My partner and I have made a decision to dance competitively. We have been learning steps and technique for the past 6 months. However we are not satisfied with our tutor. She takes things lesson by lesson and is very casual in her approach. We want more structured approach with feedback on our progress and where we are in the process. We have indicated that we are willing to put in the time and effort however she gives back nothing in return. She teaches mainly social dancing and has not had a competitor out on the floor in years. We need advice from people who have walked this path before. Are we asking too much from her? Can anyone recommend a plan of action to follow in achieving our goal? Should we take lessons from more than one teacher? Can anyone recommend good videos, books, etc that will enable us to achieve good, solid technique and competitive steps? (There seems to be so much information out there that we do not know where to start).

Len

You may want to consider finding an instructor who does teach competitors, even if that person is far from you. You could get basic stuff from your current instructor, then competition-specific advice from the other one on a less regular basis (like once a month or so, depending on the distance). Some pros travel a lot to comps, so maybe you could hook up with someone if they come near you once in a while.

Regarding multiple sources, what I would do is find a pro who has successful students or whose style you like, and then get suggestions from them for other people to learn from (including suggested videos etc.). This should make it easier for you to stay in the same stylistic family, rather than getting a lot of conflicting advice. Especially at a beginning level, it can be hard to tell what is the same and what is different, and which differences are contradictory.

If your current instructor is either unable or unwilling to meet your needs, why do you not consider finding a different instructor. I would think you should have little trouble finding an instructor interested in helping prepare you for competition.

Blair

[This message has been edited by Blair (edited 08-13-1999).]