Re: [TANGO-L] The Shape of the Molinete/Giro.

[Bruno Romero <romerob@TELUSPLANET.NET>]

My 2 cents:

What I have not heard or confirmed yet is the number of steps in the
molinete required to complete the circumference within the timing of the
tango music. If the molinete represents a circumference then the question is
how many steps are required to complete the circumference within the timing
of the music. The oldest record I am aware of about tango salon methodology
proposes that the molinete ought to be completed in 8 steps or in 4 musical
measures of the tango music. This probably makes a lot sense in traditional
tango music with a marching or accentuated quality, but less for more modern
tango music, where the melodies overpower the natural rhythm of the
traditional tango music. The four musical measures are quoted in some tango
lyrics, and appeared at one time to be a standard in tango music and dance.
If the woman performs identical steps as in the chair exercise she runs the
risk of completing the circumference out of the musical timing in
traditional tango music. This may be another reason why the woman's steps
ought not to be of the same length. The woman's resolution of the back step
allows the woman use a variation of the timing (syncopation) to get back on
track within the flow and the timing of the music.

Regards,

Bruno