What to do when you reach a plateu?
To get out of it you need some inspiration. Finding it could be as simple as watching a video or your local guru on the floor.
But what you want to do is find a specific area of your dancing to work on, and develop it.
Which area?
Since I’ve been talking a lot about leading and style recently, I’m going to concentrate on that aspect,, but it could be musicality, body position, close moves, distance moves, gentle leading, first move variations, backwards moves, slides ,off-hand style, …
How?
Firstly by looking at what you do,. Then by watching others and looking for specifics from the teacher on stage and trying what they are doing. Only incorporate what works for you, and adapt what you like, but doesn't work.
BTW, If you’re playing with stuff during free-style, you should at least warn your partner.
Alternatively, give it a break - go and try another dance style to come back refreshed and with new ideas.