Teachers are useless…

They are…

…if you don’t ask the right questions.

Yes, no teacher can help you learn if you’re not curious and unable to ask what really matters. Pablo Picasso once said, “Computers are useless, they can only give you answers.” That holds true for tango teachers as well. However, that doesn’t mean that a tango student has no use for a teacher. It simply means that teachers can’t help you learn if you’re not asking meaningful questions.

A teacher can only show you the door; it’s up to you to open it and make your own journey.

You are your own best teacher!

While I was thinking about the best example to illustrate my point, many of my most curious students (who made me feel uncomfortable with their questions) came to mind. But later on, I found another example – myself!

I can tell you from firsthand experience that asking the right questions can take you a long way. Of course, you’ll need teachers and sources to provide you with answers, but you must first have the questions.

When I first started dancing, there were no tango schools in my town. We only had practicas where I learned from more experienced dancers and occasional workshops. I struggled for a long time until I decided to take responsibility for my own progress and start asking questions.

I started to read and watch interviews of old milongueros to understand their way of thinking about tango. That led me to, I believe, asking the right questions.

When you get to that point, the rest is easy. You find the right dancers and take private classes. You find the right teachers and visit their workshops.

You read, watch, experiment, practice… If the mind is well-prepared, the body knows.

1. Learn in your way

No two bodies move alike, and that’s the beauty of tango. Each dancer possesses their own set of intricacies and personal conditions. Remember, your teacher may not fully understand every nuance of your body. Therefore, it’s essential to ask questions and explore how to incorporate what you learn into your unique movement style. By embracing your individuality and seeking guidance tailored to your needs, you’ll be able to unlock your true potential.

2. Be curious

A great teacher can only do so much if you lack curiosity. For example, basics may seem repetitive if you don’t understand how important they are. I genuinely appreciate those who challenge and question my approach when they see no purpose in doing it. These curious students often learn at an accelerated pace, even pushing me to deepen my teaching methods and develop more effective approaches.

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Ivica

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3. Question authority

Remember, blindly following an authority figure is never a recipe for success. In tango, knowledge and approaches must withstand rigorous scrutiny to be considered valid. Well, that applies to everything in life…

Don’t conform simply because someone told you to dance in a specific way. Instead, foster a critical mindset, question assumptions, and seek a deeper understanding of what you’re led to learn and practice.

Tango is a solution to a problem: if you’re led to learn to perform, you will be unable to solve dancing on the crowded dance floor in a social context. That’s a problem.

4. Build self-confidence

Unanswered questions can create tension and anxiety, hindering your self-confidence on the dance floor. To truly feel in your comfort zone, you have to let go of your doubts and insecurities. Only true knowledge can help you be present in the moment and let go of distracting thoughts. This way, you’ll build a stronger connection with your partner and create magical experiences.

The art of asking!

First of all, be aware that when you enter the tango world, there are many unknown unknowns.
You first have to learn what it is that you don’t know! Do that by reading about tango history and learning about tango culture. You always have the right to ask questions, even those that seem stupid because those people who don’t ask stupid questions never become smart. But when you know the unknowns, your questions become smarter and more meaningful.

You should also observe and notice nuances. Ask why some things are done in one way and others differently. Ask how it will work on the crowded dance floor. Ask about how to use it without losing the connection and musicality.

Remember, learning how to ask the right questions is an ongoing process. As you continue your tango journey, your questions will evolve and become more nuanced. Be open to learning from different sources: it will pay you back with mastery and joy.