Has any one ever thought of quitting or stopping dancing even for a brief moment?

I am in a weird situation, i don't know if i should keep going or just quit. I've been told more then once, that i need to stop analyzing and just dance it out... but i am having a hard time accomplishing that, and with that I've been "stuck" at the same level for a year... is it time for me to take a break?

I've needed vacations before. I didn't quit dancing, but I quit taking lessons and thinking. My partner was so kind as to point out every fault my laziness caused in my frame and 'our partnership' though, so now, I just keep my mouth shut and keep going. It's not about my personal enjoyment of it, after all, it's about the partnership.

Hi vicxen99,

Ive been through many weird situations with my current studio. Ive been back and forth over whether to quit or take breaks. I have danced at a couple different places.

It really all depends on your situation and what you feel comfortable with. Do you dance pro/am or amateur couple? That can often make a difference. Also what style do you dance? I personally like to find one dance i can just have fun with, and it helps me loosen up with my others.

Hi ballroombabe91

I dance pro/am - I dance in both smooth and Latin.. i am having difficulties letting go of my boundaries and just having fun with it. My favorite dance would have to be Cha-Cha, that seams to be the only dance i can really let go - and have fun with... but even then it's probably not enough according to my instructors...

Vicxen,

I have quit two studios and while looking for a new place to dance had a couple of long breaks. I was so miserable when I wasn't dancing that it isn't worth it.

It sounds to me like you are dancing with the wrong pro. They shouldn't be making you want to quit.

I would 'shop around' go to your phone book or get on the internet and find all the places in your area and than visit them. See how the pros are treating the dancers,see if there is someone there who looks like they are having fun and being kind but still teaching.

Don't get so wrapped up in moving through the levels. You aren't stuck, not really, dancing shouldn't just be about progressing from bronze to silver, it should be about mastering and enjoying each level. We are a goal oriented society but dancing isn't a product it is an art. DaVinci worked on the Mona Lisa for decades. See if you can break your vision that progress is measured in medals.

Many of the dancers I know stay at a level for years, because its about more than knowing the steps.

As far as letting go, I'll tell you the truth. Most people have a hard time getting there. I have had pros in the past who were having fun, so I have fun but my pro now never has fun. Even when he says we are just going to dance, he doesn't mean it and he makes me uptight and nervous. Than he is upset with me for not being relaxed. He won't dance with beginners because he burns them ALL out. There is even a blog in honor of the shocking things he has said to his students.

So I would say...make sure you are attributing the problem to the right person. It sounds like its your pro that needs a vacation, not you.

I dance Argentine Tango once a week just to have my opportunity to dance without stress and thoughts and I do it somewhere else. Even his presence can turn me stiff. Find the place and the dance, experiment with something you haven't tried before, and see if you can get your bliss back.

Thank you Belloefyourball - that really helps.

I don't know if this applies to you but I often see students get burned out and discouraged because they never dance for fun. At our studio, we have a dance every Friday night. I so look forward to it because it is a chance to dance with out worrying about technique, posture etc. All I have to do is follow and if I screw up well, too bad. Our lessons both private and group are a time for learning and improving, Friday nights are for fun. It is not a practice session, it is a party.

Shop around for a pro that you enjoy dancing with. It really helps to "have fun" in the long run and loosen up. Not so long ago I also thought about a break/quit/leave...situation. Ultimately, what is important to you for your dance goals? I could not loosen up for the life of me in Rhythm, then I somehow, stopped worrying about progression, stopped doing or even hinting at competitions, began social dancing at the studio parties and other places, where I happened into a "pro" that was truly enjoying the evening. Lo and behold - I not only got past all the analyze - dancing actually became great fun again. Try out the advise from BelleofyourBall...it's sound. Good Luck!

We are 2 1/2 years into Ballroom/ Latin, can Not ever see myself quitting! But we do take one week breaks. We are still learning so, I may not be the best judge of this! We are taking lessons, we practice at least 5 to 6 days a week. We average 6 to 7 hours in lessons alone.( 4 hours are private lessons, the rest group classes) Then we practice, practice, practice. We do many dances, and this keeps a variety! Hope this helps- do Not quit! You will miss it! I promise! ScottyBoysDoll
I over analyze, too!! And I sometimes feel like, I have hit a wall, as well!!

Hello Vicxen99,
I think youve gotten some really good advice already about doing some social/fun dancing and also about considering changing or shopping around for instructors.

I am a somewhat shy person and have sometimes heard that same remark to "loosen up" and always found that comment to be somewhat irritating and frustrating and also defeating. If a teacher told me to loosen up or be flirtatious, etc, I usually felt more uncomfortable and clammed up even more.

That being said however, I found that for myself as a shy person to really perform and compete well, that I had to work on the acting/entertaining side of my dancing. I spent years working on technique but didnt start doing well at competitions until I faced that side of me and addressed it.

I did it by changing teachers. I found a teacher who rather than tell me to "loosen up"instead, gave me some specific techniques to add more performance and flair to my dancing, both in showing me some actual moves, to discussing with me my thought process when I danced. Once I found a good teacher, in addition to learning techniques, I also found that I trusted the teacher and thus, was willing to push and stretch my boundaries and try things that made me uncomfortable at first but ultimately made me a better dancer.

And I loved doing this and learning and finding a new side to me.

I think that "Days & Nights" question to you about what is important to you and what are your goals is important as well.

I wish you all the best; whatever you do, if you love dancing, dont give up!