3925  One form of rhythm one form of tango

Date: Wed, 26 Oct 2005 12:26:23 -0600
From: Bruno Romero <romerob@TELUSPLANET.NET>
Subject: One form of rhythm one form of tango

My 2 cents:

In reference to the recent discussion of teaching rhythm I would like to
indicate that the history of tango music indicates that tango has been
played in several rhythms and danced in different forms or styles. To
illustrate a point, when we listen to Roberto Firpo's and D'Arienzo's tango
"Ataniche" we notice differences of form and substance, which can not be
ignored, however both are or were meant to be danced in Orillero style.
Stylewise, these tangos ought to be danced differently. Firpos' Ataniche
will be danced faster and with more stops and hesitations than D'Arienzo's
Ataniche for example.

The tango rhythm seems relative these days with tangos from the past and
electronic tango. To teach rhythm without a frame of reference of the tango
in mind: golden era, old guard, or electronic tango looks very difficult. My
feeling is that one could teach rhythm for one form of tango, but these
would not apply to all tango rhythms. Taking lessons helps students to get
started with learning rhythms, but students could get more help from the
teacher if they are advised that there different rhythms in tango, and these
are danced differently.

Cheers,

Bruno