Wednesday, November 11, 2015
Tuesday, September 15, 2015
Thursday, March 12, 2015
Choosing A Good Instructor
Choosing A Good Instructor
Many times people have asked for an opinion, and many times
they have not. I have seen the results from both. As an instructor of over 30
plus years, let’s say more than I would like to admit to at this time in my
life, I have come to many conclusions about this matter. The most important is
to wait for someone to seek my advice before going with my heart and giving it.
Most importantly an instructor should be well trained, that
doesn’t mean watching videos, or taking a few workshops. That means devoting
their lives to the form of material they choose to become an expert at and
anything related to the expression of said material and the dissection,
history, influence and any other related information on their subject. They
should also know and study how to express the sharing and processing of the
information.
Another good indication would be someone that has studied
under master instructors and or had a period as an apprentice. Partnering
master instructors and aiding in classes is a good indicator. Years of
accomplishments create the right mix of experimentation to know what works for
each individual situation.
If a “teacher” has canned answers for questions, or says you
will get it with practice, to most questions, chances are they haven’t
developed the depth of experience to know the answers and are making up the
answers instead of answering from learned knowledge.
Many make choices that are emotional. They are based on the
looks, or abilities of their teachers on the surface, this is sometimes
dangerous. Instead they should be based on the results of the students they
have trained.
In the end, each person has different desires, and learning
languages, that the instructors need to blend with. After finding out that you
are going to a reputable, instructor, you still should have a good connection,
and ability to understand and communicate together.
Friday, February 27, 2015
Why I Travel To Argentina To Dance Tango
Why I Travel To Argentina To Dance Tango
This seems logical if you are passionate about Argentine
Tango. You would want to learn about the history, the music, the culture, you
would want to consume everything and anything about the dance that has captured
your soul. That is only the obvious, there are so many depths and layers to
unfold that it has been 20 years of return visits full of new discoveries and
wonders that keep bringing me back.
There is something about stepping into the vast array of
Milongas , Practicas, Matinees and experiencing the ambiance and codes. From
dancing with the experienced elderly Tangueros that have spent most of their
lives dancing Tango, to the professional young dancers looking to break into
the scene. Each bringing their special character and charm to share.
The classes taught to the locals are offered before most
Milongas and can be found at many locations at almost any hour of the day. The
classes are taught by instructors with genuine knowledge, especially if you
know where to look. Rather than what is taught for export.
The value of the dollar is another matter to consider when
you walk into the many locations to purchase your Tango shoes or clothing. Many
feel the euphoria of the shopping spree that is hard to discover anywhere else
in the world.
There have been so many different experiences and encounters
I would have to write a book to describe, but they can only be found in the
motherland of the dance and country I am drawn to.
Monday, February 23, 2015
Tuesday, February 17, 2015
What Is Tanda Etiquette?
What Is Tanda Etiquette?
Let us first understand what a Tanda is in terms of it’s
significance at a Milonga. The Tanda is a group of musical pieces, normally
three or four, played together, which are of similar timing, structure, and
most often from the same orchestra.
The DJ plays the music in these sets to give the dancers
clear choices of styles or preferences and to allow them time to dance together
and create a connection. In between the Tandas the DJ will traditionally play a
short, approximately, thirty-second clip of music that is completely irrelevant
to signal the end of the Tanda. This gives the dancers a chance to change
partners, or have conversations, etc.
What role then do we have that is proper in terms of
etiquette? We do have definitive ways of engaging a partner to the dance, floor
that I have covered in previous Blogs. In Tango we call this “La Cabeza”.
Since a Tanda is three or four songs it is respectful to
invite someone on the first song. This gives the couple a proper time to feel
comfortable and enjoy the connection, which sometimes takes a song or two to
bloom. Perhaps the second song is acceptable depending on circumstances. Asking
on the third or last song may appear to be more of an obligation, and a quick
way to get your dance with that partner out of the way.
During the Cortina the polite thing to do is walk off the
floor with your partner and give others a chance to enjoy your dancing prowess,
as well as allowing your partner freedom to make their decisions. There are always
more Tandas together if they are meant to be. Most importantly enjoy each
other, the music and celebrate the dance.
http://www.argentinetangodetroit.com
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