thanks Cyd, at first I didnt find your message helpful, but I found a link that was purely repition of dance steps and not actual dancing.

I was seeing a practice session like any athelte will do.... repitition, repitition, repitition.

Thanks, you've pointed me in the right direction.

James

My wife has several lady friends that actually dance with a broom at home and feel it helps.

I guess the holding of the broom forces you to use your hands and work on balance and footwork issues.

I would have never thought of using a broom.

I only do West Coast Swing and although I dance mostly with my wife, I occasionally put on an instruction video and follow it. It will never replace being in front of an instructor, but I find I can stop, play back and take notes until I can assimilate the routine.

I've incorporated working on dance steps as part of my regular exercise regimen, which also includes the treadmill and some weights. So you can do all of it, and it makes the dance practice become part of a routine.
When I practice by myself, I make sure I am making the hand and arm movements that I would if I were with a partner. In other words, I push forward or pull back, or whatever triggers are normally needed, so they become ingrained as solidly as the footwork.
But it is like practicing in any other sport. Practice makes perfect, but it is still not quite the same as the real thing. Once the partner is your arms, it may not seem quite as easy to glide across the floor or do pivot turns, etc. But if you have it down solidly, the partner will find it easier to follow.
The bottom line, really, is that it is crazy not to practice.

Richarsdv2. Gene Kelly fim actor dancer. Danced with a mop in Thousands Cheer 1943.
I beleive holding a small bag on the right hip helps me to know where my partner is supposed to be.