Brave post, Gerry,
I would question the verdict if I thought they did not have much personal authority in passing judgement. But I would also mull over what they had said and try to understand where they were coming from. However, if they said, for example, that I wasn't bouncing my hand enough then I would smile ruefully and move on.
If someone was patronising, rude, judgemental or dismissive in their manner of giving advice I would (and have) find it much harder to get over, and I don't forgive that sort of behaviour easily. It might still be very good advice, though.Would you take it to heart and just give up.
Yes, I often ask for feedback, (mainly in AT) with mixed results. Some people don't like giving it on principle. Some people just say everything's fine (Great, but not that useful if you'd like to be finer) and some people say something completely unexpected which is the hardest to deal with! You have to be genuinely open to hearing something negative about your dancing, maybe something that had never crossed your mind before and that is never easy. But as you found out, it's essential before improvement can take place. The important thing is to ask someone who might give some support in fixing it, not just criticise and pi$$ off!Would you take it on the chin and ask for help from somebody you admire and respect.
I was offered very clear feedback by an Australian guy at a weekender once. I suspect he was a teacher and Aussies tend to take a plain-speaking and direct approach to life, I find. I was surprised but he was tactful and authoritative in how he spoke and again, I thought it was very good advice. I think his wording was something like "That was great, but I'd enjoy it even more if you........." Then he asked for a second dance which gave reassurance.
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