277  Graciela Gnzalez

Date: Mon, 22 Oct 2001 13:58:06 -0400
From: Reba Perez <reba@COLUMBIA.EDU>
Subject: Graciela Gnzalez

Hola Listeros,

I am writing because my work with Graciela Gonzalez in Bs As last year had a
profound effect on me. It seems that many people here in NYC don't really
know who she is (she hasn't been here in some 6 or 7 years). I thought I'd
throw some thoughts out there and see if anyone else had thoughts/responses
about this remarkable teacher.

My understanding of Graciela's methodology is that, using exercises culled
from various fields, especially theater, she elicits dance accomplishment
through the use of imagery. She leads you to find your 'tango' - whether you
are working on posture, adornments, lead or whatever - from within. She
gives you the keys, you open your own doors and you make your own
discoveries. This way, when you 'get it' it is profoundly yours, not merely
a step or physical attitude that you copy and lose as soon as your model is
no longer in front of you.

Through imagery she helps you access your own 'tango dancer essential
personality and attitude' (my words, not hers). Often I see students who
seem to be at an impasse in their bodies. All the steps in the world will
not get them where they want to go.

Clearly our bodies reflect our thoughts and emotions: dejected/heads hang,
fearful/cringe, proud/expand, etc. Different ideas reflect new expressions
into our bodies. It is absolutely brilliant and innovative (in tango) for
Graciela to utilize this insight head-on as a means to tap individual
students' talent and resources.

The changes I felt in myself and witnessed in others during the course of a
workshop were impressive. And yet the changes, as profound, exciting and
daring as they were, were also familiar. It was as if to say, yes, of
course, this is the tango dancer I always knew I was - here she is - nice to
see you - hello and welcome!

Perhaps others have experienced something similar. People feel that Graciela
gives them so much and her workshops are wildly popular. Yet they say that a
teacher can really only help the student uncover what the student already
knows. Graciela has a special quality that enables her to help unlock the
students' own resources. I think she is a profoundly gifted teacher.

I also found Graciela's direct approach to the male and female roles in
tango fascinating and liberating, especially in the context of a dance in
which the roles are defined differently from the roles we may experience in
everyday modern life. Brava Graciela!

Well, thanks for listening. Obviously, I really loved working with Graciela
in Bs As and am so incredibly pleased to be hosting her for her workshops in
NYC. I am really eager to hear about other people's experiences. Of course,
many roads lead to Rome and many different approaches to tango are valid and
effective. I just happen to find Graciela to be a truly unique and gifted
teacher.

Happy dancing, Reba