[Tango-L] Approaches to Learning and Authencity (or the lack of if)

[Stephen.P.Brown@dal.frb.org]

As I see it, there are four layers of tango learning (from the top to the 
foundation).

4) Step Patterns and Choreographies
3) Structure of the Dance
2) Quality of Movement
1) Rhythm - the foundation

For each layer there are levels of mastery--beginning, intermediate, 
advanced, etc.  Instructors are likely to classify their classes by the 
levels of mastery, rather than by layer--with most instructors offering 
instructton in step patterns.

Without sufficient mastery of the skills in the underlying layers, 
learning at higher layers is relatively meaningless.  In particular, 
learning many step patterns or mini choreographies without the underlying 
layers is like building a castle in the sky.  Students who study with the 
all-too abundant StepMeisters without knowledge of the underlying layers 
are simply buying more bricks for their imaginary castle.  Many of the 
people who take workshops year after year without ever learning to dance 
tango probably fall into this category.

The style of tango is really independent of these layers; but many 
milonguero-style teachers emphasize rhythm and small elements of the 
dance; many salon-style teachers emphasize step patterns and the quality 
of movement; many of the nuevo-style teachers emphasize mastery of a 
structural knowledge; and nearly all the technique instructors emphasize 
the quality of movement.  A heavy reliance of any one element in these 
elements is likely to result in only a partial knowledge of tango, and in 
students who are only capable of dancing in an imitation of the same style 
as their instructors.  If the instructor is but an imitation of another, 
that makes the student an imitation of an imitation.  That may be why so 
many of the Argentines who teach tango claim only dead masters as being 
their instructors.

So I have some understanding for Chris' claim that nearly all tango 
instruction is worthless, and Nina's assertion that only Argentines can be 
masters of tango.  If we examine more closely Tete's comments "Organizers 
[in the United States] get anybody they can to come and teach.  But 
because this is a business, its work for these dancers, they don't come to 
teach you tango, they come to teach you steps. ... And if you really think 
about it, the music is tango; it's not the steps.  Whatever style of dance 
you dance the music always comes first.  So what happens, if a teacher 
comes here and they sell you steps instead of teaching how to dance, what 
happens?  You don?t dance.  You learn steps because that is what you think 
you need to learn." 

With best regards,
Steve