First of all thanks to everyone who replied!

Unfortunately I don't have the privelege to dance with multiple partners. The only time when I dance with other people, is at dance evenings when my partner calls in sick. We did talk about how we want dancing to be though, and we both agreed that he would learn how to lead before our last dance exam (we have two every season), but until this day it hasn't changed... Maybe I won't let him, or maybe he is comfortable with the way things are or maybe he wants to but doesn't know how... Either way, I think that if he really wanted to he would be swaying me around the floor already...

Although I tried dragging him to dance evenings to practice, he always turned me down and said he never has time on Saturdays (which is when any dance evening is held). Don't get me wrong: I am not blaming him for the fact that he is learning slower, I am only wondering if I can continue dancing with him they way it goes now.

I agree that parterships in dancing are more business-like. I also know that you have to make compromises in any relationship, but I personally think that slowing down is the same thing as neglecting myself. That can't be healthy!

Thanks again for all your replies!

Michelle

"Carpe diem, quam minimum credula postero." - Horace

I think you have to talk a lot with your partner. You can't blame him for the fact that he is learning slower, but I think that he has to try to improve his dancing if he wants to continue dancing with you. If he really wants, it will work out. Write down steps at home, practice at dance evenings etc. And you have to slow down a little. So you have to take a step back and he has to take a step forward (well, that's very normal while dancing).
And yes, if he really is not motivated then you should find yourself another partner.

To Sri.....

I know it sounds a bit strange to have three dance partners and I also know that it is often very difficult to find a dance partner. I had a lot of trouble finding a dance partner when I first came into the dance school. However, if you are on a "higher" level, there are always women at a lower level that don't have a partner. A lot of people know that I like dancing very much (perhaps because of my website and magazine) and sometimes they ask me. My dance partner for my own dance level also dances with a lot of other dancers. She is at a higher level then I am. I also dance with my sister, because her partner always came to late and he was not motivated. And now since several months I dance with another woman. In our dance school it is very normal to dance with more than just one partner, it's called helping. I like it a lot to dance with more women, because you can really learn to lead. And yes, I'm a lucky dog

Fred
fghb@xs4all.nl
http://www.xs4all.nl/~fghb/ballroom.htm
http://www.dansblad.nl

Oh goodness..!! First to Fred... Three partners!! You dog!!! You lucky, lucky dog!!! I sound incredulous because I am. It seems hard enough finding one good partner around these parts sometimes.. - no offense intended to whomever from "these parts" might read this posting..

And to Michelle... May be you should move to "these parts". More women dancers than men!!! Darn, that would be one of my dreams come true..

Okay, now to address the chief question. In my view, I don't see why you should treat this like any other relationship. Dancing partnerships are relationships indeed, but they are primarily just business partnerships. There is no need to feel guilty if you don't believe he is right for you. You spend your time and hard-earned money to indulge your passion and ambition, and there is no need to remain unrequitted and unfulfilled for the sake of propriety and social etiquette. Just dump him >. However, do it nicely and without acrimony. He may learn to lead before long and become a prized catch, and you do want to keep from burning all of your bridges, ey.

Say Joe, is my spelling all right??

Sri