Re: [TANGO-L] How to teach rhythm?

[Igor Polk <ipolk @VIRTUAR.COM>]

Dancing on the beat is extremely important.
But not as important as dancing with "on the partner".
Firstly, a dancer must listen to the partner, and in his/hers rhythmical
pattern, and then within the framework of this pattern find the precise
moments to execute all the moves and sub-moves according to rhythmical
structure of music from putting a foot on the ground to shaking of a
shoulder to torso tork and move of a finger. ( Of course, non-beginners know
it very well ;)

Andy's method to learn with Pugliese sounds extremely interesting to me. In
tango you do not have to step on the main beat. You have to find your own
rhythmical structure, and your partner must learn to step with you firstly.
A dancer should perceive him/herself as another musical instrument with its
own line. That is why dancing to Pugliese - everyone seem moving on their
own. That is what should be! May be interchange of Pugliese and Canaro will
work better?

I am thinking about an exercise of fast dancing to Pugliese. What could come
out of it?

Developing an individual sense of rhythm is another thing. I would do it to
the plain drums. From simple to most complex - Samba drums. Flamenco?

Astrid,
About holding rhythm in milonga.
The problem was not that you could not step on the beat, but that you did
not know the correct technique of a step in milonga. How physically to put
your legs, what is geometry of your bones, what is the distribution of
force. Sorry. Regular steps do not work, that is why you was off the beat.
And your teacher could not explain you what was wrong. You have to develop a
special technique for milonga steps, then you will have the ability to be
able to step precisely and react to fast movements.

Igor Polk.

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