Michael Haworth expresses an opinion about why it is so difficult to retain dancers in the U.S.

In Japan, a dancer can attend a “debut party” after learning the Basic program. This helps them to gain confidence in their dancing. After that party, they go back to learn the calls for the Mainstream program. They are expected to dance at the Mainstream level for at least one full year before they attempt to learn Plus. I think this makes the dancers more confident and, therefore, more likely to continue.