so i've taken 3 sets of classes. each set is 9 classes, so i guess that means i've spent 27 hours in classes. yet i still find myself unable to comfortably get through one song at a bachata social. how the hell are others doing this?

for some reason our studio doesn't let us record the moves we've been taught. we started doing them on our own and recording that, but that means i only have about 10 moves recorded, of which i only find 5 or so to be ones good enough to use outside of class. i suppose i could take even more classes but that doesn't seem to be the solution.

let me also say i saw my teacher dance with some of my lady friends at the most recent social and i recorded that. although both girls absolutely loved it it didnt seem like he was doing that many fancy moves. once in a while he was but part of it just seemed like he was playing around. i could try to memorize the entire 3 mins of what he did but i dont know how practical that is considering it doesnt seem like that's what the guys who are really good are doing, they seem to just be winging it.

so i guess i'm asking what are the best practices one can develop? one thing i can say is that it's often recommended to just practice a lot by going to socials. i would never give that advice to someone who's even more junior than me (since that's really stressful). what's helped me make the little improvements that i did make is practicing the few moves i do know at home every day; and going to socials with a friend when i can. both help take the pressure away.

i'd love the advice of others please.