Ballroom Specialists vs. Generalists?

[pygmalion]

Virtually all ballroom teachers that I know of cover both smooth/standard and Latin/rhythm dancing. But, like their students, many prefer, or are better at, one category of dance than the other. Any thoughts on whether this should impact your choice of instructor? Is it better to have two -- one for standard and another for Latin? Or is it unimportant at beginning levels? At what point does it become important to have a specialist, if it ever does? Thoughts, anyone?

[KevinL]

In my opinion it's always better to go with a specialist. However, there are enough similarities between smooth and rhythm that a generalist is a good place to start, especially if the student is planning to do all dances. If you decide to specialize in one style or the other, the specialist is the best way to go.

This implies, of course, that there are actually good "generalist" and "specialist" teachers available. If you've only got one or two choices, take the best teacher.

Kevin

[virginiadancegirl]

ok...I have to ask this, because it came up in conversation this weekend...what about as an instructor? How do you not let a favoring of a particular style cloud your judgement??

Just wondering....really!! lol

[pygmalion]

I've wondered about that -- one of my formers instructors was great at Latin, not so great at smooth. And all of his students found smooth difficult to do. Hmm. Wonder why.