3940  Stiffness .

Date: Sat, 29 Oct 2005 18:15:38 +1300
From: Melroy <melroyr@XTRA.CO.NZ>
Subject: Re: Stiffness .

Michael suggested 'Stiffness' (of the follower) as being a hinderance to
more advanced levels of dance (i.e. fancier stuff). I would like to extend
this idea to the leading and following of the boleo.

Many of the more advanced (or maybe intermediate, depending on your point of
view) steps can be led out of the boleo, e.g. boleo into followers back or
forward sacada etc.
But for this to truly flow, and not just be a choreography, it must be able
to be led and followed.
This, I think, is another place where stiffness becomes a problem.

Followers (and leaders for that matter) are shown how to practice the boleo,
and control the movement, in order to make it look aesthetically pleasing.
This is fine.
However for a led boleo, not one simply done as an adornment, I feel
(literally) that there also needs to be a looseness in the free leg as it
swings back or forward.

Often a follower will lock the free leg at the knee, as it swings back, in
order to control its arc and the whole leg 'stiffens' up in order to 'do'
the boleo. However this doesn't allow the momentum to reach its full
potential, I don't feel the leg as it reaches the end of its swing. The use
of this momentum/swing to lead a sacada or forward boleo etc. is blocked as
the leg is locked in an effort to 'create' a nice boleo. If I don't feel
this I can't use the boleo and the flow is blocked.

I love the feel of a boleo received.
I prefer a sloppy boleo I can feel over a perfect execution any day.
I also think it looks better, it will flow, rather than two people standing
performing a pretty technique.

So the follower needs to maintain her/his axis, have a loose free leg, and
yet still have enough control that the boleo looks like a beautiful thing.
Perfect balance, control, but with enough sloppiness to make it work.
Not asking much am I?

This is where I think it becomes so hard for a follower to develop beyond a
certain level without regular practice WITH A PARTNER who also understands
the principles involved.They need to be able to work on feeling this free
leg swing around the supporting leg, and when this is under control, then
they can work on what they want to do with it and incorporate it into the
dance.

I know it takes leaders a long time to be free enough to dance and create,
but I think followers technique may be underestimated in this process.
Without this it is hard to dance beyond a fairly basic level. This doesn't
mean that you can't enjoy yourself anyway!
It takes a lot of hard work, you can't do it on your own, and it is not
always realistic or even possible for many people for many reasons.

Besides, plenty of people are able to enjoy the tango without the advanced
moves.

I haven't mentioned leaders technique here, another big area (strong arm
lead?, contra body motion?, no arms?, etc.). I was interested in the idea of
stiffness as this is something I notice a lot.
And, yes, I need to practice more too!

Of course I may be completely wrong about all this, that is where you all
can correct me!

Thanks, Mel.