I've been dancing about 2 1/2 years. I started with group lessons when our daughter got married and added private lessons about 3 months ago. My instructor suggested we participate in a mini-showcase. It will be during a break at a dance sponsored by our local Art Center. Obviously, our music is pre-recorded but there will be a Big Band playing that evening, so several 100 people, and some very good dancers, will be there.

I feel a bit over my head. As much as I love my new activity I've never really danced before. I know I can't perform as well as I'd like to in the time that's left, so how do I make my peace with that and just keep focusing on improving and doing the best I can? It's one thing to say, it's another to do it. My instructor's terrific, patient and supportive, but I think he's over-estimating my ability. We'll be doing a rumba at a bronze level with various figures like traveling cross; spiral, walk-around, underarm, pivot and chainee turns. Also a dip, leg crawl etc. I've gotten very positive comments from people who happened to see our practices, but they're not dancers. On the videos I can see my technique's suffered as I focus on the patterns. We're practicing about 5 hours per week the last few weeks and I've improved a lot, but I still flinch a bit when I see the videos. Any suggestions besides "don't be too hard on yourself"? It's 2:14 minutes long to Sting's Fields of Gold. Thanks.