Dear Maleva,
I have a question that perhaps many of us face as we try to progress in the long, winding road of tango journey. I have been taking tango lessons from numerous instructors -- some good, some not so good -- and finally reached the point where I can handle the basic technique and steps at a typical milonga. At least my partners do not have that strange or 'Thank God it's over' look at the end of a tanda. I dance primarily close embrace.

My question is where do I go from here without paying exorbitant (at least I think so compared to what I can get in Buenos Aires) private lesson fees, going to tango festivals -- expensive and time consuming, and traveling workshops which are far and few in between ?

Of course, milongas are good places to hone in on one's tango skill. However, I can't stop in the middle of a dance and analyze what I did wrong or right. After all, I am there to enjoy, not to analyze my posture, axis or steps. My primary concern at milonga is to connect to my partner.

Most group classes are designed for increasing the complexity of steps rather than refining what I already know. When I ask to refine my tango skills, the usual response I receive is 'take private lessons.'

Practicas are hit and miss situation as I have to dance with someone who is at the same level or better so that she can point out what makes her comfortable or not. Also, I do not wish to a regular partner as both of us get used to our own idiosyncrasies.

I guess what I am asking is how can I get to the next level of tango proficiency without refinancing my home or emptying my 401K?

Thank you,
Not ready for the Poor House Tango Student

Dear Poor House

I know it's tough, but any hobby that really grabs you always winds up also costing you lots of dough. Yes, you can and should practice on your own, but frankly if you want to get really good you are also going to have to pay. The value of gaining a skill in your life far outweighs the cost, in my opinion.

Going to festivals, taking classes with visiting instructors, making the pilgrimage to BsAs are things that all the top dancers have had to do. Even if you live in BsAs and have easy access to good milongas and teachers, it still can be expensive. (And let's not even think about how much you'll wind up shelling out for shoes and clothes, especially if your a woman! Even just entrance fees to milongas every week will add up to a huge sum over time.)

A good tango teacher will stress technique in their classes. They will arrive at the step they are teaching through explanation of the technique. If that's not the case with the teachers you are learning from, then it's time to hit the road and go to the festivals. Mostly, I think you should rethink your stance on festivals. There are so many festivals now that are targeted toward social dancing rather than step-collecting, with top teachers and hours upon hours of milongas as well as practicas. Attending a festival and dancing non-stop for 3-4 days with lots of other good dancers is one of the fastest ways to grow as a dancer. Often, becoming good just boils down to the number of miles you've put in on the dancefloor. The prices are actually quite reasonable and with so many of festivals now you can probably find one within driving distance.

Finally, finding a partner to practice and take private lessons with is a great idea. It keeps the cost of your classes down because you can split them. This doesn't mean that you have to just dance with your partner at the milongas or practice every day -- it just means that you'll get together and practice different things when you have free time. The word 'partner' doesn't mean a huge commitment, a partner is just a friend who you like dancing with and wants to get better too. It doesn't have to be exclusive; you can practice with lots of people. Usually people help each other iron out their mistakes rather than get used to each other's idiosyncrasies.

Good luck on your journey and don't bother adding up the cost, it will just make you cry!

Maleva

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Here are some additional suggestions on keeping costs down, sent in by one of our readers. Thank you S.! :

Hi Maleva,

Here are some other tips for people who are low on funds:

Barter - It may not always work, but nothing ventured, nothing gained.

Offer to take money at the door of a milonga/practica in exchange for free admission.

When a festival or big weekend is coming up, offer to exchange your help in organizing it for entrance to practicas, audit a class. It doesn't hurt to ask.

If there is a new teacher on the scene whose approach you like, barter your assistance in putting out flyers, making anouncements, taking photographs, or any help they might need in promoting, taking student money at the door - in exchange for private lessons.

Can you cook? Can you prepare food or bring drinks/water regularly to a milonga or practica in exchange for admission?

Do you happen to have frequent flyer miles you can trade for classes?

Any other resources? Need not be tango related - trade a skill you have for a class they offer.

I assisted my vocal instructor with administrative tasks for her choir, grant writing proposals for her musicals, and house cleaning in exchange for private voice lessons. You might try something similiar for private tango classes.