A person I know who teaches Argentine Tango is concerened on how the classes he runs are a bit up and down attendance wise. He runs a beginners class for one hour and then teaches a intermediate class. If he wants to teach and also make money I think he is going down the wrong track. Unless he wants to be an idealist and dreams of being a super coach. I would cater for the beginners and after a priod of time tell them there next move is to some other studio who cater for the intermediate. With most people it is a evening out. To arrive at seven which is too early, and be all finished by eight is hardly an evenings entertainment. This teaching is once a week only and he is completely on his own. I think I would let it be known that. Start with me and in a short time you will be ready to tackle the world out there.

Like you, I wonder why so many teachers offer classes back to back.

A good format would be to offer two classes either side of a practice session: it doesn't have to be very long - 30-45 minutes, but it would allow the student of BOTH classes to practise what they have been learning, and makes slightly more of an evening out, than just attending a one hour class, before going back home.

Does anyone have any experience of this sort of format, and if so, how does it work out?

Clive et al--

The practicality of your suggestion is very good in theory-- however -- there are several reasons why we as teachers do not alweays persue that avenue.

it has a lot to do with time constraints. I have people in my classes that have to get home because of children--- have others who come straight from work, add to this, singles that I teach, have no partners .And-- no guarantees if I book and PAY for the space.
Could go on, but i think you see my point .

Practicas or socials have a far better response when I run them as separate entities .
Ladies like to dress up and make an evening of the event ( gets the guys out of the house ! )