[Tango-L] Four Layers of Tango Learning

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

David and All:

David wrote:
>>For me, the hardest thing about understanding Tango has been the leads. 
Most teachers I've encountered (thus far) are good at teaching steps, but 
not good at communicating how to lead the steps.<<

Techniques for learning to lead can be embedded in the teaching of steps 
patterns or structure.  They are sometimes left to special classes in 
technique.  They should be integrated into instruction, but many teachers, 
particularly those who concentrate on teaching step patterns, rely on 
osmosis for their students to learn to lead.

For myself, I have found the best way for me to learn how to lead any 
specific move is to fully understand the woman's elements.  For that 
reason, I always get frustrated in the typical class where the instructors 
show the step together and then divide the class into two parts--one for 
the men's step patterns and one for the women's step pattern.  I want to 
understand the woman's part.  Once I understand that, I can lead it.  Once 
I can lead her movements, my own footwork follows.

Developing leading skills in classes on structure can be particularly 
useful because leading skills are general to the movements.

With best regards,
Steve