Tango is like a generous Buddha that welcomes many different people, embraces them, and takes them in. This is good for him. He honors the embrace.
But I have a question: Who qualifies us, since it is not an academic dance, to give courses and call ourselves teachers or masters of tango? Who bestows this symbolic title upon us?
Who qualifies us as tango teachers?
Unlike academic dances like ballet or modern dance, there are no formal institutions in tango that issue certificates or diplomas. This raises the question of what actually qualifies us to teach tango courses and refer to ourselves as teachers or masters. Is it experience, knowledge, or perhaps passion for the dance that empowers us?
The Need for Consensus Criteria
Would it not be appropriate to establish some kind of consensus criteria to determine who is qualified to spread this dance culture, to avoid falling into disorder and error? Could these criteria not, for example, be based on seniority and permanence within the movement? Or on direct contact with the source?
Such a consensus could be based on various factors:
- Seniority and Experience: Long-term practice and stability in the tango scene.
- Contact with the Source: Direct connection to the origins of tango, whether through traveling to Buenos Aires or learning from renowned masters.
The Importance of Connection to Tango Culture
Would it not also be appropriate for those who teach to have a certain connection to the cradle of tango? To know something about its history, its beginnings, and not just the dance, but especially the music?
The approach to tango must be holistic; it can never be just about the movement. Because tango is more than just a dance, and those who do not understand this should not call themselves “tango teachers.”
Here are some important aspects to consider:
- History of Tango: Knowledge of the origins and the development of tango over the years.
- Music and Culture: Understanding the music, lyrics, and cultural backgrounds.
- Socio-political Context: Awareness of the social and political conditions under which tango emerged.
The Holistic Approach in Tango Teaching
A holistic approach to tango teaching means not only teaching the steps and movements but also conveying the emotional and cultural depth of tango. Tango is an expression that comes alive through music, lyrics, and the stories that are told.
Keyword: Connection
A keyword here could be “connection.” Connection with the environment and with what we are talking about. And respect. This would ensure that the tracks circulate harmoniously without the need for traffic rules. Chaos reigns in the spread of any phenomenon, that’s just how it is.
I feel that with a little order, we would feel more communicative and prosperous, and we would all have more fun.
Embrace — in Berlin
