Why do we rotate partners in class?

I’m a firm believer that rotating partners in group classes is the absolute best way to learn. It is the most efficient, joyful, and absolute easiest way to learn in this setting.

On top of that: In over 20 years of teaching group classes, I have yet to see a non-rotating couple have continued success in any group class setting I’ve taught.

But before we get to why rotating is essential for success, let’s examine what a group class structure is designed to do.

Adjustments made with every partner

We pace our classes to spend more time dancing and less time talking. We’re able to maintain this pace because students make adjustments/improvements/corrections with every partner. Quite simply, you’ll fix things faster dancing with others. It can be more subtle things like the tension you keep or move obvious things like which hand you are holding.

Of course, when students don’t rotate they often get stuck, repeating the same errors over and over. They don’t get the benefit of corrections that very organically take place through rotation.

Improve at a similar, structured, and ultimately faster pace

Most of our instruction is, unsurprisingly, designed to provide clarity and direction to the group as a whole. When needed or requested, we’re glad to give individual notes (usually when we’re practicing to music). Those individual notes then allow that person to be a better partner as they rotate through the group. Everyone benefits and the group improves.

When students don’t rotate, the notes they need become more and more individual. They oftentimes require specific instruction that allows them solve an issue with their particular partner.

But for those who don’t care about improving with the group, it begs the obvious question: Why we can’t just have some people rotate and some people not? Can’t we just help each couple that isn’t rotating?

Quite simply, NO. Doing so slows the pace of the class dramatically. The amount of time required to help a non-rotating couple improve is far, far, far longer than to assist a rotating individual. And again, that rotating individual will improve the experience of everyone else in the class. Which leads us to….

Rotating partners allows the entire group to participate fairly

The rotation of partners minimizes the class role imbalance. While we do everything we can manage this factor, invariably some students are occasionally absent. Rotating gives everyone balanced access to partnering, which is part of what you are paying for.

Ultimately, the group class structure that allows for balanced access to both partners and instruction. It is designed to benefit all participants. Improvements made are a “tide that raises all boats” and keeps the pace of the class consistent. And most importantly, it’s far easier, more fun, and an infinitely more efficient way to learn.

As in instructor, I want to do everything I can to put students in a position for success. We have a proven class structure that works and that means rotating partners.

Other Class Structures

For those who are still want to partner with the same person, the good news is we have a class structure just for you: Private Lessons. They allow you to receive instruction in the structure and pace that meets your personal preferences.