2078  milonga and fun

Date: Wed, 10 Dec 2003 14:19:39 -0600
From: "Frank G. Williams" <frankw@MAIL.AHC.UMN.EDU>
Subject: milonga and fun

I love milonga!

I've enjoyed all of your comments concerning the difference between milonga
and tango. For me, three things matter most in a milonga: a) the tempo, b)
the rhythm, and c) the energy.
a) When the tempo is too fast the music can fight itself - leaving me in a
fight with the music!
b) Milongas played with a straight rhythm are dull compared to those that
pick up some of the Habanera. It doesn't have to hit you over the head,
just be there somewhere.
c) Too much punch is as bad as no punch at all. The dancing should be a
little 'dry'. Subtle movements should fit the energy of the music, at least
sometimes. My favorites lately are from Canaro. Keith hit the bulls eye
there.

Is 'dry' dancing fun? Yes, big time! If you are content just to walk 'on
the one', you're missing most of the fun. It's great to see just how subtle
the leading and following can become as you play with the music. That takes
a lot of relaxation in addition to good technique. For me, it was initially
counter-intuitive that to dance well to faster music, you needed more
*relaxation*, rather than more *energy*. BUT... once you and your partner
are truly hooked up, relaxed together and into the music, then the fun
really begins. ...not from brash 'shouting', but from little 'wise cracks'
(in the musical sense) interspersed into the enjoyment of a low-tension,
body to body connection. Mmmmmmmmmm!!! ...there's nothing like it! And as
Keith mentions, the techniques of tango are no challenge at all once your
milonga is 'dialed in'.

My favorite instructor of milonga? For MANY reasons: Omar Vega.

Don't give up on milonga, even if it seems hard. Forget about tango steps
and relax. Milonga has the potential to take your tango to a significantly
higher level where 'less is more'.

All the best,

Frank - Mpls.

Frank G. Williams, Ph.D.
University of Minnesota
612-625-6441

Department of Neuroscience
6-145 Jackson Hall
321 Church Street SE
Minneapolis, MN 55455

Department of Veterinary Pathobiology
205 Veterinary Science
1971 Commonwealth Ave.
St. Paul, MN 55108