When I started dancing, (Many years ago.), there were many forms of dancing for those who did not wish to spend big money, or to work many hours on technique.

There were places to Polka, Country Western Dance, Square Dance, and Various forms of simple folk dancing.

I knew people who did Israli folk dancing. There was far more American Style Ballroom dancing, Round Dancing, and even Social Ballroom, which was usually taught by friends and family. (Non-professionals.)

I am told that the Country Western leaders are now taking dance lessons from the best International coachs. As are Round Dance Leaders. Even American Ballroom leaders have addapted many International standards.

This is great for those who whish to compete, but what about the millions of people who once danced for fun?

Is there no longer any room for those with two left feet? Doesn't anyone want the huge number of people who just want to dance for fun?

The reason you seldom see dancing in resturants anymore is because so few people dance for fun anymore.

International Dancers want a large wooden floor, and they are not going to have a beer while they dance.

If we do not find a way to make dancing a universal sport, (like it used to be), Ballroom Dancing will be a sport that only the rich, and the very healthy can hope to indulge in.

Only those who like to dance for the camera, and the judges will ever find the joy that is out there on the dance floor.

I think part of the problem is that its all that's left.

STEPPING ON MY SOAPBOX

So many of the people who danced for the joy have gotten too old to dance. We didn't teach the next generations to dance, we sat them in front of the television instead. We gave them video games and walkmen and kept them socially isolated. I'm talking about my generation too.

So now there aren't enough people left to dance to create a social scene. It became increasingly isolated and so there were fewer suppliers and it became a luxury. When more people tried to join the prices didn't correct either and so it ends up that when people start seeing it as valuable they find they can't afford to take it on.

So now that there is the beginning of demand ironically due to television which killed it in the first place, there isn't enough supply. Hopefully we can get supply going before too many people are turned away.

Also we need to be honest with people that you aren't going to be in training 24-7 and so you aren't going to look great on day one. (Read this as an instant gratification problem) But even then it needs to be fun.

The next thing is that ballroom people tend to be snooty and suspicious so its hard to break into the social circles. Not cooL and it drives away the newbies as they feel insecure and unwanted.

Or you can just move away from the US. Lots of places in Europe still have dancing as a way of life.
Sigh....just my opinion.