Re: [TANGO-L] Cabeceo

[Chris Luethen <christian.luethen @gmx.net>]

On 13 Jan 2003 at 9:14, Mark Rector wrote:
> I continue to be surprised to learn that Americans are
> resistant to and threatened by something as simple and
> charming as the "cabeceo".
Not only americans.

> What could be more natural at a Milonga (and in life!)
> than to be engaged with other people by making eye
> contact?
Perhaps even with a  smile? :-)

> What could be more gracious than expressing an
> invitation to dance and accepting or declining through
> the simple expedient of a look?
Esp. accepting.


I remember being turned down (after walking up to the lady/girl -
when I was even much more unexperienced than now) a couple of times
in a row some time ago in Berlin (for non-obvious reasons, the scene
is sort of reknown for this "quality"): Declining with a glimpse of
an eye would have been nicer for me.
Then, last time being there, on my first night in the first Milonga I
got I contact with a young dancer seemingly willing to dance: After
walking up during socialising before the first steps she immediately
pointed out "you're not from Berlin". How do you know I asked. To my
surprise she said "locals don't know how to ask for a dance with just
looking at someone ... and definitely won't smile".


Friends: Dancing should be enjoyment (imho) - no idea why some people
think they have to look super-serious ("angry", "arrogant") while
danicng ... not very inviting actually. Keep in mind that citation of
Jules Renard: "Nous sommes ici-bas pur rire." Smile!

Christian




christian @eTanguero.net
http://www.eTanguero.net/