I always read your posts because I (almost) always agree with what you say. You have said that you don't dance socially and you don't compete so I'm left wondering when do you dance? Are the lessons enough and the acquiring new steps and skills enough? I dance every chance I get with almost anybody. I have a latin coach, standard coach and a couple of times a month have a session with a champion. I have competed with an amateur partner and a pro partner. My husband is my social partner and he takes most the lessons with me. They are the means to an end not the end itself. Everyone has their own motivations and I am not passing judgement in any way, I just don't understand why you've learned to dance.

Ladydance,

Why I dance....I dance because it sets my soul free. I love the transcendent moments and I love the daily grind and work and having the moment when a step is finally within my grasp. I love pushing my body to its outer limits. It feels so good when you can basically defy gravity and float across the floor.

I would dance socially if I didn't live 2 1/2 hours away from the nearest place to dance. I can get away with the back and forth if it is during the day. The late nights, I just can't do it. There used to be Milongas (Argentine Tango dances) but everyone moved down the 2 1/2 hours except me. Now I am looking for a place closer to dance so I can pick up the social component.

I live so far away that it would be a disservice to find an amateur patner. I can't commit to the daily practice and lose 5+ hours a day in driving alone. I do practice daily and its much less fun when you are doing it all by yourself.

There isn't anything wrong with competition it just doesn't set me on fire. I've done it. I've done well and at the end of the day I'll probably do it again. My family is pressuring me to go to Emerald and Ohio next year. So chances are I will.

I will tell you that one of my favorite things is putting together a great showdance. I really enjoy performing and doing something amazing that no one has ever seen before.

I hope that answers your question.

Oh...and as for my fiance....he used to play Professional Football. He is way too cool and important to learn how to ballroom dance. I don't make him. He doesn't want to learn, he doesn't want to help me practice.

He does want me to stop dancing. That sucks for him because I'm not going to stop.

Good for you !!.. and.. which team ?

And by the way.. to the Q why do you dance... does one need a reason ???

The Eagles.

I agree so much terence :~}

By the way are you in the United Kingdom or the US?

I,m impressed ! ( but a falcons fan )

Currently living in the UK since 05.

Worked in Philly on 2 separate occasions...

Thank you terence. If I get back to the UK would love to catch one of your classes and meet you in person! I just want to drool over what I am sure is the most extensive latin music collection in the world.

My music library is not as large as many I know ( mine is very comprehensive and diverse ).

There are several styles of music in the Salsa genre, from Cuban to NY style, and several in between, and its nigh impossible to have the complete range in all styles... I tend to try and cover music, from the classic Cuban 40s thru to todays popular bands and styles .

Many of the salsa bands occasionally add a great Rumba.. Bolero.. Cha Cha, and or Guajira( a great side benefit ) .

. I also have a substantial B/room , R and R, and a small T/Arg. collection .

Good for you Belle, on all fronts!! My dear husband also, did not want me to continue dancing, it became a point of contention. And a sore point at that. Don't give up your passion and do enjoy all the blessings that are on their way!

I figured belleofyourball would have an excellent answer to the original post. On a different note, and as odd as it may sound, it is possible, especially for instructors, to never really do much dancing outside of demonstrating during teaching. The same with golf professionals who operate a public or private course. They rarely play the game for fun or competition.
I have always enjoyed social dancing, though it is getting hard to find a place nearby. It's too hard to drive 90 minutes into the city and fight traffic and parking. Getting too old for that.
Basically, I am happy just working on steps and posture; trying to incorporate something new on a fairly regular basis, and then moonlighting as an instructor when the opportunity presents itself.
I consider it an intriguing, challenging and fun hobby for the most part... and I get to the dance studio for brushups, etc. whenever possible. For instance, I will probably be working on smoothing out my Viennese Waltz until my final days! And yet, it is possible I may never do the dance in a social setting. So, go figure.
Bears fan, if anyone is wondering...and was a sportswriter by trade for many years and still do it as a freelancer on occasion.