I've been taking ballroom dance for some years now. I am in the intermediate level at the local community college. During class there is the social etiquette of changing partners which is a good way to develop skills in dancing with people with different abilities.
Here's my predicament, I practice 20 minutes before and after class and I am a good follower, but I want to learn more and be challenged and create an actual routine with someone.
Yet, I am reluctant to approach a guy to inquire about a dance partnership for the following reasons:

1.A guy may interpret my interest as I "like" him (as in romantic crush-like him) and therefore may say no, and or avoid me.

2. Most guys-tend to like to partner up with who they deem the more easthetically pleasing, especially once the guys know the basics of leading.

I just want to dance, and be challenged and go on to the next level.
I'm married and don't even look at guys in my classes in that manner.
Any advice.

Talk your husband into dancing = built-in dance partner!

But assuming that's not going to happen, here are some ideas:

Talk to the instructor. S/he may know of someone who is looking for a practice partner.

Get to know the guys a bit. If you chat with them (and mention your husband) casually, they will know your situation beforehand and be less likely to misinterpret.

Express your interest without asking outright, as in "I think I'd progress faster if I had a practice partner" or "If you're ever interested in practicing together, let me know." That way, the guy doesn't have to say "no" directly, but can respond positiviely if he's interested.

Check this site and dancepartner.com for other people in your area who might be interested in a partner. (On dancepartner.com, you specify your marital status and if you are open to dating, so you can make your situation clear right at the beginning. It's not uncommon for someone there to say they are involved and looking only for a dance partner.)

Good luck!

Everyone would like to find a easy way to progress in ballroom dancing. There are a few amateur-pro dancers (high level amateurs that don't want to teach) out there--especially men that can take their pick of amateur ladies. However, most ladies say they want to progress, but once you get started it is very slow going without a good pro standing over you and helping you do things correctly. Ballroom dancing is expensive if you want to progress and there are no short cuts. To go to the next level requires dedication, time,good teacher, money and a very suitable-stable partner. Most people would have never gotten involved in ballroom dancing if they had known how much effort it takes to progress. Just look at some the top pros and imagine how much they practice and spend all their money on world class pros to teach them.

Research and find a good pro and do Pro Am comps or exibitions and you will get some takers for a practice partners. I found it to be less expensive and with far less problems by dancing Pro Am. You can always dance Pro Am and get an amateur partner too. I've found amateur dancing much-much harder to progress with. Plus, you need lots more lessons-since you both need to improve--especially the guy. Spend lots of time in deciding who is the best teacher for you. You will not progress much without a very good teacher--plus waste much money.

Just tell whoever it is "I'm just looking for a dance partner." Then it shouldn't even matter whether they find you attractive- you just told the other person that your only goal in asking them is to dance. It's their problem if they don't get the message. Also like anon says, the better dancer you are, the more options/opportunities you will have in finding a partner so don't stress about it and work as hard as you can on your own dancing first- make that your priority.