Learning Tango - Page 52

**JonD** · 15th-January-2007, 05:16 PM

1st Year Celebrations
Devonian Division

The t-dance on Sunday was great! 6 hours of dancing in Staverton Parish Hall; fab atmosphere, good music, friendly people, table groaning with cakes and chocolate and good cheeses and crisps (and all the other things I'm not allowed to eat on my diet - but did). It really was fun.

I was spoiled with Julie and another 6 or so really good followers to dance with, plus some new ladies and a few old friends, but I can't say that the followers were equally lucky. There's been a bit of discussion of the "planchadoras" (those ladies who sit out at milongas and are never asked to dance) but I have to say that a number of the guys at the t-dance really should be sitting out! I watched for a while and there were a number of guys dancing who haven't been to a class for years and need to go to a lot of classes urgently. It's only the imbalance between leaders and followers that allows them to get a dance as often as they like; followers endure these guys simply to get onto the dance floor. Not good.

I was trying to really focus on "being with" Julie, making floor navigation and movement peripheral rather than allowing it to cloud my connection with her. I thought it worked rather well so you can imagine my surprise when, as we were leaving, I told Julie what I'd been trying to do and asked her how it had felt; "academic" was her reply! Ho hum, I'm going to have to rethink that one. Despite that, it was working well and we both enjoyed ourselves and I also had some lovely dances with other partners. (There was a new dancer there who was fab - but I forgot her name within 2 minutes of her telling me. She's just moved to Exeter so I'm bound to dance with her again).

We've now got a total of 59 members of our local AT Club. All the club does is organise an opportunity to dance once a fortnight - one milonga and one t-dance per month. It's excellent; everyone takes a turn at setting up and clearing up, there are no "commercial pressures" and the atmosphere is warm and welcoming. Good news.

I've just booked for a workshop on 3rd Feb with Augusto Balizano & Miguel Moyano, who are superb dancers and, I've heard, really good teachers. It's a "men only" workshop so I'll learn a lot about lead/follow and get some feedback on my skills. I've also just booked 10 workshops at the Brussels Tango Festival plus the flights to get there - it's going to be a good year!

**Lynn** · 15th-January-2007, 07:06 PM

I should be ready to celebrate on Fri night. Its a proper 1 year anniversary as its a year from when I started classes.

But I'm not. I'm not especially looking forward to it. I think it could be that I don't want to get my hopes up, having been disappointed by the hope of things improving before. More likely though is the feeling that my AT is not progressing, that I'm getting worse instead of getting better. And the deep down awareness that I'm never going to be very good at AT anyway.

Sorry to be negative. But if I can't share it here, where can I?

**Feelingpink** · 15th-January-2007, 07:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lynn

I should be ready to celebrate on Fri night. Its a proper 1 year anniversary as its a year from when I started classes.

{sad thoughts}

Sorry to be negative. But if I can't share it here, where can I?

Sorry your journey is bumpy. It also reminds me that I really have no excuse for having fallen off the tango wagon.

There's a free class at danceworks on Sunday at 5.30pm for an hour (thanks to DJ's London List link). I just rang & was told that to book in, you should arrive at least 30 mins ahead of the class. Anyone want to come along - sign up early then go off for a coffee? (Note to self: must do better & make an effort). :whipping smiley:

**David Bailey** · 16th-January-2007, 08:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lynn

But I'm not. I'm not especially looking forward to it. I think it could be that I don't want to get my hopes up, having been disappointed by the hope of things improving before. More likely though is the feeling that my AT is not progressing, that I'm getting worse instead of getting better. And the deep down awareness that I'm never going to be very good at AT anyway.

Reading through posts, one might get the impression that we're all rushing ahead like crazy, ready to do showcases and public demonstrations, in complete command of our dancing.

Hah, I wish.

The truth is that I'm barely inching forwards myself. I only realised how I should be pivoting (i.e. using the lats) last week, and I'm still not comfortable walking. In fact, I can't even stand correctly. I get very intimidated by milongas, and I doubt if I've spent an hour in total doing social-dancing at them since I started well over a year ago.

So don't stress if you suffer the occasional Tango Crisis - it happens to everyone.

MartinHarper · 16th-January-2007, 12:09 PM

Second Tango lesson. This time, what I had considered as a "warm-up" lesson in Foxtrot proved much harder than the Tango. Lots of foot-stepping.

Still crowded. Dodging people is hard. I'm getting lots of practice in floorcraft - it turns out that if you give lots of people progressive patterns to dance before introducing the concept of a "line of dance", then things don't work so well. No bumps, though - we're all moving too slowly for that.

Went over the two patterns from last week. Also added the start of a "zig-zag" pattern with a {wierd name} start.

So far, I'm struggling to smoothly exit part of the second position, where I have the woman ochoing off to my right. I need to bring her round in front of me, whilst keeping her balance on her existing foot. Next week I think I'll cheat and just turn myself to face her.

The variety in ability levels is huge, including dance teachers and absolute beginners. What's fun is that those of us with prior experience have all come from different backgrounds: contemporary, Tap, Salsa, and more. Much as I dislike the class format, I do love the cosmopolitan atmosphere.

Whitebeard · 16th-January-2007, 12:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MartinHarper

http://areyoudancing.info lists Tango events around Cheltenham/Gloucester, and the odd national event.

Missed out your Wobbleues there Martin. Its:

http://www.areyoudancing.info/

CeeCee · 16th-January-2007, 10:46 PM

A Year To Remember

Today, yes today is the anniversary of my first step on this Tango journey. Come retrace my steps with me...

The First Day
It all began on the morning of Monday 16th January 2006. I was completely exhausted after a fabulous jive weekend at Bognor and was preparing for the journey home. I wonder if CL remembers the moment when his key broke in the car door. Oh we did laugh... not! I think I must have passed out because I don't know remember what he did about it.

In the car CL talked about Tango, a lot, I listened. He likes to talk, not a complaint merely an observation. Somehow, (I think I was duped) I found myself agreeing to go to some dance class, somewhere in North London. I didn't really want to go out again, I was tired and wanted to catch up on my sleep, besides where was Tufnell Park anyway?

Why did I agree to go? Well the North London lads talked about Tango sooooo much that a teeny weeny bit of me wanted to see what all the fuss was about. I didn't expect much.

The First Class
Ah yes, I remember it well. At the Dome, DJ and CL knew the teacher and Foxylady joined us but didn't last long as she seemed to be suffering from Jango withdrawal symptoms. Was Puddytat there too or is that my imagination playing tricks on me? We walked and walked, for an hour, that was it. I was hooked. I've no idea why, I just was.

The First Post
My first Tango post showed a hint of excitement. My thoughts haven't changed. A whole year on, my technique class yesterday, at The Dome in Tufnell Park, was frighteningly similar my first and ochos are still hard work!

Bitten by the Tango Bug I began a search for the perfect class:-

The First Mistake
I discovered a teacher with strong views and an individual style! I then spent months attending several of his classes at different venues, defending him on this Forum and at other venues until something happened to change my mind. Without the overwhelming support I received from you delightful people on this Forum, my journey may have ended there and then.

The First Pause
I took a break from Tango. It may not have seemed long to other people but it felt like an eternity to me. I had lost interest.

The First Revelation
Woo hoo, I was inspired once again. I discovered Gonzalo and Solange and they were like a breath of fresh air.

The First Workshop
Thoroughly enjoyed my first Tango workshop with the amazing Pablo Pugliese. When oh when is he coming back? It was early days and some of the gems of information he passed on then are just beginning to make a little bit of sense now.

The First Negracha
A wonderful new discovery the Negracha Tango Club, first of many visits. Was this the first night I went to Tango and then Jive? It has certainly become a habit though. The fun of Jive is a welcome relief after the intensity of Tango.

The First Detour
I had this brilliant idea that brushing up my salsa might help me to enjoy my Tango. They often play salsa at milongas so it seemed like a good idea at the time. Let's just say that the classes and workshops were entertaining.

The First Gathering
After much discussion our first LTFG finally took place. Where's the fab photo taken by Feelingpink? Perhaps this photo will do for now?

The First KG
Kicca abandoned us to tour with some boy band. Our classes with KG began with inspiration but ended with confusion. Never mind they were fun while they lasted.

The First Corrientes
I really enjoyed my visits to Corrientes and I've watched it go from a thriving venue, well respected in the London circuit, with well attended weekly classes and busy milonga to once a month sometimes if you're lucky, oh and no class.

The First Private
A private lesson for me to work on my technique, this is a great way to learn and I really should do more of them

The First Shape
My introduction to Maths meets Tango in a class with the wonderful Humza. The man is a genius and an inspiring teacher.

The First Doubt
The frustration of many a wasted journey trying to get to lessons and having the traffic gods against me can seriously make me doubt my sanity. Why not go to lessons nearer home? I travel because if and when I get there, the lessons are usually good and so they're worth it.

The First Regret
A bad time at this venue made me regret ever going. Would I, should I ever go there again?

The First Loss
Poor Humza returned from his holiday to find that his teaching services were no longer required. His brilliance is unsurpassed so who would take his place? He left. I was gutted. Never mind at least we had fun planning our cyber space military operation to kidnap him.

A First Combination
Workshops in Jango and Tango for Jivers made The Southport weekender in September very special. I learned a lot and the inspiration continued.

The First Expedition
Find a good teacher and follow them. That was my plan but my Cheltenham Expo will stay in my memory for a long time so will not be repeated soon.

It's been an amazing first year on this adventurous journey and I couldn't have done it without the support of you guys.

The journey continues...

**Gav** · 20th-January-2007, 12:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CeeCee

snip - what a story - snip

Wow, what a journey CeeCee. Thanks for posting it, the story of your last year through Tango is really helpful to newcomers like me.

Gav.

**Gav** · 20th-January-2007, 01:20 PM

Errrr, Gav's got exited and done a mammoth post again, sorry you might want to get a cuppa before starting reading.

Instalment No 4

The Return of Gav

Well, I haven't danced at all for a week and a half because of a minor shoulder injury and I'm sure the doctor would've had me lay of it for longer. if I'd asked!
Having only had 3 lessons, then a little time of, sinking into a bit of a depression because of personal issues and some discouraging words from someone whom I had considered a friend, I was toying with the idea of never going back, but I made myself go last night and boy am I glad I did!
By doing so, I may have found myself a regular partner, I had a big confidence boost from the teacher and I've found out where all the younger MJ dancers in Norfolk go too!

NorwichTango at Thorpe Hamlet 1st School (they have a dance and arts centre attached to the school which is really very good).
No Fran, who has taught me so far, this time the teacher was Rachel, with Christina helping.
It was amazing watching Rachel, so, so similar to Fran! I'm guessing that they both had the same teacher or that one learnt from the other.

Beginners lesson

Anyway, lots more people this time. 5 or 6 couples, 3 single guys and 1 single lady, which meant that with the 2 female teachers, it worked out just right.
Lots of rotation of partners and an hour of walking! I can understand from a business point of view, wanting to get people doing figures quickly to keep them interested, but personally, I'd rather do technique, technique, technique and worry about figures when I have a foundation to build them on. So an entire lesson of walking was brilliant!
Double track, 3 track, leaders crossing to get from one to the other, playing with followers "resistance" to find the right balance, foot placement. I couldn't have asked for better.

To start with I happened to be standing near the single lady, so we started together. Immediately had a laugh, found that she has just returned to MJ after a break, but has been doing it for 10 years or so, but is at the same point as me with Tango. We also found out that we both love walking and mountain climbing. I think we had a rough, but natural connection and both immediately comfortable with helping each other.

During the lesson I had some helpful comments from the teacher and during one of the walking exercises she told me I have a very good, strong intention and walking style.

Then it was my turn in the rotation to dance with her, doing the crosses. Great moment coming up, she asked how long I'd been dancing to which I replied about a year of Modern Jive, but this is my fourth Tango lesson, to which she raised her eyebrows and simply said "really? mmmm". My head swelled to the size of a beach ball and I made a right mess of the next cross!

At the end of the class, the teacher said "go back to the partners you arrived with and just use this last song to practice". The single lady was on the opposite side of the room in between the other 2 single men, so I skulked backwards to get out of the way and hoped that one of the teachers would join in. Lisa, the single lady, left the two other guys and crossed the floor to dance with me!

I was sooooooo chuffed.

The practica

As we left the lesson, the teacher said we should all dance in the practica, or at the least, go and watch. As we got to the door, we were told that the intermediates had been taught by visiting teachers over from the Tango festival at Bylaugh Hall and they were about to finish the lesson with a demo dance.
We went in and saw Linus Aabye Jensen & Christiane Palha doing an amazing Tango. I was blown away. These guys are professional dancers that have been doing it for donkeys years, I know I have 2 hopes but I don't care, I still want to aim for that standard. It was awesome.

The Modern Jive surprise
Lisa said she wasn't staying but was instead heading for a FootLoose (the local independent) lesson in Wymondham because she should just make it in time for the freestyle. I wanted to walk at the practica, but I want to see what's going on at places I've never been to, so I tagged along.
What a lovely surprise! The average age was probably about 20 years younger than the local Ceroc nights! I'll be going there again.

It was at the end of this that I suggested it would be nice if we could stay on after Tango in future and practice together and she agreed. Things are really looking up again!

**Lynn** · 20th-January-2007, 05:11 PM

Last night should have been my one year anniversary of the tango class starting in Belfast. But I was simply too tired to go.

I did force myself to go out with friends for a walk this afternoon (in the pouring rain, I'm mad) and bumped into someone from last years class who didn't go any more and was able to tell her about the new 'pay as you go' classes so she'll maybe go back again some week.

Sounds like you had a great night Gav.

**JonD** · 20th-January-2007, 06:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lynn

Last night should have been my one year anniversary of the tango class starting in Belfast. But I was simply too tired to go.

Poor you; I'm sending strength and energy!

I've been feeling pretty tired over this last week too - for some reason I've not been sleeping well, which is rare for me. I forced myself to go out to our MJ "After Christmas Party" last night and ended up having a really good time. Adam and Tas are down and did a fab cabaret; it was lovely to see Tas again (she was Nelson's demonstrator when I first started MJ) but sadly I didn't get a chance to dance with her. She's brilliant; a wonderful, talented, skillful and expressive dancer who really engages with her partner and matches her level to yours so that even biffs like me feel great!

Julie and I had a fab tango to a Gotan track. Jule was wearing this amazing 1930s beaded dress but the skirt is a bit tight so she can't really extend into steps. Despite that it worked well and I felt I was leading with real power and intention. We got a colgada just right and it felt so good that I just kept rotating it - we must have done 5 complete rotations. It had nothing whatever to do with the music but Julie was laughing out loud as she went round and round so who cares!

Gav, it sounds like a wonderful class and finding someone you can practice with (and laugh with at the same time) is a huge bonus. Is Rachel quite short? I met and danced with a lovely lady from your neck of the woods at "Henry's Birthday Party" last year and I think she was called Rachel; gorgeous dancer, very "still", connected and balanced.

I'm going down to Paignton tonight to dance AT which will be fun. My plan is to make myself so exhausted that I sleep really well tonight.

**JonD** · 21st-January-2007, 12:17 PM

"Plant your feet and relax your arse".

Sorry for making two consecutive posts but I can't resist. I had a fab time dancing AT last night; there were only about 25 people at a mini-milonga which Ruth ran as part of her workshop weekend. Before our first dance Julie and I were chatting when she reminded me, out of the blue, of the above advice, which was given by Stefan (as in Komala and Stefan from El Corte) last summer. It made me laugh and I repeated it whenever I started a dance during the evening. It seemed to make a real difference as I felt more relaxed, fluid and fluent. (It's best not to repeat it out loud when you're dancing with someone you don't know: she thought I was talking to her. Still, it's good to have a reputation for being a bit strange, isn't it?!)

Last night was one of those nights when you just love AT. Wonderful. And I slept well for what seems like the first time in ages.

**Gav** · 22nd-January-2007, 08:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JonD

Gav, it sounds like a wonderful class and finding someone you can practice with (and laugh with at the same time) is a huge bonus. Is Rachel quite short? I met and danced with a lovely lady from your neck of the woods at "Henry's Birthday Party" last year and I think she was called Rachel; gorgeous dancer, very "still", connected and balanced.

Sounds like the same person to me. The incredible thing is that I've often felt intimidated by fantastic dancers, but somehow she inspires confidence in me rather than scaring me!

jivecat · 22nd-January-2007, 11:30 AM

Can't believe that it's also my first tango anniversary as well as the thread's.

I've spent the weekend doing a most amazing tango musicality course, with Joaquin Amenábar who is a bandoneonista who runs an Orquesta Tipica in Buenos Aires and teaches both bandoneon and tango.

We learnt no moves whatsoever. The course consisted entirely of walking. No technique, no flashy stuff, just walking. But, I'd say the course transformed the attitude of the leaders to their dancing like nothing else.

1.BASIC RHYTHM. We counted. We heard the accents. We tapped out the rhythm. We stepped it out on the spot. We listened to the difference between 1 2 and 3 4 and 1 2 3 and 4. We adjusted our walking pattern to fit. We spotted where the rhythm changed. We practised changing our walking pattern where the rhythm changed. It seemed easy. Everyone was happy.

2.BASIC MELODY. We listened. We sang along. We felt the mood of each phrase. We decided if it was single time or double time. We heard the underlying rhythms but decided to ignore them sometimes. We learnt about the predictable musical structures of traditional tango music. We could all do it. Everyone was happy.

3.MORE RHYTHM. We heard about several different types of syncopation. We listened again. We counted. 12312312. We listened again and again until everyone, even me, could hear it. We walked the phrase again. And again. And again. Until, everyone could do it. Everyone was happy.

4.MORE MELODY. We remembered everything we had done before. We listened to a song and analysed the different sections and their rhythms. We learnt to pause on the pauses. We could predict what was going to happen next because we knew about the regular song structure of tango. The leaders were not panicking because they knew what was likely to happen next. We learnt never to listen to tango in quite the same way again. We learnt not to place our faith in the Gotan Project. We partnered up. We danced the song, marking the accents, pausing on the pauses and responding to the syncopation with our walking steps. We forgot about moves. It felt fantastic anyway. Everyone was happy.

I've rarely had a more enjoyable weekend of walking. If you get the chance, just do this guy's workshop.

With grateful thanks to CeeCee and the Oxford Reading Tree for their immeasurable influence on my writing style.

**JonD** · 22nd-January-2007, 12:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JiveCat

I've spent the weekend doing a most amazing tango musicality course

I'm jealous! That sounds like something I need and I want to do it now. It looks like he's doing some classes in Bristol on Wednesday - I'll be on the phone in a minute to see if there are any vacancies.

Thanks for such a fab post - it sounds inspirational and oh so useful.

Born2bwild · 22nd-January-2007, 06:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jivecat

...

I've spent the weekend doing a most amazing tango musicality course, with Joaquin Amenábar who is a bandoneonista who runs an Orquesta Tipica in Buenos Aires and teaches both bandoneon and tango.
...
I've rarely had a more enjoyable weekend of walking. If you get the chance, just do this guy's workshop.

Yes, I was on this same workshop and it was probably the best dance workshop I have ever attended

. Because Joaquin plays the bandoneon he can use it to play exerts of music at will to aid the teaching, and emphasize parts of recorded songs as they are playing. Absolutlely brilliant.

I will never hear traditional tango music in the same way ever again! I love dancing tango style to non-tango music but what I previously found quite natural I fear now will be quite challenging. I have heard it said that traditional tango dancers find it very difficult to dance to non-tango music, and I completely understand why now.

I would urge AT dancers of all levels (from, say, a couple months upwards) to go along to this workshop. Joaquin also runs more advanced level workshops which may appeal to much more experienced dancers.

Born2bwild

jivecat · 22nd-January-2007, 06:40 PM

Welcome to the forum and the AT thread, Born2bewild. Are you sure you won't regret this??

**JonD** · 22nd-January-2007, 06:53 PM

Welcome Born2bwild!

Julie and I are booked for the workshop with Joaquin Amenábar in Bristol on Wednesday night. It's two x 1 1/2 hour sessions with a 1 hour practica in the middle rather than your weekend's worth so I'm still jealous. It'll be great though; Ruth did quite a lot of musicality stuff in the improver classes last term and this will build on that beautifully. My knowledge of music is woefully inadequate so this will address an area of my dancing in which I've got very little confidenc

15th-January-2007, 05:16 PM	#1021 (permalink)
JonD Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Posts: 537 Status: No Status Rep Power: 3 Rep.: 688	Re: Learning Tango 1st Year Celebrations Devonian Division The t-dance on Sunday was great! 6 hours of dancing in Staverton Parish Hall; fab atmosphere, good music, friendly people, table groaning with cakes and chocolate and good cheeses and crisps (and all the other things I'm not allowed to eat on my diet - but did). It really was fun. I was spoiled with Julie and another 6 or so really good followers to dance with, plus some new ladies and a few old friends, but I can't say that the followers were equally lucky. There's been a bit of discussion of the "planchadoras" (those ladies who sit out at milongas and are never asked to dance) but I have to say that a number of the guys at the t-dance really should be sitting out! I watched for a while and there were a number of guys dancing who haven't been to a class for years and need to go to a lot of classes urgently. It's only the imbalance between leaders and followers that allows them to get a dance as often as they like; followers endure these guys simply to get onto the dance floor. Not good. I was trying to really focus on "being with" Julie, making floor navigation and movement peripheral rather than allowing it to cloud my connection with her. I thought it worked rather well so you can imagine my surprise when, as we were leaving, I told Julie what I'd been trying to do and asked her how it had felt; "academic" was her reply! Ho hum, I'm going to have to rethink that one. Despite that, it was working well and we both enjoyed ourselves and I also had some lovely dances with other partners. (There was a new dancer there who was fab - but I forgot her name within 2 minutes of her telling me. She's just moved to Exeter so I'm bound to dance with her again). We've now got a total of 59 members of our local AT Club. All the club does is organise an opportunity to dance once a fortnight - one milonga and one t-dance per month. It's excellent; everyone takes a turn at setting up and clearing up, there are no "commercial pressures" and the atmosphere is warm and welcoming. Good news. I've just booked for a workshop on 3rd Feb with Augusto Balizano & Miguel Moyano, who are superb dancers and, I've heard, really good teachers. It's a "men only" workshop so I'll learn a lot about lead/follow and get some feedback on my skills. I've also just booked 10 workshops at the Brussels Tango Festival plus the flights to get there - it's going to be a good year!

15th-January-2007, 07:06 PM	#1022 (permalink)
Lynn Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Belfast Posts: 8,053 Status: Looking forward to new challenges. Rep Power: 7 Rep.: 2636	Re: Learning Tango I should be ready to celebrate on Fri night. Its a proper 1 year anniversary as its a year from when I started classes. But I'm not. I'm not especially looking forward to it. I think it could be that I don't want to get my hopes up, having been disappointed by the hope of things improving before. More likely though is the feeling that my AT is not progressing, that I'm getting worse instead of getting better. And the deep down awareness that I'm never going to be very good at AT anyway. Sorry to be negative. But if I can't share it here, where can I?

16th-January-2007, 12:09 PM	#1025 (permalink)
MartinHarper Registered User Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Worcester, UK Posts: 4,118 Status: No Status Rep Power: 5 Rep.: 1869	Re: Learning Tango Second Tango lesson. This time, what I had considered as a "warm-up" lesson in Foxtrot proved much harder than the Tango. Lots of foot-stepping. Still crowded. Dodging people is hard. I'm getting lots of practice in floorcraft - it turns out that if you give lots of people progressive patterns to dance before introducing the concept of a "line of dance", then things don't work so well. No bumps, though - we're all moving too slowly for that. Went over the two patterns from last week. Also added the start of a "zig-zag" pattern with a {wierd name} start. So far, I'm struggling to smoothly exit part of the second position, where I have the woman ochoing off to my right. I need to bring her round in front of me, whilst keeping her balance on her existing foot. Next week I think I'll cheat and just turn myself to face her. The variety in ability levels is huge, including dance teachers and absolute beginners. What's fun is that those of us with prior experience have all come from different backgrounds: contemporary, Tap, Salsa, and more. Much as I dislike the class format, I do love the cosmopolitan atmosphere.

16th-January-2007, 10:46 PM	#1027 (permalink)
CeeCee Registered User Join Date: Sep 2005 Posts: 323 Status: No Status Rep Power: 3 Rep.: 1339	Re: Learning Tango A Year To Remember Today, yes today is the anniversary of my first step on this Tango journey. Come retrace my steps with me... The First Day It all began on the morning of Monday 16th January 2006. I was completely exhausted after a fabulous jive weekend at Bognor and was preparing for the journey home. I wonder if CL remembers the moment when his key broke in the car door. Oh we did laugh... not! I think I must have passed out because I don't know remember what he did about it. In the car CL talked about Tango, a lot, I listened. He likes to talk, not a complaint merely an observation. Somehow, (I think I was duped) I found myself agreeing to go to some dance class, somewhere in North London. I didn't really want to go out again, I was tired and wanted to catch up on my sleep, besides where was Tufnell Park anyway? Why did I agree to go? Well the North London lads talked about Tango sooooo much that a teeny weeny bit of me wanted to see what all the fuss was about. I didn't expect much. The First Class Ah yes, I remember it well. At the Dome, DJ and CL knew the teacher and Foxylady joined us but didn't last long as she seemed to be suffering from Jango withdrawal symptoms. Was Puddytat there too or is that my imagination playing tricks on me? We walked and walked, for an hour, that was it. I was hooked. I've no idea why, I just was. The First Post My first Tango post showed a hint of excitement. My thoughts haven't changed. A whole year on, my technique class yesterday, at The Dome in Tufnell Park, was frighteningly similar my first and ochos are still hard work! Bitten by the Tango Bug I began a search for the perfect class:- The First Mistake I discovered a teacher with strong views and an individual style! I then spent months attending several of his classes at different venues, defending him on this Forum and at other venues until something happened to change my mind. Without the overwhelming support I received from you delightful people on this Forum, my journey may have ended there and then. The First Pause I took a break from Tango. It may not have seemed long to other people but it felt like an eternity to me. I had lost interest. The First Revelation Woo hoo, I was inspired once again. I discovered Gonzalo and Solange and they were like a breath of fresh air. The First Workshop Thoroughly enjoyed my first Tango workshop with the amazing Pablo Pugliese. When oh when is he coming back? It was early days and some of the gems of information he passed on then are just beginning to make a little bit of sense now. The First Negracha A wonderful new discovery the Negracha Tango Club, first of many visits. Was this the first night I went to Tango and then Jive? It has certainly become a habit though. The fun of Jive is a welcome relief after the intensity of Tango. The First Detour I had this brilliant idea that brushing up my salsa might help me to enjoy my Tango. They often play salsa at milongas so it seemed like a good idea at the time. Let's just say that the classes and workshops were entertaining. The First Gathering After much discussion our first LTFG finally took place. Where's the fab photo taken by Feelingpink? Perhaps this photo will do for now? The First KG Kicca abandoned us to tour with some boy band. Our classes with KG began with inspiration but ended with confusion. Never mind they were fun while they lasted. The First Corrientes I really enjoyed my visits to Corrientes and I've watched it go from a thriving venue, well respected in the London circuit, with well attended weekly classes and busy milonga to once a month sometimes if you're lucky, oh and no class. The First Private A private lesson for me to work on my technique, this is a great way to learn and I really should do more of them The First Shape My introduction to Maths meets Tango in a class with the wonderful Humza. The man is a genius and an inspiring teacher. The First Doubt The frustration of many a wasted journey trying to get to lessons and having the traffic gods against me can seriously make me doubt my sanity. Why not go to lessons nearer home? I travel because if and when I get there, the lessons are usually good and so they're worth it. The First Regret A bad time at this venue made me regret ever going. Would I, should I ever go there again? The First Loss Poor Humza returned from his holiday to find that his teaching services were no longer required. His brilliance is unsurpassed so who would take his place? He left. I was gutted. Never mind at least we had fun planning our cyber space military operation to kidnap him. A First Combination Workshops in Jango and Tango for Jivers made The Southport weekender in September very special. I learned a lot and the inspiration continued. The First Expedition Find a good teacher and follow them. That was my plan but my Cheltenham Expo will stay in my memory for a long time so will not be repeated soon. It's been an amazing first year on this adventurous journey and I couldn't have done it without the support of you guys. The journey continues...

20th-January-2007, 01:20 PM	#1029 (permalink)
Gav Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Cheshunt, Herts Posts: 4,214 Status: Listening to NewFunkRadio.com Blog Entries: 8 Rep Power: 3 Rep.: 1245	Re: Learning Tango Errrr, Gav's got exited and done a mammoth post again, sorry you might want to get a cuppa before starting reading. Instalment No 4 The Return of Gav Well, I haven't danced at all for a week and a half because of a minor shoulder injury and I'm sure the doctor would've had me lay of it for longer. if I'd asked! Having only had 3 lessons, then a little time of, sinking into a bit of a depression because of personal issues and some discouraging words from someone whom I had considered a friend, I was toying with the idea of never going back, but I made myself go last night and boy am I glad I did! By doing so, I may have found myself a regular partner, I had a big confidence boost from the teacher and I've found out where all the younger MJ dancers in Norfolk go too! NorwichTango at Thorpe Hamlet 1st School (they have a dance and arts centre attached to the school which is really very good). No Fran, who has taught me so far, this time the teacher was Rachel, with Christina helping. It was amazing watching Rachel, so, so similar to Fran! I'm guessing that they both had the same teacher or that one learnt from the other. Beginners lesson Anyway, lots more people this time. 5 or 6 couples, 3 single guys and 1 single lady, which meant that with the 2 female teachers, it worked out just right. Lots of rotation of partners and an hour of walking! I can understand from a business point of view, wanting to get people doing figures quickly to keep them interested, but personally, I'd rather do technique, technique, technique and worry about figures when I have a foundation to build them on. So an entire lesson of walking was brilliant! Double track, 3 track, leaders crossing to get from one to the other, playing with followers "resistance" to find the right balance, foot placement. I couldn't have asked for better. To start with I happened to be standing near the single lady, so we started together. Immediately had a laugh, found that she has just returned to MJ after a break, but has been doing it for 10 years or so, but is at the same point as me with Tango. We also found out that we both love walking and mountain climbing. I think we had a rough, but natural connection and both immediately comfortable with helping each other. During the lesson I had some helpful comments from the teacher and during one of the walking exercises she told me I have a very good, strong intention and walking style. Then it was my turn in the rotation to dance with her, doing the crosses. Great moment coming up, she asked how long I'd been dancing to which I replied about a year of Modern Jive, but this is my fourth Tango lesson, to which she raised her eyebrows and simply said "really? mmmm". My head swelled to the size of a beach ball and I made a right mess of the next cross! At the end of the class, the teacher said "go back to the partners you arrived with and just use this last song to practice". The single lady was on the opposite side of the room in between the other 2 single men, so I skulked backwards to get out of the way and hoped that one of the teachers would join in. Lisa, the single lady, left the two other guys and crossed the floor to dance with me! I was sooooooo chuffed. The practica As we left the lesson, the teacher said we should all dance in the practica, or at the least, go and watch. As we got to the door, we were told that the intermediates had been taught by visiting teachers over from the Tango festival at Bylaugh Hall and they were about to finish the lesson with a demo dance. We went in and saw Linus Aabye Jensen & Christiane Palha doing an amazing Tango. I was blown away. These guys are professional dancers that have been doing it for donkeys years, I know I have 2 hopes but I don't care, I still want to aim for that standard. It was awesome. The Modern Jive surprise Lisa said she wasn't staying but was instead heading for a FootLoose (the local independent) lesson in Wymondham because she should just make it in time for the freestyle. I wanted to walk at the practica, but I want to see what's going on at places I've never been to, so I tagged along. What a lovely surprise! The average age was probably about 20 years younger than the local Ceroc nights! I'll be going there again. It was at the end of this that I suggested it would be nice if we could stay on after Tango in future and practice together and she agreed. Things are really looking up again! __________________ "It's like watching a bunch of retards trying to hump a doorknob"

20th-January-2007, 05:11 PM	#1030 (permalink)
Lynn Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Belfast Posts: 8,053 Status: Looking forward to new challenges. Rep Power: 7 Rep.: 2636	Re: Learning Tango Last night should have been my one year anniversary of the tango class starting in Belfast. But I was simply too tired to go. I did force myself to go out with friends for a walk this afternoon (in the pouring rain, I'm mad) and bumped into someone from last years class who didn't go any more and was able to tell her about the new 'pay as you go' classes so she'll maybe go back again some week. Sounds like you had a great night Gav.

21st-January-2007, 12:17 PM	#1032 (permalink)
JonD Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Posts: 537 Status: No Status Rep Power: 3 Rep.: 688	Re: Learning Tango "Plant your feet and relax your arse". Sorry for making two consecutive posts but I can't resist. I had a fab time dancing AT last night; there were only about 25 people at a mini-milonga which Ruth ran as part of her workshop weekend. Before our first dance Julie and I were chatting when she reminded me, out of the blue, of the above advice, which was given by Stefan (as in Komala and Stefan from El Corte) last summer. It made me laugh and I repeated it whenever I started a dance during the evening. It seemed to make a real difference as I felt more relaxed, fluid and fluent. (It's best not to repeat it out loud when you're dancing with someone you don't know: she thought I was talking to her. Still, it's good to have a reputation for being a bit strange, isn't it?!) Last night was one of those nights when you just love AT. Wonderful. And I slept well for what seems like the first time in ages.

22nd-January-2007, 11:30 AM	#1034 (permalink)
jivecat Registered User Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Tubugi Island Posts: 1,558 Status: No Status Rep Power: 3 Rep.: 822	Re: Learning Tango Can't believe that it's also my first tango anniversary as well as the thread's. I've spent the weekend doing a most amazing tango musicality course, with Joaquin Amenábar who is a bandoneonista who runs an Orquesta Tipica in Buenos Aires and teaches both bandoneon and tango. We learnt no moves whatsoever. The course consisted entirely of walking. No technique, no flashy stuff, just walking. But, I'd say the course transformed the attitude of the leaders to their dancing like nothing else. 1.BASIC RHYTHM. We counted. We heard the accents. We tapped out the rhythm. We stepped it out on the spot. We listened to the difference between 1 2 and 3 4 and 1 2 3 and 4. We adjusted our walking pattern to fit. We spotted where the rhythm changed. We practised changing our walking pattern where the rhythm changed. It seemed easy. Everyone was happy. 2.BASIC MELODY. We listened. We sang along. We felt the mood of each phrase. We decided if it was single time or double time. We heard the underlying rhythms but decided to ignore them sometimes. We learnt about the predictable musical structures of traditional tango music. We could all do it. Everyone was happy. 3.MORE RHYTHM. We heard about several different types of syncopation. We listened again. We counted. 12312312. We listened again and again until everyone, even me, could hear it. We walked the phrase again. And again. And again. Until, everyone could do it. Everyone was happy. 4.MORE MELODY. We remembered everything we had done before. We listened to a song and analysed the different sections and their rhythms. We learnt to pause on the pauses. We could predict what was going to happen next because we knew about the regular song structure of tango. The leaders were not panicking because they knew what was likely to happen next. We learnt never to listen to tango in quite the same way again. We learnt not to place our faith in the Gotan Project. We partnered up. We danced the song, marking the accents, pausing on the pauses and responding to the syncopation with our walking steps. We forgot about moves. It felt fantastic anyway. Everyone was happy. I've rarely had a more enjoyable weekend of walking. If you get the chance, just do this guy's workshop. With grateful thanks to CeeCee and the Oxford Reading Tree for their immeasurable influence on my writing style. Last edited by jivecat; 22nd-January-2007 at 11:34 AM.

22nd-January-2007, 06:40 PM	#1037 (permalink)
jivecat Registered User Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Tubugi Island Posts: 1,558 Status: No Status Rep Power: 3 Rep.: 822	Re: Learning Tango Welcome to the forum and the AT thread, Born2bewild. Are you sure you won't regret this??