Re: [TANGO-L] tango teaching

[Michael <tangomaniac@CAVTEL.NET>]

Anna wrote:

I always get a little nervous dancing with teachers. This
teacher ...began giving me feedback. The more someone tells
me to relax, the less relaxed I am.  And second, I was
offended that the he was teaching me at a milonga. My
question is, how do I tell this teacher that he shouldn't
be teaching on the floor at a milonga, even if it is just
suggestions whispered in my ear througout the dance?

******************************************************************************
Anna:
We've never danced so I can't comment about your dancing.
However, I've danced with a number of stiff women,
especially in their right arm. They are pushing so hard with
their arm, they are throwing me off the alignment. It's very
difficult, bordering on impossible to lead. My choices are
1) just get through the dance, 2)put her arm on my shoulder
so she can push as much as she wants without affecting the
alignment, 3) push her arm straight down to maintain the
alignment or 4) tell her to relax. I don't consider this
teaching because I'm not describing a figure. The follower
usually experiences difficulty, such as inability to cross
because she can't move her to her right because her stiff
right arm is blocking her.

IMHO, the teacher recognized your potential and desire to
dance well and just wanted to help you along.

Michael
Washington, DC
New York tango festival begins July 27

-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Send "Where can I Tango in <city>?" requests to Tango-A rather than to
Tango-L, since you can indicate the region. To subscribe to Tango-A,
send "subscribe Tango-A Firstname Lastname" to LISTSERV@MITVMA.MIT.EDU.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------