4287  using the word energy

Date: Mon, 15 May 2006 14:51:03 -0400 (EDT)
From: "joaquin" <joaquinenrobeas@excite.com>
Subject: [Tango-L] using the word energy
To: tango-l@mit.edu





Michael Figart wrote:


"Evan Wallace writes <<<<<Terms like energy already have EXACT
meanings.>>>>> So, Evan, what is the "exact" meaning when an artist
describes the "energy" of a painting or a sculpture?

And he also writes <<<<<Teachers should take the time to learn them, and
learn them correctly>>>>>>> Are we going to create an accepted syllabus,
and standardize all terminology? Tell the teachers they can no longer
use the term "energy" unless they are referring to the amount of work
performed by a group of muscles? Shall we order them not to use terms
that may be slightly ambiguous? Make them abandon their attempts to
teach the artistic and creative aspects?

And again <<<<<<<If experienced dancers can't get within 180 degrees of
the same answer, what is a beginner to do?>>>>>> The beginners are going
to hear all kinds of things from all kinds of teachers, and/or
experienced dancers. Sorting it all out and making personal sense of it
is part of the learning process. They will listen, ask questions, read
this list....and they will end up adopting what they like, and what
works for them, and rejecting the rest."


I am a student of tango, not an instructor.

I think Evan Wallace has a valid point. Why make it more difficult for a student than you have to? Of course not everyone's going to agree to a standardized syllabus of definitions. But why not say "Flex you knees slightly, be ready to move your legs" or "Don't stand straight-legged" rather than the more ambiguous "Feel the energy in your legs"? You don't have to be a poet to teach.

If your teaching is creative, maybe you can think of a way to convey what you want in simpler, more direct language.

PS: It's reassuring to know that Michael Ditkoff is a dance instructor and not an engineer.