The class title has a big influence on how people choose between competing classes. I organize a festival and did a survey of our participants asking on what basis they chose their classes [shown here in decreasing order based on results].
I chose my teachers/classes based on (check all that apply) : I chose based on class subject 66.6% I chose based on class level & my own time constraints 46.6% I had heard great things about them 26.6% I chose the teachers I had not taken classes with previously 26.6% I had taken classes with them in the past and wanted more 20.0% I chose whatever was available 13.3% I read the bios & chose based on those 6.6% I believe a nondisclosed topic will in general decrease interest in a class when other classes in the same time slot have reasonably interesting titles. Furthermore, I have seen that classes with whizzbang titles fill up the fastest especially with younger and newer dancers, for the same reason that dessert wins over veggies. I know the people on this list are into veggies (as am I) but if the tango economy had to rely on you guys alone, it would have petered out long ago, and you would have nobody to dance with. So, moving on from this point... In the case of this particular festival however, the artists are top-notch, the couples not disclosing their topics are more well-known than the other couples featured, and the participants are for the most part advanced dancers who know what they want. So I believe the nondisclosure of the titles will have the following effects (all good): - The obvious effect of a topic more suited to the class participants - Nobody having the right to grumble if the teachers feel they have to adjust course in the interest of the learning experience, i.e. better customer satisfaction with the veggies served with dessert - Experienced dancers (=most participants) know who is who or can find out, and figure out what kind of topic will likely be taught, and decide accordingly. - Fans of these teachers will choose their classes regardless, and be happy with whatever topic - Others who have not developed a teacher preference, can choose by title or take a chance on a surprise - Because the nondisclosing teachers are the most famous ones on the bill, their classes will fill up regardless but more slowly than if the topic were disclosed, effectively allowing all classes to fill up at a more even pace and preserving choice for participants who sign up later. This is a good thing because if some classes are sold out, it becomes harder to accommodate additional participants who want those classes specifically. This is important, because what makes a fest a great experience is the quality, quantity and diversity of your fellow participants. At least insofar as you get to dance with them :) - Beginners will be less likely to be seduced by titles they desire but are not ready for, so the class level will be more true So it works for me and I don't have a problem with it. I think it is in the interest of everybody, actually. Good job, organizers. Tine _______________________________________________ Tango-L mailing list [email protected] http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/tango-l
