08.02.07
Also German dance influences
Got a ride to Riutanharju dance pavillion, and met Mikael (from Bremen) in the car. He had been looking for a place where he could dance Argentinian Tango, but found himself at two dance pavillions – where almost nobody dances Argentinian, but rather Finnish Tango. On the way back I remembered that the next day it would be Thursday practice at Urheilukatu, so I invited him there. We went, and he got finally his Tango Argentino. Me, on the other hand (while also getting as much dancing as I wanted or could) was getting really irritated by this man, who – as I later foun out – is an instructor for beginners… He wouldn’t listen to on single thing I had to say. I tried to be polite and inform him that I have only been learning from others, not teachers, as I have not taken one class of any kind Tango in my life. He made me sorry for telling, since my perspective, interpretation of things, my truth was TOTALLY ignored! By somebody that regards himself as an instructor! And me, I am a dance instructor AND I tend to think of myself as an adult educator, as it is what I am majoring in at the Uni… but maybe I have got it all wrong, maybe I don’t know how humans learn.
How about telling a Follower that she really doesnÂŽt need to know anything. But then she is being told she needs to follow. Well, isn’t following a skill, too? Something to be “known”? And then he ORDERS me to close my eyes, because that is how I WILL FOLLOW better. How the heck does he know that? I am a ballerina, used to balancing myself, but not eyes closed. Besides, I don’t WANT to close my eyes. But for three or for rounds of this subject, he doesn’t take a no for an answer. At this point I tell him I don’t want to. He still insists. And I tell him I don’ t really feel like dancing any longer. At least he understands one hint, takes me back to the table, and leaves me alone. How is it that I still danced ok, or even well for my level, with all the others (who, I might add, are not instructors)!?
