Investigating Self-Directed Learning in Adult Tango Dancers: Strategies for Pursuing Passion

Despite the growing body of research on self-directed learning (SDL), there is a gap in examining its role in leisure activities such as dance. This mixed-method study revealed how adult amateur dancers use SDL strategies to learn Argentine tango. A survey of 367 tango dancers with 13 individual interviews was conducted to gather data on learners’ motivation, self-management strategies, and self-monitoring processes. The results suggested that social and intellectual dimensions of leisure activities were strong motivators for dancers to continue learning. Seeking challenging tasks may also motivate dancers to learn. Such motivational factors encouraged self-management of partnership-based resources, while one-to-one peer feedback is both a self-management resource and a self-monitoring tool. Findings contribute to understanding SDL in leisure contexts and inform broader adult learning practices.