Comments from the Coach

INSTRUCTORS THAT SELL YOU BS
If you are an instructor still gathering experience & answers, please don't make up an answer! You could cause someone permanent physical damage. You will also waste their $ when they realize they have to relearn everything with someone else (which takes twice as long!). Telling your student "I don't know/can't remember right now...but I will find the answer!" will get you so much more respect. There is ALOT of information to know! You cannot possibly know or remember everything all of the time. Part of why the student is working with you is that they enjoy their time with you...not the fact that you know everything...cause none of us do.
-Master Coach, Natasha

IF I HEAR ONE MORE PERSON SAY "OH, I JUST TEACH SOCIAL DANCE"
What, do social dancers deserve less??? Does this give you some sort of right to be a lazy teacher?...to not stay on top of your career...your continuing education? This just makes me angry!-Master Coach, Natasha

FINGER NAILS ON A CHALK BOARD WHEN I HEAR SOMEONE SAY, LET ALONE TEACH, "PUSH!"...IN REGARDS TO CONNECTION OR HOLD
For one, didn't your mother tell you it's not nice to push? Why would you shove someone away? Side note: I'm going to laugh if you are one of those leads that wonders why, or better yet blames the follow, when the follow runs away in the Sugar Push...it's you!...stop pushing!
Second, we run into connection by where we are in relation to each other. This works fabulously with a basic understanding of how your arms are connected to you body. Don't ever manufacture a connection!
Thirdly, it has a lot more to do with your elbows than your hands...the hands are attached--it's part of the deal, they will come with!
Lastly, you don't HAVE TO have a connection or tension to execute many moves...you can have an attachment. And, if you lead it at the correct time...you probably wouldn't even come upon this issue!
-Master Coach, Natasha

ARGENTINE TANGO VS BALLROOM...OR ANYTHING!
Anyone who thinks Argentine Tango is more challenging than Ballroom has not REALLY experienced Ballroom nor any of our coaches' teaching. As multi dancers...including Argentine...who have actually taken the time to dive deep into all of the dances (not just some beginner or someone who thinks or just says they know what they're doing), Natasha has had a chance to experience, dance & teach all of the dances & styles to their fullest. The approach to teaching Argentine Tango that has been preserved can also be taken with any other dance. To help people pick up most styles of dancing (not just partner) in a quicker way, an easier to digest approach is more readily used (usually patterns)...especially since you are often dealing with someone who is not yet a dancer and could be very easily turned off. Not getting that "Instant gratification" that the more common approach rewards, would turn off many beginners right at the door. If you find yourself a really good coach, they will get you to the same approach at the right time for you. Over 15 years of experience with Argentine Tango with master coaching.

PLEASE DON'T TEACH YOUR PARTNER TO DANCE
Whether you know your partner or not...especially if not...please do not give unsolicited advise--especially when they are trying to listen to the professional they are paying for! If you are in class, this is also very distracting to the person you think you are helping as well as others around...which leads to frustration for many.
I do encourage practicing your knowledge to help you learn but that's not the same as speaking as if you are an instructor. If you ask for help remember to take time to think about the answer...make sure it sounds logical and take it with a grain of salt until you are able to double check it with a professional. If you are asked for help and decide to oblige, remember to add, "I believe this is how you do it."
-Master Coach, Natasha

"I JUST NEED A GOOD/STRONG LEAD"
What the hell happened to all the Independent women? Since when has it ever been a good idea to depend on someone else for your happiness? Ever done any counseling?...you would know that most of the time both of you would be unhappy!
-Master Coach, Natasha

"I CAN DO IT IF IT'S FAST"
That means you're really not on balance if you can't do it slowly and you're probably depending on your partner...how nice of you. Do you realize that will NEVER actually look as graceful as you were hoping...or maybe thinking? It's an impossibility. Ever notice, out there in the big world, people who are on their own to feet and play well with others (work with them rather than use them or be dependant on them) stand out in many ways?