I always like to acknowledge someone with a good point Fuchsia.

Nice to keep occupied isn't it?

Can you fix dodgy wiring as well?

You know what, yes, I do not know what kind of dance you taught, nor do I care. Do not assume I know nothing about dance. I do not keep going on about my dance experience on these threads unlike some people but I ballroom danced until my teens, and was an all-ireland champion. My parents taught ballroom dance, my brother now teaches ballroom and latin dance. To competitive dancers. Do not insult my intelligence here. However the comment I made referred to your attitude, as it seems towards having to teach dance to someone who wasn't really good at it in the first place. It says more about a teacher who can work with someone like that, willingly, than a teacher whose heart would sink at the prospect of it.

I have always found good dance teachers love dance so much that they want to impart their enthusiasm and knowledge to any student, however unpromising.

I think you are right missfrankiecat.

Yes, I agree with you.

Not too bad then?
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hell,_Norway

Doesn't have to be either/or though does it? You can enjoy the teaching but still still have heart sink pupils? As long as they don't know they are your heart sinkers, then it's all good!

I'm sure you're right - it was the implication that some some people are simply not worth trying to teach that I find hard to associate with a genuine teacher of any subject but particularly dance. That, along with character assassination by cod psychobabble.

Well, you were totally wrong, but I do not feel I have to explain. You made your mind up all and judged a perfect stranger about whom you know nothing.

Ballroom is a very insular world, so I forgive you for that.

It rather depends on what form of dance you teach. If you're one of the ballroom teachers teaching people for social dancing then yes. Social dance is for fun.

Other forms of dance other than a bit of ballroom are much harder and do require ability. It's daft to assume that every teacher just teaches social dance. I didn't.

It does rather depends on whether you are teaching social dance for those who want a nice pastime doing a bit of ballroom, or whether you are teaching a much harder form of dance where people have to actually train for years.

That is the difference.

No dear, but I have man who can.

Implication? Que?

I am simply amazed how much you can deliberately misinterpret someone else's post to this extent. You are so far off the mark I am really quite perplexed.

You are also quite, quite wrong - and I would find your accusation quite offensive if it wasn't for the fact that I think that your attack says more about you than anything else.

Actually you are being very offensive. It's true we don't know who you are, but I think it's safe to assume no-one else is typing your posts for you. Therefore you yourself, from what can be read in your posts, are being offensive to Carol, people involved in ballroom dancing, other posters here, and me. You talk about being judged by people who don't know you? This is exactly what you are doing.

Anyway I have spent enough of my time debating with you.

Oh for sure - and quite a lot of the best training parterships - in all walks of life - aren't bestest buddies. I suppose it comes down to do you want someone who likes you or someone who makes you better.

Having watched the training footage ( admittedly a very short clip ) I would agree ....

it was not just that Carole was not very good - it was after all her first day - it was the fact that she kept repeating, like a mantra, it doesnt matter how often you tell me, I just cant follow it ( or words to that effect )
If she cant change her way of looking at the situation, then no amount of patience on the part of Pasha will get her through...

No doubt as multitalented as you. . And for that matter a lot of us.

You did similar earlier with your "some of us have done a lot" remark....assuming I haven't.

No what wait, you mean she is the sort of student that would make your heart sink if you had to teach her.

As anyone who has ever taught anyone anything knows there will always be those who make your heart sink when you have been with them 5 minutes. It is just too much effort and it would take a person worthy of sainthood if they did not feel that, you don't have to show it, but you know damn well they are never going to get it, whatever it is.

Pasha no doubt won't show it, and will never admit it in interviews but I get strong Fern vibes from her, even Artem managed to smile nicely for the cameras.

Whilst it is true that as you age it is harder, especially if you have no dance experience, to retain and remember steps and build up muscle memory to really shine in this contest, I can't remember anyone who mucked about and didn't put there heart and soul into this competition and Carole's attitude seems quite off at present.

Incidentally I can't think of anyone over the age of 45 with no dance experience who has done well in this competition, can anyone else?

Cherries Longhi and Felicity Kendall had previous experience. Lulu was awful, Stephanie Beecham left too early, Jerry was a lazy madam and Fern learnt to waft her skirt in time to music.

I stand to be corrected but I think Lesley Garrett was a dance novice back in the day (she went on to continue lessons after her series) and probably over 45? Pamela Stephenson did very well but had had contemporary dance training and some ballet as a younger woman.

The forum seems very harsh this year and no one has even stepped up to dance yet . I think it's deeply unfair to label anyone neurotic on the basis of a minute or two of footage . We all have wobbles when learning anything .
I'm already utterly tired of the celebs being verbally beaten up before they've even danced ."Carol is neurotic. Daniel is boring and wears cardies .Peter looks into the camera too much and is short . Katie is too snooty ." Pre judging them I don't care if you think you 'know' them from the past and I don't care about crappy old press stories . This is a different ball game for them. Let them dance , let's watch them in training videos , and then judge from the combination , that's only fair .
Yes I've put a virtual £100 on Carol to be first out , but I like a flutter and it feels safe putting my money on a more mature lady who might find the going tough . Nothing to do with her personality or mental state .

i agree with you, last year Pixie was also a target of harsh comments on Facebook.

will you also please cheer for Georgia?

Hmm....teaching the less talented.... Interesting.

I've been learning ballroom dance for a while and for me it was initially quite a challenge. I wasn't athletic. Slightly flat footed. I had no core strength. I was very self conscious. I couldn't hear the music. I really appreciate those teachers who helped me find that hidden ability and get me in a position where I am about to take my teaching exams. I haven't started teaching yet, but for me anyone who genuinely wants to learn will be worth teaching.

I've no idea yet whether Carol really wants to learn. Sometimes the slightly fluffy manner and giggling can hide nervousness and insecurity. I know from experience. The real difficulty with Strictly is its artificially limited and pressurised timeframe. It is, of course, what makes it entertaining too. She definitely doesn't look like a natural from the clips, but who knows?

I'm not convinced that ballroom is that much different from the other dance worlds. In ballroom there are still those who concentrate on the more talented students they can take to competitions, or at a higher level, coach. There are others (some very successful past competitors) who are very inclusive and encourage everyone to 'have a go' and enjoy themselves. The latter are golddust in my view, and I have always chosen my teachers based on both ability and that inclusive approach/attitude.