Why is it so hard to find a partner??

Hi Danzer... I didn't think that I would do the Competitive Partner Search because there are various sites already doing that. I am happy however to link to some of these sites.. and anyone is free to mention that they are looking for a partner...perhaps in the Goss! section? DSA site: http://www.dancesport.org.au/partner_search_2.html Online Danceline: http://members.iinet.net.au/~annadv/ Feel free to add any other partner search sites that you know of. I have moved this thread here because I thought it was more of a discussion starter.. Why is it so hard to find a partner?....

Well, because you have to find someone of the right height, body shape, personality, commitment to the sport and a million other small factors. Considering how small competitive dancesport is in Australia, finding the right partner is a nightmare I'm sure a great number of dancers here have gone through.

Hi Jay, I am guessing you are a female if you can't find a partner? My daughter has been in the same boat. I suspect that most of the people out there competing are wary of partnering up with someone with little or no competition experience so it makes it hard to get started. Hang in there and keep looking. Just as a matter of interest, can you give us some details about yourself - sex, age, build etc. Also, does anyone have any ideas on how to get more males into competitive dancing?

There are alot of males in the competitve dancing scene, as there is females. Not compared to overseas but that is the same with bth male and female competitors. It can still be very difficult to find a partner being a male, and for anyone to find the exact partner to suit. I agree completely that it is so important to not just choose any partner bcuz you are desperate to get out on that floor, or under the thought that "it might just work if we adjust ourselves over time..." Granted you always have to compromise for each other, but make sure you choose a partner who has the same or similar ambitions as you, around the same standard as yourself, make sure that you connect in some way (this is important), and of course 'the look' is important. It can be very difficult i spose to find someone that you can both complement each other. Well thats just my thoughts... All these things you can't always tell after just the first try-out, so sometimes you have to agree to have a trial period. Remember don't commit to anything unless you both are really sure. I spose i am very lucky to have a partner who i get along with so well, and can work with me and achieve the goals we set...

partners
There are a lot of issues to consider in partnerships. Often the biggest problem is parents ie their imput and support. There can be friction when there is a lack of communication between parents, and often they do not consider what their childs ambitions or needs in dancing are.

Yes, parental influence, sometimes is a problem with younger aged partnerships. When I was 14 my parents and my partner (at the time) did not get on at all, and they often had arguments at dancestudio's (during lessons sometimes). So i didn't last very long with this partner as i was often advised that she was not the right partner for me. But really we got along quite fine, shame about the parents. I know that this is a situation in a lot of partnerships. Once the couple hits Junior age, they should be able to make a lot more descions together and solve problems that may arise through communication, not through parents "taking over"...

Finding the right partner can be difficult and take some time. Even though it is probably easier for boys to find A partner, it can still be very difficult and take a while to find the right partner. As MattS mentioned - there are lots of things that need to be right - or close to right. There is the physical side of things, size, weight, look, etc The mental side of things, dedication, ambition, personality, etc The practical side of things, money, agreeing on coaches, training times, etc The dance side of things, similar level, ability or potential. At lower levels and in younger couples, often some of these things aren't so important because they don't know themselves the answer to what they want. As the competitor becomes more experienced, they will learn their own ambitions and commitment level. Some couples are lucky and find good partners early on and stay together - eg, Jason Gilkison & Peta Roby, Matt Rooke & Anna Longmore. For others it takes a few changes and unfortunately some give up because it becomes just too hard. But don't give up too soon, Jay. Hang on in there - sometimes the wait is worth it!

Hey Jay How old are you? Do you have your info on Anna's website?

Jay, if it's any consolation - I've been working towards competition for 2 years myself now, and I've only just recently found a partner I'm compatible with. I did a lot of try outs, and had a few disasterous partnerships beforehand. Hang in there, it's all worth it once you find the right parter.

Hi Jay! I was really lucky with my partner. I actually found him at a comp and his coach came up to me and asked if I wanted to dance with him... He was struggling because of his height and where he lived. Believe it or not, but the only reason I was asked was because he was perving on me!!! :D Ask some coaches if they have anyone looking for partners, some coaches have a few dancers unable to find a partner, advertise yourself in partner search sites, online danceline is one of the best I feel. Also, check to see if anyone is willing to move from another state. That has happened a few times. Liam McDermont moved to NSW, Arsen moved here, a couple of other people I know had some partners that had moved previously. As I said I was very lucky, hardly any dancing experience previously and how old I am.... I still managed to find one after 5-6 months search who was perfect for me. We even ended up engaged :P

Thanks for the advice kitten i'll definitely look into it. In the mean time if anyone knows of anybody looking for a partner please let me know it would be much appreciated. Thanks XO

Why is it so hard to find a partner
Jay, it would help if we knew a bit about you..... age, sex, dance experience, height etc

Maybe there should be a forum section for partner searches. Could we do that Filcha? There could be two topics for male and females, searching for partners and then you could reply by sending a private message to save space in the partner forum. Just an idea, but i think it could work...

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