....when the time comes, I will be considering pro/am competition.