First lesson in Fayeteville by João

Reflecting upon my first week here in Fayeteville and University of Arkansas, I should say I have had many experiences here that I will take in consideration back home whenever I work teaching or on a regular daily basis.

Jetlagged on Friday, few hours after our arrival, we were driven to a square dance event, Which I never had been before and to be sincere never heard about. Tiptoeing in the room I found my place not as a dancer. Although, the singer kindly invited us all to take part in. I found my place as an observer and eventuallly photographer or recording videos. From that perspective, I saw the singer become a teacher and the dancers become her fellow devoted students. What stroke me most was that through clear commands and real knowledge of the subject, the singer turned teacher set an atmosphere of learning that somehow, I saw as special. All the dancers – students – got engaged and even those not acquainted with the dance before were in the end dancing and enjoying – learning as well – just like those regulars. That moment, I realized that if all the students go really open to learn and the teacher set achievable tasks, learning do take place,

Obviously in a regular class, it wouldn´t be perhaps so spontaneous or dynamics all the time but surely it can be meaningful, fun and  why not sensual and culturally historical for all involved.