| Re: Learning Tango
It is common practice, certainly at the regular tango classes I have been to, not to teach the basic 8-count or salida or at least to do so reluctantly. The emphasis is normally on the elements you mention - walking, connection, forward and side steps, ochos, giros. The salida may be taught because learners expect it to be a part of their repertoire. At a one off tango class such as at a MJ weekender, you may well experience the sdalida as the first or a major part of a class. This is probably because it is a 'step' and hence in a form familiar to the modern jiver. The reason not to give it any prominence in tango classes is, I believe, that beginners frequently dance it too often and inappropriately...which maybe comes down to musical interpretation. And like much in tango, it can take a lot of effort to perfect. |