2365  [tango-uk] Re Tango teaching

Date: Tue, 6 Apr 2004 19:15:37 EDT
From: LGMoseley@AOL.COM
Subject: Re: [tango-uk] Re Tango teaching

In a message dated 06/04/2004 14:02:08 GMT Daylight Time, Dcturner2@aol.com
writes:

> I am sure that what milongacat says is valid. I really gain a lot from a
> class that has been designed with some clear objective in mind from the
> outset. it
> seems to me that the best classes I have enjoyed have begun with a very
> simple skill and progressed forwards towards some fun series of movements
> that
> depended on that skill for their success.
>
> The basic skill might simply be the ability to step sideways and arrive
> completely balanced on one foot without further momentum to be killed. I
> watched a
> class start with just that at the weekend and was gratified to see the
> wobble
> disappear and for the guys to grasp the idea that they needed to maintain
> the
> stillness of the upper body on arrival so as not to give an unintended lead.
>
> That first 10 minutes of concentration on the foundation led to a highly
> successful series of complex movements involving the free leg, whichever it
> was, to
> right or left. As a result of the success of the first exercise, connection
> was more likely and the class progressed rapidly and in pace with each other
> as
> a group.
>
> A previous contributor wondered if anyone had thought of replacing the
> Spanish terms with English ones. I think that would be a pity because of the
> loss of
> colour but I do think we have the duty to explain, for example, that we are
> referring to a 'giro' not a 'hero' to our beginners. I realise that those
> who
> speak Spanish are at an advantage here but I also believe we all have a duty
>
> to look at the true meaning of those words we use to label classic moves.
> Most
> importantly, I think that it is vital that we accurately translate the word
> 'gancho' so that our students all grasp that it is a 'hook' and not a
> 'kick'.
> The kicked gancho is vile to do and vile to receive. Why do so many dancers
> only appear to perform the violent type of gancho and never the seductive
> end of
> its spectrum? I suspect it is because they think the gancho is a kick and
> can
> only think of donkeys. I'm fond of a deliberate, sensual squeeze from time
> to
> time and the music offers us choices.
>
> For me, the beauty of so much in tango is the element of illusion to the
> observer. I despair when I see sacadas led by thigh heaves which are bound
> to feel
> uncomfortable for the follower and look ugly. Surely, one big responsibility
>
> of the teacher is to show learners the logic of the movement and to teach
> that
> whatever we do in the dance, our own balance integrity, connection with our
> partner and our elegance and subtlety are paramount.
>
>
>

I have to admit that I agree with almost all of this. Well said.

Laurie