[Tango-L] Go beyond tango lessons

[Jonathan Thornton]

Igor,

The most important classes I took for improving my dancing were Authentic
Movement classes. Also classes in improvisation, Contact Improvisation and a
class based on the dance movement of Suprapto Suryodarmo.

I'm thinking that the direction you point people would be more for those
interested in performance tango or advanced tango, but I think for social
dancers who are interested in a deeper dance communication then finding
classes and teachers who work on the awareness of improvisation would be
more likely to help them find the dance connections that they might be
looking for.

It was in the improvisation classes that I finally experienced what
developing interpersonal communication was rather than what it means to lead
and follow social moves.

Jonathan Thornton

On 7/5/06, Igor Polk <ipolk at virtuar.com> wrote:
>
> I was thinking should I send this message or not.. Hm...
> I do believe in good teachers. Taking classes is very useful, especially
> for
> men.
> They should take them 10 times more than women.
> Women should, I believe, seek a solution somewhere else.. if they took
> enough classes with the right teachers.
>
> If you are happy with your dancing, whatever level you are, skip this
> message.
> You are doing great!
> It is most important - to be happy.
> More classes will not make you happier.
>
>
>
> If not:
> -----------------
> "Meanwhile as Andy said, they continue to do every possible class and
> teacher in town. Never noticing that this is not the solution to their
> problem.."
>
> Yes, more and more tango classes is not a solution to their problems!
>
>
> For those who feel stuck, it is obvious the need to develop a sense of
> dance
> and train your physical abilities.
>
> I do not remember teaching of a sense of dance in any of tango classes I
> have attended besides Miriam Larici and Hugo Patyn.
>
> So, go to a general class ( the harder the better ) of dancing. Not social
> !
> Half-professional or professional. A serious one. When they work hard!
> Where
> you fall from fatigue !
> A year there, and tango will be a click of fingers for you.
>
> To develop physical abilities besides obvious and any-age accessible
> running
> ( also good for rhythm! ) and push-ups:
> Gymnastics, Martial arts ( there is a lot of shit in there too. Choose one
> with a lot of physical exercise, one where people move a lot, sweat a lot,
> and kick a lot ), Soccer ( this is a good one ! ),
> Belly dancing, Flamenco ( you are going to be a king of milonga ! ),...
>
> --------------
> Good cloth.
> I am surprised how many men still wear rough cotton shirts and pants at
> milongas. Do you think girls in stockings and with open back want to be
> touched with your workman's robes?
>
>
> --------------
> "Oh, that is not for me" one can say.
> Listen, do you want to be a great dancer or not!?
>
> --------------
> If not, you do not have to go through that to have good time at milongas.
> Tango is relaxation and fun and social activity. We all can have good time
> together !
> I also do believe in opportunities and advantages of simple social
> dancing.
>
>
> Igor
> PS. Disclaimer. I am not responsible from any results of this advice.
> Check with your doctor before taking any classes.
> ( And it seems to me I know what they are going to say, so the decision of
> up to you, as usual. )
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
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>



-- 
"The tango can be debated, and we have debates over it,
but it still encloses, as does all that which is truthful, a secret."
Jorge Luis Borges