Whether you are taking a private lesson or group class, it is helpful — even imperative — that you focus not only on the instruction directed to you but also to that directed to your partner.
It’s easy to daydream while the teacher focuses on your partner or on another student in the group. After all, what does that have to do with us? Thinking that way is a big mistake. To develop a dancer’s knowledge, along with a dancer’s strength, flexibility and tone, we must remember that there is always another layer in partner dancing. That’s your relationship with your partner.
If you better understand your body and mechanics, you will become a better dancer. If you better understand your role, be it leader or follower, and how you relate to your partner, you will become a better dancer. But if you understand your partner’s role, you can become an extraordinary dancer. The more informed you are about both sides of the relationship in partner dancing, the better dancer you will be.
So … stop daydreaming! Pay attention when your teacher is working with your partner. After all, it is entirely related to how you should respond or relate to him or her. If you pay attention to your partner’s instructions, you will gain a better understanding of your own role. Even if your partner is still unclear about his or her role, you will be armed with the information you need to make the relationship work.
A good rule to follow in any lesson or class is that the teacher is always talking to you. Never assume that the teacher is only speaking to someone else. Of course, it may be another student or your partner who is getting a particular piece of advice. But assume it is you that your teacher is addressing. You may be surprised to see the improvement. 
Lawrence Black is a teacher at Dance Station. If you would like to take lessons with Lawrence or any of our teachers call 505-989-9788 to schedule.
