736 Getting/keeping men in tango
Date: Mon, 9 Sep 2002 17:38:27 +0000
From: Daisy Gardiner <tawny_port@HOTMAIL.COM>
Subject: Getting/keeping men in tango
<html><div style='background-color:'><DIV>As a woman, I can only speak from observation, not from first-hand experience.</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>It seems to me that classes with a focus on solid technique, with just enough "steps" to insure a sense of immediate success on the dance floor might be a useful approach once you've got the guys in the room. North Americans tend not to be into delayed gratification, so it's important for dancers to feel early-on like the dance can be mastered and that learning it will be fun. That's where the ladies come in. If we think of ourselves as "dance dummies" as some women put it, in attendance just so men have someone to practice with, then we don't convey the joy of the dance. I think that women can help keep the beginner men there by being encouraging and even enthusiastic.</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>And, there are advantages to dancing with beginners:</DIV>
<DIV>1. They don't usually have fat heads filled with the conceit and delusions of intermediate dancers who think they're advanced.</DIV>
<DIV>2. They're grateful that you're dancing with them.</DIV>
<DIV>3. In a class or practice, they often welcome feedback.</DIV>
<DIV>4. They may develop into fabulous tangueros who will remember you and always offer you dances when they see you.</DIV>
<DIV>5. They may turn out to be great people that you want to talk to as well as dance with.</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>So let's give these guys a break. I don't know of anyone who was born dancing tango well. It takes work; it takes time; it may take the encouragement of partners.</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>As for getting the guys there in the first place, let's ask those places that seem to have been more successful than most: Portland, Denver and Montreal come to mind. Lots of good male dancers. What's different about their approach that makes it more successful? Is it related to the tango community as a whole or to individual teachers? Let's hear from you.</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>Daisy</DIV>
