I shall be on the August 18th sailing from NYC to Southampton. I am an "intermediate" ballroom dancer. (Bronze). I am fairly good at my level when it comes to class and executing a syllabus routine we are learning that I "know". However, "social" dancing (ballroom) where I have to follow a lead and do not know what is coming next is a struggle for me as I find it difficult to understand what the gentleman is trying to communicate if they are not at a level much higher than I am. And even then sometimes if they are a higher level, I can't "get" the nuance of their lead because I am not as practiced with more advanced leads. I just booked two "classes" with my instructor/coach last night for social dancing practice to prepare for the crossing. This means instead of regular class, we are going to attend one of the schools dance parties together and practice "just dancing" so I have to learn better how to follow a lead when there is no set routine or syllabus.
I must tell you that in class last night (bronze level) there were so many mistakes and oops moments and our instructors favourite thing to say as we switch partners is "apologize to each other before we start". If you are on my sailing and watch me with my coach you will see me mess up a bazillion times, often to the point where we have to stop and reset and I will be laughing and rolling my eyes at myself. Bless his heart, he has the patience of a saint to dance with me some days I think.
All that to say this: I am traveling solo and while I am sure I will have a few evening dances with my coach or other students (we are in a group) I am also more than happy to dance with any gentleman of any level who would like. We can box step around. We can sway. We can do whatever. I just like listening to the music and moving my body. Also, in my school, we train both sides (lead and follow) so I am not a strong leader but can lead some things like a simple fox trot or waltz. I just have to reset my brain to be on the opposite side. Often we have ladies who practice together so I am quite comfortable dancing with ladies as well. Sometimes I attend classes to just practice the lead.
If you like to dance, you will always be welcome with me whatever your level or preference (lead or follow). If you took the rumba lesson earlier in the day and just want to basic step around the floor, I am happy to do that. Just bring your smile and have some fun. Real dancers love to dance and are not snobby about it 🙂