Re: [TANGO-L] How to teach rhythm? Plus our new website.

[Bill King <Euroking @AOL.COM>]

Dear all from a rhythmically challenged student.

First, why is he rhythmically challenged?  My first guess is that he might be
thinking too much.  That has been my problem. Trying to figure out where I am
going, keeping my lead, figuring out where my follow is, traffic and how can
I complete the pattern, and you want me to think about the beat!! Get real
that fact that I keep coming back for more is amazing.

Other dances have been nightmares, as I have a definite problem of hearing
the music and at the same time to keep stepping on a beat and maintain a pattern
was impossible. Follows, especially my wife where frustrated as they were
back leading and with the music. I wanted to walk away....

Argentine Tango initially was no different until I learned it was walking and
that I did not always have to move with every beat, on a beat but not every
beat. This took pressure off. Also thinking a step at a time also relieved some
pressure. Getting in balance with each step was helpful. I then was moving
too fast, rushing through my steps.  Still have not pleased my follows, except
for those on the same learning curve, who like me were not sure if it was
right.

While all this has been unfolding, I listen to AT whenever I can. Home
office, ipod on flights, whatever, and whenever.

The result is that I have lowered my expectations on what I can and can't do,
slowed down and let the music engulf me.  This has allowed me to feel more
often the music and the mood. Do I get it right? Not really but it is better
than it was, I actually hear the downbeat and melody (if they are the right
terms) and sometimes can even change within a song.

This has allowed me to go back to other dances and be more effective in
dancing to the rhythm; I still have a long way to go so I appreciate those who have
patience.  To those of us who over analyze we will see the light, it just
takes time.

Recognizing that as a lead, I have a lot of responsibility, but at the same
time if the follow truly follows, I have found it is amazing how the music can
take over the lead.  But it can't do that until I can be relaxed enough to
hear it. Pressure from a follow, teacher or other to move to a musical beat when
your concentration is focused very strongly on other factors, just makes it
almost impossible.  Relax and enjoy, build muscle memory and all of a sudden the
music is there.

Just some thoughts,

Bill from Seattle