We go to tango classes to learn to dance. Stress-less tango learning as quick as possible, this is what everybody wants. But we also want to have fun learning. We want to fill our after work hours with fun and enjoyment. People in a classroom sometimes forget what it takes to relax and succeed. It takes just these simple 5 golden rules for success.
They often miss the right path for stress-less tango learning. Incorporate those and learning will be fun with constant progress.
The 5 golden rules for success.
Picture this little Drama my friends.
Opening act
A couple comes to the first tango class.
After some first attempts to follow my instruction, the wife, thinking she needs to translate my instructions to a more moderate, easy to understand language, jumps into teacher role….first seeds for a cold war in between the couple are planted.
Main act
He is getting nervious, his body does not directly allow him to do the movements….
This signalises the wife , more help is needed and she will “lead” him to the position by telling him what he has to do and drags him softly into every position .
The husband feels uncomfortable beeing corrected by his wife in front of me and others and they escape into a corner of the studio where nobody will see them , to continue with their “studies”.
They come back into the ronda and then she asks me: we are almost there , no worrries, we will practice that at home..can you please show us the next step….
The husband nods his head in disagreement , he thinks it is definitely to early for the next step….I take him on the side to go over the problem he has. He shows signs of stress. His shirt is totally soaked in sweat. He feels unconfortable, ashamed of his failor. He is apologizing for his lack of talent.
The wife interferes again and my presence even makes him more unsecure.
I can see clearly that this ” loosing face” totally discomforts him. I let them practicing alone and focus on other students.
Stress-less tango learning definitely looks differently.
Closing act
class is over and he is the first to leave the studio. I know that I will not see this couple again.
How can we achieve stress-less tango learning ?
When you decide to take a tango class, you will imagine to have a great time, i guess.
You will think of stress-less tango learning, definitely not of having conflicts with your partner.
As a couple but also or as a single person, coming to a class, personal attitudes sometime stands in your way.
I suggest to keep yourself close to the 5 golden rules for success.
The 5 golden rules for success:
1. Respect
– be aware about your position. No student is replacing the teacher.
– never put yourself on top of other students ( although if it is your husband), despite you have understand quicker than anybody else.
– show respect to others who struggle more than you by concentrating on your role and do your part correctly.
– remind yourself to respect your partner, the other students and your teacher eaqually.
– as long you are not being asked for, either by the teacher, your partner or other students to explain it to them again, please do not do it.
2. Awareness of yourself
– discover yourself, find out about the favorite and unfavorite sides ,be honest to yourself.
– acknowledge your flaws and work on it for the better
– be open minded but full of control. allow yourself to be imperfect, while working on the flaws with all the time you need.
3. Patience
– be patient to yourself. No pressure, always enjoy what you are doing, take all the time you need.
– be patient with your partner or other fellow students , let them try out by themselves. Every person has the right to take their own time of learning.
– concentrate on your own role . If the subject or the flow of the class it is not challenging you enough, try to understand your role even better, focus on detailes how you can make your part even better more defined.
4. Appreciantion for your partner.
– discover your partner, learn to understand the physical condition, level and personal condition.
– appreciate and focus on the positive adjectives.
– avoid sequences which are too difficult for your partner.
– if you want to practice difficult , new sequences , ask a senior student to practice with you or take a private class.
– learn to understand the level of your partner and adjust your dance to that level.
5. Acceptance
– learn to accept the situation and the partner, in class or during a tanda in a Milonga.
In the moment you are defined to be a dance couple , accept it and go for it. Look positive for the time together.
– always take the positive and the best out of it.
Remember these golden rules for success and stress-less tango learning will be granted in each class and as well in each Milonga you go.
And your time will be great.
