[Tango-L] Expanding social dancing to exhibition level?

[Keith]

For a little R'n'R I entered a Tango competition earlier this year [in BsAs]. It's as Janis says, there was so much space available, it was much 
easier than dancing in the milongas. Other than moving CCW around the floor and dancing to the music, no improvisation was necessary as there 
were no obstructions. We could pretty much dance whatever we wanted whenever we wanted. Given time and practice, we could have choreographed an 
entire 3-minute dance routine for use in the competition and I'm sure that's what many competitors are now doing. So it really is just an 
exhibition or a performance - something the couples have probably practiced hundreds of times before. It may even become the same as in 
Ballroom, where the top competitors have their competition routines choreographed for them - by experts who are in high demand. 

I wish the arrangers could think of a solution to the problem, as improvisation should definitely be a major factor in judging a Tango 
competition. Perhaps, just before each dance, obstacles could be placed randomly about the floor. The judges could then see how skilfully and 
inventively the competitors navigate around them. As the competition progresses, the number of obstacles could be increased. 

As Ilene says, I also love to see exhibitions by the very best salon-style dancers. But the Salon Competition should be something completely 
different - it should, as far as possible, try to simulate the milonga experience.

Keith, HK

On Thu Aug 30  4:26 , Ilene Marder  sent:

>Janis wrote:
>   * Don't you think this is turning tango into a performance-only dance?
>Ilene replies..:
>Knowing what  social/salon tango means to those who dance it, I just don't think that is even in the realm of possibility.
>I think tango will always be a social dance because of what it gives each of us each personally.
>Plus, for me- I would rather see salon tango being performed and exhibited more than stage/fantastia tango, in large part because stage tango 
is the only 'kind' of tango most people (outside of tango) have seen. Perhaps that's why some teachers think that's what they have to teach. If 
the public saw more salon tango exhibitions, I think they would want to learn more about embrace, connection, musiciality than flying ganchos 
and endless ochos...
>all best,
>Ilene
>
>
>
>Janis Kenyon wrote:
>
>>Date: Tue, 28 Aug 2007 12:40:46 -0400
>>From: Ilene Marder imhmedia at yahoo.com>
>>
>>
>>Campeonato del Mundial and can't help but think about the list
>>discussion some days back about exhibition salon dancing....  -- a
>>couple of people complained about Judy y Jon's class which offered
>>coaching for exhibition salon dancing.>
>>
>>   * Don't you think this is turning tango into a performance-only dance?*
>>
>>
>>do at the milongas...the couple who won - and I must say I thought they
>>were fantastic -   clearly fit into the 'exhibition' salon dance
>>category- showing how beautifully it can be done under the optimal
>>conditions (not a crowded floor, space to move, no one crashing into
>>you, great music, lots of time beforehand to practice together).>
>>
>>    Anyone can do more when they have the space.  The challenge would be to
>>see the winners dance on a crowed floor.  That would prove whether or not
>>they are worthy of the tango salon title.  The judges' selection of winners
>>each year proves that you have to keep up with the latest fashion.  It is
>>clear that one has to impress the judges without stepping over the line into
>>the stage category.  In a few years, I doubt there will be any difference
>>between the salon and stage categories.  It also helps to have any many
>>private lessons as possible with the judges.  Five years the title has been
>>given to Argentines.  I doubt it will ever change.
>>
>>
>>than for exhibition stage dancing (we've already had enough of that...).
>>a word of disclosure here... I have gone to milongas with Judy y Jon in
>>BsAS and have seen not only their exhibitions but also how the older
>>milonguero community reacts to them (especially in the barrios outside
>>of centro..)....>
>>
>>        What is the difference between exhibition and stage?  Both are in
>>front of an audience.  Social dancers do exhibitions all the time.
>>Professionals don't dance in the milongas.  However, to perform as a
>>professional on stage (Esquina Carlos Gardel, Forever Tango, etc.) one
>>usually has a background of dance training and has to prepare
>>choreographies.  Auditions for Esquina Carlos Gardel are being held this
>>week.
>>        Do social dancers change their dancing for exhibitions in the
>>milongas?  Of course they do.  Why?  I believe they prepare a simple
>>choreography in order to receive applause.  Foreigners in the audience are
>>impressed and sign up for classes or offer invitations to visit their
>>country.  This is the real purpose of exhibitions.  Local dancers aren't
>>interested.
>>
>>
>>tango is highly thought of.  They dance often with many of the most
>>experienced and respected dancers.  My community, especially the leaders,
>>love them and are always asking to have them back here for workshops because
>>they actually help people to dance with connection, musicality and respect
>>for the tradition.  And I think that's a good thing.>
>>
>>        I can't even begin to comment on these topics.  Generally, there is
>>hardly much respect for the traditions of tango in Buenos Aires these days.
>>Tango is all about business.
>>
>>        I'd like to see all those young couples of the Campeonato Mundial
>>together on the floor of Centro Region Leonesa at one time and see if they
>>could navigate the floor without killing each another.  Anyone can learn
>>steps, but few can navigate well on a crowded floor like the milongueros.
>>
>>
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>>  
>>
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