Comments on The Unlikely Salsero - Don Baarns: How Many Instructors? (Part 1)

#Eric: Right on dancing with your instructor socia...

2011-04-09T22:43:16.692-07:00

#Eric: Right on dancing with your instructor socially so she can make adjustments when you're in private.

My only suggestion there is be mindful sometimes when instructors dance they just want to dance, not pay attention to your dancing.

Ask her to dance occasionally, but also sometimes stay away (unless she is actively encouraging you to ask). What you don't want is her to feel like she has to dance with you every time, especially in a social situation.

#Joe: I appreciate the feedback!! I'll expand...

2011-04-09T22:39:55.928-07:00

#Joe: I appreciate the feedback!!

I'll expand on this in another article. I don't recommend three at once. You mentioned over found a friend who assisted early, then another after six years. That's valid, just be on the lookout...

One of my primary mentors I don't see but a couple times per year at this point.

More as soon as practical.

Hi Don, Not many of us are lucky enough - or have ...

2011-04-07T06:57:54.081-07:00

Hi Don,
Not many of us are lucky enough - or have the time and resources for three private coaches! But a thing I recognise from your article is the need to have someone who is prepared to give honest feedback. In my first year of dancing I was lucky enough to find a friend who had no compunction at all in pointing out when I went off-time, gave a duff lead or did something else wrong. She was a rare find as it was always done in a genuine spirit - she was a good dancer too so knew what she was talking about. Six years later I have another favourite dancing partner who is also very prompt to point out faults - annoying though this can be at times - she has contributed considerably to improving my dancing. But it can be a hard trick to pull off. There are all too many "know it all" types ready to criticise their partners on the dance floor - often it is they who are at fault. This kind of mentoring only works with a trusted and respected friend - someone who you know enjoys dancing with you and is only motivated by wanting you to dance even better. Highly recommended if you can find someone.

I have a private instructor that I love. She's...

2011-04-07T06:22:21.284-07:00

I have a private instructor that I love. She's patient but always points things out in our lessons. One thing that I try to do is dance socially with my teacher. That way, she can see what I'm doing and when our lessons come around, she can point out things that she saw while we were dancing.