Jonathan has presented you with a great wealth of information. But, your skill level will dictate what you feel comfortable doing. I still remember to this day when I was in my first competition and completely freezing when someone cut me off or strayed into my line of dance. My wife, or my instructor, would bop me and then I could continue on.

I progressed to the point where I could do a basic waltz box, or a hesitation, or a couple of the figures that Jonathan has recommended. As I have proceeded to move from "kindergarden to sixth grade" (beginning bronze to intermediate bronze), I now can observe the other dancers and have a good idea of where their line of dance will take them and then I can make the appropriate adjustment in my routine to avoid them. I can only drool at thought of the day I enter "high school" (silver) and can dance without any too much worry about those around me and I can only imagine what those "graduate students" (pros) think about. Well, they are probably worrying about running into those "kindergardeners" who don't know what they are doing!!

My bad humor aside, you will find it easier the more your skills increase. But, this problem will always be there, you will just learn how to handle it better.