What is the best way to tell a woman not to lead in a partner dancing?

Let her be.... but if she really annoys you, don't dance with her. The next time she asked you, then tell her honestly about your problem in dancing with her. In other words, don't make a big deal out of it. Wait for the right moment to tell her.

We have this problem in my class quite often. The best way to deal with it is to have the teacher remind all the women that they should be following the man's lead, that way one person in particular doesn't get picked on.

If she doesn't take the hint then just tell her very nicely that on the dancefloor the man is in charge and she should follow you. Remind her that it is the man's job to make the woman look good and that you want to do your job to the best of your ability!

Tell her she's a great dancer but it's not her time to shine because you wanna impress everyone. But let her do some of dancing to because then she'll feel like you never really wanted to be her dancing partner at all! And trust me, you do not want to see a woman upset with a man.... it is not a pretty sight ..... believe me!

Keep your mouth shut. (1) There's no polite way to do it. (2) She's probably aware of it and trying not to. (3) Somebody has to, and if this is something you run into often, it is likely that your lead needs improving, so look to yourself first, and make sure you're not trying to be too cool. Remember that your job on the dance floor is to make her look good, and if you become invisible, that's OK.

Just gently say "you're supposed to follow my lead", smile, then take the lead.

just tell them 'you're not supposed to lead'. and if they knew anything about dance, they should know that man leads

You have to take the lead. You can tell her but it's better to just actually do it.

You could say, follow my lead. Use your hands to guide them. You got one of their hands, and the other on their hip, so you can just sort of push and pull them, gently of course.