Hoofer 919. If I know the girl is doing something that isn't right. Turning on both heels in a Heel Turn for instance. I would say can you try it this way, and explain that it is a Heel Turn and not a Heels Turn. But always speak at the same level to her and not like the school master and pupil. For the major differences in your dancing don't argue its a complete waste of time, leave it to a professional.If you feel she is pulling away from you in a Foxtrot just whisper Stay on the supporting leg longer. Thats about all that can be said whilst you are on the floor.

When people are learning or developing skills, the word 'blame' should not be in the vocabulary. Remember also it's a partnership, not a contest between two people.
The key points are:
1)You're learning together and all suggestions are to improve the partnership
2) to talk to your partner ALWAYS as a friend and in a constructive way
3) act positively if your partner suggests something to you.

Blame is appropriate only if your partner is deliberately doing something wrongly.

Mentioned in this list is knees knocking. If this happens to you, your poise is sadly lacking. The mans right hand and arm should be at a right angle. Put your hands across your chest , elbows not quite as high as the shoulders, palms facing in to the chest. Simply open your arm to a right angle and keep it there. The lady should have her left armpit on the mans wrist. The conection with each other should be right side to right side. The lady must fill that space to her left and stay out there. The mans hand turns onto the ladies back. Iv'e heard it said that the man does not need a right hand, it shouldn't matter if he did not have one.
Having got that do a Natural Spin Turn and see if you are still in the same shape when you finish, if you are not find out why. One thing you wont be doing is knocking knees. The left arm is a different story

If we are having problems with something. We try to work it out when we practise. I understand dancing much better than my wife, so I do most of the talking, analyzing. I try to honestly break down the problem into one of 3 categories. 1. I am doing something wrong. 2. she is doing something wrong. 3. We just don't know the right way to do the manuever.

1 and 2 we resolve in our practise time. 3 we either find answers on dance videos or take it to our next lesson and ask the teacher what are WE doing wrong.

I think key is being honest, if first reaction is to always blame partner, you are going to have problems.

Hoofer919. Years ago when I was learning it was always said a person would be dancing better at 40 than 20.In paricular the Foxtrot. I think what they meant was by that age, with years of dancing behind them, they finaly learnt to be more patient, and that they don't know it all.