2361  I step back when I dance tango

Date: Tue, 6 Apr 2004 16:32:36 +0000
From: Sergio Vandekier <sergiovandekier990@HOTMAIL.COM>
Subject: I step back when I dance tango

I have been absent from the list for a while for
I came to Argentina last November, I spent time in Buenos Aires and in Mar
del Plata where I have been dancing an average of three times per week plus
visiting friends and taking others from the USA to the milongas.

It is important to keep in mind that there are many ways to dance tango.

Some people (and teachers) like to start dancing stepping to the side but
there are many that prefer to start stepping back. There is nothing wrong
with stepping back. What it is wrong is not to know how to step back. That
initial back step is adjusted to the circumstances: it could be in place,
very little or very large.

The cross may be consciously led or assumed that it will automatically occur
when the leader steps to the right of the follower. In this last case the
leader will prevent the follower from crossing or from changing wait to her
left foot as he wishes to perform certain moves.

I was at CITA recently as assistant instructor to Nito and Elba. This gave
me the chance to dance with people from many different countries. I was
surprised to see how dogmatic and centered in one style or one form of
dancing some of them were.

We must remember that there are many ways to dance, to lead, to do certain
moves. This makes tango so interesting.
I do not remember attending a lesson, it does not matter what level such
lesson was, where I did not learn something. There is always another way to
do something, a different technique for dancing or teaching. The follower
has the freedom to dance with whom she likes but it is important that she
follows properly irreleantly of the leading technique.

A reasonable way to share experiences would be " I like to dance, or to
teach or to do this..." but not to say "this must be done this or that way"
for somebody will prove as to be wrong.

I personally like to dance different styles and in different ways adjusting
to the circumstances, partner, space, music, club, neighborhood, etc...and
like Patricio I like to step back... :)).

Sergio
Presently in Mar del Plata