I think i've asked this question in the past, but here it is again.
Why are ladies so reluctant to practise on their own (in Ballroom standard dances).
Surely there would be some benefit - such as developing good leg and foot action, smoothness of movement, maintaining good shape... Also, all sports require specific fitness.
Or is it pointless without the man?

On the contrary.. most of comp. ladies in the past ( even some social ) have done just that . Its something I encourage .

I think it depends on why she is dancing. If its to be a competitor she will be practicing. If its for the warm glow of being around a person who touches her and pays attention to her for a WHOLE HOUR WOW!!!! what point is practicing? Most of the women I know do it for the latter reason. Its paid companionship and a ton of the 'pros' are nothing more than gigolos.

Anyone male or female if they wish to become anything at all must practise their routines solo. The studio professional must encourage this. Barbara Ambrose of the Slovinia demonstrated this in her lecture at Blackpool at the British a few years ago were one of her pupils danced a Cha to varying speeds and was joined by several others all dancing solo. I have on tape a training session in her studio where there are about twenty dancers standing in files all dancing solo, boys and girls all dancing the same steps at the same time. It was at Seminar, and in the class were a few of the best dancers in Europe. It is the proven way to go.

Sorry ladies but the truth is the majoroty if let loose on the floor on their own would finish facing the wrong way and also out of time. Only those studios who make each person male and female do their routines solo to music can contadict that first sentance.