nuitblanche
New Member
Dear Dance Studios,
I am a student learning the Argentine Tango in NYC.
First let me say how much I love the tango classes being offered throughout Manhattan at the various dance studios around the city. The number of classes offered, the diversity of levels and topics, and most importantly, the dedication and sheer creative genius of the wonderfully inspirational tango instructors make me feel truly privileged that I live in New York.
But in spite of this, I have considered taking a break from classes altogether. The frustrations and negative feelings I have been experiencing after each class is starting to outweigh my love of the dance, and the joy of learning it. Many times, I have wanted to give up on learning the tango altogether.
And here is why:
It seems to me that everyone is always talking about the customs and codes of conduct of the Milongas. No one seems to bother about Class Etiquette, which is incomprehensible to me, as a lot of suffering goes on in group classes.
Unlike the milongas where we get to filter out unwanted partners, in classes, we must dance with everyone. Because of that, I have found that of all the opportunities to tango (group classes, milongas, practicas, workshops), group classes are the most difficult in which to maintain one's sense of equilibrium, or even one's humanity. People can have terrible attitudes, and that negativity is almost always channelled out towards one's unsuspecting partner in class.
I understand that the Dancefloor mirrors Life, and that there are as many different personalities and attitudes as there are people. Going to a dance studio predicates that one will come into contact with many types of individuals, and that learning how to deal with the negative attitudes of others in a diplomatic way is part of learning a social dance.
However, I also believe that it is fair to ask everyone to adhere to simple basic rules of human conduct -- such as personal hygiene, and exercising some emotional self-control.
I understand that it is impossible for instructors to monitor and police all the negative attitudes pervading their classes, or reprimand every jerk that decides to be, well, a jerk. There is nothing that can be done about all the rude little huffs and unnecessary eye-rolling that goes on in group classes. However, there are a few simple things that can vastly improve class experience.
Would it be possible for dance studios to make a small initiative in improving class experience for everyone? It would be very helpful if there was an orientation seminar at the beginning of each term, for example, or even simply a hand-out given to all students, on dance etiquette, and rules on behaviour during class.
Some critical examples are:
1. FEEDBACK
No talking, or giving unwanted advice to one's partner, unless he/she specifically asks for feedback. Students are not teachers, so do not attempt to teach if you are not a teacher. If you have problems with your partner's steps or posture, please ask the teacher to correct it. An exception is when your partner is hurting you (repeatedly stepping on your feet, pulling your arm, pressing down on your wrist, pulling you hard towards them, or leaning on you so that you are losing balance).
2. ROTATING
Do not grab onto your new partner when rotating. Remember that your partners are human beings. Leaders, do not grab or pull on anyone's fingers, wrist, arm, or back, until the follower is facing you and ready for the embrace. There is nothing creepier than a man pulling you towards him by your wrist, and it can ruin a woman's experience in class, not to mention the rest of her day.
3. THE EMBRACE
Unless the class is specifically dedicated to learning the close embrace, it is up to the follower to choose either a close or more open embrace during class. The leader may invite the follower into a close embrace, but under no circumstances are leaders allowed to pull a follower towards him, violating her personal space.
4. BASIC HYGIENE
Unlike Swing or Ballroom, Argentine tango is much more intimate, and in a class setting where students must dance with everyone, I cannot stress enough the importance of cleanliness.
a. Please shower on mornings before class
b. Use of deodorant or anti-perspirant
c. Bring extra shirts and towels
d. Minimal use of perfume/cologne
e. Use of gum or breathmints
I realise that the above suggestions are extremely obvious. But it is unbelievable just how many individuals ignore these basic things that can make or break a class experience for others. I know of at least four people (including two close friends) during the past month who have left the dance studio I go to, or have given up learning the Argentine Tango because of these reasons.
As for myself, it is a daily struggle just to plod through classes with excellent teachers that I would otherwise very much enjoy. Private lessons are not an option for me (a struggling artist who spends all her money on rent), so these group classes are very precious to me. I was born and raised in Manhattan, a city in which its inhabitants need extra-thick skins in order to survive. If these otherwise wonderful classes can become torture even for someone like myself...
I think it would help if people are reminded of these simple things again and again, either through flyers, or a dedicated seminar, or signs. It would enable students to focus on what is taught in class, instead of fighting to maintain a mental barrier against the rotten apples, of which there are many more than the instructors realise.
We are all here to learn an art which we love. Please help your students not to give up dancing!
Sincerely,
Tango Student in NYC.
I am a student learning the Argentine Tango in NYC.
First let me say how much I love the tango classes being offered throughout Manhattan at the various dance studios around the city. The number of classes offered, the diversity of levels and topics, and most importantly, the dedication and sheer creative genius of the wonderfully inspirational tango instructors make me feel truly privileged that I live in New York.
But in spite of this, I have considered taking a break from classes altogether. The frustrations and negative feelings I have been experiencing after each class is starting to outweigh my love of the dance, and the joy of learning it. Many times, I have wanted to give up on learning the tango altogether.
And here is why:
It seems to me that everyone is always talking about the customs and codes of conduct of the Milongas. No one seems to bother about Class Etiquette, which is incomprehensible to me, as a lot of suffering goes on in group classes.
Unlike the milongas where we get to filter out unwanted partners, in classes, we must dance with everyone. Because of that, I have found that of all the opportunities to tango (group classes, milongas, practicas, workshops), group classes are the most difficult in which to maintain one's sense of equilibrium, or even one's humanity. People can have terrible attitudes, and that negativity is almost always channelled out towards one's unsuspecting partner in class.
I understand that the Dancefloor mirrors Life, and that there are as many different personalities and attitudes as there are people. Going to a dance studio predicates that one will come into contact with many types of individuals, and that learning how to deal with the negative attitudes of others in a diplomatic way is part of learning a social dance.
However, I also believe that it is fair to ask everyone to adhere to simple basic rules of human conduct -- such as personal hygiene, and exercising some emotional self-control.
I understand that it is impossible for instructors to monitor and police all the negative attitudes pervading their classes, or reprimand every jerk that decides to be, well, a jerk. There is nothing that can be done about all the rude little huffs and unnecessary eye-rolling that goes on in group classes. However, there are a few simple things that can vastly improve class experience.
Would it be possible for dance studios to make a small initiative in improving class experience for everyone? It would be very helpful if there was an orientation seminar at the beginning of each term, for example, or even simply a hand-out given to all students, on dance etiquette, and rules on behaviour during class.
Some critical examples are:
1. FEEDBACK
No talking, or giving unwanted advice to one's partner, unless he/she specifically asks for feedback. Students are not teachers, so do not attempt to teach if you are not a teacher. If you have problems with your partner's steps or posture, please ask the teacher to correct it. An exception is when your partner is hurting you (repeatedly stepping on your feet, pulling your arm, pressing down on your wrist, pulling you hard towards them, or leaning on you so that you are losing balance).
2. ROTATING
Do not grab onto your new partner when rotating. Remember that your partners are human beings. Leaders, do not grab or pull on anyone's fingers, wrist, arm, or back, until the follower is facing you and ready for the embrace. There is nothing creepier than a man pulling you towards him by your wrist, and it can ruin a woman's experience in class, not to mention the rest of her day.
3. THE EMBRACE
Unless the class is specifically dedicated to learning the close embrace, it is up to the follower to choose either a close or more open embrace during class. The leader may invite the follower into a close embrace, but under no circumstances are leaders allowed to pull a follower towards him, violating her personal space.
4. BASIC HYGIENE
Unlike Swing or Ballroom, Argentine tango is much more intimate, and in a class setting where students must dance with everyone, I cannot stress enough the importance of cleanliness.
a. Please shower on mornings before class
b. Use of deodorant or anti-perspirant
c. Bring extra shirts and towels
d. Minimal use of perfume/cologne
e. Use of gum or breathmints
I realise that the above suggestions are extremely obvious. But it is unbelievable just how many individuals ignore these basic things that can make or break a class experience for others. I know of at least four people (including two close friends) during the past month who have left the dance studio I go to, or have given up learning the Argentine Tango because of these reasons.
As for myself, it is a daily struggle just to plod through classes with excellent teachers that I would otherwise very much enjoy. Private lessons are not an option for me (a struggling artist who spends all her money on rent), so these group classes are very precious to me. I was born and raised in Manhattan, a city in which its inhabitants need extra-thick skins in order to survive. If these otherwise wonderful classes can become torture even for someone like myself...
I think it would help if people are reminded of these simple things again and again, either through flyers, or a dedicated seminar, or signs. It would enable students to focus on what is taught in class, instead of fighting to maintain a mental barrier against the rotten apples, of which there are many more than the instructors realise.
We are all here to learn an art which we love. Please help your students not to give up dancing!
Sincerely,
Tango Student in NYC.
.
