Re: [TANGO-L] Tango Topics Online

[Richard deSousa <Mallpasso @AOL.COM>]

I started tango learning the 8 count basic with the dreaded backstep.  It didn't take me long to realize the backstep was invented by an idiot so I no longer use it on the dance floor but instead I would shift my weight and step to the left or simply walk forward.  If I ever get around to teaching Argentine tango some day I certainly will NOT include the backstep in my class.

El Bandito de Tango





In a message dated 1/7/2005 12:42:28 PM Eastern Standard Time, Stephen Brown <Stephen.P.Brown   @DAL.FRB.ORG> writes:

>As Tom, Oleh, I and others have pointed out on several occasions, teaching
>beginning leaders step patterns (such as the 8-count basic)  runs the risk
>of producing numerous problems with musicality and navigation that render
>the beginning leader less capable of dancing than when they first walked
>in the door.  Teaching beginning leaderrs to combine small elements of
>movement to dance preserves navigational skills and enables the
>development of musicality skills.  It also provides the tools for future
>improvisation and gives beginners an opportunity to taste improvisation
>from the beginning.
>
>Susana Domingues argues that:
>>Scientists such as Gregory Bateson who study human learning
>>processes indicated only through moving to higher level patterns
>>will students understand the logic of the previous level of information.
>http://www.tangovancouver.com/tango/symposium/symposium.htm#Abandon8Count
>
>Doesn't that mean that If instruction starts with 8-count basic, the
>teaching of even more complex patterns that incorporate the 8-count basic
>will help students better understand the 8-count basic?  But will they
>understand and learn Argentine tango?  The controversy over the 8-count
>basic is actually two-fold.  The first is whether the 8-count basic
>developed by Antonio Todaro ought to be considered the standard basic of
>Argentine tango.  Many do not think so even if it proves useful in
>teaching.  The second is whether the 8-count basic is actually a useful
>pedagogic device.  Critics of the 8-count basic are concerned that its
>overuse tends to lock leaders into patterns.  Susana suggests that as
>dancers advance they will deconstruct the patterns they have been taught.
>If the 8-count basic is a higher level pattern that will help students
>understand the logic of the previous information, shouldn't the instructor
>be teaching the component parts of the 8-count basic before teaching the
>whole pattern?  If they do not, where is the previous information?
>
>With best wishes for the New Year!
>Steve (de Tejas)
>
>Stephen Brown
>
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