Clay from Portland, famous for organizing the single largest tango festival in the US, has some informative surveys on his site.
Survey #1 deals specifically with teaching to beginners, and the most improtant qualities (in order of importance) identified for beginners teachers are:
- Understood mechanics of tango.
- Good communication skills.
- Encouraging.
- Patience.
- Good dancer.
- Empathetic.
- Methodical and organized.
- Non-judgemental.
- Flexible and creative in classroom.
- Danced with you during the class.
- Explained the “culture” of tango.
- Funny and entertaining.
- Knew your name.
Are there different qualities that are important for teachers working with intermediate or advanced dancers? What other skills become relevant at higher levels? Can an excellent teacher for beginners be a mediocre teacher for other levels? If so, are there any teachers that are good for any and every level, and always have something to offer?
If there exists a teacher or teaching couple that always has something constructive to offer at every level for every type of learner, then I would venture forth that they are truly excellent. Then again, do these types of teachers even exist …?
