When being a good dancer is about being a 'nice' dancer in Tango..

(Copyright 2016, Simona Z. )
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My dance students often ask me how long it takes to learn Tango properly to get to the stage where everybody wants to dance with you. Here is my answer to their question. 

Being a good dancer (having a good technique) is only part of the story in Argentine Tango.
Certainly, having good technique and dance skills will ensure you enjoy your dance, relax into it and move confidently and smoothly. But if you want to be an in-demand dancer you also have to be.. a 'nice' person! Does this surprise you?
I have noticed recently that some of our beginners dancers (followers and leaders) are particularly popular on the dance floor. Despite their lack of confidence and undeveloped dance skills, they always get a few dances at the milonga. And when they are not around, people notice their absence. Why? I observed these dancers and I noticed they all share a similar attitude: they have a pleasant and open approach to other dancers. Despite their fear to make mistakes, they 'throw' themselves into the dance without any expectations or demands. They have a spontaneity that certain experienced dancers have lost. 
Whether you are a beginner or an experienced dancer, keep this in mind when walking into your next milonga. Keep an open attitude to others. After all, Argentine Tango is a social dance: people dance to be 'social'. And engaging with pleasant people is part of that social experience.
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