Competitive ballroom dances have well-defined catalogs of steps and techniques. There are two major styles in ballroom dancing (American and International), but regardless of where you study one of these styles, you'll learn the same steps in more or less the same order, and the techniques will be carefully standardized.
Argentine Tango is far less standardized than 'Ballroom' dancing. Tango is the descendant of Argentine folk dances and has been shaped by diverse international influences since its inception. There are arguably as many styles and sub-styles of Argentine Tango as there are Tango Masters. Most of today's teachers have studied with multiple masters, which contributes to the expansion of stylistic diversity within the community.
The lack of standardization is a positive attribute. Argentine Tango is a dynamic and vibrant art form that continues to diversify with each passing decade. This opens up tremendous creative options for those who are well-versed in the dance, but it can cause some confusion for students.
Sooner or later we'll go out to the milongas and dance with people who have learned a different style. This can lead to passionate discussions as we seek to clarify which techniques and stylistic elements are "right" and which are "wrong." It's important to keep in mind that "different" is not necessarily "wrong," even if it may appear so when initially encountered.
Eventually, we may find ourselves in a class with a teacher of a different style. That teacher may present a technique that contradicts some principle that we have come to believe is both important and immutable. This can result in an uncomfortable and puzzling experience. There's a little voice in our heads that alerts us when something seems to be out of place. "No, no! That can't be right," insists the little voice. "My other teachers trained me to do this movement differently. They said that it would be WRONG to do it like this."
Once that voice starts bouncing around in our heads, it won't be long before one of our classmates feels compelled to blurt out: "Well, my other teacher says..." In other words: "Help! Will someone please straighten this teacher out before they make us learn a bunch of WRONG stuff?"
When this situation arises, and it WILL sooner or later, I would recommend that you take a deep breath, relax, and remember the following.
- Keep the Big Picture in mind. Recognize that different teachers have different styles, and different styles will be based to some degree on different fundamental techniques. Accept that this teacher understands the workings of his or her own style, even if it differs from anything that you've learned before.
- Realize that you are actually getting a bonus here. You have NOTHING TO LOSE by learning multiple ways of doing something. Eventually, you can choose one teacher's technique over another, or you can master both versions and use them interchangeably in your dancing. You are expanding your capabilities!
- Understand also that even though techniques may differ, they may be designed to address the same underlying physical issues. Problems with posture and body mechanics for example can be persistent. Different teachers may address such problems using a variety of techniques and terminology, but the underlying objective is the same.
- Unless a technique is causing you physical pain or putting you in immediate danger, it's best to avoid arguments and lengthy discussions during the class. Arguments only waste time. The teacher has probably planned to squeeze a lot of material into the allotted class period. If they need to spend five minutes defending the technical details of their style, that's five minutes of instruction that the entire class is now going to miss. Please save your philosophical differences for an after-class discussion with the teacher. Your consideration will be appreciated.
- Follow this teacher's instructions carefully, and ask for clarification if you don't understand something. Note that asking for clarification is not an excuse to challenge stylistic or philosophical differences during class. As mentioned above, arguments benefit no one.
To summarize, I've put together a little 'cheat sheet' for you:
- Different teachers have different styles based on different techniques.
- Arguing with the teacher is a waste of EVERYONE'S time.
- It doesn't hurt to learn new ways to do things. Think of this as a bonus.
- Unfamiliar techniques might help to clarify your understanding of more fundamental technical issues.
- Do your best to learn THIS teacher's version of the technique. You can always discard it later. Ask for clarification if you need help.
- If you begin to feel frustrated, take deep breaths and look at the big picture!
¡Buena suerte amigos, y muchas gracias!
Daniel
Copyright © 2012 The Exploring Tango Blog
exploringtango.blogspot.com
All Rights Reserved
Really?! People get that upset about these things?! It is not neurosurgery, it's a dance! It's good to have options to choose from and to know different ways of doing something. I have been to classes where the embrace is taught diffently than in others and so forth...its OK! On the dance floor as in all aspects of life all we need to do is remember to be gracious, kind and polite. :) ¡Gracias Dan!
ReplyDeleteMy friend calls this "the kool-aid" - every teacher has their own spin on the dance. The goal is to make the dance your own. Absorb those elements that you are comfortable with, incorporate them into your own personal style. As long as you keep the connection with your partner and have a mutually pleasant experience, you are on the right track.
ReplyDeleteThat's a great analogy, Kool-ade, or maybe different flavors of Kool-ade. One person teaches Raspberry Boleos, while another gives them a Lemon-Lime flavor. I like it!
Delete