Learning Tango - Page 5

**philsmove** · 21st-January-2006, 01:35 PM

Quote:

What about when the course ends at the end of March - what will I do then?!

You could move to Bristol

**Lynn** · 21st-January-2006, 01:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by philsmove

You could move to Bristol

I've already been thinking that I've spent the past 1 1/2 years travelling outside of NI to dance MJ, now am I going to have to start and do the same thing for AT?

There is a good tango scene in Dublin - I think there are classes/milongas almost every night of the week and a few weekend tango festivals every year, so at least there will be something I can get to by car/train rather than 'plane!

**David Bailey** · 21st-January-2006, 01:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lynn

She said some people might think 'practice time' was an extra bit and leave, and she really wants us all to practice as much as possible so she emphasised it was part of the class.

That's an excellent idea - I really felt the lack of practice time at last term's classes.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lynn

What about when the course ends at the end of March - what will I do then?!

I know! Scary isn't it? - time without Tango

Glad to hear you enjoyed it, Lynn, and please keep us posted.

**Lory** · 22nd-January-2006, 10:25 PM

This week, mine and Kev's lesson covered the 'Giro' (hero) in more depth.

I was having a problem keeping a good connection,

our teacher kele, did some trouble shooting and discovered that I was travelling away from Kev on the backward ocho. To remedy this, I have to create a bit more self momentum on the hip turn, to propel my self round a bit further, so my backward step is more parallel to Kev, than away from him. That small change made a heap of difference.

I was reasurred it's a common mistake.

The next thing I have to concentrate on, is keeping my heals skimming the floor, I have a tendency to stand on tip toe, which is affecting my balance.

Kev had the hard bit, he had to learn where/how to place his feet 'between' mine (without kicking me) as I'm circling him.

Quote:

Originally Posted by DavidJames, in another thread

Which is, to me, what makes it so intense - it forces you to lead / follow all the time. Until you do that, you don't realise how "lazy" most MJ dancing is, and how little attention most MJ-ers actually pay to their partners. At the moment, it almost feels like I'm holding my breath during each AT dance....

He he, I do the same..

I have to keep being reminded to take a breath!

The thing is, the need to concentration is so intense right now, I'm finding breathing is a major interruption!

Apparently, when the woman gets really good, she no longer 'thinks', she becomes completely submissive to her partner, surrendering herself to his lead.

Kele assures me, it's a very relaxing feeling (I'm starting to wonder if this dance was invented by male control freaks?

) I'm clearly not very good yet!

And yes, after AT, MJ's a doddle! I just do it for sheer relaxation now...

**JonD** · 23rd-January-2006, 08:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lory

This week, mine and Kev's lesson covered the 'Giro' (hero) in more depth.

Spooky! Julie and I spent a couple of hours working on giros and molinettes last night (we're stealing a move Ian and Zoe did in the AT demo on SCD for this dance demo thing - it looked easier than it is). I find staying on the circumference of the circle really difficult, particularly when trying to keep some kind of quality in the step. When Julie is turning round me she has a habit of taking a short-cut and stepping across the circle on her side step and that throws me back on my heels. Get Kev doing them as well so you can feel the problems you cause each other!

Quote:

Apparently, when the woman gets really good, she no longer 'thinks', she becomes completely submissive to her partner, surrendering herself to his lead.

I wish! Seriously, the follower only follows because she chooses to accept the leader's invitation. Keeping that "tension" between you - and a touch of coquettish "maybe I will, maybe I won't" is great. If you surrender yourself it's only because you choose to; when you feel like it you can still stick a spanner in the leader's works.

**JonD** · 23rd-January-2006, 05:34 PM

All this talk of walking on the Jango thread has prompted me to offer another little exercise. For this one you need a really steep hill and, if at all possible, a partner.

The first part is simple: walk up the hill. Get used to the sensation of pushing off your standing leg and letting your working (moving leg) arrive under your body just in time to stop you falling. Keep in balance, look up at a spot at the top of the hill and maintain good body posture.

Now comes the tricky bit: walk backwards down the hill. Get your partner to walk to your side with the palm of their hand on your upper chest. You have to maintain a connection with that hand despite the fact that you are walking backwards away from it - so keep your "presence" forward. Reach back with your leg and feel for the ground and then transfer your weight onto it as your body moves back over the leg. Look up - pick a spot and keep looking at it - and remember your posture. Feel for the ground but don't be tentative - your partner will, hopefully, stop you before you walk into a pothole or ditch or the middle of a motorway.

It's really fun and nowhere near as easy as it sounds. Komala and Stefan used this technique when we were at Tango Valley the year before last - and they have steep, steep hills at Frayssinette! Once you are used to the way it feels you can do the walking forward bit every time you go to the shops - assuming you aren't in East Anglia or Lincolnshire. OK, so people will look at you as if you're a bit strange but what the hell - they don't dance AT.

Yogi_Bear · 23rd-January-2006, 11:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lynn

I won't have a regular partner, but I know two MJ guys going so hopefully will get the chance to practice* a bit with them.

The class I am going to is listed as 8-10pm, so hopefully that will include some practice time.

(Or practise, sorry, I never know which I should use.

)

practice=noun
practise=verb

**Lynn** · 23rd-January-2006, 11:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JonD

All this talk of walking on the Jango thread has prompted me to offer another little exercise. For this one you need a really steep hill and, if at all possible, a partner.

Another 'need a partner' thing

(I could find the steep hills easily enough!)

Quote:

Originally Posted by JonD

Get your partner to walk to your side with the palm of their hand on your upper chest.

I wonder if explaining that bit of the exercise first would make it any easier to get a guy to volunteer to help me with this exercise?

Seriously, that sounds useful and will try it. I must cut and paste your recent helpful posts and make a list of exercises to be working on.

LMC · 24th-January-2006, 10:50 PM

Well, despite the best efforts of London Transport, I made it to Tufnell Park only five minutes late and had changed my shoes in time to join the tail end of the warm up.

The class is described as "basics" rather than beginners as intermediate dancers are encouraged to attend - and there is an intermediate class following straight on, although I'm not sure if anyone is attending at the moment. However, the material is suitable for beginners: I found it very challenging, but not to the extent where I had to sit and go "wibble". There were only 11 people and Hamza, the fabulous teacher, made the numbers of men and women exactly even

His passion for the dance is evident (isn't that just a *gorgeous* quote on my expanded signature? - and I don't mean the forward, back, side bit either).

To start with, we spent some time walking round the room - ball of foot in full contact with the floor at all times and the variation of the "heel flick" (not quite sure what it's called, but apparently people who have played soccer have a distinct advantage).

After that, there was some practice on pivot turns - both directions, *both* feet (turning clockwise with the weight on your left foot whilst keeping both feet on the floor

).

After that, we made a square of four talc spots on the floor and practised grapevine step - forward on the left, pivot a/c, side, pivot a/c, back, side... breaking it down to forward/side and back/side as well as practising the whole thing with and without a partner. I think I got the hang of it in the end... although practising on Platform 9A while waiting for my train home got me some funny looks. Maybe it was eating chips at the same time? Anyway, the talc got everywhere of course, which was fun when it came to later in the lesson - still haven't beat ZW's slide record but gimme a couple of weeks

The really interesting bit for me was watching the obviously more experienced woman, who had a lovely neat sharp recognisable square of talc where her "spots" had spread as she slid her feet around. I wish I'd taken a photo of the results of my sliding around as I'd probably make a fortune selling it as modern art - or for use as an ink blot equivalent in personality tests.

After enough of that to make my left inner thigh muscles start complaining, we practised the grapevine in lines a few times, then partnered up and practised it with our partners. It was very very difficult doing grapevine steps when the guys weren't - Hamza had them concentrate on their leading first and is a big fan of following the chest (and the leader watching the follower's shoulders). My main fault was failing to pivot sufficiently on the back step

Unfortunately, no practica along the same lines as Lynn's class - but we did have a couple of tracks at the end to walk around to and Hamza encouraged us to go to a practica. I think I'll wait until I can actually do the grapevine in my sleep, not just hear it (as I suspect I will in my dreams tonight).

I'm in lurve...

- wonder if there's a class somewhere on Thursday?

It's going to be quite some time before the merest hint of a possibility of there being any potential for me to be "... fluid, like water, like the wind". But I'll stick with it.

Whew, that's a mammoth post even by my standards - I'm off to re-read all the others now with fresh eyes and hopefully a miniscule understanding to help me

. Just remains to say thanks for encouragement from so many people

**Lynn** · 24th-January-2006, 11:03 PM

Sounds like it was as good as my first class!

Quote:

Originally Posted by LMC

Unfortunately, no practica along the same lines as Lynn's class - but we did have a couple of tracks at the end to walk around to and Hamza encouraged us to go to a practica.

I'm glad we do have though as this is currently the only AT practica in Belfast. Hopefully you will find a practica to go to.

Quote:

Originally Posted by LMC

I'm in lurve...

Ok - what is it about Tango? I've 'sampled' various dance styles over the past couple of years - none seem to have the impact on me that Tango has. What is it about this dance that seems to reach deeper than other dances?

Quote:

Originally Posted by LMC

It's going to be quite some time before the merest hint of a possibility of there being any potential for me to be "... fluid, like water, like the wind". But I'll stick with it.

Me too!

**Lory** · 24th-January-2006, 11:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LMC

My main fault was failing to pivot sufficiently on the back step

I've heard it's a common problem

Well done Sandre and thanks for your post, very enjoyable reading

**JonD** · 24th-January-2006, 11:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LMC

I'm in lurve...

Great! I'm so glad you enjoyed it and have been "bitten" by AT. The talc thing sounds a great idea and covering pivots, backward and forward ochos and sidesteps at the first class is something of a coup! Hamza sounds really good and I just love the quote - it gives us something to aim for. Brilliant.

I've just got back from the beginner & improver lessons here in Exeter and had a fab time. The beginners did forward ochos, walking and sidesteps and I had a fun time leading some of them through the class. There was one woman who was really tentative, trying to work out my lead and apologising all the time. I got her laughing and asked her to try and be proud and confident - to take a strong step in the direction and on the leg that seemed right to her and let me worry if it went wrong. I think she found it a bit difficult (it was her first class) but she tried and everything started to work much better. Seeing the smile on her face and the expression of slight incredulity that she'd actually danced a Tango was just wonderful. I hope she's got the bug now!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lynn

What is it about this dance that seems to reach deeper than other dances?

At the start of the improver class Ruth asked us to dance one Tango, keeping it simple and concentrating on being relaxed and grounded. I danced with Stephanie, who has been going to AT for about 3 months. Ruth played "Oblivion" by Astor Piazzolla which is, I think, my favourite Tango. The quality of stillness, connection and peace which we found in that dance was incredible - it was mesmerising. We did nothing other than walk, a few ochos, a few sidesteps but I could have gone on doing that all night. As the music ended, Stephanie and I stayed in the embrace and took a moment to come back to reality. We both felt the same; it was just magical. Somehow AT has the power to blend your souls into a perfect moment of communion with each other and the music. What a wonderful dance!

Then we did sacadas - just simple ones - and I was reminded of how much I've got to learn before I can really flow in the dance. Just think how delicious AT is going to be as we become more "fluid, like water, like wind".

**David Bailey** · 25th-January-2006, 04:21 PM

Taken from another thread:

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lynn

You don't smile during Tango then?

Apparently, it's supposed to look very serious and intense, I believe?

Looking at LatinLover and Susie tango-ing, they're always looking very serious (and very good of course), and I think I've heard that smiling is, err, frowned upon. So to speak.

LMC · 25th-January-2006, 04:30 PM

*goes and hunts down "Smiling" thread, 'cos I don't think that's been Tango'd yet

I think I'd actually be rather disconcerted by someone's teeth flashing that close to my ear. Not smiling doesn't necessarily equate to miserable!

**philsmove** · 25th-January-2006, 05:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DavidJames

Taken from another thread:

Apparently, it's supposed to look very serious and intense, I believe?

Looking at LatinLover and Susie tango-ing, they're always looking very serious (.......

LUCIANA VALLE

Taught us
We should not smile
We should not frown
The face should be completely neutral and relaxed

LMC · 25th-January-2006, 05:21 PM

Like this?

(from Kev F's post - #49 on this thread)

**JonD** · 25th-January-2006, 05:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lynn
You don't smile during Tango then?

Damn! And I've been grinning away and, horror of horrors, even laughing at times. Why didn't someone tell me?! Note to self: must learn to look intense and brooding and serious and such like at all times when dancing AT.

23rd-January-2006, 05:34 PM	#86 (permalink)
JonD Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Exeter Posts: 535 Rep Power: 3 Reputation Total: 688	Re: Learning Tango All this talk of walking on the Jango thread has prompted me to offer another little exercise. For this one you need a really steep hill and, if at all possible, a partner. The first part is simple: walk up the hill. Get used to the sensation of pushing off your standing leg and letting your working (moving leg) arrive under your body just in time to stop you falling. Keep in balance, look up at a spot at the top of the hill and maintain good body posture. Now comes the tricky bit: walk backwards down the hill. Get your partner to walk to your side with the palm of their hand on your upper chest. You have to maintain a connection with that hand despite the fact that you are walking backwards away from it - so keep your "presence" forward. Reach back with your leg and feel for the ground and then transfer your weight onto it as your body moves back over the leg. Look up - pick a spot and keep looking at it - and remember your posture. Feel for the ground but don't be tentative - your partner will, hopefully, stop you before you walk into a pothole or ditch or the middle of a motorway. It's really fun and nowhere near as easy as it sounds. Komala and Stefan used this technique when we were at Tango Valley the year before last - and they have steep, steep hills at Frayssinette! Once you are used to the way it feels you can do the walking forward bit every time you go to the shops - assuming you aren't in East Anglia or Lincolnshire. OK, so people will look at you as if you're a bit strange but what the hell - they don't dance AT.

24th-January-2006, 10:50 PM	#89 (permalink)
LMC Registered User Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: In the corner Posts: 4,508 Rep Power: 4 Reputation Total: 2319	Re: Learning Tango Well, despite the best efforts of London Transport, I made it to Tufnell Park only five minutes late and had changed my shoes in time to join the tail end of the warm up. The class is described as "basics" rather than beginners as intermediate dancers are encouraged to attend - and there is an intermediate class following straight on, although I'm not sure if anyone is attending at the moment. However, the material is suitable for beginners: I found it very challenging, but not to the extent where I had to sit and go "wibble". There were only 11 people and Hamza, the fabulous teacher, made the numbers of men and women exactly even His passion for the dance is evident (isn't that just a gorgeous quote on my expanded signature? - and I don't mean the forward, back, side bit either). To start with, we spent some time walking round the room - ball of foot in full contact with the floor at all times and the variation of the "heel flick" (not quite sure what it's called, but apparently people who have played soccer have a distinct advantage). After that, there was some practice on pivot turns - both directions, both feet (turning clockwise with the weight on your left foot whilst keeping both feet on the floor ). After that, we made a square of four talc spots on the floor and practised grapevine step - forward on the left, pivot a/c, side, pivot a/c, back, side... breaking it down to forward/side and back/side as well as practising the whole thing with and without a partner. I think I got the hang of it in the end... although practising on Platform 9A while waiting for my train home got me some funny looks. Maybe it was eating chips at the same time? Anyway, the talc got everywhere of course, which was fun when it came to later in the lesson - still haven't beat ZW's slide record but gimme a couple of weeks The really interesting bit for me was watching the obviously more experienced woman, who had a lovely neat sharp recognisable square of talc where her "spots" had spread as she slid her feet around. I wish I'd taken a photo of the results of my sliding around as I'd probably make a fortune selling it as modern art - or for use as an ink blot equivalent in personality tests. After enough of that to make my left inner thigh muscles start complaining, we practised the grapevine in lines a few times, then partnered up and practised it with our partners. It was very very difficult doing grapevine steps when the guys weren't - Hamza had them concentrate on their leading first and is a big fan of following the chest (and the leader watching the follower's shoulders). My main fault was failing to pivot sufficiently on the back step Unfortunately, no practica along the same lines as Lynn's class - but we did have a couple of tracks at the end to walk around to and Hamza encouraged us to go to a practica. I think I'll wait until I can actually do the grapevine in my sleep, not just hear it (as I suspect I will in my dreams tonight). I'm in lurve... - wonder if there's a class somewhere on Thursday? It's going to be quite some time before the merest hint of a possibility of there being any potential for me to be "... fluid, like water, like the wind". But I'll stick with it. Whew, that's a mammoth post even by my standards - I'm off to re-read all the others now with fresh eyes and hopefully a miniscule understanding to help me . Just remains to say thanks for encouragement from so many people

25th-January-2006, 04:30 PM	#94 (permalink)
LMC Registered User Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: In the corner Posts: 4,508 Rep Power: 4 Reputation Total: 2319	Re: Learning Tango *goes and hunts down "Smiling" thread, 'cos I don't think that's been Tango'd yet I think I'd actually be rather disconcerted by someone's teeth flashing that close to my ear. Not smiling doesn't necessarily equate to miserable!

25th-January-2006, 05:21 PM	#96 (permalink)
LMC Registered User Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: In the corner Posts: 4,508 Rep Power: 4 Reputation Total: 2319	Re: Learning Tango Like this? (from Kev F's post - #49 on this thread)