There is a U and I in Community and that means that good leadership listens to the community that U and I care so much
about.
I find that tango and what is going on in the tango communities is often a microcosm of what is going on in the world 
around us, outside of tango. And of course why wouldn’t it be? as we are all walking around in the world and bringing our opinions and beliefs with us to our dance.
Hypnotherapist and author, Marisa Peer, states that humans “come onto this planet with two powerful emotional needs: to find connection and to avoid rejection.”
I really resonated with this idea. In tango communities if dancers feel rejected or not accepted, they leave. I believe that tango more than ever needs to get back to the ideas of community, which is where they can find connection. How do we, each and every one of us, contribute to build community? Yes, through all the politics, the craziness, the people we do and don’t like, so what? Do you want to dance? Do you want to dance more? And we need each other, we need this.
I have seen through personal experience, that if YOU as a teacher, as an organizer, care MORE about yourself and what you gain from your investments in tango, you will probably end up a little frustrated and alone in your tango quests. I still firmly believe that in order for a community to thrive you have to think about IT. Think about the community as a system, an organism, a group of friends that you want to serve, who will be around for you as you get older! Don’t assume anything about this organism and ask lots of questions. And then comply. Each community is seemingly the same, they ultimately want to dance, yes, but maybe how to get there is different. Some communities thrive on afternoon milongas on a Sunday (more than a Saturday late night), or maybe they prefer to take classes only prior to milongas, or maybe the community is seasonal! What does your community tell you?
I am not necessarily suggesting run a poll but as a good leader, LISTEN. People will always give their opinions and desires. I had someone say to me “we really need a true advanced class”. OH! OK! Let’s do it! Because if she wanted it, maybe others do too.
And when I say listen to your community, that means that You and I will probably succeed if we collaborate. THIS is the next wave. YOU and I will better serve the community together, so how can we? do you have ideas???
Ask your community for ideas for the next milonga or practica.
Ask them to participate in activities, volunteer, bring snacks, etc.
Be open as a leader – don’t poo poo any idea too soon!
I would really like to hear your positive thoughts, I am listening!
UPCOMING
I’m in Austin, TX for the moment but have some trips planned as I start researching for a new home.
Orange County, CA – Oct/Nov dates TBD
Phoenix, AZ – November 29 – December 8
Anchorage, AK February 2019
Arizona 2019
Buenos Aires 2019
If you have a small community or know of a small community that needs support I’d love to know about it. Send me some information! Thank you
Peer, Marisa. I Am Enough: Mark Your Mirror and Change Your Life. 2018.