[Tango-L] Embellishment Queens

[Deby Novitz]

This happens because every so called Tango Diva that visits the U.S. and 
elsewhere teaches a workshop on adornments and embellishments for 
women.  So women learn the brushes, the circles, the what evers.  Then 
they try to use every single one in a dance because then they think they 
will look like (take your pick) Geraldine, Guillermina, Alexjandra, 
Graciela....They think (my sense anyway..) that using all these 
adornments make them look "professional".

The statement that I get the most from women is "I want my feet to look 
like yours"  followed by "Can you teach me how to do make my feet like 
yours?" or the variation " I have taken so many classes on adornments 
and I still cannot do them." 

Once again...it is the music...I only do embellishments if the music 
asks for it.  I use them sparingly.  Sometimes never in a dance, 
sometimes several times, and NEVER if my lead does not permit it.  A 
woman should never dance against the lead or on her own.  (Yes, I know, 
we had this discussion last month) If a woman does not know the music 
and she starts throwing in all these adornments, not only does it look 
awkward, it throws off her partner.  I have yet to see a class where the 
adornments are taught as part of musicality.