1408  On tango and self image

Date: Wed, 11 Jun 2003 22:42:57 -0400
From: Sergio <Cachafaz@ADELPHIA.NET>
Subject: On tango and self image

Newbie says:

1- "I ve come to accept that there are certain moves in tango I can t, and
don t, do because a) I don t have the flexibility, and b) I don t really
have the figure for it either."

2 -"The first time was in a workshop--we learned a little bit about the
technique of self-ganchos. The instructor mentioned that the heel has to
brush by the hipbone. But because I carry a fair amount of my weight around
my hips and thighs, I couldn t get my heel past mid-thigh. And we did this
move over and over again."

3 -"Very recently, I watched some of my instructors practicing lifts. " "I
start to get a little scared when I see calesitas coming, because I don t
really like to lean on my partner, even though I know he would be able to
support "

4 -"I guess my question is if anyone has had any similar hang-ups,
significant or not, which have colored their dancing, and how they ve
handled them. "

****Newbie is a very intelligent lady, her comments are *very important. My
opinion on this matter is as follows:

1 - Tango has many ways in which it can be danced and an infinite number of
moves. A dancer chooses the style and the moves that he/she wishes to
perform. Being heavy or light to dance with, has nothing to do with body
weight, * it has to do with keeping your axis, not leaning down on your
partner, moving at the right moment with the music and as soon as the lead
is perceived. There are thin followers that are heavy to dance with and many
overweight ladies that are the opposite.

2 -* "Self ganchos" the lady means 'Amagues' some foreigners will call them
front boleos or front flicks. There are at least three types of amagues :
Low, middle and high.

3 - Lifts and Calesitas with inclinada (tilt) to perform the bridge.

4 - *** Every one has to take into consideration body structure, health
condition, training , physical strength and age to decide the style and
moves that he/she wants to performe.

A young, agile, person in good health can dance in any form she/he pleases.

A heavy or older person has to do a slower dance, preferably Salon or
Milonguero.

***The leader has the obligation to 'get the feeling of the dance the lady
wishes to do' and adjust to it.

The follower has the choice to do whatever she wants to do. When an amague
(front flick) is led she does a low one. One that is small and caresses the
floor. The calesita (merry-go-round) is no problem but if the leader wants
to do an 'inclinada' (tilt it) or a bridge the lady flatly refuses and gives
a verbal warning if necessary - I do not do that - is sufficient. If the
foul tries to lift you, you refuse as well.

Tango may be danced fast or slowly, if you wish to dance slowly do so even
if the leader is pushing faster, he should adjust speed to you.
Slow dancing is best done to slow orchestras such as Di Sarly or Pugliese.

An older couple dancing slowly with low boleos and amagues (back and front
flicks) can do a very beautiful dance.
Example: Nito and Elba. They do middle boleos and amagues but they adjust
the dance to their age, they still do puentes (bridges).

In summary the follower dances as she pleases, if the leader does not like
it "bud luck" :))).