Re: [TANGO-L] Community Development - teaching only to the men???

[Dan Boccia <redfox @ALASKA.NET>]

Andrew wrote:


"> Second, I would argue that since a follower should be able to follow
a
> clear lead from anybody who can provide it, the instructor's primary
task
> is to make sure that the leaders can do so."


The followers are able to follow a clear lead only if they have
sufficient skills/awareness to do so.  Following is a developed skill
that requires good instruction and practice to master, and it's best to
get it started right away in beginning classes.

I've seen the results of a few teachers who only teach to the leaders,
and coming from my leader's perspective, it's not fun because the women
don't acquire the skills to follow well.  Everyone has to learn
together, at all stages of the dance, from beginning to advanced.  I
don't understand this "men only" viewpoint, and in my opinion it is not
a valid teaching strategy.

Furthermore, teach only to the men and the women in the class are
getting ripped off - they deserve to learn something as well.  Ideally,
we all need to learn together.

Andrew touched on a point when he mentioned the instructors he's seen
are force-feeding steps to the students with no regard for technique,
etc.  Therein lies the problem, because without proper technique,
musicality, and all the other elements that make up a good social dance,
the men aren't going to learn anything, nor are the women.  Better study
with those instructors who understand how to teach social tango and who
know lead and follower's technique so everyone can grow together.
They're out there, and they're very busy in the communities that support
social dancing.

Dan