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Re: [TANGO-L] deepening tango



I think followers who do this are the most interesting and fufilling
partners. The dance becomes a conversation instead of a monologue.

So how do we teach this to followers? Is this something that they have
to pick up by osmosis, or are there exercises to help the followers
develop the ability? How do we teach them to, as Hyla says, "riff" off
the the rhythms and make kinesthetic suggestions without disrupting the
flow?

Michael
Tango Bellingham
www.tangobellingham.com

H Dickinson wrote:
Notice that I am NOT saying that I just do what I want, or I
ignore his lead, or backlead, or overpower him.  No, no--these
are subtle little things and when done right, are at most hints
or suggestions.  Sometimes it is just as little as giving a
touch of resistance so that you both feel as if you are moving
through honey, which can, if the lead is listening to you,
really deepen the connection.  Play with the density of your
connection, how light or heavy you are, whether you are being
staccato or legato, whether your line is long and flowing or
curlique and baroque, or sharp, rectilinear.  Pick up his strong
points and enhance them, or play against them.  It all has to be
within the bounds of your own limitations as a follower, and the
physical limits of the embrace, so you don't upset your balance
or his, you keep track of which foot you are supposed to have
you weight on, you respond to his lead, etc.   And you have to
listen back, so that you can tell if he is not picking this up,
or doesn't choose to respond to it at this time.


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