1436  Let's suppose what?...

Date: Sat, 21 Jun 2003 22:46:52 -0400
From: Sergio <cachafaz@ADELPHIA.NET>
Subject: Let's suppose what?...

....that we have different tango styles?

We have estilo milonguero (apilado, club, del centro, confiteria, etc. to
use some of the names for that style) has a simplified choreography, it is
danced in close contact, it is easier to learn. Most people are able to
master it. It is simpler, rhythmic, there is a very close embrace, the lead
is conveyed by the chest movements.
The movements and steps of this style were selected from the large universe
of the Argentine Tango choreography because they can be used in crowded
places.
There is good communication between the partners, it is romantic, there is
good rhythmic interpretation of the music but the dancers are lost in a sea
of people, the choice of steps, moves and figures is somewhat limited and
repetitive.

The Salon style is danced alternating a close embrace with some separation
of the partners as required by the richer choreography.
All the moves and figures are available to be utilized as required by the
artistic expression of the dancers, including those that were selected or
preferred by the culturists of milonguero and nuevo tango.
This style has all the possibilities, walks, turns, sacadas, boleos,
amagues, ganchos, colgadas, rulos (dibujos, lapices), jumps, calesitas,
puentes (bridges) inclinadas (tilts), bicicleta (bicycle), paradas,
mordidas, contrapasos, etc., etc.
There is close communication, high concentration, excellent interpretation
of the music, it allows close dancing but at times requires separation.

It needs more room and excellent floorcraft (navigation skill). It requires
good sense and thoughtfulness to respect the other dancers and dance with
them.
Here it is necessary to exercise self-control and use figures and moves that
the space and good manners will allow.
It allows the pleasure of dancing and admire the other dancers when sitting.

Nuevo Tango, is danced in a more open position as required by the use of
figures extended in the longitudinal space.
It is more difficult. It requires lots of room. It is characterized by the
use of a different lead (more use of the chest), and acrobatic moves with
lots of pivots and adornments such as boleos, amagues, heel sacadas,
colgadas, etc.
It allows good communication, good interpretation of the music, and gives
the chance to admire the other dancers when sitting.
It is generally preferred by younger crowds that at times like to experiment
with non-traditional tango music.

All these styles can be danced in Buenos Aires. There are places where one
dances only milonguero, or salon or nuevo tango.
There places where the style may vary somewhat according to the space
available, and several styles can be seen at the same time.

In summary (IMO) Argentine Tango is *one, it has a rich choreography.
Certain moves may be selected or preferred to adjust to different
circumstances. The continuous use of only a certain group of moves over the
rest causes such phenomenon as to be called a style.
It is important that every individual dancer has, in this respect his own
style.