About
Jean-Pierre Sighé
Jean-Pierre Sighé of West Central Africa’s Cameroon nation grew up in a cultural environment where dancing was part of normal living. Equipped with his African dancing background, he later discovered the Latin dances and immediately felt their appeal. Living in Europe, he delighted in Salsa. In the U.S. he pursued his passion for Salsa dancing and decided to further explore Latin dances, such as Rumba and Cha-Cha in the
Ballroom context. In 1998, he was invited to discover the Argentine Tango. He intensely and exclusively studied with his first teacher s Alberto Paz and his partner Valorie Hart for several months.
Solidly grounded by Alberto and Valorie's instructions, he later intensified his learning with other Tango Masters, such as Carlos Gavito (and Marcela), Fabian Salas, Chicho (Frumboli), Julio (and Corina); and occasional classes with Eduardo and Gloria, Fernanda and Guillermo, El Indio, Todd and Marizabel. Jean-Pierre has been dancing Tango since 1998 and believes everyone of these Tango Masters opened an enriching window in his mind. Another Tango Master who has enriched Jean-Pierre’s experience is Facundo Posadas who generously shared his knowledge and extended his friendship.
Jean-Pierre is a founding member of A.R.T.S. (Afro Roots in Tango Society). The group was created under the active inspiration of Facundo Posadas, the living Tango Master from Argentina. A.R.T.S. is dedicated to spreading the little known information about the Afro roots in Argentine Tango, dating all the way back from the Candombe of the African slaves and their descendents.
His motivation for teaching Tango derives from his desire to share with others the beauty of this wonderful gift to the world from the Argentinean people. He does not want to simply teach a set of steps following some futile pattern. Jean-Pierre desires to faithfully transmit to others what he has had the privilege to receive directly from the Tango Masters - the spirit of Tango.
Sharing with others the beauty of the French language. To speak a foreign language, is to venture in the discoveries of the "spirit" that makes that particular Culture be what it is. A lot can be learned, through the efforts.
Specialties
Current writing level
Current reading level
Speaking goals
Current speaking level
Students age
Reviews
Marie D.
Marie D.
Florian
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
1- Determine how attracted to French, the student is. The passion oe the desire to speak French, is the motor.
2- Review the alphabet or simply the letters that are pronounced differently in French. French and English have the same alphabet, but it is important to know these differences.
3- Depending of the level of the student, go into the matter.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
All my schooling, as I posted in my profile was done in French.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
If would depend on the location of the student. But generally speaking, a $40 - $45 per hour is the norm, but I do insist on committing to at least 2 hours per week.
How did you get started teaching?
Tutoring my own son.
What types of students have you worked with?
All levels
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Look for someone who pays attention to the details. Look for the love of the language expressed.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
How committed are tghey in learning? How ready are they to be disciplined and focused? How important is it to learn French?