The Tango-L mailing list archive
Digest from 16 Jul 1999
to 17 Jul 1999
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Subject: TANGO-L Digest - 16 Jul 1999 to 17 Jul 1999
There are 32 messages totalling 1436 lines in this issue.
Topics of the day:
1. How do you answer people . . . (2)
2. Compete or select? Man or leader? Woman or follower?
3. Moi je suis tango, tango, je n'connais qu'des rimes en "o".
4. Tango addiction
5. DO YOU COMPETE?
6. Santa Fe Tango Retreat
7. books about tango steps
8. TANGO IN SPOKANE, WASH.
9. News from Buenos Aires
10. de-programming partner
11. Intimacy and Addiction (long)[was Re: Tango addiction]
12. Why people give up on Tango
13. Tango Intimacy/Addiction
14. Stats
15. tango fans in munich ?
16. Re. Tango Connection - Auckland NZ.
17. De-Programming
18. why I may stop (2)
19. Chicho & Cecilia
20. Tango books (2)
21. about culturale diatribes and jelly
22. How do you answer people......
23. How do you answer people
24. FW: why I may stop-ANSWER TO RUTH
25. AN APOLOGY TO THE TANGO INSTRUCTORS
26. because it feel good
27. The Lord's prayer
28. a minor clarification
29. Home away from home in BA - Update
Date: Fri, 16 Jul 1999 00:41:51 -0700
From: JC Dill <tango @VO.CNCHOST.COM>
Subject: Re: How do you answer people . . .
On 10:40 AM 7/15/99 -0500, Stephen P Brown wrote:
>I occasionally have the experience Helaine describes, and strangely enough
>some people--known to me as stupid idiots--seem to ask the same question
>over and over. Maybe they once saw a dance competition on television, but
>have no other exposure to dance.
>
>I usually just tell them that Argentine tango is a social dance and does
>not have competitions. I also add that the tango danced in ballroom
>competitions bears no resemblance to authentic Argentine tango.
I have a similar problem when I try to explain West Coast Swing. They hear
"swing" and they remember seeing the Gap commercial, or seeing the Swing
Kids movie. They often ask if I do all those aerials.
>The typical response is a dull, "Oh!" "Ugh!" or "Moo!" ;-)
That's what we get for socializing (or working with) induhvidials. I feel
your pain, orking bovines can be especially hard to educate at times.
>Unfortunately, I have found that expressing my annoyance, frustration, or
>impatience does not usually help raise the consciousness of these
>ignoramuses.
You might try asking them if they ask the same question of their
acquaintances who dance ballet, or jazz, or tap. This will help them
recognize that they *do* know of dance forms where competition is not the
norm nor the goal.
jc
Date: Fri, 16 Jul 1999 12:32:32 +0200
From: Peter Niebert <Peter.Niebert @IMAG.FR>
Subject: Re: Compete or select? Man or leader? Woman or follower?
JC Dill writes:
> [...] women are not as likely to be "competing" when dancing.
... and earth is flat, bigs fly etc ... :-)
JC, if a man had written that I would consider him naive. But YOU must
notice how women compete with one another, and - sorry to tell you that
- they compete not for arbitrary leaders, they compete for MEN.
Peter
(Wo)man decended from the ape, and the ape decended from the tree.
Date: Sun, 11 Jul 1999 22:49:02 +0200
From: Jean-Pierre Jacquet <jpjfilms @CYBERCABLE.FR>
Subject: Moi je suis tango, tango, je n'connais qu'des rimes en "o".
My earlier angry post re Tango/dineiro connexions may have been written
in the heat of the moment, yet I do stand by it. However, having just
returned from the wonderful 1st Tango Festival in Valencia (Spain),
allow me to pour a little water in my wine. The guest instructors were 5
of the most gifted tango performers around (Osvaldo Zotto/Lorena
Ermocida, Armando Orzuza/Daniela Arcuri, Pablo Ojeda/Beatriz Romero,
Domingpo Rey/Tamar Parada, Alejandro Sanguinetti/Karin Solana) and they
turned out to be the warmest, most sympathetic instructors one could
wish for: humble, witty, laid back, totally unpretentious. A totally
"feel good" experience, where the essence of the tango -the sharing of
intimacy with all the toying that goes with it- was ever so present in
the workshops early in the morning, the milongas late in the evenings,
or the showcase events. And those guys weren't dupes in their own game,
marking a clear delineation between their public performers' persona and
the simple close embrace tango that they teach and promote for the rest
of us lay would-be tangueros.
Jean-Pierre
Date: Wed, 14 Jul 1999 05:58:35 PDT
From: Pepito La Chofa <badchioce @HOTMAIL.COM>
Subject: Re: Tango addiction
Hi List,
Personally, I would also like to see comments and remarks on cultural,
social, economic or other issues justified in their relation to tango
(within the single posting!).
I apologize for unwillingly having triggered that food discussion. The
subject of my posting was integration or tolerance of innovative styles, but
I guess my introduction before getting to the point was too long for the
average concentration span ;-). (Or maybe it just wasn't interesting, but
this is harder for me to admit!)
On the other hand, Virginia here has posed a very nice question about dance.
I know for a fact that other social dances can be just as addictive as
tango, you can read all about it in their web sites. Here some examples:
http://www.homeusers.prestel.co.uk/okco/salsa/disciples.html
http://www.406hepcats.bukowski.com/Hi-Fi.htm
Why? I think the experience of dancing is a very complete and fulfilling
one, psychologically speaking.
It gives us a sense of self-chosen identity -we redefine ourselves as
tangueros (or milongueros). We fulfill our need of belonging.
Also, some studies show that we are always imperceptibly dancing with each
other as we communicate; it appears that in conversation people move
rhythmically together mirroring each other's movements (even if it is with
different parts of the body). In this sense, dancing is a kind of ritualized
dynamic amplification of actual communication, which can have a soothing
effect of our existential loneliness :-)
Tango, specifically, has the added value of the embrace with upper-body
contact, which refers to the safety and protection of the mother's arms,
where we spend the first years of our lives.
A lot has been said as well about the connection between the heartbeat and
the 2x4 or 4x4 musical rhythms. The fetus' heart, for instance, beats to a
pretty exact double tempo in relation to the pregnant woman's heart, and
keeps the pace with its fluctuations!.
There is plenty of literature and popular knowledge about the sexual
connotations of partner dancing, and the (sublimated) arousal it brings
about.
I have a problem with the term "addiction" however. An addiction, as I
understand it, is a habit that becomes destructive or unhealthy. I believe
this perception of dance has to do with the isolated nature of modern
Western lifestyles. In a world where individualism is hailed as the best way
to find happiness in life, we seem to have "forgotten" that social dancing
(with its characteristic "merging in the crowd") has always been a part of
humankind. This can make us feel that when we "reclaim" dancing as an
integral part of our every day lives, it comes to disrupt the modern
priorities of individual "efficient productivity" and the like.
Not to mention the fact that it can confront us with our lost ability to
manage ourselves in a context where the values of (post)modernity are not
the basic motivation (efficiency, advancement, progress, commerce,
productivity, professionalism, etc.). If we can't find motivation for our
actions outside this dominant context, if it is difficult to come to terms
with dancing and find *meaning* in it -without having to become
"professionals", this difficulty may give way to a subdued inner conflict
that causes us to perceive it as an addiction. Yes, I am aware that there is
something as a sense of humor, I often call myself an "addict" as well, but
it is nice to think about what underlies our language and ideas, once every
so often.
It can be difficult to find a place for dance in our lives. We have to work,
we have to have "real" intimate relationships, we have to be with our
families. Perhaps we should look at traditional societies to learn how it is
possible to actually *integrate* dance with the other important things in
life, and we will have to be prepared to change these things so that dance
can fit in as well. A challenge?
Pepito La Chofa
La vida es una milonga
>From: Virginia Gift <vgift @IBM.NET>
>Reply-To: Virginia Gift <vgift @ibm.net>
>To: TANGO-L @MITVMA.MIT.EDU
>Subject: Tango addiction
>Date: Wed, 14 Jul 1999 09:53:41 +0200
>
>Dear Listees,
> Frank Sasson's message of 14 July referred to "this terrific
>addiction."
> It seems to be pretty well acknowledged that tango has large numbers
>of
>people who are obsessive about the dance--and I happily admit to being one
>of them. However, when friends ask me about this addiction, I find it
>impossible come up with a satisfactory, reasonable, answer.
> I am curious as to why tango is so addictive. Why do people not
>become
>addicted to other social dances? What is it that sets tango apart? Or is
>there, indeed, a large community I've never heard of who are just as
>addicted to other dances, such as the waltz, country dancing, the cha cha,
>mambo, etc.?
> Is it possible that tango attracts people with obsessive/addictive
>personalities? Or do they become obsessive/addictive once they have begun
>dancing tango? (The chicken or egg syndrome.) In either case, why?
> It seems a fascinating mystery. I'd appreciate any insights List
>members may have about it, and would also like to hear of any unusual
>addictive behavior members have heard of--or experienced?
> Best regards,
>Virginia
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Date: Fri, 16 Jul 1999 00:36:52 EDT
From: Randy Pittman <MailAlive @AOL.COM>
Subject: Re: DO YOU COMPETE?
Dear Matt:
I agree with your answer that we should be honest and tell the truth to
people and don't try to make them feel "stupid" . Yes, all of us at one
time were non-dancers. Also many of us once were Ballroom dancers converted
now to Tango dancers. Many of us are still both.
Thanks, well done.
Lydia Henson
USTC
Date: Sun, 11 Jul 1999 15:06:35 EDT
From: Joan Moran <Joan4ever @AOL.COM>
Subject: Santa Fe Tango Retreat
June 6th, 1999, began one of the most incredible tango weeks every
produced in the United States. Luren Bellucci and Michael Walker staged
their profound tango odyssey in Santa Fe, New Mexico, where they are the
principle maestros in residence of this unique artist community.
Santa Fe Tango Retreat was held at The Loretto Hotel, located in the
center of a rarefied and exquisite New Mexican pueblo. Known for the
inspirational effect it has on its visitors, Santa Fe is the perfect location
for a tango journey. The Lorette Hotel is charming and cozy with ballrooms
accommodating over 200 tango dancers. Its rooms are a treat to inhabit, with
charming decors and still life vistas stretching over Santa Fe's church
steeples and creamy high desert landscapes.
Luren and Michael knew the healthy effects of providing delicious Santa
Fe cuisine to their guests. Every moning dancers were treated to a hearty
bufrfet of fruits and goodies; at night every milonga began with a fabulous
array of gourmet cuisine.
Santa Fe Trango Retreat was organized with precise and varied
imagination. Luren and Michael presented the dancers with a unique teaching
rfaculty: the premiere female tango dancer of this century, Milena Plebs,
coupled with the newest tango star on the horizon, Gabriet Mise; Gabriel's
sister, and the newest female star in today's tango scene, the sensational
Andrea and her equally charismatic partner, Leandro Palu; the Godfather and
Godmother of American tango, Danel and Maria from new York; and the intensely
exciting and cinematic, Pablo Veron, with his partner, Victoria Vieyra. To
round out this diverse and unique staff, Michael and Luren added their
inspiration teaching skills to the faculty, with beginning classes taught by
another Santa Fe teacher, Andre Moe. All classes were one and a half hours
of in depth teaching, musicality, technique and great excitement and fun.
The evening milongas were festive occasions. Before and after diner,
music permeated the ballrooms with infectious tangos and milongas as guests
gathered on the floor to interpret their favorite pieces. One of the unique
features of the evening entertainment was a sensational fashion show put on
my Anne Leva, a clothes designer residing in Santa Fe who is also an elegant
tango dancer. Her elegant designs for women tango dancers were cheered by
the audience as they tangoed down a runway with their partners. Ladies
flocked all week to Anne's clothing store set up in the hotel. On Thursday
evening, Pablo and Victoria performed two virtuoso tangos to cheering crowds
and shouting "bravos."
The La Fonda Hotel Grand Ballroom vibrated with excitement on the finale
on Friday of the Santa Fe Tango Retreat. The teaching faculty performed two
tangos each before a breathless audience. The sharing and giving by everyone
involved with this superb event was celebrated by all in a magical moment on
this last and unforgettable evening.
All who participated in this first Santa Fe Tango Retreat will long
remember the generosity of spirit and giving by Luren and Michael and their
professional teaching faculty. As the millennium approaches, tango dancers
in the United States will have another tango retreat in Santa Fe to look
forward to as they carry more memories with them into the 21st Century.
Bravo to Luren and Michael as they prepare for their next creation in the
year 2000.
Date: Tue, 13 Jul 1999 16:59:41 -0400
From: Studio Tango Montreal <stutango @TOTAL.NET>
Subject: books about tango steps
A student participating in this week's Montreal Tango Locura Festival, is
trying to find books pertaining to argentine tango steps, styles,
techniques, etc.
If anyone is familiar with any titles, either in English or in French.,
please email us directly here.
Sincerely, studio TANGO montreal
Date: Wed, 14 Jul 1999 21:50:05 EDT
From: Jeanne Worley Hill <GeneJeanne @AOL.COM>
Subject: TANGO IN SPOKANE, WASH.
Dear List -
I have a friend who is visiting Spokane, Wash. the week of July 19. She
would like to know if there is any Tango going on in Spokane at that time.
Please email her at SallyMoon @aol.com and YAnkner @aol.com.
Thank you, Jeanne Hill
Date: Sun, 11 Jul 1999 14:21:59 GMT
From: Lili khayatt <justlili @HOTMAIL.COM>
Subject: News from Buenos Aires
A little update for those wanting to keep up with some new developments in
the Tango scene in Buenos Aires.
Organized by Los Dos Enriques, Italia Unita is now adding a Saturday
afternoon dance 2-9pm. A beautiful salon, with music by Felix Picherna - as
soon as he returns from Spain.
A new milonga, organized by Laura y Vilma of La Tranquera, will open in
Recoleta starting July 18th.
Daughter of Alfredo de Angelis, Gigi, and her orchestra gave a delightful
performance at Maracaibo last Wednesday, allowing dancers the joy of live
music in this historic place. Beba, daughter of Osvaldo Pugliese will do the
same shortly.
Graciella Gonzales now holds the practica at Nino Bien for all of July. What
privilege and inspiration to see her perform!
I have no financial interest in the above nor was I asked to post this. It
serves merely to give news from this beloved city.
For those planning a trip, winter temperatures so far, haven t gone much
below 10 degrees centigrade!
Tango que sos un encanto. Hoy vivo tu encanto en mi corazon ...
Saludo tanguero
http://www.interlog.com/~elshaw/tght.html
Lili Khayatt
TANGO*GUEST HOUSE*TOUR
Email also at: zabalahome @arnet.com.ar
Tel: (54-11)4553-7472
Fax: (54-11)4554-1806
______________________________________________________
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Date: Sat, 10 Jul 1999 23:26:37 -0800
From: "Percell R. St. Thomass" <dancealaska @ALASKA.COM>
Subject: de-programming partner
It sounds to me that your male friend is copping out and that it's you
who might need to reprogram. Tell him to come clean and stop using
Tango as an excuse for obvious other things.
Date: Wed, 14 Jul 1999 18:24:11 -0700
From: Luisa Zini <zini @USC.EDU>
Subject: Re: Intimacy and Addiction (long)[was Re: Tango addiction]
Hi everybody,
This is my first contribution to the list. I have been following it for
maybe a year or so, I do not remember exactly. This subject is really
interesting to me. I have been talking and reasoning about it with all
my friends. On a recent trip to Italy, where I have been tangoing almost
every night for a whole month, chatting about the obsession or the
addiction was a usual talk.
I really never had such a big obsession in my life and now I can
understand better all my italian male friends obsessing on soccer and
talking about it all the time, I used to think they were completely
nuts. The latest two years and a half, which is the time I have been
dancing tango, I could not refrain my self from talking about this
amazing dance and practising it, obviously, it never happened before
with any of my other interests. Whenever I am on the phone with some
tanguero friends we end up talking about it, it is impossible to avoid
the subject.
My personal vision about what is behind this obsession starts from
relationships.
Tango to me is the perfect mean to understand and work safely on the
relation between a man and a woman. It provides a structured game to
play with another human being where the skills to be perfected involve
both body and soul.
When these two aspects are in perfect harmony, then the magic happens.
But as any deep relationship teaches us this perfection cannot be
crystallized and kept the same for ever, it needs a lot of work , from
here the source of the obsession, that can be done at different levels.
A technical level, classes and work outs concerning the physical aspect
of the dance and a deeper level that shows us where we stand as a
person. A lot of times it is very easy to put the blame on our partners
because the dance does not work the way we want it, but in reality if we
look closer and are humbler, we see that we are giving for granted a
lot of stereotypes so that the magic will not happen. Whatever we
discover on the relationship between the two bodies dancing is a
reflection of our attitude in the soul. And vice versa. Owing our own
balance is as important as knowing how to share it with our partner in
the dance without leaning on him/her as owning our life in a
relationship is as important as being able to share it honestly with
others.
Well, it is a long journey, so let's keep on dancing. Luisa
--
Luisa Zini
Department of Chemistry, SSC 726
University of Southern California
Los Angeles CA 90089-0482
Tel. (213) 740-9337
Fax (213) 740-8348
E-Mail: zini @chem1.usc.edu
Date: Tue, 13 Jul 1999 01:36:17 -0800
From: "Percell R. St. Thomass" <dancealaska @ALASKA.COM>
Subject: Why people give up on Tango
I don't usually say much but this one pushed me a bit passed the edge.
Forgive me if it's a bit lengthy. In response to entry, he wrote,
"...I thought tango would be easy to learn because I had danced ballroom
for a year before attempting tango. I was WRONG!!" Sorry Michael, but you
are wrong again. You have not danced ballroom for a year; you have "done"
ballroom for a year. Bad ballroom teachers teach that, as you wrote,
"...there are prescribed steps to figures which both partners have to know."
A good teacher and student (no personal reference or belittling intended),
knows that dance is not steps...it's what happens in between the steps...how
one gets from one step to the next. A good example is to start with your
left foot and hop forward from one foot to the other 3 times; then, start
with your left foot and slide forward 3 times; start with your left foot
and just walk forward 3 times. In each case, you took 3 steps but how you
got from one to the other was different. Dance is not the steps...it's the
movement in between.
It is not a prescribed step, pattern or figure, but an amalgamation of
elements of movements that can be designed to compose a pattern or figure.
One can then use the same elements to compose another "movement" which could
be called a figure, but is certainly not prescribed and certainly not always
fore known by the partner. A six year old student of mine put it
wonderfully. She said, "Dancing is like playing with my Lego blocks. I
build something; take it apart; then use the same pieces to build
something else." I was blown away. You wrote, "Tango is a dance of
improvisation. But in ballroom, once you begin a figure, you have to finish
the figure, because it's memorized." I hope you realize now that this is
often taught, but is very, very incorrect.
You also wrote, "You can learn basic fox-trot after one lesson. It takes
many months and lessons to dance argentine tango POORLY!" To learn to dance
a Foxtrot well (with proper foot control, balance between partners,
lead/follow, float, and with feeling [NOT a set cadence]), takes as log as
it takes to dance Tango well.
I'm a ballroom coach and adjudicator who absolutely LOVES the Argentine
Tango and strongly believe that it is one of the best dances for learning to
dance, and, if one learns it well, it will make one a real dancer. However,
real ballroom is no slow-slow-quick-quick shuffle through the park, either.
I hope you're not offended...I didn't mean this in that way at all.
Percell R. St. Thomass
Date: Thu, 15 Jul 1999 09:34:11 EDT
From: Debra Monroe Mugnani <Monroe333 @AOL.COM>
Subject: Tango Intimacy/Addiction
Hi everyone,
This is my first time actually posting to this list. I've been "lurking" for
a few months enjoying the great conversation that happens here. Someone's
comments about intimacy yesterday reminded me of one of the most special
dances I've experienced to date at a milonga. I had recently experienced
several losses in my personal life, my maternal grandmother and my pet of 12
years passed on during the same month. After sharing my grief with one of
the dancers I frequently dance with, we danced the sweetest set of tango's I
think I've ever experienced. He had spent the day at a hot spring resort
that day learning how to give Watsu, water massage and his approach to the
tango that evening was very, very gentle. While we danced I felt so
comforted and had the sensation that we were the dancers on the top of a
music box. I wish I knew the name of the music we danced to because often
when I hear it, I think of a music box. For me what was intimate about that
experience was that because I had indeed shared vulnerably with my dance
partner there was a sort of heart connection and that I believe is what
really made the difference.
Debra Mugnani -San Francisco
Monroe333 @aol.com
Date: Thu, 15 Jul 1999 11:09:55 +0200
From: Charlotta Rexmark <charlotta.rexmark @BERGA.NU>
Subject: Re: Stats
When I first read this it did seam a bit strange that i.e
Sweden would have more tango dancers per capita than
Argentina, but there are some facts here that might make the
equation possible to understand. I'll admit right away that
I'm not in possesion of any absolute figures, this is just a
VERY rough estimate on my part! Determining how many tango
dancers per capita there are in a certain country is
directly depending on how big a population that country has.
Sweden has a total of less than 9 million people while
Argentina has nearly 35 millions... This means that there
can be almost four times as many tango dancers in Argentina
as there is in Sweden before the "per capita-count" is
higher in Argentina. Now, I have NO IDEA how many
Argentinians dance tango and actually I don't even know how
many Swedes dance tango (a couple of thousands maybe?), but
perhaps this can explain the statement heard on the radio?
Charli
Lund, Sweden
Hola Everyone,
A friend of mine (non-tanguero) heard on a radio program
that the highest
percentage of tango dancers per capita in any area of the
world is in
Scandinavian countries. I told him this couldn't be true;
that it would
have to be in Argentina. Does anyone know a source for such
statistics?
Thanks,
Kay
Date: Tue, 13 Jul 1999 11:23:42 +1200
From: Birgit Zoettl <BZOETTL @NZ.ORACLE.COM>
Subject: tango fans in munich ?
Hello Tango Dancers in Munich and area,
I'll be on a visit to Munich in August and wondered where to go for a good
evening
of tango dancing, listening to the music or maybe there are even some specia=
l
events to top it off?
Please let me know if you know any nice place, I'm curious whether dancing
'updside down' is any different ;-)))
See ya soon,
Birgit
-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_
Birgit Zoettl bzoettl @nz.oracle.com
Senior Technical Analyst Ph. ++ 64 9 356 3438
Oracle Support Services Fax ++ 64 9 358 1798
-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_
... don't worry, be happy ...
Date: Tue, 13 Jul 1999 11:26:38 +1200
From: Melroy Roddie <MelroyR @AHSL.CO.NZ>
Subject: Re. Tango Connection - Auckland NZ.
Hi...
Excellent Idea Dan.
For a start we could inform on any Tango get - togethers.
Send a note around " Party at Dan's Monday nite ."
The El Nino in Newmarket on Sunday eve. seems to be ongoing ,need to
make sure it's
regularly patronised.Monthly evening at the restaurant in Belmont
has been packed ( what's the place called ??).I'm not sure of the
technical aspect of setting up a mini -list, but it could be kept
simple from an organisational point of view ? maybe .
As for the DEBATE and INTRIGUE ......well that's another matter.
After a few drinks we could have the streets of Newmarket abrawl
with the OLD versus the NEW . Can we call ourselves Portenos ?? (Auckland
is a Port !!)
Are you listening John and Anne.
Are you there John Flower,
Graciela ( hope I spelled that right !!),
will Miriam want her own List ??
Is there anyone else here in Auckland anyway ? !
I want to dance to a slow tune with no beat at all !!
I think you may have started something Danny Boy.
Tango Mel.
Date: Tue, 13 Jul 1999 10:08:07 +0200
From: Charlotta Rexmark <charlotta.rexmark @BERGA.NU>
Subject: Re: De-Programming
Hello Virginia & List,
I haven't heard of anyone else giving up dancing to make
more room for romance but I admit that when I from time to
time dance 5-6 days a week the thought sometimes has crossed
my mind. ;-) So I can somewhat understand how your friend
thinks, giving tango all that attention and pouring his
emotions into the dance, there might not be room for the
relationship he's looking for, and maybe the biggest
problem, not the time left to even find someone to have a
relationship with. But I still think he's about to trade in
more than he's aware of. If he puts so much time and emotion
into tango now he will probably be miserable without it and
in a short time turn into a sad and frustrated man. (And
that is not the way to find the woman of his dreams!)
So, unless it's become such a big problem that he actually
doesn't enjoy tango anymore, why give up something that
brings him so much joy and satisfaction for something else
that he doesn't even know when will happen, if ever? Of
course I don't mean he should totally shut out the rest of
the world since fact is, however strange ;-), that most
women do not tango and so the odds of meeting someone is
definately better including the ones who don't. But I'm a
firm believer in doing things that make you happy, even if
it's just for the day or even for the moment, if it brings
you joy (and, to be on the safe side so I don't encourage
anything foolish, doesn't hurt anyone), you should keep
doing it. A simple rule for a sometimes difficult life...
:-/
Best regards
Charli
Lund, Sweden
Date: Mon, 12 Jul 1999 17:58:32 EDT
From: Ruth Boysworth <Ruth51 @AOL.COM>
Subject: Re: why I may stop
In a message dated 99-07-10 15:37:10 EDT, white95r @HOTMAIL.COM writes:
<< Why people start and stop dancing tango is a good question. I would
like to know the answer, but I'm afraid the people to ask are not in this
list ;-) >>
My husband and I started Tango lessons at the community center in our
neighborhood. We are total clunks. No sense of rhythm, no balance and
we are not slim and tall. We want to dance, but, oh the pain of feeling so
clumsy and inept.
I went to the library to try to find information about the dance, its history
and
so forth, and could not find any good books- can anyone suggest one or two?
Also, we do not even know the basics- our teacher, though, I suspect is
very good- we already know the ochos, she is trying desperately to teach
us how to walk like tigers - we are just so clumsy!! I'd like to have a book
that shows all the steps we might learn in a few months of lessons. I did
get some music from the library.
Ruth
Date: Fri, 16 Jul 1999 14:31:11 +0200
From: Colin Brace <cb @LIM.NL>
Subject: Re: why I may stop
On 07/12/99 at 05:58 PM, Ruth Boysworth <Ruth51 @AOL.COM> wrote:
> I'd like to have a book
> that shows all the steps we might learn in a few months of lessons.
Ruth,
hmmm, how to explain this... tango isn't about steps... we learn a few
figures in the beginning, but they really are only the simple means to a
higher end, and that is a kind of energy which flows between two people
who have learned to attune themselves to each other and move in harmony
to the music. The essence of tango is the chemistry that happens between
two people above the belt (ie, the upper body), not what the feet are
doing; it is, in fact, invisible to the outside world (although the
expression on the woman's face while she's dancing reveals a lot).
In my experience, the best source of inspiration is to watch good salon
dancers. You don't say where you live but I hope you can go to milongas
and watch people, when you are not dancing yourself of course (!).
Listening to lots of tango music is another good source of inspiration.
Hang in there. It takes a couple of years to be able to do it well, but
even in the process of learning, tango is fun.
--
Colin Brace <cb @lim.nl>
Amsterdam
http://www.lim.nl/tango
Date: Fri, 16 Jul 1999 10:15:33 -0400
From: "Walter M. Kane" <oldzeid @FRONTIERNET.NET>
Subject: Re: How do you answer people . . .
From: Helaine Treitman Thursday, July 15, 1999 9:25 AM
> ... people I meet who ask me if the reason I'm going to a tango
> workshop, or a milonga... is TO COMPETE. ... Any
> suggestions about how to gently and briefly respond (and maybe even raise
> their consciousness a little)?
Whenever it's possible, I use the opportunity to show them what tango is.
You never know when a quick demo in a supermarket parking lot (or wherever
we happen to be when the question is asked) might raise someone's
conciousness and interest in learning to dance tango.
Tangringo
____________________
Walter M. (Tangringo) Kane
Harriman, NY
oldzeid @frontiernet.net
Visit us at Hudson Valley Tango
http://nycdc.com/hvtango
===================
Tango Lyrics in Spanish and English at
http://www.hooked.net/~tangoman/letras.htm
Por el fomento y progreso del Tango
===================
Date: Fri, 16 Jul 1999 15:58:11 GMT
From: Alexis White <alexisltc @HOTMAIL.COM>
Subject: Chicho & Cecilia
Following is an update to information regarding,
A weekend of tango with CHICHO & CECILIA in Los Angeles. In their only
appearance on the West Coast. 4-day Intensive Tango Workshop, July 30
August 2, 1999
The workshop is structured in a progressive way that will take uninitiated
and experienced alike, from the structure and fundamentals of the dance,
through the more advanced and intricate movements, rhythms, and techniques.
These classes are designed to build on the previous class. For the more
experienced, there are a number of advanced/special classes designed with
them in mind.
And in L.A., you will also enjoy four great milongas that weekend, including
a live band and a reception on Saturday night, as well as dancing with some
of the best tangueros on the West Coast, gathered here for this very special
event.
SCHEDULE
Friday July 30th 7:00 8:30pm Special Class Iw, Women s Technique, S1
Special Class Im, Men s Technique, S2
8:30 10:00pm Special Class II, Rhythm, S3
Above Classes to be held at Screenland Studios, Burbank, CA
Saturday July 31st 10:00 12:00pm Fundamentals I Class, F1
12:30 2:30pm Advanced I Class, A1
3:00 5:00pm Advance II Class, A2
Sunday August 1st 10:00 12:00pm Fundamentals II Class, F2
12:30 2:30pm Advanced III Class, A3
3:00 5:00pm Advance IV Class, A4
Monday August 2nd 7:00 8:30pm Special Class III, Boleos, S4
8:30 10:00pm Special Class IV, Sacadas & Ganchos, S5
Above Classes to be held at the Argentine Association of L.A., Burbank, CA
Classes F1, F2 lay the foundation and basic elements essential to
mastering later, more intricate movements and concepts in this system.
Although this class is for those new to tango and intermediate dancers, it
is also highly recommended for those experienced in tango but new to this
system, and those that want a review/brush up on the fundamentals. F2 is a
continuation of F1. If you are new to tango just take F1 & F2 only.
Classes A1 through A4 are a progression and designed to build on
the previous class, i.e. you cannot take A2 without having taken A1, and you
cannot take A4 without taking A3. These classes are designed for the
experienced dancers, although intermediates are encouraged to try. These
classes will be restricted to a maximum number of participants. Signing up
as a couple is not necessary but it is recommended.
Classes S1 through S5 are special master classes on specific
subjects of tango technique. Highly recommended if you have taken A1
through A4, or are an otherwise experienced dancer. If you are an
intermediate looking to push the envelope and begin to master particular
areas of your dancing, and feel ready to tackle more complex dance skills,
we encourage you to take these classes.
There will be = hour breaks between classes for refreshments, rest,
practice or video taping
Every attempt will be made to ensure gender balance, as well as the
evenness of skill level in all the classes. Please contact us if you have
questions as to what classes you should be taking.
PRICES:
Fundamentals I F1 $25 Novice/ Intermediate/ Experienced.
Fundamentals II F2 $25 Novice/ Intermediate/ Experienced. Continuation of
F1
Advanced I A1 $30 Intermediate
Advanced II A2 $35 Experienced. Continuation of A1
Advanced III A3 $30 Intermediate
Advanced IV A4 $35 Experienced. Continuation of A3
Special IW, IM S1, S2 $25 Intermediate/ Experienced.
Special II S3 $25 Intermediate/ Experienced.
Special III S4 $25 Intermediate/ Experienced.
Special IV S5 $25 Intermediate/ Experienced.
There are discounts for taking a series or groups of classes, as
follows:
- A1 / A2, $55
- A3 / A4, $55
- F1 / A1 / A2 (all classes Saturday), $80
- F2 /A3 / A4 (all classes Sunday), $80
- One series of all day classes either Saturday or Sunday (F&A) plus two
special classes (S), $120
- All classes both Saturday & Sunday, $160
- S1/ S2/ S3/ S4/ S5, (all classes Fri. & Mon.), $80
- Advanced pass (all above classes, includes 18 hours of instruction over
four days), $220
To take advantage of the discounts you must pre-register by the scheduled
deadline of July 23rd 1999, after which you will be able to register for the
individual classes at the regular price.
The advanced pass also includes discounts to the four milongas
going on that weekend including the gala and reception for Chicho & Cecilia
and other special guests & the milonga with a live band on Saturday night
July 31st at the El Encuentro milonga in Sherman Oaks (4633 Van Nuys
Blvd.).
There will be no refunds after July 27th 1999.
FOR THOSE TRAVELING FROM OUT OF TOWN, MAKE IT A SPECIAL WEEKEND IN
L.A. SPECIAL DISCOUNT PACKAGES CAN BE ARRANGED FOR HOTEL AND CAR RENTAL FOR
FOUR OR FIVE DAYS. Please contact us if you need further assistance with
your travel plans.
For further information, registration or any other question regarding the
workshop, please contact us at the number below or see the website.
Cecilia & Chicho, Tango Master Workshop
Los Angeles July 30 August 2, 1999
(818) 252-3320, e-mail: LATango @hotmail.com,
visit our website at
http://frontpage.lightspeed.net/ozark/tango/encuentro.htm
_______________________________________________________________
Get Free Email and Do More On The Web. Visit http://www.msn.com
Date: Fri, 16 Jul 1999 12:01:00 -0400
From: Michael Ditkoff <Michael.B.Ditkoff @USDOJ.GOV>
Subject: Tango books
Hello Montreal:
FYI: Two tango books
Tango Argentino by Paul Bottomer; Annes Publishing, NY, NY
(800) 354-9657
Covers salida, ochos, parada, mordida, gonchos, and I forget
the rest. Has couples dancing tango, one step at a time.
Beneath each picture of the step is a description of what each
partner does, e.g. which foot to step.
Let's Dance, Bottomer; Black Dog & Leventhal; NY, NY
The material in Tango Argentino is included in this book.
However this book also includes about 30 other dances, e.g.
Latin (cha cha, rumba, mambo, salsa, samba, merengue, lambada)
Ballroom (waltz, Viennese waltz, fox-trot, new tango
(international style), Country and Western (don't ask me the
names as I don't dance C&W).
Hope this helps.
Date: Fri, 16 Jul 1999 12:39:08 EDT
From: Claude Dumont <CLDUMONT @AOL.COM>
Subject: about culturale diatribes and jelly
Hi Listers
I m so sory and ashamed.
in my posting in Re to Charles s posting about
culturale diatribes, I wrote:
"Once said Andre Malereau, culture minister by
Charles De Gaule etc.etc..."
In Re to this posting Jean Jacques wrote (private):
>Make that "Malraux" and "de Gaulle": your lack of
>culture shows...
I thank Jean Jacques for the lesson of culture and for
his nice remark.
I hope it s not a beginning of Alzheimer.
(I don t think so, I wrote "Andre" and "Charles" correctly!).
Claude, desde BsAs
Date: Fri, 16 Jul 1999 11:40:53 -0500
From: Stephen P Brown <Stephen.P.Brown @DAL.FRB.ORG>
Subject: Re: Tango books
Michael Ditkoff wrote:
>FYI: Two tango books
>Tango Argentino by Paul Bottomer; Annes Publishing, NY, NY
>(800) 354-9657
>Let's Dance, Bottomer; Black Dog & Leventhal; NY, NY
...The Bottomers? Here we go again!
Only the paucity of books offering instruction in Argentine tango would
allow these two books by the Bottomers to be recommended. Emile Sansour once
suggested that British Tango compares to the Argentine Tango about the same
way that British beef compares to Argentine beef. In the video that
accompanies the first book that Michael lists, British couple Paul and Elaine
Bottomer do nothing to dispel the notion that the British Tango scene could
be in the grip of mad-cow disease. (See my review of instructional videos
<http://www.hooked.net/~tangoman/revu-1.htm>.)
If a book is a must, here are two alternative book suggestions:
Quickstart to Tango by Jeff Allen seems to be fairly widely available. It
covers both American and Argentine tango. I have not read it.
Let's Dance Tango by Juan Carlos Copes is a short book that covers about
ten figures in Argentine tango but is not very widely available.
An alternative is to consider instructional videos which are much more
plentiful than books, and perhaps an easier medium from which to learn to
dance. For a comprehensive listing of the available instructional videos in
Argentine tango with ratings and reviews see
<http://www.hooked.net/~tangoman/revu-1.htm>.
--Steve de Tejas
Date: Fri, 16 Jul 1999 12:52:08 -0400
From: Christina Burtis <Cburtis @IFC.ORG>
Subject: Re: How do you answer people......
Hola! Beloved List,
Just wanted to offer my two cents on this conversation thread regarding
"how do you answer people/do you compete" thing.
Those of you who view non-dancer's questions about your tango interest as
bothersome, ignorant, annoying disappoint me. People are simply showing
interest in your pastime and you choose to be all snooty about it. Try having a
more gracious attitude about the art of conversation and be a little more humble
about your place in society. I'm sure they have pastimes that they are equally
passionate about and that you probably know nothing of. It is a compliment when
someone shows interest in you and what you do. Take it as such.
I have gone to a ga-zillion social events in Washington DC. before having
even discovered dance. You can probably guess what the "power-conversations"
here revolve around. Politics, lawyering, international affairs, money, ego,
networking, etc.. It can be very intense (and boring after awhile), and there
are people who's careers have been destroyed at what they did/said or didn't
say/didn't do in a Washington social setting. Then throw in "political
correctness" and a thousand different cultural customs onto the heap. Very
tough then to converse with pleasantness & grace. You can be forgiven for minor
mistakes, but not the big ones. People here are very adapt at discerning your
true intent and attitude. Here, the art of conversation can get you much
further than a pretty resume because everyone here has a pretty resume.
I often get asked this "do you compete" thing. It is a harmless
ice-breaker, get-the-conversation-going question. Though tango has become my
whole world, I do not expect it to be everyone else's. I am flattered that
someone (most often much smarter, more powerful, wealthier, more whatever,
than I) has taken an interest in my pastime. My "no, I don't" will lead into
"because tango is different than other dances for it is....... " etc. I will
talk about its origins in 19th century Argentina, its development in the last
100 years, its music, its personalities. They often then tell me that they have
only seen a tv thing about ballroom. That can lead to my explaining Argentine
Tango's uniqueness in frame, form, in movement, and so on. Usually, I have
completely charmed the person that asked the question, attracted other
listeners, educated, corrected misconceptions and often converted the whole lot.
Men in particular, are completely entranced. There are even a few times that
folks have been so interested that they insist I demonstrate a step or two on
the spot. All unintentional of course. I was only invited to converse on my
passion.
To onlookers, you have suddenly become really interesting. Passionate
people are interesting, more alive, more remembered (very important in this
town). So now at this point, I've got a pretty darn good conversation going. I
then try to ask something about what they do, find out what's important to them,
and I am pleasantly surprised with the results (and if its some big-wig,
grateful they don't squash me like a bug in an arrogant "that's a stupid
question" attitude.). They will talk about their pastimes, their children,
their families, their homelands...........their passions. This is when
conversations and people become real, enjoyable, and move beyond the
superficial (i.e. in Washington its usually the politics, lawyering, money,
egos, networking - which can get tedious.) Sorry for the long email. I felt
strongly about this. Try to rethink your tango attitude. Be humble and share a
part of yourself. You will find the results and reciprocation quite pleasant.
:)
Love & tango to all,
Melenita de Oro
Date: Fri, 16 Jul 1999 08:55:52 -0700
From: Planet Tango <tangoman @HOOKED.NET>
Subject: Re: How do you answer people
>Date: Thu, 15 Jul 1999 11:24:27 -0500
>From: Stephen P Brown <Stephen.P.Brown @DAL.FRB.ORG>
>Subject: Re: How do you answer people . . .
>
>I occasionally have the experience Helaine describes, and strangely enough
>some people--known to me as stupid idiots--seem to ask the same question
>over and over. Maybe they once saw a dance competition on television, but
>have no other exposure to dance.
My Fellow Persons of the Same Faith, Addicts, Symphatizers, Planchadoras,
Pataduras, Petulantes and Petimetres:
I wonder if this knowledge ("the ability to know when one is in the presence
of stupid people") is the result of college education, life experience or
spending too much time talking to a computer? ;-)
I think it is safe to assume that the average individual in this country
knows or comes across quite often somebody who dances. Dancing is big
business. Competition dancing gets far more media exposure than Argentine
Tango because it sells ads that buy air time. A large number of the dancers
that people run into, are customers of a ballroom business where
salespersons disguised as dance instructors "sell" expensive competition
packages to those dancers. So, there are a lot of "dancers" who "compete."
So, unless you've been stuck in traffic too often and your brain is full of
exhaust fumes compounded with a hefty dose of your own hot air, it shouldn't
come as a surprise that a casual conversation that includes dancing as a
topic would result in an ice opener such as "do you compete?"
Unless you have some unresolved issues of your own, these kind of questions
require one of two simple answers: Yes, or No. Ten times out of nine the
other person does not really care whether you compete or not (on the one
rare ocassion, he may have seen you dance and his question could be
rethorical or polite) much less whether you come across as a pompous ass
that will reluctantly waste precious pontificating time on the Internet to
"educate" and save his soul from the curse of tango ignorance and unawareness.
If you happen to have social manners you might stretch the small talk by
volunteering that you dance tango for fun, and if you're really into an
evangelical mood you may confess that Argentine Tango like soccer is
something that just anybody can do spending very little money.
TangoMan :-))
Thank you for visiting Planet Tango
http://www.hooked.net/~tangoman/
Date: Fri, 16 Jul 1999 14:37:03 -0400
From: SERGIO <SERGIO @NCINTER.NET>
Subject: FW: why I may stop-ANSWER TO RUTH
Original Message-----
From: SERGIO [mailto:SERGIO @NCINTER.NET]
Sent: Friday, July 16, 1999 2:29 PM
To: Ruth51 @AOL.COM
Subject: RE: why I may stop-ANSWER TO RUTH
RUTH,
When I started dancing tango in 1993; I went to a club in Buenos
Aires, situated in the neighborhood of Villa Urquiza; LAMPAZO WAS THE
INSTRUCTOR one of the few old tangueros still around. The first lesson was
on WALKING,this was followed by about of one week of walking exercices.
Walking the right way takes a lot of practice. I normally spend the
southamerican summer in Mar del Plata; therre I had the good luck of finding
another great tanguero from the old times, NITO: his private lessons lasted
two hours; the first hour was dedicated to exercices, the second hour to
learning some basic figures.
What I am trying to tell you is that the only way to learn is to practice,
practice at the PRACTICAS and also at home, as much as you can. Try to learn
very few figures, but execute them well. The most important element in tango
is to have PINTA. PINTA : TO STAND AND WALK WITH ELEGANCE; that is adquired
by practicing, correcting your bad posture and bad habits before they become
entrenched.
This process of learning is very challenging, but also very reguarding.
I wish you the best luck, PLEASE DO NOT STOP!!
Original Message-----
From: Discussion of Any Aspect of the Argentine Tango
[mailto:TANGO-L @MITVMA.MIT.EDU]On Behalf Of Ruth Boysworth
Sent: Monday, July 12, 1999 5:59 PM
To: TANGO-L @MITVMA.MIT.EDU
Subject: Re: why I may stop
In a message dated 99-07-10 15:37:10 EDT, white95r @HOTMAIL.COM writes:
<< Why people start and stop dancing tango is a good question. I would
like to know the answer, but I'm afraid the people to ask are not in this
list ;-) >>
My husband and I started Tango lessons at the community center in our
neighborhood. We are total clunks. No sense of rhythm, no balance and
we are not slim and tall. We want to dance, but, oh the pain of feeling so
clumsy and inept.
I went to the library to try to find information about the dance, its
history
and
so forth, and could not find any good books- can anyone suggest one or two?
Also, we do not even know the basics- our teacher, though, I suspect is
very good- we already know the ochos, she is trying desperately to teach
us how to walk like tigers - we are just so clumsy!! I'd like to have a book
that shows all the steps we might learn in a few months of lessons. I did
get some music from the library.
Ruth
Date: Fri, 16 Jul 1999 14:48:24 -0400
From: SERGIO <SERGIO @NCINTER.NET>
Subject: AN APOLOGY TO THE TANGO INSTRUCTORS
The guest instructors were 5
of the most gifted tango performers around (Osvaldo Zotto/Lorena
Ermocida, Armando Orzuza/Daniela Arcuri, Pablo Ojeda/Beatriz Romero,
Domingpo Rey/Tamar Parada, Alejandro Sanguinetti/Karin Solana) and they
turned out to be the warmest, most sympathetic instructors one could
wish for: humble, witty, laid back, totally unpretentious. A totally
"feel good" experience, where the essence of the tango -the sharing of
intimacy with all the toying that goes with it- was ever so present in...
Mon cher Jean-Pierre, I have known most of the instructors that you mention
and many of the others, including Fabian Salas; I,my friends and most of the
hundreds of tangueros from all over the world that we have met during our
trips share your opinion.
I am certain that you will have many more great experiences like the one in
Valencia.
Date: Fri, 16 Jul 1999 17:27:44 EDT
From: Timothy Pogros <TimmyTango @AOL.COM>
Subject: because it feel good
All this talk about competing, Why do people compete?
Do they need someone else tell them how good they are? Do they need a medal
or plaque to prove there worth? Do they just need the medal so they can boost
to there friend? Here look what I won. Don't they have any other thing to do
with there time or money? What is there self esteem like?
My brother competes in ballroom a lot, I've only competed 4 or 5 time in my
life. It made me mad one time when I found out that he had to take out a loan
so he could do this, WHY? The one time he competed, it was almost $2000. Why?
When I dance good, I know it. When I dance bad, I know it. I don't need
anyone telling me what I already know, and pay good money on top of it.
Thinking back, when talking to people and telling them I compete, I have to
think. Where did telling people I compete get me, Nowhere? What did it get
me? Nothing.
When people ask me do I compete in tango, I just tell them. I do it because I
like it. I do it because it make me feel good about myself.
Tim Pogros ( TimmyTango)
Date: Fri, 16 Jul 1999 12:47:29 -0700
From: Planet Tango <tangoman @HOOKED.NET>
Subject: The Lord's prayer
>From: Various
>Re: Addiction -- Please don't squeeze the follows!
>From: JC Dill <tango @VO.CNCHOST.COM>
>Subject: Compete or select? Man or leader? Woman or follower?
Oh, Di Sarli, lead us not into temptation.
After all, in our temple of all denominations
you are the Lord, you=92re the man,
deliver us from evil,
give us today our daily tangos
and forgive our irreverence
as we forgive both the follows and the leads.
I have been familiar with the word =93leads=94 as an adjective for longer=
than I
can remember, when I used to practice the porte=F1o ritual of following.
As in swaying in and out of pedestrian traffic while whispering piropos on
both ears of the immutable pretty women being followed on Corrientes from
Nueve de Julio to Callao. The drill had the primary purpose of an amorous
conquest and the secondary benefit of building the romantic nature and the
unique way to walk the tango that identifies the porte=F1o and makes him the
target of admiration and envy the world over.
We were creative in the poetry department with our piropos,
=93I=92d like to be a sidewalk to feel the touch of your step.=94
=93It must be a holiday in heaven to see an angel on earth.=94
=93Where can I see your mother=92s other art pieces?=94
=93I=92m willing to hate River if I could play with your Boca.=94
=93I wish I was the breeze that caresses your virgin body.=94
I don=92t know of anybody who actually achieved the primary objective (I=
heard
that there is a guy embalmed at =93Ripley=92s Crease o no=94 museo in=
Calamuchita)
but it surely prepared us for the day that tango found us. ;-)
Growing up in the streets of Buenos Aires, as I said, the adjective =93leads=
=94
was used to describe individuals of both genders who were bore, loudmouth,
difficult, impertinent, intrusive, touchy, fussy, peevish, troublesome,
annoying, trying, tiresome. In case you still don=92t have it in your=
Spanish
For Tango vocabulary, the word is PLOMO, as in the metal, with its plural
=93PLOMOS=94 and its superlative =93PLOMAZO.=94
Research should be encouraged to find out who was the first porte=F1o who
called a foreign tango dancer a =93lead,=94 and who was the first lucky
recipient of the subtle porte=F1o craft of the put down. I take no=
compliment
when a lady calls me a =93great lead.=94 ;-)
On the other hand, my first encounter witht the word =93follow=94 was on the
streets of Sunnyvale, which is where we have our home studio and where we
first met a lady who was following a guy (as in stalking) who had come to
learn to dance three weeks before Christmas. He wanted to impress the object
of his love at a New Year=92s Eve party. To her credit, she forked for a
private class as long as she could run in or out of class into the gent she
was following. As the story goes she talked up a storm and she had the
precise arsenal of excuses for not being able to grasp the concept of a man
and a woman working together to create a tango dance. Such was the
irreverent blabbering nightmare that my partner, well known for her
impeccable manners and gifted hosting endurance, came within two seconds of
leading the follower to the door.
I anticipated her move using the wisdom that countless and fruitless
pursuits of pretty women on the streets of Buenos Aires bring about at an
old age: I showed her a couple of simple balance exercises and ask her to
humor me by trying them.
Now, using the academic lingo of TLU, =93everyone knows=94 that it really=
helps
your balance if you keep your mouth shut. The worse it can happen is that
you suddenly remember about that old horse riding injury and you get to
blame your lack of coordination on the animal, which spares us humans from
being blamed for the animal behavior of some plomos.
The dance floor has filled with people
to the sound of the orchestra...=20
the guy who got to dance in New Year=92s Eve,
later married and lived happily ever after.
Sawdust-filled puppets
embrace under the floodlight=85
Don't you see that they are dancing?
Don't you see that it's a party?=20
But where is the follower?
Nobody=92s ever seen her ever since.
With love and respect to all the women I=92ve danced with and the ones I=92m=
yet
to dance. ((:-D
TangoMan
*************
Just in case:
Carlos Di Sarli is known as El Senior del Tango, the lord of the tango.
Piropos are flattering pick up lines.
Lead is a chemical element (Pb) with an atomic number of 82 and an atomic
weigh of 207.
Plomo is a popular expression found in Gobello's Dictionary Lunfardo that
applies to an "individuo pesado, impertinente y molesto."
So technically both men and women can be plomos.
Thank you for visiting Planet Tango
http://www.hooked.net/~tangoman/
Date: Fri, 16 Jul 1999 19:59:48 EDT
From: Charles Roques <Crrtango @AOL.COM>
Subject: a minor clarification
Greetings Joan - from someone who enjoyed very much dancing with you in Santa
Fe. I wholeheartedly agree with your appraisal of the Tango Retreat. It was a
great week and I am still thinking about what I learned there. Please forgive
one small clarification in your posting just in case others reading it
misunderstand.
>the Godfather and Godmother of American tango, Danel and Maria from New York.
I don't think Joan meant to say "American Tango" as Danel Is Argentinian and
Maria is Italian/American (but actually has family in Buenos Aires where the
two met many years ago where she was living and studying dancing.) Danel and
Maria definitely do not teach "American Tango" nor do they even like it.
Danel teaches classic social Argentine tango and is definitely one of the
masters of it here in the US. He has been teaching it for years back when
people had no idea what the real thing even was. (Michael Walker himself, a
beautiful and graceful dancer in his own right, studied with Danel and Maria
for ten years.) He has danced for more than fifty years starting when he was
thirteen years old and even danced to people like Ricardo Tanturri's
orchestra as a young man in Bs As. People have studied with him for years and
are still learning new steps. What the flyers for the Tango Retreat said was
"the Godfather and Godmother of Tango in the United States". Being a student
of theirs myself I know that they would bristle at the thought of being
considered "American Tango dancers". They are rare treasures and a direct
link to an era of tango that most of us can only read about, long before
performance, exhibition, and stage tango clouded up our knowledge of it. If
you visit New York drop in on their Monday night class. All are welcome and
you never know who you will see there from Pablo Veron, when he comes to
town, to Michael Walker or others passing through.
Cheers, Charles Roques
Date: Fri, 16 Jul 1999 19:10:36 +0200
From: Helaine Treitman <treitman @GIOTTO.ORG>
Subject: Home away from home in BA - Update
Janis Kenyon in Buenos Aires sent me some recent changes to the information
I posted July 14 on how to reach Maria Teresa to book a room in her home:
Maria Teresa Lopez
Telephone and fax: ++5411-902-5059
email: mariatango @topmail.com.ar
Maria Teresa speaks English and French, in addition to Castillano.
Janis adds: "The Locutorio across the street has recently installed a
computer for email
and Internet access at $6/hour, so you'll be able to check mail when you
come."
Best regards, everyone,
Helaine
--The International School of Art in Umbria, Italy
06057 Montecastello di Vibio (PG), Italy
Tel / Fax +39-075-8780223 US Voicemail 212-386-2705
http://www.giotto.org/ email: treitman @giotto.org
End of TANGO-L Digest - 16 Jul 1999 to 17 Jul 1999
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