What is your gender preference when it comes to dance coach

[Vagabond]

Anyway, I think every coach deserves a fair crack at it regardless of sex, religion, colour of their skin, background (to a point) etc. etc

[elisedance]

I don't think thats the same question though V - the topic is clearly about the consumer not the provider..

[Vagabond]

I don't think thats the same question though V - the topic is clearly about the consumer not the provider..

It was just a comment on the previous post, but I feel it does have a connection to the question.......... unless you suggest that we should ask for the teachers "modes of swing" first before we make up our mind and engage him/her

[phoenix13]

I think that am/am versus pro-am makes a difference, as well.  If you're pro-am, it's pretty much a given that your main coach is going to be of the opposite sex, so you can dance with her/him in competitions.  Of course, I mean main coach.I think its good to supplement with lessons from someone of the same sex,for things like styling, etc.

If you're an am/am couple, I can't see why it matters.  A good coach may have a preferred way of dancing, but they SHOULD have been required to learn both parts well enough to teach both without bias.

[elisedance]

If you're an am/am couple, I can't see why it matters.  A good coach may have a preferred way of dancing, but they SHOULD have been required to learn both parts well enough to teach both without bias.

Thats a big 'should'.  I think most good coaches can teach the essentials and some natural teachers really can teach both parts but on the whole my impression is that there is nothing like doing it to understand what to teach.  Thus, an Am couple might want to take lessons from one main coach and then occasional lessons from the opposite sex.

[phoenix13]

That's pretty much always been my own approach - one main coach, with others occasionally,for specific reasons (like styling,etc.)

[millitiz]

I thought the traditional way is having a pair of "dance parents," a pair of minor "dance parent" (some seems to skip this part) and a lot of people the dancers visit occasionally.

Although I think many couples (even the world class/champions) only have one dance parent.

[elisedance]

DP and I took lessons with a terrific male teacher here - who always worked with his female colleague and, yes, that was THE best as we would deal with both of our issues at the same time.

Oddly, it was no more expensive either - generally that would be too much to afford

[phoenix13]

It's pretty common  in the AT world and even the swing world to have teaching couples.  It's a  lot less common in ballroom. I wonder why. *shrug*

[elisedance]

one dancer teaching one student = 1 fee
two dancers teaching one studnet = 1/2 fee.

I think my equations illustrate the problem...

Though DP and I have had lessons from one pro while their partner was teaching another couple and they would help each other when an opinion was needed as appropriate.  that worked very well.

[phoenix13]

Hmm.  Good point.    Of course, in the swing and AT scenarios  was thinking of, it's usually a group class being taught by the couple.  Like you, I have had experiences where a two teachers were sharing the studio and have danced together to demonstrate things for me.   That works well.

[elisedance]

Hmm.  Good point.    Of course, in the swing and AT scenarios  was thinking of, it's usually a group class being taught by the couple.  Like you, I have had experiences where a two teachers were sharing the studio and have danced together to demonstrate things for me.   That works well.

it also creates a really nice ballanced atmosphere.  As long as they get on, that is.  One studio ...

[QPO]

Most of my teachers have been men I would like the input of a women now and then.

[phoenix13]

It helps a lot.

[QPO]

have spoken with my coach and he is trying to get  a lady in.