Re: [TANGO-L] Walking the tango; joys of simple tango

[Bill King <Euroking @AOL.COM>]

Igor  wrote: 
Tango walk is  the most advanced element in tango which is sufficient
enough
> for the  great dance.
> Taking beginner classes does not help, because teachers do  not teach tango
> walk
> at the beginner classes. Many people who  teach do not even know what tango
> walk is.
> What do you think, if  teachers start teaching with tango walk instead of
> 8-counts,
>  would be the result achieved earlier and easier? 
To wit Astrid  replied: 

I can see why you keep asking all these questions on the list.  It seems like
your teacher really does not have a clue. I don't know who you  are studying
with, but I'd suggest, get out of there soon and find someone  else. That
walking is not taught on beginner's level and the 8 count is  cannot be
generalized like this. Most of the better classes here in opkyo run  by
Argentines start with walking exercises, then balancing exercises,  executing
pivots on your own and such. The first part of the "step  combination of the
day" (if the teacher believes in this stuff) is shown  15-20 minutes into the
class.
> 
To which I  ask why do we even bother with the list? I we can't have 
discussions without  being shot at, why would anyone participate? 
If I began my  first tango lesson that my wife talked me into and my teacher 
told me that I  would have to learn the "Tango Walk" and until I did do it 
with great precision  I would learn any patterns, then he/she began with 20 
minutes and another 20  minutes of balance exercises with 10 minutes of discussion 
thrown in for good  measure, my wife might get me back for a second lesson, 
but if it repeated. I  would probably say holy sh*t this is a bore and no fun, I 
am outa here. At the  risk of generalization I would say, at least in the 
States, the primary reason  to learn Tango is to enjoy oneself and ones partner 
in a discipline that is  fun.  Leave me the impression that  it's not fun and I 
am not there. 
Different  cultures have different motivations or ways of dealing with those 
motivations,  but that would only mean the duration of the discomfort not 
necessarily the  acceptance of it.  This opinion does  not lessen the need for 
precision or the need to execute the Tango walk, but  only the when and how it is 
introduced.  Good teachers are able to read the mood and motivation of the 
class and  will introduce or work on fundamentals in different ways and times.  
This will vary from student to student,  class to class. If individuals are 
really going to experience and love Argentine  Tango, they will have to learn 
the walk and be increasing more precise in their  movements. 
Mark Twain  said and I am paraphrasing and definitely out of his context, but 
I think the  comment is accurateâ"practice and  experience shall give them 
that confidence, elegance and precision which alone  can make the accomplishment 
gracefulâ" 
We  have to encourage, not dictate this development.  Precision is a 
continuum, except for a  few; most will not or can not attain the precision need to be 
great.  Many will think they are, and relative  to the masses they are great, 
but itâs the masses that pay the bills and have  fun that lets the few of 
enjoy their fun and our quest. 
Just some thoughts, 
Bill in  Seattle