2362  Sequences vs. Freedom

Date: Tue, 6 Apr 2004 20:59:00 +0200
From: Daniel Käsmayr <daniel@KAESMAYR.NET>
Subject: Re: Sequences vs. Freedom

Hello to all,

I would prefer beginners not do sequences but learn basic movements
instead. I do not mean posture and nothing else, but getting a feel for
walking, getting to know their own body so they can dance in the music
by themselves is a big and important issue - and it is completely
de-coupled from dancing with a partner. They don't need to learn disco
style moves or anything. Just feel their own energy when moving
themselves makes the dance a completely different matter. That, in
combination with basic lead/follow exercises, as well as posture,
embrace would be a good start for the first couple of hours if not
more.

And yes, sequences are really helpful. But don't teach sequences set in
stone like the base. Don't ever teach steps like they are "meant to be
that way". Show them one little sequence of three steps and show them
how to change direction, some basic turns and some basic things they
can do without moving along. And then show them that there are infinite
possibilities. Hey, even leave out the cross, and give them an ocho if
they cry for it - start with musicality, grace and elegance instead.
Your students, especially the leaders, will soon notice they can dance
with far more experienced followers without ever feeling awkward and
beginners.

All it takes is feeling for themselves, feeling for their partners and
feeling for the music. And the magic will appear.

Complicated figures, sequences etc. will be easy to execute with
experience, but when the basics are planted, complicated stuff will be
no more than exotic spices in your meal - but you won't hunger for
them. I have seen quite many dancers execute complicated sequences,
tearing on their followers, ripping apart any connection there is and
lusting for even more glamorous steps - I get sad when I see them
dancing like this.

I don't know what it is in our current society, the need for fancy
stuff in order to show off your expertise. It is not necessary.

And a quick note on my background: I come from ballroom (2.5 years) as
well, but the 1.5 years of tango have turned myself around - I am a
tango dancer who also does ballroom. And I want the freedom of lead in
ballroom as well, as it is possible and much more fun. It is just not
really taught, only at a high competition level - but I will be getting
there. Just learning the body and movement mechanics from ballroom has
improved my posture and reflexes in tango as well....

Daniel
(Munich, Germany)


--
Daniel Käsmayr
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