What is the spark that lights the fire of learning between learner and teacher? The approach to
reflecting on this question is holistic and cross-disciplinary the subject matter is
second-language learning the setting is often tertiary or continuing education and the focus
is on encounters. The metaphor that guides the reflections is dancing in an attempt to capture
the complexity of the adult learning situation. This study uses action research and action
learning to deepen the author's understanding and praxis. 'Vignettes' recollections of
previous experience are the author's windows on more than twenty-five years as an adult
learner of languages and as an English teacher for non-native adults primarily academics. The
vignettes validate ordinary pedagogical acts and introduce spiritual and physical dimensions to
language learning that are commonly overlooked. The process of reflection leads to an emerging
awareness of «crisscross scholars» - the increasingly common breed of academic who is
multilingual multicultural and multidisciplinary.
