Waiting to canter
I know just how you feel Daphne - I've been learning to ride since the end of October and am also waiting to be 'allowed' to canter. I've done an accidental canter, or rather the horse I was riding cantered while I was doing rising trot (Eh??
What on earth is going on here??) and the horse I ride at my new school can't wait to get going, so I've done a few bits of canter with her instead of trotting. To be honest, it's something I'd love to do, and somehow or other you feel pressure to do it without anyone saying anything to you - it's as if you've not really ridden until you've done it. At least that's how I feel. And for me it was totally depressing doing the class in trot while the rest were cantering round. You're just waiting for the instructor to recognise that you're up to it - but mine could hardly remember my name!
In my first lesson I was told it'd be a 'few weeks' before my balance was up to cantering, and I do know my balance is rubbish - it took me ages to learn how to ride a bike. Then I had a nasty experience with that first school and swapped over Christmas. The second instructor took one look at me and said I could do with some lessons on the lunge (I'd never had that before), but all I've done is walk and rising trot with her, not even sitting (she's trying to get me to sort my feet and legs out first - ballet training as a child just doesn't help you ride!). It's still frustrating, but she says it's no point going any further till I've got the seat right, or it'll make things worse further down the line and you'd have to come back to the beginning anyway.
It's a bit easier because I do trust this instructor, and have got to know her in just 3 lessons. She's far more helpful than any of the ones at the first school I went to, and does actually know who I am! - I think that we beginners are sort-of at the mercy of our teachers, so it's really important to get on with them and for them to know you as a person. Has your first one left yet? Can you talk to her about cantering before she does, or have you already? It does sound as if you're worried about it, so getting an opinion from someone who knows you and that you trust might help. Even if you can't talk to her, why not just ask the second one if you could have a go? Even if it's just for a few paces then back to trot? At worst she can only say no, and then you can ask what you need to work on to be ready for it. If she can't give you an answer, I'd find another instructor!
Hope it sorts out for you. If it's any consolation I reckon you'll get there way ahead of me!
Kate