Each class in the Tango Unity project carries an inspiring energy that feels almost magical. Watching our mentees tackle the same challenges we faced just a year ago—with a spark in their eyes, eager to absorb everything they can—fills me with inspiration. As young mentors, being part of their journey and witnessing them experience the world in this new way is truly rewarding.

Seeing a pair of dancers struggle with a new move or technique, then guiding them through the process of finding the best way to understand it—tailored to their skills, knowledge, and learning style—is a journey in itself. And the outcome? Watching those same dancers accomplish what once seemed impossible just moments before is both gratifying and delightful.

Our mentees inspire me with their progress and the unique style of dancing they have developed in such a short time. Their growth is a testament to the significance of our work as young mentors, and it motivates us to continue guiding them on their tango journey.

From my personal experience, when advancing in the early years of tango, there is often an eagerness to learn flashy new moves while overlooking the importance of proper technique. But technique is best mastered through the basics. Teaching our mentees fundamental patterns I’ve practiced hundreds of times allows me to slow down and refine my own technique in the process.

There is an eagerness to learn in our mentees, and when the learners are excited to learn, the teachers are excited to teach. This inspiring energy pushes me to give my best—to focus on improving my own technique in the moment of teaching and to devote all my energy to ensuring our mentees have a wonderful tango experience.

Simon Anastasov