Re: [TANGO-L] Community Development- "contra the wet noodle syndrome"

[Roger <rde @qdos.net.au>]

astrid wrote:
..
> Sound familiar ? Martial arts people have a definite edge over other
> beginners in tango. Skiers do too, I assume. The rest need to be made aware

I was still an active (male) ballet student when I took up jiu-jitsu
many years ago. I think that background had some practical advantages
(aside from entertaining my colleagues who were reduced to sniggering,
guffawing wrecks as they admired the delicately arched feet, in
mid-flight, any time I was thrown. :)

On first contact with tango, I was struck by a sense of deja vu at some
of the moves, positions and points of balance - so similar to those
involved in jiu-jitsu (although the aim was to take your 'partner' Off
balance) - which seemed to differ only in degree. So - I'd agree that a
background in martial arts should be a real plus. Tango should be
familiar turf.

Skiing though - I can't feel a connection - and I've never felt a
similarity. (Now that you've raised the notion, I'll look for it
though.)

cheers
rde