Re: [TANGO-L] Any advice for complete and total beginners?

[Razor Girl <dilettante666 @YAHOO.COM>]

Hi Alysa,

I think everyone has been giving you good advice.
I agree that it is important to just relax and have
fun.  Dance with people you like who make you feel
comfortable.

Don't let leaders intimidate you.
Don't take too seriously what people you dance with
tell you, they will all tell you something different
and contradictory and if you try to make sense of it
it will just drive you crazy.

Be a lioness!! (as Graciela Gonzales says) Stand tall,
be proud of yourself, let the dance bring out your
beautiful, powerful, seductive wonderful self.

Think of group lessons as a way to build friendships
and meet partners but try to dance with leads who are
better than you.

Make friends with the girls! Sometimes it is harder
because you aren't dancing with them and some can be
kind of cliquish.  But really I think most tango women
are warm and friendly once you get to know them...plus
they can introduce you to the guys they like to dance
with and they can share advice about shoes and
stretches and posture etc...

If you can, take private lessons.  Mostly, group
classes do not teach followers what they need to know.
 Like I think I heard someone else say, find a teacher
who will help you with technique.

Above all else...just dance from your heart.  When you
are dancing, listen for your partner's music.  See how
he feels it, don't worry so much about the steps as
understanding what he is hearing in the music.  When
you become more comfortable, this is the thing that
will make all the difference in your dancing.  Some
women have perfect technique, but never dance with
soul.  I'm sure you already have this from dancing
free form styles of dancing.  Following, does not
insist that you give up your own expression, you can
still feel the music in your own way...the only
difference is that you are communicating with another
person and before you can communicate you have to
understand how to speak their language.

Hope this helps,

Rose
Portland, OR