There are some in every community... People who have been taking tango lessons for 2 years - 3 years - 4, 5, or even more. But they still don't get it.
They can't do much, because their basics are so bad. Poor walking, posture, timing, arm leading, watching their feet. Often caused by poor initial training, they may be addicted to front ochos, do difficult show moves far beyond their ability, anticipate, do moves without being led - But still can't lead or follow a crosada. These people may be able to be helped, but not until they go back to the beginning. The problem is, they have been attending classes too long, and are embarrassed to show up at a beginning lesson. Of course, there are two categories, the ones who know they are bad, and those who don't know. The ones who know (or their partners know) are the ones I am talking about here - they are the only ones with a possibility of saving. Despite reciting the mantra "Beginners go to Int., Int. go to advanced, Advanced go to beginners" they just can't bring themselves to show up at a beginner class. There they are at advanced workshops, learning back secadas and single axis turns. What can teachers do for these people? Is there a name for a lesson or workshop which might convince them to work on their basics when all they want is a new move? Can we do the "spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down" - advertize boleos but then work mostly on walking instead? Will they listen when they think they know that stuff already? Related point - we recently had a guy visit our milonga who had been taking tango lessons at a ballroom studio for several months. He was surprised to learn that he had basically learned nothing that was of any value at all. Our community was so nice, so welcoming, so helpful - but also blunt enough to tell him the truth. I predicted that we would never see him again, and no one would believe me. I was right. -- Lois Donnay Minneapolis, MN _______________________________________________ Tango-L mailing list [email protected] http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/tango-l
