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Originally Posted by spindr At least the traditional way of asking for a dance was explained at TLC.
"Argentine tango has an etiquette, or convention, of its own so that a leader's machismo is not “dented” by being publicly refused a dance by a follower. Before requesting a dance, a leader will make eye contact with their chosen follower across the room. If the follower maintains eye contact as the leader approaches, then the leader can “safely” assumed that the follower will accept the verbal offer to dance. However, if the follower breaks eye contact as the leader approaches (for whatever reason), then this is considered to be declining the invitation to dance — the leader can easily abort their approach, without having (their ego dented by) a more public verbal refusal. Similarly, followers can indicate their willingness to dance by making eye contact with leaders." |
Cool!
I try to do the no-eye-contact thing at my local ceroc venue when there's someone I'd rather not dance with. Unfortunately this approach seems a bit too subtle for the average cerocer!!!
In my tango class, we encourage everyone to dance with as many different partners as possible, and encourage the ladies to ask the men, not just wait until a man asks them. We only have a small group of people, so it's not very intimidating.... However, I have heard that in a lot of other tango classes or milongas, this is 'frowned upon'...........?
LM