1970 Translation answer
Date: Sat, 8 Nov 2003 01:40:56 -0500
From: Sergio <cachafaz@ADELPHIA.NET>
Subject: Translation answer
Dear Guy,
You ask a very interesting question. Some paragraphs have a
meaning that it is not quite clear.
"Chase the natural way and it will return fast". My interpretation, I could
be wrong, is that after trying a move, let's say tango walking. We try to do
it in an artificial way, as we are taught. Toes first, external rotation of
the foot, touching the floor, brushing the heels, etc. if we do not obtain a
good result, we should go back to the natural way of walking, which should
return fast. Naturally because it is ingrained in us. I would add, then
start all over again.
I would like to know the opinion of other members of the list.
Also with respect to the unconscious as a source of error and the use of the
extremes of movement to then find the right middle.
Date: Sat, 8 Nov 2003 11:00:24 +0100
From: andy Ungureanu <andy.ungureanu@T-ONLINE.DE>
Subject: Re: Translation answer
Sergio wrote:
> "Chase the natural way and it will return fast". My interpretation, I could
> be wrong, is that after trying a move, let's say tango walking. We try to do
> it in an artificial way, as we are taught. Toes first, external rotation of
> the foot, touching the floor, brushing the heels, etc. if we do not obtain a
> good result, we should go back to the natural way of walking, which should
> return fast. Naturally because it is ingrained in us. I would add, then
> start all over again.
>
> I would like to know the opinion of other members of the list.
When I first read "Chassez le naturel, il revient au galop" it was
cristal clear for me. I recognized one basic idea of the Feldenkrais method.
Movement patterns are developed by trial and errror. Successfull
patterns become "hardwired" in the cerebellum. We dont loger care about
the details of the movement. We decide to walk and then the cerebellum
manages the rest. Meanwhile we concentrate on other things, like looking
around where to go.
Now we try to walk in another way. As long we concentrate on the new
pattern, we overwrite the "hardwired" pattern of the cerebellum, and the
muscles perform the new movement. But the new pattern is not yet very
stable. If something else distracts our attention, like somebody talking
to us, or navigation problems to be solved, the cerebellum takes over
again and allows the frontal part of the brain to concentrate on the new
challenge. The "old" pattern is back in gallop.
>
> Also with respect to the unconscious as a source of error and the use of the
> extremes of movement to then find the right middle.
We cannot erase the movement patterns we once learned. There is no
floppy with a new firmware "Tango" wich replaces the old one. We have to
learn (by repetition) the difference between the new way and the old
one. Once both extremes of the movement are equally easy to perform, we
have the freedom to choose which one is more appropriate. If one
variation between the extremes has any advantage (the one with the less
energy to be consumed) it becomes the preferred pattern of the
cerebellum, we "learned". But for adults, this may take years.
Andy
Disclaimer: I am an engineer, not a neurologist!
Date: Thu, 13 Nov 2003 14:23:23 -0800
From: Trini or Sean - PATangoS <patangos@YAHOO.COM>
Subject: Re: Translation answer / Alexander Tango
--- Sergio <cachafaz@ADELPHIA.NET> wrote:
> "Chase the natural way and it will return fast". My
> interpretation, I could be wrong, is that after
trying a move, let's say tango walking. We try to do
> it in an artificial way, as we are taught. Toes
> first, external rotation of the foot, touching the
floor, brushing the heels, etc. if we do not obtain a
> good result, we should go back to the natural way of
> walking, which should return fast. Naturally because
it is ingrained in us. I would add, then start all
over again.
Since tango seemed to develop naturally (mothers
teaching sons, cousins teaching cousins), I found it
unfortunate that people try to force their bodies to
move in a certain way instead of exploring the most
"natural way" first.
My theory is that few of us know how to use our bodies
in the way it was designed (hence, our aches & pains
in common tasks). So when someone says to walk a
certain way, we don't have any basis for understanding
whether doing so makes sense anatomically. So we make
things, such as learning tango, more difficult than
necessary.
Many also have little understanding of body mechanics.
We don't realize if we're trying to move from a joint
or from the middle of a bone. Our (mis)conceptions
about our body affects our use which eventually feeds
back to our (mis)conceptions.
knowledge --> use --> function --> knowledge
Last Sunday, we had a workshop exploring Alexander
Technique in Argentine tango (Alexander Tango). The
Alexander part explored how one can move in a more
relaxed and natural way. The Tango part explored what
the implications were in tango. The results really
were an eye-opener for everyone.
For those interested, there is the ALEXANDER ALLIANCE
TANGO INTENSIVE next week (Nov. 17-22) in Philadelphia
with workshops in both Alexander and Tango. Various
options (full week, weekend, nights) are available.
https://www.alexanderalliance.com/tango/tango1.html
The host, Bruce Fertman who teaches Alexander but
studies tango, will also talk to anyone interested in
just the Saturday classes. 215-844-0670
Due to visa problems, the couple originally scheduled
can't make it. However, an excellent teacher from
Germany who is experienced in both disciplines is
coming instead.
Robin Thomas is dj'ing the Saturday Milonga ($10 if
you are not taking a package).
I'm sure there are other disciplines in body mechanics
will help anyone interested in moving better.
Trini de Pittsburgh
=====
PATangoS - Pittsburgh Argentine Tango Society
Our Mission: To make Argentine Tango Pittsburgh's most popular social dance.
https://www.pitt.edu/~mcph/PATangoWeb.htm
