Why don’t the “good” dancers ever dance with “normal” people in milongas? Why are they so stuck up? Why don’t they ever dance with everyone else?
Generally, “good” dancers want to get better. Dancing with lower level dancers will not help. This is a large part of the reason we have such a hierarchical structure in milongas. Aggravating as this system may be, it clues us in on the best way to improve.
Full disclosure: I’m a tango instructor.
Just as dancing with worse dancers lowers your level, dancing with better dancers raises your level. Private lessons are where you get that contact with a better dancer. The fastest and best way to improve your tango are consistent private lessons.
Which provides more value: Two group classes a week for a year or 20 private lessons in 10 weeks? (Both costing about $1,250) If you want to improve, it’s the private lessons.
Group classes, practicas, and milongas are essential to your abilities, providing repetition, navigation, and social skills. They cannot be left out or ignored. But I know of no better way to improve then consistent private lessons with a good instructor.
Best,
Nicholas
P.S. My teacher, the one I’ve worked with for hundreds of hours, is to this day, still taking lessons. And I am too.
