I guess the question is how long it should take to become an instructor. Currently an ambitious beginner with little relevant experience can become a competent dancer in 1-2 years if they are willing to put the time in and dance a lot, and have access to competent instructors. I don't think it is unrealistic for them to become an assistant instructor in another 1-2 years if given training on how to teach, and gradually progress to leading a class themselves.
At the end of the pandemic, maybe a new start?
- Thread starter itwillhappen
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JournalInTime
Forum Master
I agree! The salient parts are "put the time in, "have access to competent instructors," and "given training on how to teach."
I wasn't super-ambitious, but I was in classes between 4 and 6 days a week from early 2013 to mid 2017, at first as a student and then repeatedly in the same classes as an accompanier. During that period, I also took private lessons with one, sometimes two, and occasionally three teachers a week, with two different working partners. I went to at least two group prácticas a week, and rented studio time for private practices. Near the end of those 4 years, I was trusted to be a teacher's stand-in demo partner, to give the free intro-to-tango classes, to be a substitute teacher for the occasional all-levels open class, and to organize/lead a práctica.
Based on my experience, I'd say that 2-4 years to assistant instructor is quite reasonable. In my case it took 4 years, but as I said, I wasn't super-ambitious . . . everything happened by chance, in that others picked me, and I was in the right places at the right times without making the least effort to be there. Also, I was on the old side for a new dancer, starting in my late 40s. An ambitious person in their 20s or 30s could easily do it in half the time.
However, a few people who started when I did and now pass themselves off as teachers didn't spend all week in classes, take back-to-back private lessons, rent practice space and practice, or phase themselves into teaching as substitutes and stand-ins first. They took a few years of group classes and then declared themselves teachers. I don't think anybody is "talented" enough for that to make sense.
itwillhappen
Forum Master
Since the tango has been revived by Broadway shows, "traditions", real or invented, may be of little interest. The only question is whether there are people who are interested in something. And such a "lifestyle" is almost mainstream in my eyes:
itwillhappen
Forum Master
The question is also whether someone does a job for little or no money without causing damage that no one else in the place at the time wants or can do for the money. Then it is first of all a "added value" for the tango.
I also do the DJ without speaking the Spanish language or playing a bandoneon in any way, although that would certainly be nice. But hey, the bottom line is that there is no one who would make this significantly better.
The intro on Gustavo Javier Benzecry Sabá in one of his books reads:
Gustavo Javier Benzecry Sabá was born on April 26th 1959, in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
In 1982 he obtained a BS degree in Journalism.
For fifteen years he conducted various radio programs and edited various graphic media. He then worked almost simultaneously as a Chemistry Teacher, Musician, Videomaker and Graphic Designer.
His first book La mujer de los dioses, cuentos fantásticos, was published by Ed. Vinciguerra in 1999. Some of his work is also to be found in Cuentistas de fin de siglo, an anthology published by the same Publisher.
He first discovered Tango Danza in the late 1990’s and started teaching the following year. He has specialised in men’s techniques, but has also studied women’s techniques in depth.
And now...
One's own lifestyle tends to be regarded as 'mainstream', and we associate with 'PLUs' (People Like Us). What was once regarded as 'mainstream' is no longer accessible to many; any prospect of emulating that has passed in some countries depending on wealth inheritance. And, of course, children reject their parents' lifestyle choices.
That may be true now, but to whom are you going to hand over eventually? That time will come. Will you pass on the fire or the ashes?
opendoor
Forum Master
No, the true question is, how long it takes to become a teacher. And my answer is: only some seconds. The difference between teacher and instructor is that the former has a mission while the latter does not. Developing a mission requires a conflict between what you see and how it is meant to be. The teacher does not have to be an excellent technician, the instructor remains at this level.
itwillhappen
Forum Master
...now every few days a video appears on his channel in which he talks, talks, talks a lot.
LadyLeader
Forum Master
When a follower leaves courses and goes over to pista-learning mode i think she needs a more skilled partner to develop. Well recognized leaders are also rising follower ranking until they have established their own platform.
Surprisingly in societies with granted freedom for individual choices many of old gender patterns are getting stronger. Careers are split into female/male paths and partners choices are following the *nurse/male doctor* pattern according scientific studies. This could also be active here!
pianistamediano
Forum Master
That is true, which does lead to the next question: If they ignore a leader and refuse to dance with him when he is a still a beginner, why should he dance with them when he is "good enough" in their eyes?
This is very curious! So I assume, this goes for the "most" progressive countries like Sweden, Denmark, Finland, etc. too? Since there should be much less of a reason to choose one path over another because of your own gender, it seems to indicate something inherently different between males/females.
itwillhappen
Forum Master
In my opinion, the mate strategy doesn’t work (if you have to solve your own problems and don’t act as a community builder). For this, too few beginners become "proficient" leaders, the times are too long, and disruptive influencing factors are too diverse.
And you need the mental reserves for it. When I recently found at a distant milonga that I couldn't invite the follower top-down in my order, I also did not invite bottom-up. I just didn't "want" to do that, what else is beer for at the bar?
pianistamediano
Forum Master
I find my method of choosing which milongas to attend gradually tending towards how good the available cakes and pastries (and assorted refreshments) are at each one!
itwillhappen
Forum Master
Seriously? Not everyone will think that after a few good DJ sets I should instantly become a DJ teacher.
But in fact, I plan to play in tandem with a friend, because then the entertainment value is greater - for the audience and also for me. Even if he is a novice in the DJ scope.
Hmmm.... There's a disconnect thereSeriously? Not everyone will think that after a few good DJ sets I should instantly become a DJ teacher.
If it's needed in a region, there's a case to be made for having an apprentice. They may become better.