1484  Rules for Tango-Tango Anarchy

Date: Fri, 4 Jul 2003 17:34:28 EDT
From: Arthur Greenberg <AHGberg@AOL.COM>
Subject: Rules for Tango-Tango Anarchy

Hi Listeros:

Many years ago I became embroiled in discussions with the Tango listeros who
claimed that there would be no rules when it came to Argentine Tango. It was
a free and evolving art form, that by definition needed to be free and
unencumbered so it could develop. Any thing that ceased or curbed its evolution
would soon become stagnant, and die a horrible death. It is with some
confusion/consternation that I observe and listen to those same people who then
claimed Tango to be a free and still developing art form now trying to limit its
growth and development. We have at long last arrived at the point where we can
identify the direction that Tango is taking. We have abandoned the word,
"Authentic"! Tango is taking the direction that each of the dancers who step
out on the floor choose to take it. It can now only be identified as Tango
Anarchy.....no rules, no laws, no guidelines, no standards, no form, no
acceptable music, no adherence to line of dance, no abrazo, no connection, no n
omenclature, no syllabus, no definitions, no dance etiquette..... We on the Tango
list have succeeded in relegating Argentine Tango to the junk pile of
anarchistic thinking. Thanks to all of you for restating freedom from thinking and
rules and logic as applied to Tango. No analyticals to observe and criticize .
No Tango Police! No judges! No authority! No respect! No tradition! Nothing!
Nada! Now that I have said my piece and expressed my ideas and observations, I
shall pour myself a Martini using Gin & Vermouth. I'm sorry! I don't like
Vodka in my drinks. 3 to 1...Gin to Vermouth. You drink a what? A Tequilla
Martini! With salt! Phew!
Is nothing sacred?
Now I can truly justify my free form Tango called Tango Arturo. No Rhyme !
No reason! I dance to the music that is in my head. I don't need Pugliese or
Calo or etc, etc.
This is as close to anarchy as we can get. If I dance Tango to Mozart
played with a trio who presents and plays instruments like a kazoo, a comb with
tissue paper and a guy making rhythmical farting noses by expelling air from
his armpit through his cupped hand we have truly arrived at the Tango Ice Age.
Now lets go out and buy some of those new Tango "sneakers" I see being
marketed, and continue to maintain our freedom of expression in Tango Cukoo!

Sincerely : >)
Arturo
West Palm Beach, Florida, USA