Sustaining Local Community: Perspective of Teachers & Organizers

Local tango teachers are the lifeblood of tango. They initiate beginners into their first steps, they are a weekly support for tango dancers, they are the ones that often host milongas, festivals, out of town instructors, and musicians (often at their own expense). Their consistent presence allows tango to flourish first locally, then globally. As an integral part of the tango supply chain, if they falter, global tango feels the impact. Given the changing desires in tango, teachers and organizers shift and adapt to a variety of factors, and often times tango can become a risky venture, given today's unfolding events. In this Tango Round Table, we will discuss with local teachers and organizers from around the world the ebb and flow of needs in our communities, the emotional and financial hardships, managing expectations, and how we perceive tango playing out in the next year. How can communities and students support tango schools and teachers moving forward? We'd love your input. :)