[robd]

I did a fair amount of freestyle before I tackled my first intermediate class though it was almost always via being pressganged into it i.e I did not do the asking. I did benefit from having an experienced partner with whom I could practice, away from classes and I think this has been something that has helped to accelerate my learning.

I accept that everyone needs to start at some time but it irks me to see people with 'First Mover' stickers on doing the intermediate class, particularly if the routine is a more challenging one as, for me, at my stage of learning, it adds another level of difficulty on top of
* remembering the order of unfamiliar moves
* actually carrying them out

Robert