A problem with my ballroom partner.?

Question

I've been dancing for around one and a half years - Ballroom and Latin, and I love it. This year, my teacher wants me to start private lessons and competitions with one of the guys in my class. I really want to compete and private lessons would be great, except for one thing - I really dislike the guy that I have to dance with, and if I don't dance with him, I probably won't find another partner. What should I do?

As requested. It's not likely I'll find a partner because of the area I live in (it's fairly isolated) and also because guys who are around my age generally think that dancing is stupid.
I dislike this guy for a few reasons - he is hard to get along with, and makes a lot of really offensive and sexist comments, about my weight and so on and so forth. He's also not as good a dancer as the rest of the guys in my class, who I dance with at practice...except all the others have partners. I guess I shouldn't be too picky, because (as stated) it's better to have a partner than not to have a partner.

Answer 1

First of all - you will find another partner, why won't you?

But - what is that you don't like about the guy? It is better to have a partner than not to have a partner. Can you work around the parts that you don't like, so to speak? If you are more specific I might be more helpful.

Is that his physical shape/age/appearance?
Is that the way he talks to you?
Is that his skill level? His goals? His schedule?
Anything else?
Some of the above is possible to solve or work around.

It might feel now that if you don't dance with him you won't find another partner. But consider this: you partner up with the guy that you don't like and a month later some other guy comes along, but you alreay have partnered up and invested some time in this partnership. Whether or not you'll easily find a partner really depends on the area where you live, you skill level (shouldn't be too much of a problem in Bronse-Silver) and how unusual are your physica requirements (if you are really tall or short it is harder, if you are average it is easier)
What people do is so called tryout partnerships: you and your potential partner decide to give it a try for like a month and see if you can work together. It needs to be discussed and communicated openly and respectfully.

+++++ After your comment:
I'd suggest giving this partnership a try. You might mention it to him - when he says stuff - "This comment achieves nothing but offends me. Please don't say it." As for his attitude and thinking that he's better than you are - this very often gets fixed by a good teacher. Once the teacher points out his mistakes in front of you a couple of times he might get more humble. Also, when he feels challenged yet gets a lot of attention in private lessons he might feel that dancing is not that stupid after all (it sounds like he IS craving attention). If his attitude gets out of hand - bring it up with the teacher. They have their little ways of adjusting it. As for him being not such a good dancer - he will learn. Good luck. I don't know what age are you talking about - but if you mean young - then a lot of boys have a lot of growng up to do. Don't take it too personally.

Answer 2

First and foremost, (I quote from a film I saw recently) "dance begins with a dancer's feelings". So if you dislike him, ask for another partner. Surely your dance instructor has other classes, and will be able to get you another.
If this is not the case, then dance with this fellow, but ignore his comments. Dance because you love to dance, and enjoy it. Don't let him bring you down or put you off.
Perhaps my advice sounds easier said than done, but I can't think of anything else. :( Good luck with it anyhow! :D

Answer 3

if you love to dance it doesnt matter