I took lessons at 1 place for about 3-4 years and then moved on to semi-private lessons. In only 5 months of semi-privates, I have improved to almost professional level. My new classes teach transitions, frame, styling, etc. --things my former class never did!
To be honest, I have to say I look fantastic. But I also put in a lot of hours-- about 12 hours a week in lessons and practice so I've worked hard.
I went to a dance were 90% of the people were from my former class and I was amazed at how boring and flat they all look. Some have had lessons for 10 years but still look like basic beginners. Which is fine, but also kind of sad to see how mediocre they look after so many years of lessons and so much money spent.
Anyway, at the dance, I showed my stuff. I danced my heart out and really had a blast. But at one point, the former dance teacher came over to criticize my steps, just to interrupt me! And I realized no one was speaking to me. They were all frowning and sort of giving me the evil eye.
I hadn't been to that dance event in about 9-10 months and yes, I specifically went to show off.
Was that wrong?
Also-- there's no real ballroom etiquette there-- no one follows the line of direction, etc. but I made sure I was proper.
1- It was open to the public, anyone is welcome to attend.
2- I had to tone it down because the space was crowded and they didn't know any proper dance etiquette. They aren't skilled enough to navigate around the floor-- they just run into people.
3- The reason I left that class originally was because so many people there were mean, rude, gossipy backstabbers who were so malicious, they made me leave in tears a number of times. They actually hurt me deeply by the way they treated me.
4- They aren't my friends.
5- I exaggerated-- about 4 couples spoke to me and complimented me with great admiration. The others, the group of backstabbers, didn't say anything.
To be honest, I have to say I look fantastic. But I also put in a lot of hours-- about 12 hours a week in lessons and practice so I've worked hard.
I went to a dance were 90% of the people were from my former class and I was amazed at how boring and flat they all look. Some have had lessons for 10 years but still look like basic beginners. Which is fine, but also kind of sad to see how mediocre they look after so many years of lessons and so much money spent.
Anyway, at the dance, I showed my stuff. I danced my heart out and really had a blast. But at one point, the former dance teacher came over to criticize my steps, just to interrupt me! And I realized no one was speaking to me. They were all frowning and sort of giving me the evil eye.
I hadn't been to that dance event in about 9-10 months and yes, I specifically went to show off.
Was that wrong?
Also-- there's no real ballroom etiquette there-- no one follows the line of direction, etc. but I made sure I was proper.
1- It was open to the public, anyone is welcome to attend.
2- I had to tone it down because the space was crowded and they didn't know any proper dance etiquette. They aren't skilled enough to navigate around the floor-- they just run into people.
3- The reason I left that class originally was because so many people there were mean, rude, gossipy backstabbers who were so malicious, they made me leave in tears a number of times. They actually hurt me deeply by the way they treated me.
4- They aren't my friends.
5- I exaggerated-- about 4 couples spoke to me and complimented me with great admiration. The others, the group of backstabbers, didn't say anything.