I coached for A/M for many yrs, and the quality of teaching one recieves is very dependant upon the individual school. Tho they all use the same Syl. that does NOT guarantee an understanding of complex dance issues.

Many yrs back, all schools employed dance directors, a luxury today, that most cannot afford . Today,Dance board members may visit on occasion ,but again, is cost prohibitive for most.

The large metro areas tend to get more advantages thru visiting coaches, but the smaller locales may go yrs before they are able to bring some one in .( those are studios I like to visit )

Richx. There would not be one top dancer in this world who only goes exclusivly to one or two or three or more Professional teachers. All of whome would have been past champions with big reputations. Fortunately or unfortunately thats the way it is.I am refering to of course to both Amateur as well as Professional competitors ranked in the top hundred or so, and who make their way to Europe for lessons and to compete in the big comps. Those who already live there have a great advantage.

I can give you an e.g. by one of the greats of all time.. Scrivener.. he did not want any of his comp. couples going to other teachers, and he made this quite clear ( thats not to say they didnt! )

There is much conflict in theory in the higher ( and sometimes lower )echelons of Standard for e.g.

Much depends on the style wants to adopt ( Italian, English etc. ) in and of themselves, they are not wrong ,but approach the subject matter, in some instances, from a different view point, which can be in conflict with other top Pros theories.

The major problem for beginners ?.. discernment.. at the outset, they do not have the knowledge to evaluate their current teacher, and will, in most cases, defend their teaching at any cost.

The abilty to convey information ( teaching ) is a skill that develops with time and guidance in the hands of well seasoned Prof.

Thanks Belle! :) We have no AM studios where I live, so it may take some time before I ever get a chance to view their syllibus, but I would be curious to see it.