[Tango-L] tango learning concepts

[Chris, UK]

Bruno

> I think that form, structure, rhythm, improvisation, and navigation are
> convenient parameters or concepts commonly used or referred to in 
> teaching argentine dance.  These concepts are at odd with a student's own
> concept of the dance.

Indeed what goes by these words in classes are all to often just 
fabrications; artifacts of the instructional model rather than aspects of 
the dance itself.

> taking classes is analogous to borrowing somebody else's soul to dance.
> Until the dancer finds a way to display his soul (personality traits) on
> the dance floor, the dancer will continue borrowing somebody else's soul
> to dance.

Perhaps, but certainly until that dancer stops borrowing somebody else's 
soul to dance, it will hinder him in finding the way to display his own.

Chris

-------- Original Message --------

*Subject:* [Tango-L] tango learning concepts
*From:* "Bruno Romero" <romerob at telusplanet.net>
*To:* <Tango-l at mit.edu>
*Date:* Thu, 15 Jun 2006 23:03:43 -0600

In response to the following comment:

>Those who only learn step patterns often appear to show good depth of
composition and form, but find trouble with improvisation, navigation and
rhythm.  Those who only learn small elements often have good navigational
and rhythm skills, but the dancing can lack a sense of composition, form,
style or depth of improvisation.  It's just noodling.  Those who only learn
a structural system understand a complex set of possibilities, but may lack
form and have trouble fitting the concepts to the available space or the
rhythm of the music.<

My 2 cents:

I think that form, structure, rhythm, improvisation, and navigation are
convenient parameters or concepts commonly used or referred to in teaching
argentine dance.  These concepts are at odd with a student's own concept of
the dance. What dancers learn ultimately is the teacher's soul (personality
traits) explained in the way of form, structure, rhythm, navigation, etc.
I come to think that although necessary taking classes is analogous to
borrowing somebody else's soul to dance. Until the dancer finds a way to
display his soul (personality traits) on the dance floor, the dancer will
continue borrowing somebody else's soul to dance.

Cheers,

Bruno



_______________________________________________
Tango-L mailing list
Tango-L at mit.edu
http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/tango-l