[TANGO-L] How different open, closed ...

[Sergio <cachafaz @ADELPHIA.NET>]

Steve writes:
"In my experience, however, I find that a firm frame is neither necessary
nor
desirable for dancing an open embrace.  Open or close, I always prefer a
soft embrace (and no leading with the arms)."

I could write here that in my experience I prefer to dance head down to the
floor and legs up in the air, as well but I rather ask what Steve
understands for firm versus soft frame, and then how he leads when in open
embrace if he dances with soft, limp arms .

The reason I ask this question is because when writing and reading e-mails
it is very easy to be talking about quite different things; this certainly
creates myriad of misunderstandings.

I know or have seen to dance most of the well known tango instructors. I
have never seen anyone dance in an open embrace with soft, limp arms or not
leading in some way with the arms and or hands. (they use their torsos as
well at the same time).

I will mention  just a few Osvaldo Zotto, Nito y Elba, Diego y Carolina,
Puppy Costello, Cieri, Jorge Firpo, Guillermo Merlo, the Misses, etc. even
the New tango dancers although they claim to lead with the torso counter
body motion, etc,(which they do) use what is known as a firm frame.

I would like to know who else other than Steve dances in open embrace using
a soft, limp frame .
We should also be specific about what we understand as "Dancing in open
embrace" . I understand it as all the usual moves done in "Salon Tango".

Oleh says:  "Last Saturday I was able to dance
entire tango without arms/hands contact, leading with *direct* torso contact
doing all the steps I would normally lead in close embrace except volcada
and single axis turns. Let me ask you this question: can you do the same -
dance tango with no arms at a distance (no direct torso contact) doing all
the usual steps? Now ask your follower to close her eyes and still follow."

I answer no, I can not.

We sometimes like to dance forehead to forehead. The forehead being the only
point of contact with arms crossed at the back. It is possible to lead this
way in a very effective, romantic way. Here I agree with you that "the eyes"
may help some to follow each other's torsos. Nest time I will try to do it
with the follower's eyes closed. :))

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