Creativity requests
I often get frustrated with the followers in our community who habitually comment/complaint: “Why can’t the guys be more creative?”
To me, this is very much the same as saying, “Hey, why can’t you be taller?” My response is the same for both cases: “Like how?”
Good students
There was a relatively calm discussion – for once 😉 – on the Tango-L not too long ago on what are the defining qualities of a “good” Tango student.
Speaking from my limited experience of teaching beginners and intermediate-beginners, I consider good students to be the ones who come to the classes with an open mind and ready to be challenged with new concepts. In other words, they are prepared to accept unfamiliar things at face value and always have a never-say-die attitude (see also my previous thoughts on visiting instructors to Singapore). Lastly, enthusiasm is also something that can that enhance the learning as well as the teaching experience!
Dancing to the music
Very early on in my Tango experience, the foreign instructors who came to Singapore had always emphasized “dance to the music”. However, it was not until after a few years of dancing that I was beginning to appreciate “dancing to the music” entails much more than moving/stepping with the beat (on or sometimes in-between). In fact “dancing to the music” connects naturally to the size and speed of your movements – in other words, the intensity of your actions.
Tonight, during our regular practica, I found out that it is even more difficult to express the music through one’s torso. When you remove the steps – in fact, keep them small and simple – how to express the melody, rhythm and feelings in the lyrics? That is the challenge for me to reach another level.
Students
Attended a talk today by a visiting professor who shared his system for managing a large research group. To conclude his talk, he mentions briefly how proud he usually feels to know that his students are doing well in their careers.
I guess, despite my limited experience at teaching, I also feel the same way about my students. It’s extremely gratifying to see the progress from a rank beginner to someone who can hold his/her own on the dance floor. Throughout this process, it’s great knowing that you have played – no matter big or small – a part.