2060 exercises for learning tango
Date: Thu, 4 Dec 2003 16:35:46 -0300
From: Janis Kenyon <jantango@FEEDBACK.NET.AR>
Subject: exercises for learning tango
--- Oleh Kovalchuke <oleh_k@HOTMAIL.COM> wrote:
> The exercise is rather simple: two people standing at about 2 feet
distance facing each other. No physical contact. Leader steps
> in any direction. Follow[er] follows preserving two feet cushion. Both
have to watch each other's bodies.
Why practice this exercise when tango is all about the embrace of a woman?
The man has total control of the woman in his embrace. And we like it that
way.
Pichi de Buenos Aires
Date: Fri, 5 Dec 2003 00:21:40 +0000
From: Oleh Kovalchuke <oleh_k@HOTMAIL.COM>
Subject: Re: exercises for learning tango
Pichi de Buenos Aires asked: "Why practice this exercise when tango is all
about the embrace of a woman?".
Why do any exercise for that matter?
I do this exercise in the very first beginner class to break the ice, to
practice balanced walk and to get used to step on (major) beat. The exercise
is about 5 minutes long.
Cheers, Oleh K.
https://3clicksdesign.com/tango.htm
>From: Janis Kenyon <jantango@FEEDBACK.NET.AR>
>Reply-To: Janis Kenyon <jantango@FEEDBACK.NET.AR>
>To: TANGO-L@MITVMA.MIT.EDU
>Subject: [TANGO-L] exercises for learning tango
>Date: Thu, 4 Dec 2003 16:35:46 -0300
>
>--- Oleh Kovalchuke <oleh_k@HOTMAIL.COM> wrote:
> > The exercise is rather simple: two people standing at about 2 feet
>distance facing each other. No physical contact. Leader steps
> > in any direction. Follow[er] follows preserving two feet cushion. Both
>have to watch each other's bodies.
>
>Why practice this exercise when tango is all about the embrace of a woman?
>The man has total control of the woman in his embrace. And we like it that
>way.
>
>Pichi de Buenos Aires
Browse styles for all ages, from the latest looks to cozy weekend wear at
Date: Fri, 5 Dec 2003 13:01:34 +1100
From: Gary Barnes <garybarn@OZEMAIL.COM.AU>
Subject: Re: exercises for learning tango
Janis wrote (among other things):
> Why practice this exercise when tango is all about the embrace of a woman?
For some men and women, this exercise helps focus on the connection between
them, ready to enter an embrace and dance.
For many beginner women, dancing with an excellent leader who leads very
forcefully can also have the same educative effect. But for some, especially
those with no early dance training, this is so difficult and unpleasant that
they give up tango.
For men, there is a no real equivalent to the 'dance with the great leader'
for a woman, though some find following a good leader also gives them an
idea what they are trying to do when leading.
As there is a world shortage of good leaders, any exercise that helps get
people into tango without needing individual tuition is worthwhile!
For many, exercises like the above are very useful in getting to be able to
lead and follow.
My 2c
Gary
Date: Fri, 5 Dec 2003 23:01:38 +0900
From: astrid <astrid@RUBY.PLALA.OR.JP>
Subject: Re: exercises for learning tango
> For many beginner women, dancing with an excellent leader who leads very
> forcefully can also have the same educative effect. But for some,
especially
> those with no early dance training, this is so difficult and unpleasant
that
> they give up tango.
>
> For men, there is a no real equivalent to the 'dance with the great
leader'
> for a woman, though some find following a good leader also gives them an
> idea what they are trying to do when leading.
>
> As there is a world shortage of good leaders, any exercise that helps get
> people into tango without needing individual tuition is worthwhile!
>
One chapter on the conditions in the tango world, in the German book "From
the belly of tango" (Aus dem Bauch des Tangos, my translation), has the
title:
"For women- a shortage of men
For men- a shortage in themselves"
Astrid
Date: Fri, 5 Dec 2003 09:51:57 -0500
From: Marianne Hansen <mhansen@BRYNMAWR.EDU>
Subject: Re: exercises for learning tango
>From: Janis Kenyon <jantango@FEEDBACK.NET.AR>
>Subject: exercises for learning tango
>
>Why practice this exercise when tango is all about the embrace of a woman?
>The man has total control of the woman in his embrace. And we like it that
>way.
You do this exercise for the leader:
to practice moving the entire chest to lead (and not just glancing in some
direction)
to practice getting feedback from the follower and adjusting as necessary
You practice this exercise for the follower:
to practice being in front of the leader's chest
to learn to propel themself to the space the leader indicates (and not to
be dragged there)
to practice maintaining a distance
... among other things. It may not be an interesting exercise for an
experienced dancer, but I know it helps me and some of the people
in my classes.
I think I may say that I personally do not like to be in the total control
of a leader who
has not learned the lessons of this exercise.
Regards,
Marianne
Date: Fri, 5 Dec 2003 17:58:02 -0800
From: sean <milos-gloriosus@COMCAST.NET>
Subject: Re: exercises for learning Tango
Janis Kenyon wrote:
"Why practice this exercise when tango is all about the embrace of a
woman?
The man has total control of the woman in his embrace. And we like it
that
way."
I first did this exercise in a workshop with Graciela Gonzales in BA.
The purpose is connection. Connection, meaning to focus each person's
complete attention to the other. For leader's the exercise demands body
movement in a clear and well timed way so the follower will react as he
desires. Janis, does this somewhat reflect what you mean by the leader
controlling the woman?
It is a strange experience to do this exercise. Everyone who was
present found themselves in a kind of altered state of mind and very
tuned into their partner. No one asked to move on to other techniques
or steps, all were eager to continue with the exercise song after song
for about 45 minutes. I have followed in this thing also, though not
for 45 minutes. I am an adequate manfollower at best, but after a few
songs I felt more comfortable than usual, relaxed, with an increased
understanding what the leader was asking me to do . Even real followers
won't be able to just go for a ride doing this exercise. Both following
and leading here takes a lot of mental effort. Not a cognitive effort;
more like focused spatial awareness that flows in two directions. Ooh,
that's a mouthful. It's very difficult to put into words. I think I
cannot explain it to you. I suggest you give it a try. And if you can
get one of those Buenos Aires milonguero gods to give it a go with
you, you might just be in for a cosmically illuminating experience.
All the best,
Sean
"Stand back, I take large steps"
Milos Gloriosus - A funny Thing
Happened on the Way to the Forum
