275  Learning Curve- every one has a different learning curve

Date: Wed, 17 Oct 2001 01:53:23 EDT
From: Arthur Greenberg <AHGberg@AOL.COM>
Subject: Learning Curve- every one has a different learning curve

Hi Listeros:

My first observation of the estimate of time it takes for someone to learn is
a total misconception unless we establish exactly what comprises a "beginner"
or an "intermediate" or an "advanced" Tango Dancer. We have been down this
road before without much success. Before one can assign some time element
to the learning experience one should address one's attention to who is the
"Teacher". All things being equal different teachers have different methods.
Different teachers also have different "teaching competency levels". When
someone comes into a class and is already an "experienced" dancer, that
particular person brings with them some amount of base skills (difficult to
measure until you begin to teach them Arg Tango) and they may enter (of
course) into the "beginners' class".......but they are not by any stretch of
the imagination to be rated as "beginners". That dance background is often
overlooked...... but they already have the base upon which you can build
upon. Some people in the beginners class are not to be considered beginners
(never take someone at their word that they dance at a certain level
(Intermediate, Advanced, Super Advanced etc. ) There also are a few (not
many) people who are fast learners. "Dance geniuses! It is quite
presumptuous of Tom to assess time parameters to the length of time it takes
to achieve certain skill levels in Argentine Tango. Generally speaking, it
is impossible to assess!
Although I recommend that all learners enter initially into the
"beginners'" class it could be obvious (and pretty quick) that the class is
not going to be fast enough for their "abilities". Some students graduate
from Secondary schools at age 13, some at age 19. You must consider the
varying talents of individuals both physical and mental. Motivation often
enters into the learning time factor. Some learners of Argentine Tango may
require very special attention by a good teacher in private instruction. Some
learners can remain in a class for years and continue to grow and develope.

The roles of the Man and the Woman differ so much that it is unfair to burden
(some) very talented women learners with all the "skills that the man is
required to learn". I think women should generally know the responsibilities
(the curiculum) that a man needs to learn. Once she knows the "list" of what
a man needs to learn she should concentrate on what she has to learn to be
able to participate with a man who asks her for a dance at a Milonga.

Leading and Following are two entirely separate skills. They go together,
however, like bread and butter...like peanut butter and jelly...like Laurel
and Hardy but they are not to be mistaken as similar skills. They even may
be related but certainly not similar. A man does not have to be proficient
in following but he must be able to visualize clearly where (and in what
manner and speed) he wants his partner to respond to his lead. (I will admit
that having been led by several good leaders it gave me some interesting
insight into how I should lead my female partner. A man does not have to
devote his learning time to learning how to follow.....unless he is going to
use that skill frequently. Besides, learning how to follow takes a lot of
practice. The frame of mind is significantly different between the two
partners in a dancing couple.

Do not forget that the primary aim of Argentine Tango is usually for the
purpose of using the skill to socialize! One's ability to dance well when
added to one's intellect and personality provides one the facility to
circulate very well in a social situation (eg. at a milonga). There are
examples of some people developing their personalities via the social
opportunities provided by being a skillful dancer. Show me a "dull and
boring, uneducated, draggy person" and I will predict with some reasonable
accuracy the "manner in which they will eventually present themselves to
their poor victims" at a full fledged Milonga.

A lady dancing Argentine Tango must be "attentive and focused on her partner"
so she may be able to respond to his lead. (The lady must have already
learned her skills of movement and techniques and they must be already in
her muscle memory!) Of course the lady must be balanced and not anticipate
or guess where she must go next. The Lady must look as "good" as possible
doing all the movements and must demonstrate a certain amount of "cool" as
well as a certain amount of balance between "restraint and exhuberance"!!
Nothing should be a "Whoops! nor a What the hell was that your'e trying to
make me do.!)

The frame of mind of a follower is to WAIT for the lead and try to respond
with the "appropriate response". (No matter what the lady responds with to
the man's lead, the man must be ready to "compensate for her failure to go
where she is invited by her partner"!) The lady should try her best to dance
her best (the entire dance) and to concentrate 100 percent on her man
partner.

The man must be very organized in his thinking since he must furnish the
choreography of the dance. He must observe the traffic on the dance floor
so as not to collide with other dancers.......(no matter how wreckless other
couples he may encounter.) He must know how to utilize his repetoire of
"elements" to the extent that they are connected in a smooth and seamless
dance! He should dance with the "music" as best he can. Staying "with the
music" usually makes leading somewhat easier. Learning to dance the Tango
sounds easier than it is but you need some acquired (through practice) skills
to move in almost any direction, to be able to turn when you want to or
underturn when the situation might call for it. The man must be able to stop
along with his partner. He should be able to "rock" and return backward. He
should be able to step outside his partner (right or left). His frame must
be maintained consistantly throughout the entire dance....his hold should be
gentle but firm....his lead must be tender but compelling. His entire focus
should be on his lady follower and NOWHERE ELSE! Digest assimilate and
manifest the idea that you are dancing with and for your partner. Think of
tryng to make her look "beautiful" rather than trying to make yourself
(independent of your partner) look good. You are dancing with her and for
her and NOONE ELSE.

Please remember that beginning learners do not return unless they have some
reasonable "success" (Each person differs in what motivates them.) in their
first couple of encounters with the "Argentine Tango" experience. Be sure
you understand and appreciate that some learners do not want to spend many
months and many dollars to learn a few steps and have a little fun dancing a
few tangos with someone of the opposite sex. To really get to be an advanced
Tango dancer you must be obsessed by the Tango. You must really have a
"burning desire" to become excellent. Unmotivated learners do not learn
Tango and you can soon know who they are. They fail to show up consistantly
at their classes. They do not exert themselves to become better. The do not
show up at their practicas nor at Milongas. Good Tango dancers develop a
bond with each other that is not achieved by the occasional (luke warm
interested) attendee.

Sincerely,
Arturo
AHGberg@aol.com
West Palm BEach, Florida, USA