[Tango-L] open and close embrace

[Igor Polk]

Ron, I do respect you a lot and always valued your opinions, but I have to
disagree with you on almost all points you have made.

1. Cultural Validity "At the milongas in Buenos Aires, essentially everyone
is dancing tango in close embrace"

I haven't been to BA, but I have seen a lot of movies and documentaries and
photos including old ones, and everywhere open and close embrace are equally
presented. Including dance danced in 1910-1940 in Europe and America.


2. Quality of Dance. "The close embrace is more intimate and permits greater
sharing of emotion."

No, they are equal. Open embrace can be more intimate than close embrace.
How? Ask me personally. Emotions are transferred by artistic abilities.


3. Dancing tango in close embrace uses simpler movements and is less
difficult to learn.

Tango in close embrace is more difficult to learn ( if you do not stick to
absurd Naveira or Neo Tango over complicated open embrace concepts )


4. "open embrace allows for greater outward dramatic expression"

Absolutely not: Gavito. Close embrace dancing is more dramatic and attracts
attention of general crowd much more. ( If you know how to dance
attractively )


5. "In open embrace separation between partners, larger movements, and
more frequent use of conspicuous decorative elements makes greater demands
on balance."

Close embrace demands balance much more. Close embrace does not forgive
mistakes easily overlooked in open embrace. 


6. Mixing close and open embrace dancers at a milonga can often create
conflict over space.

Absolutely not. Once can dance closely large, and open small.
But the energy is different, yes. Some music is better to dance in open,
some - in close. Music should dictate in what embrace to dance. To everyone.


7. "Open embrace dancers often see close embrace dancers as blocking the
line of dance."

Beginners block the line of dance no matter what embrace they dance in. I
agree that modern trend in close embrace shockingly promotes blocking the
line of dance - somebody teaches that they should not progress around the
floor or stop for too long. That is the flaw ( I hope temporary ) of
teaching and modern situation, not the dancing position.

==========================
Open and close embrace are equal in emotional connection and possibilities
for musical interpretation as well as stage impressions and technical
complexity if one wishes so or simplicity if situation demands.

True that they are different, but otherwise they are equal.

Igor Polk
ipolk at virtuar.com
510-582-8711
510-610-8711
www.virtuar.com/tango
ICQ 327627436
San Francisco