Ain't no reason why a man can't swing...

[skinnychik]

I know many of you are social dancers, as I am. Maybe you've dealt with this problem.

My boyfriend (of 5 years) and I love to jitterbug, and I've convinced him to take dance lessons to add more moves to our repertoire. He gets all in a snit though when (during class) someone crowds his dance space or bumps into one of us. I'm thinking, if the music's any good the place is going to be crowded, and you have to cut the beginners some slack.

When he get's all ticked he stops listening to the teachers and just stands there, forcing me to just stand there too... I can't lead myself. I'm considering doing the singles' rotation, but some of those leads really suck.

I dunno. I'm venting.

 

[scotrace]

Well, yeah

I dunno why, but it is very disturbing to be run into on the dance floor. Well, maybe I do know why.
I'd suggest that as your boyfriend is still learning, his concentration level is probably very high. So when some Rhino Toes bumps you guys off the rhythm, it's very hard to get the momentum back and find the beat. So he stops, steams, etc.

You can't lead yourself, but you can get him right back up on the horse. As soon as you get bumped, get his eye right away, say, "c'mon we're doing too well to stop now," and help him by counting him back into the dance. "Ready? One, two - one two three...."

 

[Paisley]

Maybe you could ask him if he's hurt, if you should get a band-aid, etc. He'll be forced to admit he's all right, and you can get on with your dancing.

One of my teachers recommended that whenever you have a mishap, acting like it was all part of your master plan instead of emphasizing mistakes (yours or others').