[Tango-L] Don't blame your follower ...keys & Clasico vs. Nuevo

[Tango Society of Central Illinois]

On 12/17/07, doug at swingfusion.com <doug at swingfusion.com> wrote:
>
>  <Ron>  Why are dancers outside Argentina so interested in learning these moves
>
> that are not recognized as acceptable social dancing in Buenos Aires?" If
>
> more people went to Buenos Aires, observed how porten~os dance at the
>
> milongas, perhaps all the workshops outside Argentina teaching ganchos,
>
> boleos, volcadas, colgadas and the like would be empty.
>
> </Ron>
>
>
>
>   I am extremely confused by your post.  Are you suggesting that the only
> dance "real tango" dancers would/should want to learn is "Tango Clasico"?
> Do you think that my knowledge that portenos do not do ganchos, boleos,
> volcadas, colgadas etc. lessens their interest to me and others of the Nuevo
> persuasion?  Should we eject Fabian and his ilk from the world of "real
> tango" dancers?  I honestly don't get what you are trying to say.
>

There should be no confusion. Tango Nuevo is not danced at milongas in
Buenos Aires. Thus, it is not social Argentine tango. Outside Argentina,
Tango Nuevo is commonly danced socially at milongas. There is a
misrepresentation of tango culture here. if you want to create a new social
tango dance form, at least label it differently (i.e., Tango Nuevo) so that
people know what to expect.

This is not the first time in history tango has been misrepresented in its
migration to another cultural background. This happened about 100 years
again with the creation of ballroom tango. Here we go again.



  As to why dancers are interested in these moves, I can only speak for
> myself and my partner.  We very much enjoy the athleticism and intellectual
> aspects of these moves.  Our connection is, although certainly different
> from that in Milonguero style, at least as strong and enjoyable.  What don't
> you get about this?
>


What don't you get about representating tango culture accurately in milongas
outside Argentina?

Social Argentine Tango is not about athleticism or even intellectualism.
Even improvisation is not something that is planned intellectually; it comes
out of you at the moment, without forethought. The music and the floor space
determine the possibilities.

Social Argentine Tango is about connection with partner and music and the
emotion that is aroused in that connection. That is its unique beauty.
However, outside Argentina dancers see tango as steps. Somebody missed the
train.


And contrary to what some on this list appear to believe, these moves are
> not necessarily for show.
>

And they are not suitable for milongas in Buenos Aires. If you change that,
you are redefining the customs of social tango, and it is no longer
genuinely Argentine.

Ron





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> D.
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