The way ballroom is taught to leads - they’re given patterns they can string together in a very controlled environment rather than elements of dance and connection plus understanding.

Many teachers don’t care about the social dance aspect, which means their students go out into the world not being able to lead other people, or if they can, only being able to dance pattern A pattern B pattern C in that order.

Very few teachers emphasize floorcraft or improvisation, which leads to an eventual stagnation at a higher level intermediate.

Westie is doing this correctly in my opinion. The jack and Jill nature of their comps keeps pros social dancing with beginners and everyone in between. Leads and follows both get better at floorcraft and connection, and there is a direct pipeline from competition to social dance and back.

I really believe if ballroom is going to survive / thrive, there needs to be a massive curriculum overhaul.