True, "no matter how good a dancer you may be, you can always learn something from anyone."

BUT it may not be what you are wanting to work on.

One of my instructors has had to scold me for compensating for the flaws in my partner's dancing.

But I have scheduled a private lesson with my instructor to work on hubby and I together, and to discuss my goals and what classes/private combination might help me make progress. Hubby is not going to progress as quickly nor does he really want to put that much into it at this time. I want to take advantage of having an instructor I like.

progress is happening, and I am hopeful.

I agree, inexperienced or brand new to dance would be better terms.

However, what it comes down to is that while my roundance partner says I am good, and while a number of other male partners in classes have said the same, it is still true that because I am not with someone I end up partnering whomever is available.

I don't mind so much in a beginner class. I expect to know more than my partner then, I also work to stick to correct frame and to following, even if it means we don't go very far. I don't lead and I have had beginning students thank me for letting them work on learning to lead.

Bt I have goals for me that being matched with beginner or uneducated partners does nothing for achieving.

But I will try to remember that "bad" is rather unkind and not accurate as an adjective in this situation.