2364  Tan-go-close in moderation

Date: Tue, 6 Apr 2004 15:41:37 -0700
From: Ernest Williams <alohatango2002@YAHOO.COM>
Subject: Tan-go-close in moderation

Hello

My name is Ernest Williams and I now teach in Baltimore. This is my first post to the list although I've been on it for awhile. I normally wouldn't write to the list but for some reason I'm compelled to reply to Michael's posting.

I feel that this was a very strong reaction to "tan-go-close" post. The response consisted of a lot of absolutes that could easily be disputed, but there are also points that are agreeable.

First I agree that an automatic change of weight into a cross on the follower's part can limit the options that a creative leader has at his/her disposal. I don't know about this leader "settling into his right hip" business. I routinely lead weight changes without changing my weight, and I see this done all the time. The most obvious example of this is to lead the cross beginning in the cross system not taking a step while the follower crosses and ending in parallel system.

As far as "Tan-go-close" goes, I know that this concept is used a lot in Ballroom dancing which is a staple of ballroom Tango where it acts as a period to a sentence. I don't want to advocate the usage of a forward-side-together movement as a period to a sentence to always be referred to as "Tan-go-close", but if someone uses this device to communicate with people of a ballroom background, I say more power to them. It's just semantics. Many people just say "6-7-8" if they have the 8CB as a reference or say "forward-side-together". It's the context that matters.

I agree that stepping to the right and then back can be dangerous, but there is no absolute that says never step there. If you do not know what's behind you, then look before you leap. I've seen people turn their back toward the line of dance and then step backward and still manage to run into someone even though they are traveling in the line of dance. If your dance is circular, then you should be acutely aware of what's happening 360 degree around you. If you know there is no one approaching your rear right side, then you have nothing to worry about. The leader behind you should also be aware that your dancing is not circular and you haven't looked back recently. He/She should also know that pulling up and hanging in the blind spot is asking for trouble. These are good highway tips also.

My general belief is that the more one says "always" or "never" when refering to Argentine Tango, the more exploration they have ahead of them. In general, rules are made to be broken but are best done by those who know the rules well. This is why teachers of many fields of study teach the conventions and history before they teach the exceptions and latest and greatest innovations.

Thank you

Michael Figart II <michaelfigart@YAHOO.COM> wrote:
Hello to all, and hope all are well,



As regards to this thread, NO WAY....UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES, should any
follower ever be taught to immediately transfer their weight to their
left foot, until the leader transfers his weight to his right, settling
into his right hip. Sorry, Phil, but forget the "tan-go-close" of which
you speak. Completely and totally delete it from your library. There is
no such thing. And if you're talking about a leader's side-step to the
right followed by a back step, forget all that also. Do not ever step
backward into the line of dance. There is no "tango close" step....just
keep going, forward, forward, around, side, around....etc!



If you lead a crossing step, just like any other step, it should be lead
so that your follower doesn't transfer her weight until you do. If you
lead a forward cross and keep your weight on your left foot, your
follower should wait; wait; wait; wait......until you either lead her to
continue, or change her weight, and continue.



There is no "automatic" in Argentine Tango! "Saving this idea" for
advanced tangueras only ensures that you'll never have any. Teach
followers to wait, to wait, to wait, to wait! To slow you down. Always
wait for the next lead....never anticipating.....but always enjoying!



<<<<<<<<<<put all their weight on the left foot when going to the cross so they
can easily step back with the right foot into the tan-go-close.
Beginning dancers have a lot of trouble even understanding and being
aware of change of weight change. Telling them not to shift all of their
weight directly is too subtle, in my opinion. I think it is better to
save this idea for more advaned followers.>>>>>>>>>>



My opinion,



Michael from Texas