I was asked if I’d give a detailed report of the workshops and private lesson I had with Ney and Jennifer. I thought about it, but the thing is, it’s just not quite “me” to write from that perspective. If you read this blog enough, you know that I don’t get technical and describe classes or dances literally, step by step, word for word. I tend to take a more emotional approach. (And quite frankly, I don’t really want to broadcast to the world which habits I’m trying to adjust in my dancing. That’s completely personal.) I’m sure there is a blog somewhere out there that will satisfy your curiosity. But better than reading about what they do in their classes, why not find out when they’ll be in your area and take a lesson with them to see for yourself? It’s worth it.
What I will say is that they are a truly beautiful, shining pair of dancers who love what they do, and share what they know with such joy. They go out of their way to make things make sense, and they are very patient. In my private lesson, they took all kinds of different approaches until we could figure out what it was I needed to do for a certain step. They are good teachers because they really, truly want their students to understand and grow. I haven’t met dancers this special in a long time.
I highly recommend that you take a look at their schedule and try to see them if you can. They are kind people and their spirit is infectious. I feel very lucky.
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7 users responded in this post
Tina,
Your answer reflects the greater wisdom of personal experience. Simply based on the fevered little whispering sessions people employ between tandas to assess the dancing quality of the partner they just left, and the incredibly divergent opinions of that same person, should give everyone an idea of how subjective personal experience is.
Of course, I also think it is human nature to want to learn as much as possible about something (or someone) before committing to it (Boy Scouts call this “being prepared”). For example, sharing objective things (smells bad, gropes, tends to drool during Pugliese…) are useful.
But the fact remains that people rarely - if ever - experience things the exact same way. Not just in Tango, but in all of life. You’ve just got to experience it for yourself.
Dear Tina,
Absolutely agree with your approach to “report on the lesson”… to me, it is also difficult to describe a minute-by-minute session… It is always an emotional experience, and also something that I try to learn “as a package”…
About them, I just think they are truly fantastic teachers. I’m really glad you’ve enjoyed their stay in Seattle so much,
Tanguera
On reflection, this seems most respectful, and thoughtful. Keep the private lesson private. After all, it will different for each person who studies with them, and your experience with them will be reflected in your dance.
“and your experience with them will be reflected in your dance.”
I sure hope so!
In total agreement with the other commenters. I tend not to read blogs that focus on picking apart every dance class and dance partner. It’s just not that interesting to me and I wonder how it would make the subjects of such analysis feel to be exposed like that. It’s also usually more boring to hear play by plays.
This is a wonderful report. Thank you! I am looking forward to working with them, now even more so.
I am so excited! Ney and Jennifer are teaching a class tonight in SF! I will finally get to see them in person. I’ve been watching Jennifer’s feet on youtube for months now. Thank you for setting the stage for tonight’s class. Now I really can’t wait until 8pm!
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