I have taken lessons from all types of teachers, but the one that I am using now takes the cake. I think he came from an abusive family or was done in by someone. He is very good with drilling technique and communicating what he wants and is relentless with following through with the correct technique--this is all good--but at times it is borderline abusive with foul language and etc. He is a good teacher, but his bedside manner is lacking. I would get another teacher, but he is good and does get results--if you can tolerate him. Plus, we are short of good teachers in our area. Have any others had teachers like this and how long could you put up with him or did you just suck it up and tolerate the teacher? This teacher could be wonderful if he would just lighten up and transform his personality some. His lessons are very intense--oh well, at least he doesn't waste time, tell jokes or talk on his cell phone. I am trying hard to adapt to his teaching style--but I do feel beat up after a lesson.

Quit taking his class immediately and explain why, if you can't do it face to face send him a simple blunt (something he can understand) note. Dance class should be enjoyable along with informative. Results at the sake of your emotions, is not worth much. He needs to learn a lesson in diplomacy and the best way is to have students quit and tell him why. Larry

HAve you tried to talk to him about it? Perhaps he thinks his methods are the most effective and doesn't have any idea otherwise.

If you don't have local choices of other capable teachers, is there a way you can treat this guy like a resource - almost like a human textbook - but not let him get to you? To dance elsewhere for reward, but put on your armor and go to these lessons for the information content?

This is basically what I am doing using him as a human text book. He is that good with details, even though I don't like him as a person--I respect his work ethic and his attention to detail.
For now, I am tolerating him just to get the information and improve my dancing. He is much easier when teaching ladies, but very rough on men--he is a short guy too. It's amazing how some talented people can get away with murder. He is not going to change, he gets too much attention from his ladies and competition results.
His dance ego is a little off the charts.

"This is basically what I am doing using him as a human text book."

Good... so just remember, that he may be cussing at you, but you are USING him

We had one teacher who was theoretically an excellent teacher, but it was so frustrating, we were not learning anything and hated the lessons. We demanded a different teacher or refund. They gave us another male teacher, who did a very good job and was a lot of fun to work with.

The other guy was cordial and friendly when we saw him in the studio, which a though was admireable.

You have got no idea how tough some of the best teachers are. I mean the best. If you are getting the teaching from this person that you need then put up with it. The language used ,that is something else. The worst I have ever met was . What the Hell was that supposed to be. But criticism theres been plenty. But there again, if I am doing something wrong then I want to be corrected. I don' t want any pats on the back unless I deserve it. I think , but this is just me. If somebody swore and it was bad enough I would return the compliment in the very next breath. In a nice humorous way of course.

Strong language is one thing, but personal abuse is another.
"What the hell was that supposed to be..?" is no problem
"What the F*** was that supposed to be..." is foul language and you should try to complain nicely about it
"You must be a complete dumb-head idiot to think that's how it's done..." or similar, is personal abuse and completely unacceptable.
You teacher needs to be reminded that, although you may be a mediocre (or whatever - you choose the word))dancer, you are trying your best to improve and you are a person to be treated with respect.

You have no idea how tough some of the best teachers are. I mean the best. You need to put up with it.

I am putting up with it. This teacher is teaching for competition and my performance will directly reflect to his teaching abilities. He will be there watching me with his few peers.
Maybe all the loud criticism means that he does care. Some teachers will just ignore you or just go through the motions to get paid. I don't have thin skin and do want to be corrected--just used to a more softer form of criticism.
Just need to get the mind set that I am using him to get better and filter out the rest. He is one of the few top teachers in this area of dance and he is not teaching social dancing.