2940  taboo subject, translation required

Date: Thu, 28 Oct 2004 15:02:52 +0000
From: Sergio Vandekier <sergiovandekier990@HOTMAIL.COM>
Subject: taboo subject, translation required

Carlos Amok, (Pablo Gracia) seems to be embarked in a campaign to alert the
foreign tango dancer that the traveling Argentine instructors teach a form
of tango that is not danced in the salons of Buenos Aires. He further
states that the main motivation for those instructors to do so is their
interest in making money.

This is not a new subject, this has been discussed at nauseam in this list
for the last ten years.

We now, by now that Argentine tango has many forms: first differentiation is
Social dancing vs. Stage dancing (or exhibition dancing). Second
differentiation within social dancing : multiple tango styles that are
typical of every dancer, with close and open embrace. Third differentiation
within social dancing: there are groups such as Salon (traditional),
Milonguero (called many different names such as club, confiteria, close
embrace, etc.) , Nuevo tango, and others.

We could further say that there are some other forms derived from Argentine
Tango such as American, International (European) or Finish Tango. With
respect to the music we could say that musicians of every nationality have
written beautiful tangos, Americans, Japanese, Turks, Italians, French,
Germans, Finish, Eastern Europeans are some I know the best.

There is a diversity of tango in every aspect of its complex personality.

Some of us like to dance to classical tango music in a simple way, others to
alternative non-tango music in a convoluted way and the rest in an infinitum
spectrum of possible choices. We take lessons from the teachers that we
like. They come and teach all the existing styles.

We have already discussed the fact that in Buenos Aires there are places
where you can dance any form that you wish.

Next march at cosmotango/Cita in B.A. there will be instruction in the
following styles : Salon traditional), Milonguero (close embrace), Nuevo
Tango, Estilo Todaro. There will be lessons for professionals as well. Again
any style that you wish. Simple social dancing to Stage dancing.

I have a terrible problem trying to understand what Carlos Amok is talking
about. I wonder what is the style that foreigners are taught and dance which
is so different from the ones danced in B. A.
I believe that we dance all the styles here and people in B.A. dance all the
styles as well. so what is he talking about???

I believe, from my personal experience and contact with most of the well
known tango instructors that they have a deep love and respect for Argentine
Tango and their students, Argentine or foreign. If in the process of
working doing something that they like, they make money better yet.

We all work for money. Is Carlos implying that they should do charity work?
:))

He seems to believe that the foreign tango dancer is out there to harm
Argentine Tango.

I have great difficulty to understand this. Most people that I have met all
over the world, love, admire, have great respect for Tango and Argentine
culture in general. They excel at taking instruction from all type of
teachers in all styles. They frequently travel to Buenos Aires to absorb the
authentic look and atmosphere. They do their best to replicate what they
see in their communities. They frequently end up dancing better than most
Argentines.

Summary: Carlos Amok, what is that you are talking about? Would you care to
explain?. or is as Alberto Gesualdi says "destruction" is your only agenda.
Could it be envy because you are not one of those traveling tango
instructors?