I once took a class from one of the most famous tango stars in the world. It was expensive, well attended, and he was a fantastic dancer. I didn't learn much. I never took his class again, but they continue to be well-attended because of his fame.
When I was traveling in Asia last week, I came across a very interesting phenomenon. There was a famous couple visiting. The milonga price was increased from the regular $10 to $25. The performances were lovely. When the performance was over, I was looking forward to dancing again, but the milonga was now a continuation of the performance. Whenever one of the teachers danced, everyone remained seated to applaud after EVERY SINGLE song.
I understand the need to watch rather than dance. I often ask my partner if we could sit so I could watch a beautiful couple. If they do something cool, I might occasionally catcall after them. But I had never seen a milonga stop for everyone to clap. Everyone in the room sat still. NOBODY danced. Some wanted to watch. Others were too shy to dance because it was now a performance they feared interrupting.
At the end of the night, one girl said, "wow, it was like watching an entire night of performances! How fun!" "Really?" I asked. She tilted her head, and finally admitted, "Well, not really...but since I wasn't getting any dances anyway, it was better than doing nothing."
Christa was one of my most influential instructors during my first year. When I first started, you wouldn't say Christa was "famous." She was, however, inspiring, encouraging, beautiful, and down-to-earth. Good teachers show not only movements, but they also teach you work ethics. Christa taught me how to work on my own to improve. She is now somewhat well-known because their students improve DRASTICALLY. Christa mentored. I have now begun to do something similar; a reflection of them. I work via by exchange with those who are incredibly serious about tango (and/or have little income).
What do you think about the milonga phenomenon in Asia? And what do you feel about teachers who were profoundly influential, but not famous?
