Where's Your Tango Face?

Year's ago, as I was plotting my escape from a miserable job, I downloaded a 10 second sample of Richie Haven's Freedom. Whenever I became distraught, I would listen to those 10 seconds. It helped me focus on my goal.

While I don't have a job that I want to  escape anymore, there are days that I need a little inspiration. I found it last night at Mad Hot Ballroom.  This is a documentary that ever leader needs to see. It reminds you that leadership does change lives. The best part, you'll be smiling the whole time.

This from jotix 100

What comes across in the documentary is the tenacity in which the teachers keep these children involved as they are exposed to another world many of them don't even know exists. The teachers one sees in the film are clearly people that ought to be commended for motivating children that otherwise would probably be in the streets hanging out and getting in trouble.

Yomaira Reynoso and Allison Sheniak are seen openly crying when describing what they are trying to give these youngsters. It shows their devotion to the children that comes from their hearts. It's a rare thing to find men and women whose lives are given to the cause of shaping these youngsters under their care. The other teachers also have to be singled out for their dedication, especially Rodney Lopez and Alex Tchassov.

I thought about Max, a seasoned educator who once told me her kids are her life, and Tyler, a former Vice President of a major corporation, who is now putting in time this summer as a student teacher with nearly 40 kids in his class. I thought about how glad I am that they are doing their jobs and teaching kids  life's lessons including  why sometimes it's important to put on your tango face.

Note: MAX and TYLER are pseudonyms .They are real teachers ( okay Tyler is technically a student teacher, but he's signed his contract for September)

Comments

[jonathan]

Missing this movie is somewhat akin to missing your own birth. Don't do it. The most important thing I can share is that Mad Hot Ballroom should win Oscar for best picture, even as a documentary. And, if it turns out otherwise, shame on the Academy. See it. You'll like it. Elana, thanks for the memory.