The Tango-L mailing list archive
Digest from 22 Oct 1999
to 23 Oct 1999
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Date: Sat, 23 Oct 1999 03:00:01 -0400
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Subject: TANGO-L Digest - 22 Oct 1999 to 23 Oct 1999 (#1999-42)
There are 4 messages totalling 100 lines in this issue.
Topics of the day:
1. A tango for the cello
2. Leading, being female, and cultural influences
3. Men as Followers
4. Tango in Fort Worth
Date: Fri, 22 Oct 1999 02:13:13 -0500
From: Joe Grohens <joe @WOLFRAM.COM>
Subject: Re: A tango for the cello
A friend gave me a copy of a tape that was given to her by a friend of hers.
I am thus at several removes from knowing the performers on this tape,
but on it is a moving live performance of "Malena" by a male vocalist
accompanied by solo cello.
Something makes me think that the singer is Italian and not a native
Spanish speaker, but I don't know why that is.
Anyway ... has anyone else listened to this recording? Know who it is?
Joe Grohens
Date: Fri, 22 Oct 1999 13:17:40 -0500
From: kortnee <kortnee @COMPUVISION.NET>
Subject: Leading, being female, and cultural influences
I agree that dancers should experience both leading and following. It
helps us to understand what the other person is experiencing and helps us to
be more sensitive to the other's role. I encourage my students to play both
parts ( as soon as they have enough basic steps in place to do so). It
prevents misunderstandings between men and women. Many new male dancers
often say with irritation, "Why can't the woman hold her balance on those
ochos?" They say this until they themselves attempt their first ocho and
practically fall over backwards! On the other hand, I've heard women say,
"Why can't those men lead me properly? I have no idea what he wants me to
do." They say this until their own first attempt at leading and begin to
discover the complexity of actually thinking ahead and dancing at the same
time!
Regarding being a good leader....One thing I find very useful to share with
male students is to think of their arm around the woman as a cradle. I tell
the men, "In this cradle is the most precious baby in the world. Treat your
baby tenderly, carefully, and sweetly. Rock your baby in your arms, and
cherish the baby. Simply invite your baby to share the moment of dance with
you." This approach works wonders with men who tend to be a bit rough and
brusque in tossing us women about like a sack of potatoes!
My experience has been that women like a clear lead, not necessarily a firm
lead. There is a big difference between being firm and being clear.
However, I must admit, as a novice myself, that I am not a very good
follower. I feel it is a difficult thing for women, perhaps especially
American women (I'm unsure about this) to give up our liberated attitudes
and give in to being lead. We are so trained in our culture to subtly lead
men in so many other ways...we call it "nurturing".
At any rate, this all related together with the conversation on piropos and
cultural influences. Nothing exists in a vacuum, we are products of our
culture (and genes); most certainly this all affects our approach and
responses to the dance as well as what the dance becomes.
Date: Fri, 22 Oct 1999 17:28:05 +0100
From: Daniel Figman <dfigman @MIXMAIL.COM>
Subject: Re: Men as Followers
Just to give you some exaples:
The magazine El Tangauta, have porbably 100 different
classes advertise. Probably only one or two of them
have there men dancing with men.
Some example with the clases of the B.A. tango
magazine.
Also there are an overwilming numer of classes besides
the above mencione, and just a few take that statment
men dancing with men or women with women seriously.
Happy tango
==================================================
Daniel Figman
Su Email Privado, Gratis en http://www.mixmail.com
Date: Fri, 22 Oct 1999 13:50:50 -0500
From: kortnee <kortnee @COMPUVISION.NET>
Subject: Tango in Fort Worth
I have a friend in Fort Worth TX who wants to join a tango community and
participate in dancing, etc. Please reply if you have details about the
area. I will forward your messages to him so he can contact you. Thanks
for your help!
End of TANGO-L Digest - 22 Oct 1999 to 23 Oct 1999 (#1999-42)
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