SLO Tango -- important possibilities

Fri Feb 2 11:55:18 EST 2007

BRAVO!  TOM.  WELL DONE.

BOBBI

  _____  

From: slotango-bounces at slotango.org [mailto:slotango-bounces at slotango.org]
On Behalf Of Tom Harrington
Sent: Thursday, February 01, 2007 10:28 PM
To: lauraandes at excite.com
Cc: slotango at slotango.org
Subject: Re: SLO Tango -- important possibilities

For me, Tango is more than dance, or, dancing well.  It is, at best, an
egalitarian intermingling of opportunities to be with a changing group of
dancers to have intimate connections via the dance, the music, and the
venue. What the suggested approach smacks of is stratification.  There have
always been opportunities to attend different levels of instruction.  Some
of these have stretched me and some have left me frustrated and
disheartened.  I always grow.

I have had long experience with Bhuddist community, drumming community,  and
Yoga community where people wanting to have levels has caused a rendering of
the community.  I have heard from people in Santa Barbara about the
difficulties there with levels.  One of the reasons they come to dance here
is because of our inclusivity.  What we now have is a  precious vital
community that grows.  I do not believe anyone has been held back in their
aspirations to dance better.  All comers are graciously accepted among us to
evolve within their own frames of time, ability, commitment, musicality, and
willingness.  Being the only Tango game in town means people can't  just
migrate to another Tango community. 

I am not part of a dance couple.  Tango appears to me as a place to uncouple
as well as couple.  There appears to exist now plenty of time for each
person to dance with people of lower levels like myself and some of the more
practiced dancers.  In each instance we have the opportunity to meet that
partner where they are at that time. The last two Monday Practicas I have
attended have been wonderful, as noted by myself and my visiting friend.
There have been others, but my memory is short.  Makes me want to burst into
a chorus of "We Are Familee".   There is not that much difference between
those at the nadir and those at the apogee of their dance.  It takes a while
to gain the confidence, or humility, to dance with everyone.  Isn't that the
idea of coming together?  We all need love in abundance.  I'm not concerned
with whether it comes from a good dancer or a beginner.

I love change and growth, but attention is advised lest we spoil the soup by
trying to dissect it into lesser and greater ingredients.  To me the
important thing is the Tango community, not how well anyone dances.

Presumably, instructors have come to us with their agendas for learning.  I
have learned more from some than others.  Why would we want to choose the
flavor of the month?  Let us gravitate to them. That is Tango.  Where else
do we dictate what we will learn?  The better dancers among us will always
learn by teaching, so why would they not pay for a class where they can work
with people like me?

Why not more Milongas?  Take a risk, roll the dice, if people show up they
do, if not,  then go home early.

Tom Harrington

On Feb 1, 2007, at 10:02 AM, Laura Elizabeth Andes wrote:

Hello there fellow SLO Tango dancers,

Rich has asked me to help with the scheduling of workshops for our Tango
community. Before discussing specifics with any visiting instructors, I
would appreciate some feedback from our group regarding a number of issues. 

1. A number)of SLO Tango dancers have expressed an interest in joining
together to take "semi-private lessons." Four of our more experienced
couples have been doing this for some time, and they seem very satisfied
with the results. Group-privates cost $160.00 an hour and accommodate up to
four couples (that's $20.00 per person). This format is manageable for the
instructors, the compensation is fair, and the cost to the participants is
affordable. It's a true win-win-win situation! The focus of these workshops
will be (pre-)determined by the interests of the participants. These classes
will be for couples only, so we will have to partner singles. Rotation will
be on a voluntary basis. If there is sufficient interest in this kind of
approach, then we would schedule just one day of beginner-intermediate
workshops. The second day would be set aside for these group (and, of
course, individual) privates. If you are intrigued by this format, please
let me know as soon as you can. 

If you wish, you can provide details (such as if you are a single or have a
partner as well as what topics interest you).

2. If able and willing, more advanced dancers can foster the growth of and
help sustain our existing dance community by donating their time. If you are
a practiced "tango veteran," perhaps you could volunteer to attend the
beginning and intermediate level workshops? Of course, you would not be
required to pay for these classes. Your attendance will help balance the
lead/follow ratio and provide less experienced dancers an opportunity to
work with more experienced partners. Please let me know if you are
interested in doing this for our dance community.

3. It has been suggested that we have a milonga when hosting visiting
instructors. Please let me know if you support this idea and would be
willing to attend such specially scheduled milongas. 

I really look forward to hearing from you regarding the possibilities
outlined above. When you have had time to absorb all of this, please provide
me with feedback, interest, and other constructive suggestions. I need your
input! You can reach me at lauraandes at excite.com. Thank you so much for your
participation and support.

Happy tondas to all!

Laura Andes

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