So you want to find a dance partner to practice with?
With a partner you will be able to get extra practice outside your dance lessons to review and perfect your moves.
But where do you start? And how do you make sure that you find the right partner? These are some of the questions we will be answering through out this article.
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The first step in your dance partner search is all about you! You need to be absolutely clear on what your goals are and what you want to get out of the partnership.
Then, use your own criteria to screen potential partners.
To save you time I have come up with 3 good questions you should ask and discuss with a potential partner. These will give you a good idea if you have a match or not. Undoubtedly there are many others, but these are a good start.
4 Points to consider:
1. Do you have the same goals?
Some people are looking to become the next National USA champions, while others are just looking to be able to lead and follow someone at a party. It doesn’t matter what the goal is as much as finding someone who has the same ones as you do. So make sure you spend the time to really find out what they are looking to get out of this partnership.
2. Which style do you do?
Are you looking for someone who does American style Cha Cha and Waltz only? Or are you looking for someone who does all 9 Smooth and Rhythm dances? Or is it Salsa? Or international style Ballroom that you’re looking to do? You want to make sure that you find someone who wants to learn and practice at least 70% of the same dance styles that you want to – this will ensure a long term match!
3. How often do you want to practice?
Is it everyday? Once a week or once a month? I recommend at least one practice session per week on a consistent basis, but again it all depends on your goals… Next you will need to agree on how long you want to practice each time. Is it 30 minutes? 1 hour or more? Make sure you discuss this ahead of time to avoid future frustrations.
4. Can you work together? Are you compatible?
While you are not looking for a soulmate, you should make sure that your partner is someone you want to be around. You need to find out whether your personalities match. If you are an easy going, social dancer then it may be very important for you to find a partner who likes to keep it light and fun. On the other hand, if you are competitive and serious, then you need to find a dance partner who has the same drive and focus.
Now that you know what you need to discuss with you potential partner, let’s talk about the next step – where do you look for one?
3 Places to look for a partner:
1. Local Dance studio
Your dance studio is probably the first place you should broadcast your search for a partner. Let them know your age, height and goals and ask them if they have anybody in mind for you. Because they already know you personally they may be able to recommend someone well suited for you.
2. Fellow dancers/Classmates
Tell all your “dancing buddies” that you are searching for a partner. They may know someone to refer you to. In general, the more people you tell the better, it’s a numbers game!
3. Online
This is a new effective place to look for a dance partner. There are now many websites that offer free and paid partner classified ads. The best thing about these sites is the information they provide about each dancer. They will usually have their picture, height, age, gender, location, a little bio and what they are looking for, all in one place. Lately, I have also seen a number of people posting their youtube video URL so you can see their dancing instantly!
Here are 2 great sites:
Ballroomdancers.com – This website that allows you to search by zipcode! They provide lots of stats about each dancer and it is a great website for both social dancers and competitive dancers looking for a partner.
Dancesportinfo.net – Another great website that is very popular right now. They offer both a free and premium listing depending on how many features you want to use. Note, this site is more suitable for those looking for a competitive dance partner.
Where to find a partner video:
Related: Beginner’s Guide: How To Ballroom Dance Videos
Lastly, A Personal Tip from Leon
I recommend you DO NOT over commit in the beginning… Treat it like a job interview. Agree on a trial period of some sort so you can actually see if you’re compatible and that your schedules work out. After several weeks you can make official!
Best of luck!
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Do you have any other suggestions that may speed up finding a partner? Let me know about your experiences with partner searching in the comments area below.
Written by: Leon Turetsky
Related:
Latin Dances List
Types of Ballroom dancing styles
Use a dance lesson combo (video podcast)
Dance practice guide
Very detailed article Leon. Thank you! I’ve been searching for dance partner for over a year now with no luck…It’s difficult to find someone with my ambitions.
I am almost nine years old looking for a dancing partner to dance championships and exams. I am doing Bronze Bar in May. I am dancing at Paul & Sandy’s Dancing Studio in Atlasville. Please, please!!!
This is very helpful Leon. I started learning with my wife and she does not wish to continue. But I do! So now I have some idea of where to look.
How old are you. We have the same situation. I am taking dance lessons on and off and go to Sanders Beach Community center on Tuesday. I am 76 active physically woman.
Hi Connie, I just saw this mail. I don’t think that you are referring to me however our situation is similar. I have being looking for a practice partner/friend for some years now, I am still looking but recently I was able to do what was impossible before -practice solo- I am practicing some of the Latin and the Swing preparing myself for the lady to come. Am an active easygoing guy who enjoys some outdoor activities, never smoke or use obscene language and drink social- more times I don’t-. 407-989 1338
Hi Connie, I just saw this mail. I don’t think that you are referring to me however our situation is similar. I have being looking for a practice partner/friend for some years now, I am still looking but recently I was able to do what was impossible before -practice solo- I am practicing some of the Latin and the Swing preparing myself for the lady to come. Am an 69 yr, 6 ft, 163 lbs, active easygoing guy who enjoys some outdoor activities, never smoke or use obscene language and drink social- more times I don’t-. 407-989 1338
Hi Connie, I drove through your area on my way to TX for a visit with a friend, if you like we can make arrangements to meet on my way back.
Hi Connie, I look first for your location? Then go from there? Without that we have no idea?
Barrie, Harrogate, United Kingdom
Leon,
The article on finding a dance partner is terrific. That is exactly my situation. I have not danced in years. Thanks for this great article.
Bob
I live in Somerset, and I I am a good dancer and am looking for partner for ballroom latin .attractive
and longing to dance again after a long break. give me a glance if you are nbear by. Anita/.
Correct your link. ( YOU guide) to your guide
My free dance lesson was nly5 seconds long
Leon thanks so much. I used to showcase and I am still a novice and I haven’t danced in years. Now, I wish to dance keeping it light and fun with the possibility of being more serious. For its for good health, fitness and fun. I hope to find a partner soon. Thanks again!
Hi Deborah, I just came upon this article as I am also interested in finding a dance practice partner, it doesn’t say where you are but I am looking for someone in Melbourne FL. area. Sylvest
At this time,
I have an ambition for, finding a dance partner to stay with.
I can’t find an answer.
I am 34 years old, and in a ballroom dance academy.
Im looking for a professional partner.
Hi
I’m looking for a dance partner to go out dancing at least once a month
I’ve just been separated from my partner, we went dancing twice a month.
I am 62 years old ,
Height- 5ft 1,
born in South America
Ability- very good dancer
Professional woman
Senior male, happily married, 5’6″, slender, interested only in a dance-partner connection, nothing more, for Argentine Tango only. Considered ‘advanced,’ but that’s an exaggeration. At best, pretty good, like to try a variety of steps and combinations. Available to practice for fun once a week and occasional joint lesson and afternoon milonga. Reside in Westchester County, NY, but could meet in Manhattan on an afternoon. Prefer uncrowded venues. Speak some Spanish…one way, outgoing because: Yo carezco el intercambio de conversacion con personas quienes hablan de prisa, y por eso, tengo un vocabulario limitado y un pobre oido por conversaciones.
I’m a professional dancer of ballroom. Sometimes I just want to go out and dance and have fun.
Hi WAYNE,
I have been dancing both ballroom n Latin for 10 years.
I am residing in B.C. CANADA.
Where are you ?
Hi,
This is a great article. I am looking for a dance partner for years its frustrating. I am 27 yrs old living in Yonkers, New York 5’1 in height. I used to be a competitor for latin and international ballroom. I wish I could find someone in the area.
Hi great information, im 50yrs and on bronze level, also looking for a gent that loves dancing and wants to practice with me, i live in Benoni, Gauteng South Africa, how do i find a partner in Gauteng.
Hello!
My name is Alexander, I’m 29 years old, doing sports dances for 20 years.
I live in Russia, I plan to move abroad, train adults and children, I have not been professionally dancing for 3 years. I’m looking for a job and looking for a partner for joint coaching or teaching latin and a standard.
[email protected]
Greetings!
I am seeking an Argentine Tango partner, salon style. I had the luxury of a steady dance partner for 6 years and weekly private lessons with a dance couple from Buenos Aires. I have the ability to host someone at my home and I also have a great hardwood floor for dancing. I live near Ann Arbor in Michigan. I am also will to relocate.
Height: 5′.3″ without shoes
Age: 53
Body Type: Slender
Single
Contact: [email protected]
I m looking for a Male Ballroom Latin and Sequence Partner to dance with regularly
I have been dancing since I was 12 yrs old
Please contact me if you are a good dancers pleases
IN SAN BERNARDINO OR PALM SPRINGS AREAS’
aLFONSO
I’ve been dancing for many many many years. I think I know my stuff.
Hello ,I have the same thinking like u,go dancing for fun,let’s try
I am looking for a Puerto Rican Dance partner who loves to dance salsa.
Tall, dark and handsome. TY
Hi! I’m from Chucago, 48 years old looking for a dance partner (only) to go out dancing with for fun and learning variety of ballroom style.. I’m 48 years old andvery energetic.
Any good dancers out there? I’m looking for a male ballroom/sequence partner 60+ years to go dancing with on a regular basis in Bromley Kent England
Hey Tracey…..I was in Dartford until last Wednesday….I am a former Latin and American smooth dance instructor. I just recently joined passion4dancing however and therefore didn’t see your message…bummer…..don’t know when I’ll return but I have relatives in Hertfordshire North of London. Ciao…Brent
no comment
Hi! I’m from Toronto, 55 years old women, 4ft. 11 inches, married, (husband does not like to dance) looking for a dance partner (only) to go out dancing with for fun and learning variety of ballroom and Latin styles. Joined a few classes but it is very frustrating when you do not have a partner to dance with. Too many women and not enough men. I consider myself a good dancer but always willing to learn new stuff. Love, love to dance.
Hi Bridgot: I am 92 years old and am taking dancing lessons with my Granddaughter in the east end of Toronto on Saturday mornings. I am without a partner for the next quarter (Apr, may, and June) .What part of the city do you live in?
Gerry
Keep looking. He’s out there somewhere. And don’t rule out a female partner who is willing to wear trousers and dance the man’s steps. Both male and female dance instructors are taught to dance both parts.
Cannot find a dance partner – Ballroom and Latin. Years of lessons, I love to dance, physically fit at 68, but the classes are always filled with couples who are working to improve. Dancing with different men at studio dances is educational, but I need a regular partner in order to grow. I live in NW Indiana and bronze level. Is there ANYBODY in my neck of the woods to dance regularly with?
I have the same problem here in California. 5ft 7in and fit. but no one to dance with. I keep going to Friday night dances and hope to find that one woman who wants to learn the dance. They teach one hour classes at the Friday night dance and I hope to get lucky.
Hi Gary,
I am looking for a male ballroom/sequence dance partner 60+ years to go dance on a regular basis in Los Angeles ,CA. I am 5 feet, 110 lb, between Brozn and silver level of standard dance, some Latin dancer as well. Please contact me you love to dance and have good attitude.
Hello..want to dance? Thats what I say here in California.
Hi Gary,
I am looking for a male ballroom/sequence dance partner 60+ years to go dance on a regular basis in Los Angeles ,CA. I am 5 feet, 110 lb, between Brozn and silver level of standard dance, some Latin dancer as well. Please contact me you love to dance and have good attitude.
Hi
I’d love a dance partner in salsa and bachata and cha cha I LA and SFBay I’m 65 and feel 45
Please tell me you’re out there
Hi Eve, not sure if you found your match… Let me know?
Looking for a local dance partner to have fun. I enjoy dancing salsa. Miami, Fl area. Female 58 years old. 5.0 ft tall.
I knew a very lovely lady named Lourdes from Jersey, but not sure if she is even around? She was my ideal!
I enjoy Latin Dancing a lot but have not been actively dancing with a partner, just solo dancing
I am in my 60s and would prefer to meet a male in his 60s who is a beginner/ intermediate dancer and knows how to lead. I am in the Toronto area.
I am looking for a dance partner who is interested in dance training to improve skills and techniques for a smooth and natural look on the floor. I am living in Valdosta FL area. I am 6 ft slim 71 an active.
I am looking for a dance partner who is interested in dance training to improve skills and techniques for a smooth and natural look on the floor. I am living in Valdosta FL area. I am 6 ft slim 71 an active guy.
Hi
I am looking for a male ballroom/sequence dance partner 60+ years to go dance on a regular basis in Los Angeles ,CA. I am 5 feet, 110 lb, between Brozn and silver level of standard dance, some Latin dancer as well. Please contact me you love to dance and have good attitude.
Hello Christine, not sure if you have found someone by now, but I too am in need of a dance partner. I love the Latin dance as well as a few others. I would like to sit and discuss a possible partnership, if you wish?
Thank you. Very informative.