Dear alexfsu, "Auftakt" system is a special section-form in Conducting technics and it is one part of Conducting Art. I can assure you that my opinion as Opera Conductor, Symphony Conductor and Choir Conductor is much more than yours, but that's not important to this case. Anyway, I just establish that fact you are beginner at this moment. I'm not reproach you about your level. I'm not criticize you. It was just kindly recommend. I think it's good for you having knowledge for Hand-mechanical / manual skills of Conducting, Theory of Conducting and Conducting Styles . That will promote you as a professional Conductor for the future.
Wish you Best,
Sincerely Yours,
MaestroVNG

What the hell is auftakt? You must be learning a different technique. Also, this was my first conducting lesson, EVER. So I was a beginner. A lot has improved since then... just thought I'd fill you in.