After First Night in Scranton at Farley's I'm curious if all the couples we helped to start their tango walk around the tiled floor will grasp the beauty of the dance and come back for more. This perfect space may turn out to be our "winter tent", but tonight it seemed a little like a tango factory- men tilting their chests up- proudly, like they'd won a prize- weight up and forward. I showed them how to walk as if they were walking on top of cross country skis. This tip came from an excellent instructor in Portland on our first day of vacation in Oregon 2 years ago. Mike walked the women with his constant, steady, horizontal PUSH and then we threw them back together. Cathie walked with many with her ability to lead and follow. Many others pitched in to make this whirlwind evening a 100% success though another waitress would have helped. The Youngs are so gracious. Mike has this to add:
Argentine tango is asymmetrical, (BALLROOM IS SYMMETRICAL- PARTNERS MIRROR EACH OTHER) the man does different foot work from the one the woman executes. It is improvised, it is done primarily for feeling. The woman does not know what the man has in mind. She remains extremely attentive. The leader steps as he wishes, faster, slower, simple or double timing, pausing, etc. Tango is different each time, it is different with every partner therefore one can dance only tango all night long.
So it's not a factory, but there are tango dancers in the making in NE PA.
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Ahh I miss you both! Are you still planning for November?? Went to Ideal the other night and it was not even the slightest bit as hilarious as when we were swept off our feet into a tango espectaculo. Avisame when you're coming back!
ReplyDeleteI walked into my first lesson with Cecilia and Gustavo the other night, and as I was fastening my shoes I sat by while Cecilia chatted with one of her regular students. Not 2 seconds later, I heard her say "Karen and Mike" and continue on about someone from Mexico(?) I butted in and re-introduced myself as your amiga. Kinda wacky, no?
Hope to talk to you soon! Besooooos