tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23522785.post6084343519616489561..comments2023-09-25T08:07:19.567-07:00Comments on tangocherie in Los Angeles: How to Choose a Teacher for Private Tango Lessonstangocheriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10012220622641996877noreply@blogger.comBlogger5125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23522785.post-76371262568356612092010-10-12T14:36:19.469-07:002010-10-12T14:36:19.469-07:00I really love the way Ruben and Cherie teach. For ...I really love the way Ruben and Cherie teach. For us it was ideal. I hope to be able to learn from them again.Elizabeth Brintonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13814965814308408209noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23522785.post-70541978050222892562010-10-04T12:41:46.574-07:002010-10-04T12:41:46.574-07:00Hi Ilya,
Some private teachers require that a stu...Hi Ilya,<br /><br />Some private teachers require that a student bring his/her own partner, making a "learning couple," at least as long as the lesson lasts. <br /><br />But I don't agree with that because if they are not really a "couple," then they will go their separate ways and not be practicing together anyway. <br /><br />If there is a real couple taking the lesson, then it is very beneficial for each one being able to dance with a teacher in the appropriate role, and then to learn to dance with each other. Ruben and I have spent lots of time in classes helping a couple get physically comfortable in the embrace, as well as leading and following the other partner.<br /><br />With a teaching couple, the follower can dance with the male teacher while receiving feedback both from him and the follower/teacher who is watching. If you as the teacher want to observe the follower dancing--beyond the mirrors and video--she can dance with your partner.<br /><br />Before I became a teacher, I often was asked to partner a man in private lessons, because many teachers do not want to dance the whole time with the student--too exhausting. But the man paid for the class and received all of the teaching and attention. I was a sort of "inflatable tango partner," which was fine, I didn't mind at all, and in fact, still learned things just from being there.<br /><br />Of course this is my opinion: that the best option for private lessons is a teaching couple no matter if you are a single man, woman, or a couple. But everyone certainly can have a different point of view.tangocheriehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10012220622641996877noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23522785.post-73449034983404607712010-10-04T11:31:14.420-07:002010-10-04T11:31:14.420-07:00Good post, Cherie. Seems like you crossed all the ...Good post, Cherie. Seems like you crossed all the t's.<br /><br />I liked that you said "only a man can teach a man how to dance like a man". And not because I am a man :) - it's just men and women move differently, as they should.<br /><br />Not sure though the ideal situation is "a teaching couple". I think it is more important to have a student with a partner. That would make it into a "learning couple", wouldn't it? :)<br /><br />For me it is especially important to have a student-follower having a partner. I would rather teach a leader without one, but I need to See how a follower moves. She's gotta look elegant in addition to everything else...<br /><br />Ilya<br /><a href="http://tangobohemia.com/" rel="nofollow">Tango Atlanta</a>Ilyahttp://tangobohemia.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23522785.post-68313282039039571442010-09-27T16:41:56.849-07:002010-09-27T16:41:56.849-07:00Hi Terry,
Thanks for your comment!
I agree that i...Hi Terry,<br />Thanks for your comment!<br /><br />I agree that it's good to ask around for opinions on various prospective tango teachers, but not everyone is after the same thing. A friend might be interested in learning lefts for stage tango, and you want to dance socially, so the advice wouldn't really help you. <br /><br />That's why students should watch the teachers dancing. I know what you mean about not knowing what you're watching at the beginning, but you can see certain things like grace, musicality, and connection, no?<br /><br />At least, people should know that there are various tango styles out there and that's one reason I wrote this post.tangocheriehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10012220622641996877noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23522785.post-58430452867524609762010-09-27T16:29:05.801-07:002010-09-27T16:29:05.801-07:00Generally I agree with your comments but (there is...Generally I agree with your comments but (there is always a but)re your point 3: As a beginner it is not always easy to understand what you see and know what you like. OK, so milonguero or salon social style (let's not get into the differences/arcane arguements) are obviously different from nuevo or show tango but then what? I took me 4 years to know what I like and to begin my real tango journey. Yes, OK I am a bit slow but you know what I mean. Maybe beginners should be asking the opinions of 2/3 year dancers that they admire how they got to where they are now.<br /><br />Terry<br />LondonPreen and Oglehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01252900865210008512noreply@blogger.com