SLO Tango -- Response to Laura's "No rest for the weary!!!"

[Norman Tiber]

Dear SLO Tango dancers,

I applaud Laura’s decision to stop organizing semi-privates and  
arrange Intermediate-Advanced classes using a couples only/ rotation  
optional format.

Over time, dancers have become aware and expressed concerns that some  
group semi-privates (Intermediate-Advanced level)  are organized on  
an invitation only basis. In my opinion, the circumstances requiring  
this approach no longer exist in our ever-growing Tango community and  
this kind of semi-private has become counterproductive.

As I see it, one of the most important purposes of an invitation only  
approach is to protect the learning environment for more experienced  
participants. This is a legitimate concern! Many dance communities  
address this matter by setting up classes, using a couples only/ 
rotation optional format (included in Laura’s proposal). This  
strategy avoids negative consequences resulting from an invitation  
only approach, and it simultaneously protects the more experienced  
dancers. All the while, it allows less experienced dancers to  
participate and spread their wings.

Overall, we have an open, inclusive Tango community and many dancers  
have been vital in creating this. The concerns I raise and the  
changes I propose in no way negate my appreciation for all of their  
positive contributions to SLO Tango.

I recommend future workshop weekends be set up as follows:

	1. Privates are provided at a standard rate (i.e. $80.00)  per hour,  
per individual or couple.  By eliminating the semi-privates, we do  
not have to specify that the $80.00 rate is per teacher. This has a  
big advantage, because, in the past, some teachers (Christy & Darren,  
Mila & Korey) have taught together for $80.00 an hour. If teachers do  
specify that the $80.00 fee is per teacher, two couples can elect to  
organize a joint private, each couple hiring one of the teachers for  
$80.00.

	2. Consider a 1 hour Introduction to the Tango class, at a reduced  
fee (i.e. $20), to attract novice dancers.

	3. All other classes have open enrollment and length is 11/2 hours.  
Use a standard fee schedule.

	4. Beginner and Intermediate level classes have open enrollment for  
individuals and couples; partner rotation is encouraged by the  
teachers. The number scheduled depends on community interest.

	5. Advanced/Intermediate and Advanced level classes have open  
enrollment for couples; partner rotation is voluntary and determined  
by the participants. These replace the semi-privates and the number  
scheduled depends on community interest.

	6. Continue to use nonpaying participants to try to achieve leader/ 
follower balance and maximize participation.

Having raised these issues on a number of occasions, I have decided  
to address them to the group in response to Laura's letter. I would  
like to know what other people think about these matters. I am  
hopeful the SLO Tango community will agree that we should discontinue  
all semi-privates and substitute open enrollment, couple only/ 
rotation optional classes, maximizing community integration and  
participation.

Respectfully,

Norm


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