[Tango-L] Attending a lesson above your dancing skills

[Igor Polk]

Sergio wrote:

"This is a typical example of a lesson programmed for advanced dancers which
is filled with students of lower skill levels.

When faced with this situation one can

1)  adjust the teaching to a lower level.  The advanced students are
shortchanged.

2) Give an advanced lesson as scheduled. Most students can not follow.

3) Remind everybody that the lesson is for advanced students and ask those
that do not belong there to leave before the lesson starts.  Many people and
the organizers get upset.


Igor now:

There is 4th possibility which I know great teachers can do:

4) They grasp the average level of class in a minute. Then they introduce
enough simple, to the average level of the class, and advanced material so
that everyone gets his share of participation and new knowledge and skills.
I have noticed there are several ways to do it. After the lesson there is a
festive sense of achievement and excitement. I would say these lessons are
remembered for life!

In fact, any lesson of great teachers is like that.

Igor Polk
PS. I am not saying that less advanced teachers are useless. No, their work
and dedication should be very appreciated since they are those who bring
fresh people to tango, organize tango things for us with their energy and
time. Teaching is an art itself and not everyone is born with the same
talent which is rare, but great teachers could not do anything without
everyone else - we are all community.