What makes a partner fun to dance with? 

We did a survey at the January Madison Dance Club event asking leaders and followers what traits made a partner fun to dance with. Based on their responses three items stand out. 

Almost 80% of both leaders and followers hated their partner teaching or critiquing them. Some added comments such as dances are “ruined by teaching on the dance floor. Yuck! Yuck!”

Followers ranked the trait in leaders “knows lots of steps” second to last out of 11 items, far behind any other trait such as “on the beat, or does not run into other dancers”. 

Some people like to have their partner carry on a conversation while dancing. Others hate it. One person added “I don’t mind a skilled dancer talking to me while we are dancing,  but it drives me bonkers when somebody who is off the beat is yapping rather than listening to the music.”

Here are comments on the rest of the answers: 

Almost all followers thought several items were very important for leaders: 
    Clear leads    .
    Gentle, not rough.
    On the beat, rhythmic.
    Appropriate steps for the partner’s ability.
    Cheerful, not stern.
    Does not run into other dancers.
    Connects comfortably with the partner.
Many  followers thought it didn’t matter if their leader gave out compliments. Others thought it was nice, but not critical to receive compliments. 

Leaders ranked their preferences out of followers in this order:
    On the beat, rhythmic.
    Spins easily and in balance.
    Balanced and nimble on feet.
    Keeps the right distance away from the partner.
    Cheerful, not stern.
    Gentle, not rough.
    Connects comfortably with the partner.
    Knows lots of steps.
    Gives compliments to the partner.
    Has a conversation while dancing.