It is difficult for a lady. As a man dancing socially I keep it simple but interesting by that if I were doing a Cha instead of of the usuall two lots of Basics Three New Yorks Spot Turn Three Hand to Hand and a Spot Turn. 12 Bars. The same steps are more interesting if the group is cut down to six bars. Front and Back Basic. One New York a Spot Turn one Hand to Hand. Spot Turn. 6 bars. Add Two Under Hand Turns to finsh 8 bars. It only takes one run through for the average lady to know what is coming next. I also use this group in the Rumba. Waltz is easy if you stick to an Open Imputus Weaves Spin Turn. Reverse and a Whisk and a Wing. Chasse Finish.Passing Change . All very simple and easy to lead if you were a male which you are not. I hope this might help some person though. The idea is you must have a simple routine to call on and not to go on the floor with no idea what you are going to do.

I'm sure many of us have been there (as pro-am dancing is very expensive, and amateur partners are hard to come by). I would never consider giving up dancing though! Sometimes you have to compromise in life! I gave up competitions (because it is so expensive, and I can't travel that much) in order to keep dancing with professionals (so I could continue to improve). I've found I don't need that kind of "validation" anymore...I just care about the quality of my dancing. I too was having a problem finding a partner without feeling held back. This is a sport for me. (Social dancing is entirely a different thing)

I understand how you feel...you love dancing and are at an advanced level but there's limited men who can dance the same. You don't want to stop but it's almost more frustrating to dance without being able to go all out the way you want to than to not dance at all...

One thing to consider is trying something where you don't need a partner, such as modern dance or ballet. It might not be as satisfying as partner dancing but you can express yourself, learn some techniques, gain flexibility and balance, etc.

There might be an opportunity in the future to do more ballroom...perhaps you'll find a partner, your circumstances will change...you'll move or win the lottery so you can afford pro/am...

I love ballroom dancing but was forced to back away from it for a while due to an injury. It was very depressing but I survived, found other things I could do for a while, and now I'm getting back into it. Sometimes something that is very painful...such as contemplating giving up something you love...can help us grow, find new directions, etc.

Maybe it's like when you are single and can't find a guy; when you finally decide it's OK to be alone, then the perfect guy comes along. Hang in there; life is funny sometime.