[Tango-L] Tango Retention

[Tango Society of Central Illinois]

I have also observed that women tend to be attracted more to instructors
that teach figures and men flourish in a teaching environment that
emphasizes simple vocabulary and musicality. However, age is also an
important factor here. Young men (20s) generally prefer figures, with a
premium placed on flashiness. They can be uninhibited in performing these
figures poorly (off balance,  poor partner connection, off music).  By the
time men have reached their 40s the balance tips in favor of fewer steps,
better technique, better connection with partner and the music. My
observation is that women tend to outgrow the fascination with figures at a
older age than men. As women mature, they also appreciate tango more for its
richness in musicality and depth of partner connection. Of course,
individuals differ, to some degree based on their cultural background (I
have found that Latin Americans, in particular, tend to develop an
appreciation for musicality and partner connection at an earlier age.)

As far as retention goes, there is no one formula for success. The
population you are teaching is inherently heterogeneous. As an instructor,
you need to believe in what you are doing in training students. Emphasizing
musicality, partner connection and navigation as the core of tango can
hardly be criticized as a valid method of producing good dancers, men and
women, young and old. As an instructor you need to make a choice whether
quantity or quality is more important in adding new dancers to a community.

Ron


On 10/3/07, Russell Ranno <russellranno at hotmail.com> wrote:
>
>
> Hello Tom,
>
> Thanks for lots of great concepts in your posting.  I especially love the
> quote: "Steps are just the things you do once you learn tango".  You also
> explained quite well why so many Argentines teachers teach steps…
>
> Meanwhile, your main thesis is that if you retain the men the women will
> follow.  But then you say:  "Look at milongas or practicas in communities
> dominated by fancy tango (nuevo, fantasy, neo, non). You have lots of women,
> and not so many men."  So where have the women followed?
>
> What I have found, in terms of retention, is that men like walking and
> rhythm work (as you say, to build confidence, etc.), but lots of women enjoy
> the movement possibilities in FIGURES, they will leave if they don't get
> them.  If you want a balanced community you have to feature a strong dose of
> both.
>
> Russell
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