[TANGO-L] learning to be social dancers

[Janis Kenyon <jantango @FEEDBACK.NET.AR>]

Yesterday I received my copy of El Once Tango News (Issue 45) published by
Paul Lange and Michiko Okazaki in London, England.

Among the many interesting articles, Julia Wilkinson wrote an open letter to
teachers of tango, which makes a very good point.

Why do some of you teach us stage tango? The majority of salon dancers in
London are social dancers. We are not professional athletes, although we do
need to be physically fit.  Dancing long steps, large pasos and galloping
ganchos means that many ladies return home covered in bruises with torn
stockings, bleeding feet and strained backs.  It is disconcerting to be
floating round the dance floor on cloud nine to be suddenly stabbed by a
heel, elbowed in the back or knocked off balance by other dancers.

Respect of others and their dancing space is paramount in tango.  Yet the
phrase "rugby scrum" has come to mind every Friday I have danced recently.
Unless our teachers explain and instill the codes of our wonderful dance
into the leaders we will become a lesser group.

Tango allows men to be gentlemen and considerate and women to respond
accordingly.  A man should aim to take care of his partner for the three
minutes duration. . . .

Teachers, please teach us about the social side.  We cannot dance
comfortably and change partners unless we respect each other's space and
learn to dance discretely in a small space . . . . Stage dancing is
wonderful on the stage (and when there is lots of space); close embrace is
wonderful in a busy salon.

Thanks, Julia.  Let's hope that many teachers read your letter and start
teaching social tango in the new year.


I've been reading El Once since its first issues. Subscriptions are
available.
www.elonce.dircon.co.uk

Janis Kenyon
Buenos Aires

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