I seem to exist in another world.

My friends and I dance, some compete (two have competed in the Nationals and placed in their division), some compete at lesser venues, most of us have competed in more fun arenas (such as "team matches").

But, competitions are not that frequent, and we like to dance. So, we dance at street fairs, in honkytonks, at monthly ballroom events. I have even been known to do a little West Coast Swing in a coffee shop when the song was right.

I am mostly a social dancer, I don't like the competitiveness of competition.

So, I may dance with a complete 2-left-feeter or medalists. All I know is that I enjoy the dance.

Oh, to add one more note the Social Dance / Ballroom debate, where does street dancing come in? and when part of that dancing includes Zydeco or other local dances?

To paraphrase a song: "It's all about the dance, 'bout the dance. It's all about the dance".

I'm with Swamp. That's similar to our experience here in WI. I know there are some venues where the VERY good dancers go. Maybe I'll stop in some time, but I want to enjoy dancing, not feel intimidated. I'm happy to be in the middle of the pack. With a good lead I can look down right awesome, with someone my own level, it's acceptable. But EVERY time I dance with someone, I learn something-even if it's compassion and respect for someone willing to dance no matter what others think of them.