I disagree. I know many dancers from beginners to pro-am competitors who do not have a regular partner. Of course, they compete or dance showcases, etc with their teachers only. I think the partner vs single issue is a matter of personal preference, availability, and partly one of disposable $$$.

For the record, I do have a regular partner with whom I take private lessons but I've also taken privates alone. We started partnering to save money on lessons (split the cost) and evolved from there.

When you took private lessons without an amateur partner, with whom did you practice?

jj

Depends on the definition of practice. I danced / practiced at home by myself. I also danced with different follows at studio socials. And I danced with my instructor at the time.

We may all not agree on much but I think I'm pretty safe in defining practice as repetition for the sake of mastery.

I'm well aware that many folks start taking private lessons without a partner. I did so myself and learned the value of a partner the hard way.

The primary value of having a partner is developmental. Being able to practice as much as necessary means that your growth as a dancer will be faster and more thorough.

What bothers me about your original post is that you may discourage Chester-Smith from seeking a partner simply because you didn't do so.

When visitors to this site request advice, we should help them find what's best for them and not try to validate our own decisions by leading others to make the same ones.

jj

Absolutely, I agree with JJ!
Undoubtedly, dancing just like any other sports needs practice, and lots of it to make your dance steps and body movements perfect! And one can only achieve that goal with a regular partner who shares the same passion!

One thing that I think is very important is to follow some kind of written syllabus. I spent a couple years at a studio where the classes were taught seemingly at random, based on the perceived skill levels of the attendees.

I did learn a lot of Bronze level figures but I also spent a lot of money on what were effectively review sessions. And I was never 100% certain at which level I was dancing.

You might not be a "linear" learner but I still think it's good to have mileposts to check off as your skill level advances.

This is not meant as an ad, but DVIDA offers figure sheets that you could use to track your progress.