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<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=blue face=Garamond><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Garamond;color:blue'>BRAVO! TOM. WELL
DONE.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=blue face=Garamond><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Garamond;color:blue'>BOBBI<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=blue face=Garamond><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Garamond;color:blue'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
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<p class=MsoNormal><b><font size=2 face=Tahoma><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Tahoma;font-weight:bold'>From:</span></font></b><font size=2
face=Tahoma><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Tahoma'>
slotango-bounces@slotango.org [mailto:slotango-bounces@slotango.org] <b><span
style='font-weight:bold'>On Behalf Of </span></b>Tom Harrington<br>
<b><span style='font-weight:bold'>Sent:</span></b> Thursday, February 01, 2007
10:28 PM<br>
<b><span style='font-weight:bold'>To:</span></b> lauraandes@excite.com<br>
<b><span style='font-weight:bold'>Cc:</span></b> slotango@slotango.org<br>
<b><span style='font-weight:bold'>Subject:</span></b> Re: SLO Tango --
important possibilities</span></font><o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'>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.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
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<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
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<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'>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 <st1:City
w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Santa Barbara</st1:place></st1:City> 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. <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
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<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'>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.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'>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.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
</div>
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<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
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<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'>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?<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
</div>
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<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
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<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'>Why not more Milongas? Take a risk, roll the dice, if people show
up they do, if not, then go home early.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'>Tom Harrington<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
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<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
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<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'>On Feb 1, 2007, at 10:02 AM, Laura Elizabeth Andes wrote:<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
</div>
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12.0pt'><br>
<br>
<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
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<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
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<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'>Hello there fellow SLO Tango dancers,<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
</div>
<div style='min-height: 14px'>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
</div>
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<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
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<div style='min-height: 14px'>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'>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.<span
class=apple-converted-space> </span><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
</div>
<div style='min-height: 14px'>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
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<div style='min-height: 14px'>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
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<div style='min-height: 14px'>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
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<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><span class=apple-style-span><font size=3
face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:12.0pt'>1. A number<font
color="#a4ff4f"><span style='color:#A4FF4F'>)</span></font>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.</span></font></span><span class=apple-converted-space> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'>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).<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
</div>
<div style='min-height: 14px'>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
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<div style='min-height: 14px'>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
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<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
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<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'>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.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
</div>
<div style='min-height: 14px'>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
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<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
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<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
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<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'>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.<span class=apple-converted-space> </span><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
</div>
<div style='min-height: 14px'>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
</div>
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<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
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<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
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<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'>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 <a href="mailto:lauraandes@excite.com">lauraandes@excite.com</a>.
Thank you so much for your participation and support.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
</div>
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<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
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<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
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12.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
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<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'>Happy tondas to all!<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
</div>
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<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
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<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'>Laura <st1:place w:st="on">Andes</st1:place><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
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<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'>---<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
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12.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
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<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'>The only thing that humans need in abundance is love.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
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<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
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<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'>---<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
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<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'>_______________________________________________<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
</div>
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<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
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