Re: embellishments and changing the look of tango

[Ingrid Peterson <georgous1 @HOTMAIL.COM>]

>1. The young women dance with their eyes closed and their mouths open
>rather
>than with their eyes open and mouths closed.  A women can assist her
>partner
>by watching other dancers and indicating to him with her left hand when
>someone is close.  I have learned how to warn a partner of a potential
>collision in this way.   Of course, if I'm dancing with a very tall
>partner,
>I can't see over his right shoulder to do this.


Once again, I appologize if I`m not doing this right, but I`m trying. . .

I have to completly disagree with this statement.  I personally love to
dance with my eyes closed.  There are two reasons for this. . . First, I
feel as though I have a stronger connection and am able to respond better to
my lead when I`m not dancing with my eyes open and looking off into space.
Matter of fact, when I lead, I insist that my followers close their eyes if
I notice that they aren`t paying attention. . . especially when they are
beginners. . . and if it`s close embrace as well.

Second, it is NOT my job as a follower to watch out for my lead.  The
teachers I`ve had insist that the lead should be looking where he is going
at all times and to NEVER use the follower as a buffer to protect himself.
Once again, because I have the opportunity to lead, I have the chance to
understand that it isn`t the job of the follower to watch out for me.
(Granted, there are always acceptions to the rules. . . such as if the floor
is crowded).

I personally believe that there is no need to say that closing one`s eyes as
a follow is a bad thing. . . or having their eyes open.  It`s just what you
prefer as a follow, right?

Thanks for your patience in reading my opinions.

Ingrid.

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