I just had my first competition (newcomer wcs, night club, and two step). I loved it and really want to try to advance quickly. How often per week should I be practicing? Any tips for practicing on my own? I take lessons with a pro once per week, but am having trouble finding a partner to practice with.

How can a follower help her partner be a better leader

Hi, I have a question about Fred Astaire moves. First of all, I must say that I am very impressed by your videos. They are very helpful in our journey learning to dance. My partner and I have just recently started to learn West Coast swing. I have got the impression that it is a dance that allows you to incorporate your own made up steps and turns. I just wondered if you have thought about incorporating moves from old YouTube videos of Fred Astaire. If you watch his video where he dances to the song Shorty George there’s a lot of cool moves (and it is swing) it’s beautiful to watch. what are your thoughts about incorporating some of those moves into the West Coast swing dance? Is it possible at all?

So I'm happy to be here. I live in Seattle and I'm 72. I've been trying to learn salsa and bachata dance for a while, but as basically an old cowboy, the salsa dance scene is a bit intimidating. And here in Seattle, everyone seems to be in their 20's, but me.
So...I wandered down the street and noticed a hole in the wall country bar named the Little Red Hen. And I love it! Folks are dancing 2 step and swing, and there's a huge diversity of ages, races, everything. It's my new home!
And they have dancing about 4 nights per week! So I feel that this is my chance to finally freaking learn how to dance, before I die!
But I was a bit shocked to learn that there are dance forms that use a six count (from the cowboy six shooter?) . But I'm figuring it out, and you all explain it well. So I'm happy to be here, and I'm very impressed by this huge dance thing that Brian B has created. Good work, Brian! Cheers, Jim in Seattle.