[Tango-L] The thrill is gone... how to get it back?

[tangosmith@cox.net]

For the most part, I don’t see anything unique about the tango structure
and conventions that makes the difference between an orderly milonga and
running amok like the analogy about kids and croquet without rules.  
Good floorcraft (observing the line of dance, etc.) is not a tango
convention.  It is expected in all forms of social dance, whether it is
Texas two-step or the waltz.  Treating partners and other dancers with
respect both on and off the floor is not tango convention.  It is good
manners anytime, anywhere.  People are supposed to ask for and accept or
decline a dance in a polite and sensitive manner regardless of the type of
dance.
  
In my experience at many different types of dances over the years, there
will invariably be a few people who have poor floorcraft and there are
almost always a few boors.  But it seems to me the difference in tango is
how disruptive these people are viewed in relation to the experience of the
other dancers and to the atmosphere of the dance in general.  At other
dances, unless these people are being particularly dangerous or rude, they
are usually simply noted and avoided.  At other dances, chaos does not
reign and for other people to have a good time, there doesn’t seem to be
the need for strict enforcement of some code like there is in tango.  But
in tango, we all know what Manuel is talking about when he refers to the
“tango police.”  I’m not surprised that this strict attitude in tango turns
some people like Rob off.  Being more of a “live and let live” person
myself, I’m not sure I’m always comfortable with it.  

However, I think the reason it is different for tango is that it is a much
more intimate dance than virtually any other.  When we dance the tango, we
are looking for a unique experience and often desire and need an
environment where our partner feels very safe in making that special
surrender for three minutes.  To achieve this, perhaps it is altogether
appropriate that the tango environment does need more “protection” than
other dances, hence an expectation of stricter adherence to certain
formalities.

Given these higher expectations and stricter environment, Rob asked if the
thrill returns.  Rules and police notwithstanding, the real magic of tango
only occurs in that special moment on the floor between you and your
partner.  My advice to Rob is to just concentrate on that moment.  In that
moment, there are no rules, just the music and each other.  I guarantee the
real thrill will still be there. 

WBSmith


--------------------------------------------------------------------
mail2web - Check your email from the web at
http://mail2web.com/ .