Dear Dance Diva,
This is awkward so I’ll get straight to the point. My pro-am partner has bad breath. It’s really bad. I’ve been working with him for about six months and he’s a good instructor, but I’m thinking about finding another pro because I don’t know how to handle this without embarrassing him (and me). At first I thought I could just grin and bear it. I tried mouth breathing, but I get so parched that I find myself holding my breath during my lessons. As I write this I know it sounds like I’m being overly dramatic, but honestly his breath reeks. It literally takes my breath away. I’ve tried offering him gum and mints at the start of our lessons, but he politely refuses every time.  Any suggestions?
—Breathless

 

Dear Breathless,
This certainly is an awkward situation, but you won’t be doing yourself or this gentleman any favors in avoiding it by finding another instructor. You need to address it head on.

Bad breath, also known as halitosis, can result from poor mouth/dental hygiene as well as a heavy dose of pungent foods. Onion, garlic, cheese, pastrami, orange juice and alcohol are a few of the most common offenders, but bad breath also can be a symptom of an underlying health problem. Sinus or chronic lung

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