This isn't really SCD-related but it is ballroom-related, so I thought I'd seek the advice of you wise posters. This is really aimed at experienced dancers in the real world (i.e. outside the world of armchair critiquing every Saturday night )

I'm looking for a ballroom and latin teacher for private lessons, and I've never had private lessons before, so I was wondering what I should be really looking out for in a good teacher. Please share your opinions and experience - all greatly appreciated!

I think it depends what sort of standard you want to achieve . Several years ago my OH and I and some friends signed up for some lessons and the teacher was an older chap who had a younger dancing partner (they were really good) and I believe they entered competitions. We did not enjoy it because we felt he was trying to make us almost become "professional". We dropped out after a few months. Recently though a local club has started to offer classes for about an hour and a half one night a week and we signed up. It is really fun - the couple who teach are just teaching us how to "social dance" OK we are not 'strictly CD' but we can now get around and do a waltz, foxtrot and a bit of jive. Next term the quickstep. So have a good think about what you really want and don't give up if your first try doesn't work out.

It depends - what are you trying to achieve?[LIST][*]Do you want to learn to dance socially? If so, with whom - one partner or many?[*]Do you want to learn a routine (e.g. for a wedding)?[*]Do you want to learn to compete?[/LIST]
Etc.

Like with all these things, first have a clear idea of what you want. After that, find someone who provides it.

Sorry, I should have provided more details : I've danced for a year and I want to up my game and dance competitively at a higher level.

My first teacher was really nice but technically not where I wanted to be if you know what I mean? He was fun but when it came to medals, I was confident he'd get me to a high Bronze level but doubt he could do that on a Silver or Gold level as he didn't have any other silver or gold+ students.
However, he left the school and I got put with the main guy at the studio and he sucked the fun right out of it. The exercise drills he would get me to do to improve my technique - I hated them. The students he had were on quite a high level, but our personalities just didn't mesh. So he partnered me up with a competing pro dancer and he was great. Lots of fun but still very focused on improving technique and his style suited me much better. Only problem with him is getting time with him because he was out competing quite a lot.

I've had lessons with a much older teacher and though he was quite knowledgeable, it was uncomfortable dancing with him as he needed to take breaks quite often so I found it a bit frustrating.

I don't know if any of that helps. I think it all comes down to what you want to achieve and the chemistry with the teacher.

I see - well you obviously need to find someone who will teach you to do more than just social dancing which we are quite happy with. I think if I were you I would see if dancing schools in your area would be happy for you to visit and have a chat and observe some lessons. That might help you to choose which might suit you technically and personally.