Learning Tango

[JonD]

Originally Posted by philsmove

Looking at the Devon web site there seems to be 3 levels

There is a "Level 3" in Totnes but not here in Exeter. I haven't been to a class down there for an age - I normally go to the milonga on a Sunday night or to a few nights of the Mango but that's about it for Totnes. Julie and I have got so much material from classes and courses that we really need to spend time practicing, with the odd private lesson thrown in to correct any developing faults, rather than having yet more classes. One day I will be able to do a backward ocho without wobbling!

Our Level 2 in Exeter has a range from about 6 months to 4 years (me!) but the majority have been dancing a year or less so it's probably more inclusive. My view is that if it's Level 2 then the class is for people moving up from beginners - if beginners aren't encouraged to do that then it's all a bit pointless! It'll be interesting to see what happens in May when new folk join us - I just hope we can keep the same friendly, encouraging atmosphere.

You're a really good MJ dancer - I'm willing to bet that you're a much better dancer than most of the leaders who've been dancing AT for 2 years. All they've got that you haven't is more experience in AT and that will only come with practice so you ought to do the class. If you get a sense that anyone is looking down their nose at your AT then remember that you could blow them off the floor if you were dancing to almost any other kind of music! (It's an awful thing to think, but I do find it helps).

The other point is that you're unlikely to find a "practice partner" at beginner level. Most people seem to team up at the improver stage when you've both really got the AT bug and realise that classes alone aren't going to crack it. You need practice time.

[Lynn]

Originally Posted by CeeCee

Emotion Warning


I have been truly overwhelmed by the kindness and support I’ve received from you lovely lovely people. Hope I’ve managed to thank each of you personally but to the gorgeous people who sent me caring, unsigned, anonymous messages, huge thanks to you too. You all made me feel warm and fuzzy inside.

Likewise. Being of a rather 'logical' disposition for a woman (usually), I'm somewhat surprised at the levels of emotions tango can evoke. You can't really dance tango without engaging your emotions, and that leaves you open to emotions of sorrow and frustration it seems as well as the highs and joy. I've been on a high with MJ (at weekenders mainly) but the lows I can feel about tango.

I'm so grateful for PMs, virtual hugs and others shared experiences. The support and encouragement does help.

[Lynn]

Originally Posted by JonD

The other point is that you're unlikely to find a "practice partner" at beginner level. Most people seem to team up at the improver stage when you've both really got the AT bug and realise that classes alone aren't going to crack it. You need practice time.

I'm realising that I really need to have lots of practice time, rather than learn masses more new stuff and that I could progress my tango with occasional private lessons and regular practice time with a dance partner.

I priced private lessons last night. I even tried to suss out the guy I find easiest to learn with (he did come on his own, last night at least and I found out his name). If I could build up a little bit more rapport I would perhaps ask if he wanted some practice time (on the principle that if you don't ask, you don't get) but we don't seem to talk much and I am rather shy...

Perhaps if there is some sort of 'next level' (not ready for improvers yet but perhaps beginner level 2 or something!) I might be able to find someone wanting to practice and take private lessons.

[Graham W]

..ventured of to a Cardiff milonga & ended up happy, a gr8 little venue - a woodedn norwegian church moved into the docklands development, sep cafe & brill music...

G

[Lynn]

Wow, all those positive thoughts (ta JonD) must be working...

There is talk of... milongas in Belfast!

I know that some people have been wanting this for several years and nothing has been happening, but I think that this time there might be a bit of an AT scene developing in Belfast. How exciting!

Of course it all still has to happen, and they might try it and not enough people go to make it work, but I'll make sure I'm there!

[JonD]

Originally Posted by Lynn

here is talk of... milongas in Belfast!

Yippee! Keep the "rain dances" going folks and there'll be a fully fledged AT festival in Belfast within the next year. We have the power!

I went to the milonga in Totnes last night and had a really good time. I'd been feeling poisoned and fat all weekend after a splurge of business dinners but forced myself to go out yesterday and am really glad that I did. I had some great dances with Julie and some lovely ones with a couple of beginner ladies. I also had some good dances with a couple of good followers who I haven't danced with for ages. I was flattered that they seemed to like it! I really feel that I'm improving at the moment and it's a real buzz. Mind you, at about 10.15 I became a total flid - everything just went; musicality, balance, lead, the lot. I danced like a complete plonker. The last track, at 10.30, was Katie Meluah "Come away with me" and I absolutely slaughtered it. Poor Julie was chuckling as I blundered around the room. It's a good job she's got such a great sense of humour!

There was one woman who started AT 5 weeks ago and has just had private lessons with Ruth, no group classes. She's good - she told me she'd done a lot of ballet in the past so her balance was excellent. I'm not sure I'd go the exclusively private lesson route even if I could afford it. I think group lessons are a lot more fun!

This morning I made a couple of phone calls and have arranged practicas for Tuesday nights between now and when classes start again on 9th May. I've let everyone from the Level 2 know and will get Ruth to email the beginner group. It should be fun to get together and work through stuff - I'm looking forward to it. Anyone who is in the area is welcome - Mint Methodist Church, off Fore Street, Exeter EX4 3AT between 8pm and 10pm on Tuesdays. Cost is £16 divided between the number of people who turn up. Sorry, but I can't offer accommodation as my house resembles a squat and I'm far too embarrassed to let anyone into it until I've had a serious spring clean!

[philsmove]

Originally Posted by JonD

have arranged practicas for Tuesday nights .....!

OK I am on

CU tomorrow
I will see if I can a car load from Bristol
I can provides accomadaton in Bristol if any one is interested

[JonD]

Originally Posted by philsmove

OK I am on

Excellent! It'll be great to see you. I know Chris (male) and Jacqui are coming along but haven't heard back from anyone else. Julie can't make it because she's demoing Salsa near Bodmin! Hopefully we'll have enough followers - if not we can spend a couple of hours doing some walking exercises and I can follow a bit.

See you tomorrow.

[JonD]

The practica was good fun - well, I enjoyed it anyway! Phil and Graham came down from Bristol which proves that they are total addicts, plus we had 7 from the Level 2 class in Exeter. Gender balance was good with just one man over.

I drove everyone mad by introducing them to some walking and pivoting exercises. I think they all think I'm totally crazy because I mentioned that Julie and I had spent a whole hour doing them a couple of weeks ago! Still, I don't think that there is any substitute for spending time on your "walk" - you've got to take time to work out what your feet are doing, how your leg is moving, what is happening with your posture and to practice your balance through every moment of the step. (I'm going to take my video camera next week which will be a useful, if scary, tool). People then spent time working on different elements and it was good to see that pretty much everyone danced with everyone else. It's so nice to have time to work on a movement! Three of us went to the pub afterwards which was great way of ending the session.

Ruth rang everyone from the beginners group yesterday but none of them turned up. Hopefully that's down to the short notice. She said a few sounded really interested so, with luck, we'll get some of them along next Tuesday.

It was good fun and pretty painless to organise as well. If there is enough interest I might try and set-up a fairly regular practica on a Wednesday after the classes start again. I think it'd help people to feel that their AT is really developing and get through the first couple of "frustration phases" more quickly!

[philsmove]

Originally Posted by JonD

The practica was good fun - well, I enjoyed it anyway! Phil and Graham came down from Bristol ..............
I!

Really enjoyed Tuesday evening In Exeter

It was great to dance with some new partners

But the highlight was being led, not by a hairy man but, by a beautiful young lady

If your are a leader I really recommend learning to follow

Not only will increase your understanding of what makes a good and a weak lead; It is realy nice to dance with out having to worry what move to do next

[CeeCee]

Happiness is…

Finding the inspiration to move on, post and share…

Oh yes, oh yes, open the windows and enjoy the fresh air, put on the shades, the sun is shining.
Now I’m back on track.

Tonight The Dome, Tuffnell Park – awesome!

Questioning
Friendly welcome from an elegant lady behind a table, she asked “which class, beginners or intermediates?” What a loaded question? How do I know? At some venues you’re a beginner for a minimum of two years, regardless, then at other places just having the ability to count to four seems to be enough reason to progress. Whatever, I opted for beginners.

Welcoming
People came in and smiled and nodded towards me as they walked by. A chap sat at my table and started chatting, quick and a bit keen to tell me how his wife doesn’t share his obsession with Tango. Then someone else starting chatting, then another, they were warm, friendly and welcoming.

Dividing
When the assembled masses were divided up I was told to stay in the intermediate class as the absolute beginners disappeared downstairs, leaving about 30 of us upstairs, almost equal numbers, just two men over.

Walking
Gonzalo and Solange were the delightful visiting teachers from Argentina who took our class. For nearly two hours we walked and walked and then walked some more. We walked in practise hold, in close hold, in the embrace, in mixed couples then they really upset the apple cart by asking us to dance girls with girls, boys with boys, (the guys were not happy) while we took turns to lead and follow without holding.

Leading
Gonzalo and Solange said that all the leader has to do is walk backwards, forwards or sideways and that the giro is just those moves with changes of direction. Hooray, someone with the same philosophy as the dreamy eyed Pablo, it’s great to have some continuity.

Following
Gonzalo and Solange said that all the follower has to do is look lovely, have the correct technique and wear pretty shoes.

Confusing
Gonzalo and Solange told us to walk leading with the heel. I was so confused I’ve always been told the opposite. Many people expressed surprise then they explained how we lead with the heel and why. It made sense, I felt balanced, controlled and lighter. Suddenly, walking felt more natural and coordinated. Eureka! All those hours of trying to force my lower limbs to do unnatural, uncomfortable things in front of the mirror are now hopefully a thing of the past.

Ornamenting
Gonzalo (perhaps a borderline fetishist) has a thing about heels, he referred to them continually for one reason or another throughout the class. One of his gems is that we have an essential tool at our disposal, however, not for the well known self-defence option. Our heels can be used to add ornaments to our own style of dancing. Solange demonstrated and wow, they’re not kidding, it was mesmerising.

Inspiring
At the end of the class we were treated to a dance from our teachers. For a whole track they danced ‘simple’ ‘basic’ steps, no flashy lifts, kicks or flicks. It was spectacular and a real inspiration. That was dancing worth watching and added to making my evening worthwhile.

Dancing
As the lights went down for the milonga, dancing continued in the beautifully prepared hall. There were tables set out with pink, red and blue table clothes and pretty glittery candle holders, gorgeous silver and purple fabric draped over the back of the stage and a huge screen showing tango dancing. It’s great to be asked to dance and even nicer to dance 3 or 4 in a row with charming, supportive, patient, non-judgemental leaders.

It was a truly exquisite experience and has reacquainted me with the enchanting, intoxicating world of Tango.







The journey continues...

Improvisation - Communication - Intuition

[JonD]

CeeCee, what a great post! I'm so glad that the "weather" has improved.

Originally Posted by CeeCee

Gonzalo and Solange said that all the follower has to do is look lovely, have the correct technique and wear pretty shoes.

What a wonderful philosophy; Julie will approve of that! It reminds me of a comment by a local Salsa teacher: "The leader's job is to create a frame in which his partner can be beautiful". So true.

Originally Posted by philsmove

But the highlight was being led, not by a hairy man but, by a beautiful young lady

Yes, I noticed that! She is lovely and she's a wonderful dancer - the scary thing is that she only started AT last June. By the way, she's a surgeon and spends her days cutting into people's chests. She has a very direct route to the heart!

[Lynn]

CeeCee glad to hear of your wonderful experience last night, a good experience in tango goes so far to overcome any bad ones.

Jon, glad your practica went well.

Its the last night of my current course tomorrow night which is sad, but I feel I have got some foundations laid, some basics in place that hopefully I can build on.

Last night at Ceroc I had a tango dance with a friend who has also been coming on Fri nights. It wasn't appropriate music alas, and we had to stick to simple steps with not much progression due to space restrictions but it was lovely.

[Lory]

An extremely inspiring experience

Today, Kev and I were lucky enough to have a private lesson with Omar Ocampo and Mónica Romero, who came highly recommended by our Tango teacher.

In fact, when we arrived, Kele and her partner were having the lesson before us!

They're really the most likeable couple and put us at ease straight away.

They put on a piece of music and said 'Dance!' after a couple of minutes, I think they'd summed us up well enough to decide how the lesson should progress.

Omar took me and Monica took Kevin.

As soon as I was in his embrace, he took measures to readjust me, explaining my many faults, some of it made sense immediately and some of it just felt plain awkward

He explained that, I should be applying pressure with my forearm against the top of his arm and my hand should merely drape over his shoulder. This felt great and made total sense!

He favours the 'angled' embrace (dunno what it's called), it's hard to explain but our bodies seemed to form an open triangle, this felt less natural, as I was supposed to also be facing this middle of his chest with mine

We danced and WOW, I really can Tango! (well it FELT good anyway )

As a point of order, the cross is without doubt lead! He made it all seem so simple, basically, I had no choice and there was no mistaking it!

The revelation came, when I discovered that the cross can be lead from all sorts of moves.

Most of our lesson was taken up with covering the basics again, tweaking what we thought we already knew. Adding a coat of gloss to the undercoat!

We swapped partners a few times... Omar lead Kev, Kev lead Omar and Monica lead me (my prayers were answered when I didn't have to lead her! Phew!)

At one point, Monica took me to one side, and spoke to me in a hushed whisper, as if she was going to tell me some girlie gossip. She stressed how 'us girls' have to be very patient and supportive to our precious men, as they have a VERY hard job and it takes years of practice and confidence building to become a proficient lead. (I hope I didn't give the impression I was some kind of impatient witch )

Private note to Kev.... you were brilliant today!

I think one of the most powerful and lasting feelings that came from the lesson was, that pausing, is sometimes far more impressive, than yet another step!

And, that simple, slow, clearly lead, positive movements are what its about.

Paying full attention to the girl, with everything you've got, inc. looking at her features, as well as eye contact and the soft, yet firm confident caress, is what makes the dance feel sexy.

Anyway, it was all so good, that Kev's booked us in for another session for next week!

[philsmove]

THANK YOU

Its difficult to believe, that this time last week, I was at all time low and had virtually decided to give up Tango

If was not for all the PM's from you lot, I probably would have

Well it’s been a fantastic week of classes and Practicas

And I am really looking forward to tomorrows Milonga

I cant’ thank you all enough

And finally, a big thank you to Frank, for letting us have a little corner of the forum

[Whitebeard]

Originally Posted by philsmove

THANK YOU

Its difficult to believe, that this time last week, I was at all time low and had virtually decided to give up Tango

If was not for all the PM's from you lot, I probably would have

Well it’s been a fantastic week of classes and Practicas

And I am really looking forward to tomorrows Milonga

I cant’ thank you all enough

And finally, a big thank you to Frank, for letting us have a little corner of the forum

A pretty big corner I would aver ;-)

(But it's great to witness such enthusiasm and enjoyment even though I don't participate.)

[Lynn]

Originally Posted by philsmove

Its difficult to believe, that this time last week, I was at all time low and had virtually decided to give up Tango

Oh dear, that's you, CeeCee and myself all having 'tango woes' in the past couple of weeks. In a strange way its encouraging, because you realise you aren't the only person feeling low or frustrated about tango and you know from other people's experiences that it will get better.

Originally Posted by philsmove

And finally, a big thank you to Frank, for letting us have a little corner of the forum

And to all who contribute in this corner.

[JonD]

Originally Posted by Philsmove

I am really looking forward to tomorrows Milonga

I am so, so glad to hear that!

Originally Posted by Lynn

you realise you aren't the only person feeling low or frustrated about tango and you know from other people's experiences that it will get better.

It is very comforting to know that others battle through those lows. There are times when I really need to take a break from AT - it engages the emotions so strongly that the frustration of not being able to master an element seems intensified to an unbearable degree: I feel a boleo in the music, reach for it but can't quite grasp it in time. But the dance is so intense that I can't "step away"!

I've just had the strangest evening at Jive. I was coaching and the consolidation class was a bit flat - you know when you're trying to create energy but it just seems to be absorbed rather than returned. In freestyle I had some cracking dances with a number of ladies but Julie's following was a bit "out". Not her usual brilliant self. The connection wasn't quite there, perhaps because she's been dancing ballroom this afternoon - we put some AT into our Jive and nothing but the really simple stuff was working. We just laughed about it and, if I'm honest, I found it good to be reminded that it isn't just me who has "off nights".

Lory, that sounds like a great lesson; thank you for describing it so well. We were taught the "angled embrace" at Tango Valley last summer and it feels odd to me too. It offers more space for figures on the open side while retaining a lot of the intimacy of close embrace but feels very strange when I'm trying to walk in a straight line! I've no doubt that we'll find the places that it fits into our dance and become comfortable with it as we improve. I like the concept of a "fluid embrace" where you move between close, angled and open embrace as the movement demands.

Originally Posted by philsmove

And finally, a big thank you to Frank, for letting us have a little corner of the forum

Echoed to the rafters! It really is good to be able to share our enthusiasm and frustrations on the Forum. Frank, you've created a very special bit of cyberspace - thank you!