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?
Dear Kim,
ReplyDelete1. "Give a man a fish and he will eat for a day. Teach a man to fish and he will eat for a lifetime."
Confucius, K'ung Fu-tzu, Circa 551 - 479
The discipline or subject is irrelevant. The premise is the same. The most effective teachers and instructors are the ones that inform the student how to learn (this includes technique, correct application, work habit, critical thinking, etc).
I am glad that you post this. People would get a better return on their money if they would be more discerning.
I am also very appreciative that you work hard and generously on sharing Tango to others and improving our level.
As for the issue of "famous" teachers or "teachers" in general. I hope that I do not come across as cynical, and I do not believe that most operate like this, but certainly some do.
"Two psychological traits seem to be specifically implicated in scam victimhood. Firstly there’s the classic appeal to authority. Our world is just too complex for us to understand everything that’s going on so we need to take decision making shortcuts. Hence we defer to doctors for medical advice and lawyers for legal advice and politicians for hints on deception. The point is that we’re programmed to respond to and believe in authority figures. Many scams appeal to this basic persuasion technique.
Secondly the scammers target their appeals to emotional instincts... Phantom fixation is the focus on the potential large reward on offer rather than the unlikely odds of ever winning {in this case the promise is to become an accomplished dancer quickly and effortless or being able to drop names as to improve status on the community. Example, I took classes with such and such, therefore I am becoming as good as him/her)
.
The study suggests a focus on stopping people becoming victims rather than the endless and expensive attempt to destroy the self-perpetuating community of scammers. It also provides some interesting and indicative research which is suggestive of possible defences. In particular the authors note that most non-victims spend virtually no effort analysing the scams, they simply throw them away. Helping potential victims to recognise the instant cues that indicate a scam may be the simplest method of reducing the problem."
Best wishes,
Eduardo
Ps. My suggestion is that people try for themselves each teacher (famous/non famous) and go with a critical mind. A couple of experiences. For a long period of time, I avoided a set of teachers because the group that I socialized frowned upon them (being famous and show was one of the criticisms). I took a class by chance because a follower insisted on it {female charming], and I accompanied her. I found it extremely useful.
ReplyDeleteI also took a group class with an extremely famous person. Perhaps it is the same person. People were being dissapointed with reason given his approach/attitude. However, I started to talk to him in Spanish and I realized that deep inside he was humble and to some degree insecure. I speculate that it was a facade to deal with the "fame" and expectations and pressure. He actually shared a lot that I still keep in mind and found extremely influential. The point is that sometimes you never know what you get and it is very individual.
All the best.