How to Choose the Right Partner for Historical Dance

Historical dances are primarily a partner style, so choosing a partner is a responsibility not to be taken lightly. These dances feature complex and varied movements, so if you're an experienced dancer, look for someone on your level.

You probably won't enjoy playing choreographer and spending your time teaching others.

If you're a beginner, attending group classes is a great starting point. Many dance schools offer group lessons, not only to speed up learning but also to help you find a partner from within the group.

By attending practices together, you naturally observe others—how they execute moves, their skill level, and so on. As you get to know everyone, you'll gradually gravitate toward a potential partner. Plus, spending time together helps you get accustomed to each other's habits, making future collaboration smoother.

Pay attention to your partner's perseverance. Are they willing to drill a single move repeatedly, or do they get frustrated and give up? Historical dances aren't mastered in one go, so your partner needs plenty of patience to achieve results.

You should also establish certain requirements for your partner and discuss them upfront. Focus on personality traits that matter most to you. It's possible to find a technically perfect dancer who just isn't compatible as a person, forcing you to part ways and start over. Begin by discussing boundaries, goals, and interests.

If you're in a relationship, don't hesitate to mention it to avoid awkward situations later. Determine your potential partner's goals—are they dancing as a hobby or aiming for international competitions and world tours? Shared goals make it easier to support and motivate each other.

As with all partner dances, physical preferences come into play. Men may want an attractive, charismatic woman with good flexibility—that's natural. Women often prefer a taller, rugged-looking man, about 7–10 cm taller. If you can't find a partner who meets your physical criteria, don't despair. It's not the most important thing in dance. What really matters is desire and perseverance—with those, nothing is impossible.

In some historical dances, performances have an unequal number of men and women—for example, eight men and four women, or vice versa. In such cases, you'll need to get along not only with your primary partner but also with other dancers. Learn to relax and trust others. You may feel your partner is the best, but you'll still need to interact with everyone, so it's wise to be prepared.

Where to find a partner? Ask your choreographer—they often have someone in mind. If you're learning on your own and plan to join a dance school with a partner, use social media or local dance forums. Believe me, you're not the only one looking, and there's nothing wrong with it.

And don't be afraid to trust your partner. They are the one who will help you fulfill your creative needs and reach new heights in historical dance!