I appreciate the suggestions. Thank you.

Hubby seems to do well in private lessons, so we have had one private lesson already and are considering scheduling more. meanwhile we are going to take a basics class together which covers what he already knows so we can polish and practice around other people.

I've talked to an instructor in Houston and plan to add a couple private lessons with him to work on my skill at following different leads.

I think the combination we have planned is just what we need at this point in our learning.

Thank you all for your help!

"So, how do I figure out a good instructor without wasting my time and money going through instructors who are no better than our local instructor?"

Find local amateurs who's dancing you like and ask them for teacher recommendations.

try Dakota Wilheim at SSQQ in Bellaire