Re: [TANGO-L] How long does one need to dance to be good?

[michael <tangomaniac @JUNO.COM>]

I read that Carlos Gavito one said "It takes a woman two years to learn how to follow well. It takes a man a lifetime to learn how to lead." Since I started tango in my 40s, I have a lot of catching up to do.

Time is NOT the only factor that determines when one becomes good. Quality of instruction and hours of practicing play a big role. I'm amazed at bad dancers who don't take lessons unless a big name comes to town. They think their dancing is going to improve because they took ONE or TWO classes. If only it was that simple.

My teacher told me that not everyone wants what I want, which is dance well. Some people just want to learn some steps so they can get out on the floor and "impress" their partner with their dancing skills.

The truth is that your partner determines if you are any good. The women I dance with know much better than me if I'm any good. I've gone through too many episodes where I didn't have a clue how bad I was. This is one time it's smarter to rely on somebody else's judgment until you have confidence and skill.

Michael
Washington, DC
Still dreaming of the recent NY Tango Festival

I'd rather be dancing argentine tango

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