Student of the Month – Dean Lawler

February 3, 2013 in Student of the Month

by Lanny Udell

Dean Lawler Student of the Month

Dean Lawler
Student of the Month

Dancing tango since:  When Dean started taking tango lessons in February 2011, little did he know that just two years later he’d be performing in a show  (Dean performs a choreographed dance with Sylvia Flores in Close Embrace: A Tango Love Story.) “Not in my wildest dreams,” he says.

Why tango:  He had a growing interest in Latin American culture and, in fact, started teaching himself Spanish.  During winter vacations in Mexico he noticed that dancing was a big part of the lifestyle and that intrigued him. “Salsa didn’t appeal to me,” he says, “but tango seemed classier.”  So he started taking lessons at various Bay Area venues, then found Debbie and John on Tango Mango.

Favorite part: Meeting new people. And connecting with everyone.  “Sometimes it’s not even talking but sharing a nice moment with the music in close physical contact, it’s very enriching. I get depressed if I miss a day.”

About Debbie & John:  “They’re my teachers now.  There’s so much to pick up about this dance, and they’re very encouraging, they both step in to help.  I don’t think you can get that kind of attention and encouragement anywhere else.

Anything else? For Dean,  preparing for Close Embrace has been a real challenge.  “Many hours have gone into getting those two minutes to a level I’d be happy with. I just want to put on a great show for everybody.  Debbie has been very encouraging and supportive in championing my desires.”

Dean Lawler with Partner Sylvia Flores in Close Embrace, A Tango Love Story 2013

Dean Lawler with partner Sylvia Flores in “Trampera’
Close Embrace: A Tango Love Story 2013

 

 

6 Responses to Student of the Month – Dean Lawler

  1. Gerti Partsch-Miller February 23, 2013 at 9:22 am #

    Dean, you are a very good dancer, and you also speak German very well. I enjoy practicing Tango and German with you.

    Reply
  2. Lanny Udell February 23, 2013 at 4:11 pm #

    Dean,

    It was fun dancing with you in the mini milonga scene of Close Embrace.
    Talk about milonguero style! You did a great job in the show.

    Reply
    • Sylvia Flores February 25, 2013 at 9:36 pm #

      Hi Dean,
      I guess we didn’t really know what we were in for, did we?
      I truly had a great time dancing with you in the show. It was fun and I learned that you have an amazing amount of positive energy, a real love for the music, and incredible patience!! Thanks for sharing the experience.

      Reply
      • Dean March 14, 2013 at 2:09 pm #

        Muchisimas gracias senorita! Tuve mucho divertido y aprendí mucho contigo. Te amo ….Dean

        Reply
    • Dean March 14, 2013 at 2:13 pm #

      Thanks Lanny. That dancing was a blast wasn’t it. Let’s do it again…and again… and again! Love, Dean

      Reply
    • Lanny Udell March 14, 2013 at 3:05 pm #

      Love to — anytime!

      Reply

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