One thing I want to say in this entry is that stage dance is not an extension of social dance.
They are two different games.
There are many different partner dances. Some dances (e.g., Argentine Tango, Salsa, ballroom) have very clear distinction between its social version and stage version. [You can add 'contest version' for some dances too (ballroom).]
Even though the stage version of dance has the same set of basics as social version of the dance, probably it is helpful to understand that learning them are like learning two different dances.
The differences are too many. The mindsets are different (for self/partner/occasion, or for others). The purpose are different (fun for the couple, or entertainment for the audience). The target of serviceman-ship are different (the partner, or the audience).
Accordingly, emphasis on the required skill sets are different.
Citing Argentine Tango for example;
Subtlety, comfort, free-flowing musical interpretation, the gaze and unwavering attention, personal connection, focus on the moment .....they are virtues of social dance (salon tango). But they have to be seen from a distance for the stage (stage tango). How are you even going to do it?
Bluntly put, ten years of social dance will not make you a good stage dancer. Your ten years of social dance experience is hardly translated as stage dance experience, unless you are keen at the differences. Social only dancers tend to forget or turn blind eye to this.
Likewise, having decent stage routines will not guarantee that you are good at social dance. Trying to apply your flashy stage-trained moves to an unprepared social dance partner usually ends up bad. Neither of you will look good, and neither of you will be satisfied.
Say it to self again; "Social dance and stage dance (and contest dance) are different dances", and act accordingly.
...meaning that you need to learn and practice social dance if you want to be good at social dance. If you want to look good on stage and entertain audience, you need to learn and practice stage dance.
